May 11, 2019
As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.
-Rumi
As spring exuberantly bounced into our lives, I knew Seattle winter hibernation was coming to a close.
Much as I longed to be on the trail again, my body wasn’t quite ready to carry a full pack. Jay, still dealing with emotions from the accident, couldn’t see sleeping in a tent yet. Obviously, we needed a new adventure.
We had often discussed hiking in Europe, and many friends had suggested that we hike the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile pilgrimage from St. Jean Pied-du-Port in the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Jay’s uncle gave a piece of rare advice, “If you have a dream, the time to do it is now.”
First we spent some time with my family in Tennessee. It had been a year since we’d seen them. As we hiked the Maryville College woods, I gloried in the spring flowers!
Now, here we are in Spain, getting ready for another pilgrimage. It’s been three weeks since I’ve practiced carrying a backpack. It will be interesting to see what it’s like to become a hiker again!
Sarah and Jay Hike 
Sarah,
Please keep us informed of your travels on trail.
Martha
LikeLike
I hope to write a blog!
We’ll see how it goes.
LikeLike
I plan to try writing my blog for this trip. We’ll see how it goes. This is our first time ever in Europe together, so everything is new to us!
LikeLike
congratulations. when you are done traveling and walking so seriously, your lives and blogs will make a great book. One step at a time…go with God.
LikeLike
One step at a time is right! I really can’t imagine putting all this into a book!
Hope all is well with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very glad your on the mend and you and jay are able to hike again . Enjoy your hike and sending prayers for a safe and healthy trip and hike . Cant wait to follow along with you both .
LikeLike
Thank you! Prayers are always appreciated.
LikeLike
Hi Sarah & Jay! I was so glad to see you at church the other Sunday. Praying for you guys as you begin this new journey in Spain! I can’t wait to read about your colorful Adventures!
Peace,
Deb
LikeLike
It was great to be with my parents and feel as if their church is a little bit our church also, with so many friendly faces such as yours!
Thank you for the prayers. Those are always appreciated!
LikeLike
Have safe and memorable travels. : )
LikeLike
Thank you! Safe is always nice. Memorable is a bit trickier as we get older! But we’ll definitely aim for experiencing life fully!
LikeLike
Love a prayers as y’all start another adventure. I love your pictures and reading about your trips
LikeLike
Thank you very much. Prayers are always appreciated. I’ll try to write stories worth reading as we walk the Camino de Santiago.
LikeLike
I so appreciate your wonderful reporting of your ongoing adventures. You are both such a blessing to us and we are happy to keep you in our prayers. Be sure to take advantage of the hostels along the trail as you grow strong again along the way. God bless and keep you and I truly think you should consider making these blogs into a book – you’d become a movie! Blessings, Greta Fridlund >
LikeLike
Thank you very much for the encouragement! And thank you for the prayers.
Yes, I will be writing about the varied hostels we visit. And yes, I hope to continue increasing my stamina. It is amazing to me, how long it takes to regain staying power. 🙂
Thank you, again. Your good wishes mean a lot to me.
LikeLike
good for you guys. That’s great. I am headed to Seattle for 2 days in June and was hoping to see you but must be next time. Have a great hike. Have thought about hiking in Spain so will be interested in hearing your tale. Good hiking. Best, Rob
LikeLike
Sorry we will miss you in Seattle. Hopefully we’ll see you another time. I’ll do my best to blog about our Camino adventure so you can think about it!
LikeLike
Congratulations !!!
A friend from church , her name is Irma. After recovering from cancer she dreamed of hiking the same path. During her journey she received many blessing and healing. I hope ( no I know )you both will recieve the same
LikeLike
Thank you. Yes, I expect to learn a great deal during this adventure!
LikeLike
I was just visiting family in England and went to the Easter service at a church in Framfield, West Sussex, England. I was interested to see the pilgrimage you will be on because after the service in the church hall we sat with a couple from the church musical group. It had been announced during the service that this couple was immediately going to go on a 500-mile pilgrimage in Spain. I believe it’s the same one you are on. Small world. I messaged the church your names but presume lots of people are taking this route at different times.
Penelope & Phil Wright (Gardnerville)
LikeLike
Yes, I’m afraid we are beginning the trail at the peak of the season, with approximately 200 people setting off for Santiago daily! It’s an amazing experience!
LikeLike
So glad you’re recovered and on a new adventure! Wishing for you the most wonderful experiences on the Camino!
LikeLike
Thank you very much!
Adventures are always exciting!
LikeLike
So glad you’re back on the trail.
LikeLike
Thank you!
I am incredibly happy as we walk along. 🙂
LikeLike
God bless you both and your new adventures. Excited to read about your new adventures. We retire this year and look forward to more freedom.
LikeLike
Oh, hurray!
Blessings upon your new found time!
LikeLike