Camino del Norte: Leaving on Good Friday
Introduction
This account is a collection of moments from a forty-day, 512-mile pilgrimage journey I took by foot across Northern Spain on the Camino del Norte, which is part of the Camino de Santiago. I left from Tennessee on Good Friday (April 18, 2025), started the Camino on Easter Sunday from Irún, walked across the northern coast of Spain for forty days, and arrived in Santiago de Compostela on Ascension Day (May 29, 2025). I took Sabbath rest days every Saturday, as well as a few extra days exploring some of the bigger cities along the route. I did not go with anyone; the trip was entirely solo.
I am a Christian, and I wanted to hike the Camino to deepen my relationship with God and hear His voice. Along the way, I met some amazing fellow pilgrims whom I hope to keep in touch with for the rest of my life. Forty days in the Bible is a time of fasting and spiritual challenge, so I challenged myself to abstain from using social media for the duration of the trip. I experienced so much freedom and clarity that I ended up deleting my personal Instagram account before I got back to the states.
The Camino del Norte was an amazing experience that I will never forget. However, don’t let the glittering vistas and glowing descriptions fool you: the Camino also has mud, blisters, tears, and sometimes monotony. I have endeavored to “keep it real” and include the unglamorous parts of my journey as well as the golden ones.
I hope this account encourages you in your walk with the Lord, delights you the way it delighted me, and inspires you to consider doing a pilgrimage of your own one day. I learned and grew so much from this trip, and I am grateful beyond measure to have had this opportunity. If you have any questions about my experience on the Camino, please leave a comment or reach out to me. I am not a Camino expert, but I am happy to share what I know.
Blessings,
Sophie
I’m Going on an Adventure!
As I walked out the door for the airport, I felt a bit like Bilbo Baggins leaving for his grand adventure in J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, “The Hobbit.” Not knowing exactly where he was going or what he would encounter on the road, Bilbo sprinted out of his cozy home in the Shire for a trip that would change his life.
The Letter
“Here, you can read this once you get to your gate,” said my dad, handing me a carefully folded letter.
My dad and I have a special relationship. We get each other. We love to bounce ideas off each other, build bird houses and retaining walls together, jump dirt bikes, go target shooting, or track a deer through the woods. We also write each other letters for big moments in life. As I took the letter, I knew that this was one of those moments.
My dad has always been there for me. He’s always been my provider, protector, confidant, and friend. Now, he was sending his twenty-two-year-old daughter off on her first solo trip to a foreign country, away from cell service, the English language, and his physical protection. I knew he trusted me, but more importantly, I knew he trusted the Lord. Still, I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for him to let me go.
“Thank you,” I said, trying not to let the tightness in my throat steal my voice.
I had been so excited leading up to this point that the emotion now took me off guard. There were tears in both of our eyes as we hugged goodbye.
“I’ll stay here until you get through security,” he said.
As I watched my backpack go through the scanner, I silently prayed that my trekking poles would make it through. I had read stories about trekking poles not making it on Delta flights. The security officer studied the screen and asked if this was my backpack.
“Yes,” I said.
It was Good Friday, and I was wearing my cross necklace. He was also wearing one.
“You’re good to go,” he said.
I waved to Daddy one last time through the glass, and then I was off.
On my own.
Going on an adventure that would change my life.
