My Camino Journey

Starting Today

I will backtrack and revisit my Camino Journey so as to share it with you, and perhaps in the process, experience it yet again. Today is May 7th, 2026. Let's go all the way back to 2011.

How My Camino Journey Began

In 2011, my new pastor and boss extended an invitation to me that would change my life: a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. It was a trip filled with spiritual reflection and community bonding, but it was the bus ride home that truly ignited my passion for the Camino.

The Movie That Sparked My Interest

During the journey back from Washingto DC, one of our deacons shared a film by Martin Sheen titled "The Way." I was immediately captivated by the poignant story of a father who embarks on the Camino de Santiago after the tragic death of his son, who had been walking the pilgrimage. The film beautifully illustrated themes of loss, healing, and the transformative power of walking the Camino. This movie was the spark that ignited a burning desire to walk this path.

A Journey of a Lifetime

The emotional depth of the story resonated with me, planting the seeds of curiosity and desire to experience the Camino for myself. The idea of walking the path with my two sons became a dream that I couldn't shake off. This experience marked the beginning of my own Camino journey—one that would lead to personal growth, adventure, and a deeper understanding of my faith.

We Set A Date

We decided in 2012 that when my oldest son Michael graduated from high school in 2018 that we would make the trip. The years ticked by quickly and without fanfare. Before we knew it, we found ourselves in the Fall of 2017 recognizing that we needed to get moving on a plan to make this trip a reality.

We Had Insider Wisdom

As is the way, we had some insider wisdom to help us in this journey. Firstly, my good freind and confessor (a good Catholic Priest he is!) had walked the Camino in 2014. He was instrumental in getting us organized with knowledge, gear, and wisdom from the road. Secondly, we heard about an employee at REI Atlanta named "Camino Fred" that taught a class on the Camino.

We attended Fred's Class at the Atlanta NE Expressway REI Store around March of 2018, two months prior to our departure. He titled his class a "Camino Anxiety Reduction Class", and indeed it was. Over the course of two hours, he shared an incredible amount of wisdom, packing lists, FAQ's, and hot tips that made our journey prep worry free. He even brought in home made Santiago Cake to share with us. I'll always remember this class and experience. And yes, as I write this, Fred still works at that store. Be sure to say hi and a "Buen Camino" if you ever make it in there.

We Trained (Sort of)

From the beginning, my son Michael and I were "all in" about this experience. My younger son Gregory was waivering in the months leading up to our departure. At that time I was an avid walker and weightlifter. My friend Shane is a powerlifting trainer and was working with me several days a week to get in shape starting in 2016. His efforts to make me strong would pay huge dividends on this journey.

Gregory did not take advantage of training time while he was trying to decide on whether or not to make the journey. Just before our departure date, he committed to coming with us. His feet and body weren't ready, but sometimes that is the way we need to take something on - with a desire in our heart, and the body will follow.

We Shopped

Using the great information we had from my friend Father Kevin, and the packing list from Camino Fred, we went shopping for gear on April 28th, 2018. God bless my wife Dawn who spent the day with us as we picked up and tried on pants, boots, shirts, packs, etc. She wins the prize for most encouraging companion.

I am the type of person that needs to be SURE I make the right choice. I may have spent upwards of two hours in the store alternating between three pairs of shoes (Merrell's, Keens, and Columbia's). In the end, the Merrell's were the fit - and still are.

We Gasped

Getting the three of us outfitted with packs, shoes, poles, socks, two pairs of pants and shirts tallied up to $2,800. I gasped, out loud. My wife calmly took out her debit card and signed me up for the REI Rewards Program. I think our initial purchase qualified me for a helicopter adventure in Hawaii. We were definitely the best equipped pilgrims in Spain that year, without question.

We Prepared

More walking, gear prep, passport administration - all to get ready for this amazing pilgrimage.