Some years ago, my mom or someone gave me a book about walking on trail as a kind of pilgrimage. I’m not quite sure why it stuck in the back of my mind over the years as I’ve read a lot of books so far in my lifetime. Even though now I cannot remember the title of the book, I recall the idea of it.
Then, there came an uptake in the spread of online awareness about the Camino de Santiago.
Perhaps, it coincided with my moving to Europe. Perhaps, it was the pandemic. Perhaps, it was just the Universe bringing it back from my past to the present.
My mom and I discussed it as an option for one of our mother-daughter trips, but then somehow time passed and now she’s not sure it’s for her. Then, I read stories about people’s trips going over the Pyrenees, or across Spain. Nothing appealed to me enough to make it a reality. I was never a hostel traveler and my one backpacking-camping outing turned me off from trail walking or such outdoor activity for the rest of my life.
However, one day I saw a post about the Portuguese Camino. Upon further research, I discovered the walk is a lot less taxing. The views are spectacular of the coastline, which is far more appealing than that of trees, bugs, fields, or mountains. Also, the biggest draw was that the terrain is not so challenging making the walk enjoyable.
Also, having waited long enough now, roughing it is no longer a requirement. 
So, in a conversation with a friend, we discussed mutual interest. We discussed if we were compatible walking companions. Then, we did some research. Our findings led us to a company that will do luggage transfer so we don’t have to carry our things all day – check 
; we can have a comfortable bed and our own shower at the end of the day – check ; we could even afford single rooms for my introverted needs to recoup at the end of the day – check ; breakfast, some dinners, and other transfers were included – check ; all within a reasonable budget – check !
Thus began the plan. We are nearly ready to hit go on the booking to pay for the walking portion. We are also planning what the flights, etc. will look like before and after. But, it’s all looking good! I so love it when hints of the past come to fruition in the present and then a plan comes together. 
Stay tuned as we get closer to it all happening (in October).
~T 
!
