Reconnect with Your Soul on Camino de Santiago
One meaningful step at a time…Two options to explore the Camino’s final stage — Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
September 13-24, 2020 or Sept 24- October 5, 2020
Due to Covid-19, both retreats have been cancelled.
Have you dreamed of embarking on this beautiful Camino path, but can’t get your head around walking 500 miles? What if you could do a portion, 70 miles over 9 days, and still receive your compostela commemorating this amazing trek?
Grab yourself a pair of boots and get ready to rekindle your passion for life as we explore this ancient sacred path. You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to take the next step on the journey to a life you love!
Two options to explore the Camino’s final stage — Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
2020
Is your heart aching for time to renew, refresh, and reconnect?
Immerse yourself in the healing stillness of nature as you explore the path. Get lost in authentic conversations walking with the women in our group. Laugh with fellow pilgrims you meet from all around the world. Experience unique moments that change your life.
But, DON’T worry about the details and logistics, it’s all been taken care of FOR you!
Is your soul yearning for something more?
Sense the stumbling blocks crumble away as you hear your heart sing a new song and feel your soul expand.
Return home peaceful and grounded, fully present to your life, and ready to take the next natural step to the amazing life you were born to live.
(Video credit/Brice Martin, music/Phil Wickham)
What’s Your Heart Telling You?
If you’re thinking, “Yes, of course I want to go, BUT…”,
I get it. I really do. It’s scary and outside your comfort zone. Resistance and seemingly rational reasons that dissuade you pop up. I know. I’ve stood where you are now.
But if you hear a quiet voice or a deep stirring within, like I did, nudging “Come on, you can do this”, I encourage you take a leap of faith and say yes.
I’ll address your concerns so you feel not just safe and capable, but eager, to embark on this truly magical experience.
Allow me to share the place that means so much to me as we walk together as pilgrims on this ‘Path of Purpose’.
Sounds good so far, but what is this ‘Camino’ and why do people walk it?
Great question! And perfect time for a little history lesson:
Learn the History
When James had completed his work, he returned to his homeland. He had developed such a love for Spain and thepeople during his time there that he asked to have his body returned to be buried in Spain when he died.
Legend has it that James’s body was recovered and is buried under the cathedral in Santiago. Because of this, there are many Camino routes throughout Europe, but all paths lead to Santiago.
The scallop shell continues to be the symbol of the Camino. The grooves in the shell, which meet at a single point, represent the various routes pilgrims travel, eventually arriving at a single location. Pilgrims traditionally wear a shell on their backpack to signify that they are traveling the pilgrimage, and not a tourist.
People of all beliefs, nationalities, and lifestyles pursue the Camino for various reasons. Common ones are religious, in honor of a loved one who’s passed away, spiritual growth, physical endurance, searching for a particular answer in life, to experience the Spanish culture and people, etc. There are probably as many reasons as there are pilgrims!
The joke on the trail is that whatever reason you think you’re going for, that’s probably not the insight or the ‘gift’ you end up receiving from the Camino. Your insight is usually unexpected, but absolutely perfect.
I overheard a conversation between two pilgrims which summed it up for me. Dennis from Washington asked a fellow pilgrim her reason for walking the Camino. Kathy smiled and replied, “I’ll let you know when I’m finished”.
Here we go!
You arrive into A Coruna and are transported by bus an hour and a half to the lovely little town of Sarria, where you enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest before beginning your walk the next morning.
In the days that follow, meander through several sweet villages, appreciating their unique flavor and stopping occasionally for a bite to eat. Kind encouraging villagers greet you with a smile and send you best wishes for your journey.
You hear the phrase “Buen Camino” over and over yet it never gets old because you feel the sincerity in the words as they’re spoken.
You feel a heart connection with those you meet.
In just eight days, you arrive with our group, at your final destination — Santiago de Compostelo where you are overcome by many feelings as you enter the city. It’s not only the cathedral that fills you, but the elation of the pilgrims who are are here to share your experience! After hugs and maybe even a few tears, you head to the pilgrim’s office to gratefully receive the compostela signifying the completion of this heartfelt journey.
In the evening, sit in the silence and serenity of the cathedral with your fellow pilgrims as you watch with the awe the magnificent botafumero glide effortlessly throughout this magnificent edifice filling the air with it’s powerful essence and engulfing your heart with emotions impossible to put into words.
Many people believe the Camino continues on to Finisterre, which has been considered the ‘end of the world’ in Spain. In this special place, there are Camino rituals still to be experienced, and and we’re all about the experience!
So the following day, we board the bus for the one hour and fifteen minute drive to this spot of finalizing our experience. You may choose to participate in Camino rituals like eating scallops, swimming in Langosteira beach, watching the sunset over the Atlantic, leaving your hiking boots on the point, and reading your written intentions and Camino reflections (also on the point). With whatever closing ceremony you select, your Camino is now complete.
The walk is over, but the experience continues..
The spectacular beauty of this welcoming country, generous outpouring of kindness by strangers, and mouthwatering variety of foods come together perfectly so your heart and soul can’t help but expand.
Renewed – check!
Refreshed – check!
Reconnected – check!
A Variety of Accommodations
At the end of each walking day, a different place prepared just for you awaits to welcome you home for the night. Slip off those dusty hiking boots kick your feet up for a tasty glass of wine with your new friends or opt for a nap before dinner.
Experience the trail as a true pilgrim when you overnight in albergues, hostel-type respites run by caring ‘hospitaleros’ who lovingly welcome you in. Your room has several beds, usually in bunk style, wtih shared facilities.
Other nights, you are the personal guest of generous owners who live in the quaint Casa Rurals and open their home up to you. (we would call them Bed and Breakfasts.) There is a little more privacy here, usually two to a room, still sharing the restroom.
And every few nights, because even a pilgrim needs a little indulgence now and then, you are pampered to a nice hotel to savor for the night!
Delicious Cuisine
Imagine starting each day with a piping hot cup of café con leche. When you return home, it will be one of the delights you long for most. Getting ready to set out on another day’s walk, sitting with your fellow pilgrims, and savoring that warmth before heading off, is well, as they say, priceless.
Stop for lunch when you feel like it during the day in one of the traditional cafes or restaurants along the trail. Or, find a shop and buy a stick of salami, fresh baked bread, and a plump juicy tomato and make your own sandwich to share with a fellow pilgrim.
You’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and chop a few veggies, are you? Good! Because you may get the chance in the albergues to help prepare salad or soup for dinner. If you’re lucky, a fellow pilgrim may spot an old guitar in the corner to serenade you with!
Casa Rurals are run quite often by a couple, and for dinner you are a guest in their home dining on a meal they prepare especially for you. Here you’ll exchange stories from the day’s Camino.
Prepare yourself to have your palate treated to delectable dishes made with love.
Even if you don’t speak Spanish, it won’t be long before you’re fluent in these words:
Bocadillo: a variety of meat on fresh homemade bread that hits the spot during your daily walks
Tarta de Santiago: yummy cake
Tortilla Patata – potato omelete
Paella: amazing rice entree that is delish
Pulpa: octopus – don’t wrinkle up your nose just yet!
and the world renowned vino tinto or vino rojo – red wine from the area
Delights of the Journey
- Each morning over breakfast, we’ll discuss the day ahead, pointing out the special treats and meaningful sights waiting up ahead for you to discover
- Your inspirational message, along with a suggested intention to carry with you, will guide your day.
- At the end of the day’s walk, relax and reflect on insights you received. Take some time to record special moments in your journal for when you return home and need a little Camino ‘fix’.
- Gather in the evenings with the group as we share ‘aha’ moments, insights, and funny experiences from the path!
- Be part of special pilgrim’s masses in historic old churches. Feel the love of the local people who pray for you as you walk this ancient path.
- Participate in special meditations or ceremonies that are offered at various albergues.
- Celebrate with us your last night in a completion ceremony honoring your accomplishment and celebrating the new journey you are embarking on!
Returning Home
Though your daily walk through this breathtaking country has come to an end, the part that touches your soul and alters who you are at a deep level never leaves you.
You see things through new eyes with a renewed sense of peace. Your connection with people and nature are heightened, and you discover a refreshing appreciation for life in general.
Your experience is unique, and the precious gifts of the Camino are yours to treasure. It seems to know what we need, even when we’re not sure what that is ourselves, and, as is so often said, “The Camino provides.”
Your walk may be over, but you will always be a pilgrim…
Inclusions
Here’s what’s included to support you in a worry-free and meaningful experience.
- 10 nights in a variety of traditional accommodations – albergues, casa rurals, & hotels
- All 10 delicious breakfasts – with, of course, café con leche!
- All 10 mouthwatering traditional Spanish dinners, made with love
- Transfer from arriving airport to the town where we’ll begin our walk
- Transfer from last town to the city where we’ll depart from the next day
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport
- Option to transfer one backpack daily
- Small knapsack to use if you transfer your main backpack ahead
- A walking partner dedicated to your safety and well being
- Daily walking schedule (most days will be around 9 miles) — complete with items of interest and additional detailed information
- Your ‘Personal Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino’ Book
- Your Credencial (pilgrim’s passport that will be stamped each day)
- Discussion about journaling methods, and a journal as a gift to you!
- Morning motivational messages with intention for the day
- Evening recaps and special sharing moments of the day’s walk
- A special gift at the completion of this portion of your journey
- And, of course, we have surprises!
- Round trip airfare, including fees, and taxes – as an option
You will have help preparing your body, mind and spirit for this special adventure!
- Suggested 4 month walking program to help you prepare physically
- Monthly interactive webinars to discuss shoes, equipment, what to pack, how to pack, preparing emotionally and personally, and things you didn’t even know you needed to know!
- Pre-Camino communications that include info on when and where to meet if you arrange your own flights, flight info if we arrange it for you, a daily itinerary, emergency contact numbers for your loved ones, and much more!
All your questions and concerns will be happily addressed.
There are always a few items not included in the price.
- Lunches – you will stop when you are hungry in the quaint towns during the day
- Additional food or drink (other than our planned meals together)
- Any attractions or activities not specifically listed.
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (recommended).
- Medical expenses
- Other non-included items would include souvenir shopping, incidentals, personal phone calls, and laundry
Your Host
Debbie Lamb Turner
Camino Facilitator and Fellow Pilgrim
Two of my passions are empowering women to live amazing lives and traveling to inspiring places around the globe!
I can’t imagine an experience that fulfills those two passions more fully than walking el Camino de Santiago with a group of awesome women. I would LOVE you to be one of them!
I’ve been facilitating and leading women’s retreats to beautiful locations for the past nine years. But when I walked the Camino in 2013 and 2015 (it took two tries, but I did it!) I knew this was a different type experience and something I HAD to share.
My personal pilgrimage was so powerful and deeply moving that I still struggle to find words to describe it.
So instead of trying to explain it, my dream is to assist you in experiencing it for yourself!
Come with me, won’t you?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles will we be hiking?
On this leg of the journey, we’ll walk 71 miles (42 km). The longest day is 10.2 miles. Other than that, the daily average is 8.7 miles.
How do I prepare for hiking?
I recommend having a check-up from your primary physical before your journey. Once you get the okay, begin walking gradually. One hour a day three times a week for a week or two, then bump it up until you can walk 11 miles. You can do it! Put those walking shoes or boots on at least four to five days a week before you head out to Spain. And yes, start breaking in your shoes now. We’ll also provide a ‘walking schedule’ to help you stay on track. Find a buddy to walk with you. It makes it so much easier — and fun!
Will I be walking alone or in a group?
We will start out as a group at the same time each morning. You will have a ‘check-mate’ for the day who is a member of our group. You don’t need to walk side-by-side with them the whole day, but they should be within your view at all times. This is a personal journey, but pairing up with someone with a similar pace provides comfort and safety. We arrive at our destination each day by early to mid-afternoon. We will not walk in the dark of evening.
What happens if I can’t walk that far?
Ten miles may sound like a lot right now, but there are usually plenty of places to stop throughout the day. So you may walk an hour or two and stop for coffee, then another hour and stop for lunch, then another hour or two and you’re at your home for the night. You can do it! However, it is important to listen to your body. If for some reason you can’t make it, you can ask one of the storekeepers in town to call a cab to take you into your final destination for the day. The cab fees, of course, will be your responsibility.
“Por favor me llame un taxi” is all you need to know. Your buddy can also take care of that for you as they reach the next town.
What will the weather be like?
In April and May average high temperatures range from 60-73 degrees and lows 40-53. Average days of rainfall is 12-14 days, so you’ll want to have a light rain jacket. (Don’t worry, we’ll go over all that more in detail later.)
September and October is similar with highs ranging from 61-73 and lows 41-49. Rainfall is a little less in the fall, but in Spain it changes without notice!
Will I have to carry everything with me when I walk?
Absolutely not! You have the option to have your backback transferred ahead and waiting at the next stop for the night. We’ll provide a small bag to carry water, your passport, guidebook, and snacks for the day.
Many pilgrims consider it part of the experience to carry their pack each day. You can also change from day to day, carrying your pack a day or two, then taking a break. It’s all up to you. It’s YOUR Camino!
How do I know where to walk?
The “Ways” are generally very well marked and it’s difficult to get lost. Follow the yellow arrow and/or the scallop shell all along the trail. Also, keep in mind you are generally crossing inhabited areas; so don’t hesitate to ask the locals for directions. They love to help!
Will I receive a ‘Compostela’ pilgrims certificate?
Certificates are provided as you enter Santiago and have walked at least the last 100km of the Camino Frances. We will, however, provide our own special recognition for the completion of your leg of the journey.
You will have your pilgrim’s passport stamped each day, and bring that same passport back each year when you join us to walk the second, and third, and fourth legs of the journey. You are not obligated to do all sections with us, but I would love it if you would!
You’ve got one life; one precious, unique, and sometimes brief, life.
Delight in the Journey!
