Camino del Norte: Leaving on Good Friday
Introduction
In April 2025 hiked the Camino del Norte, which is a part of the Camino de Santiago. The 512-mile pilgrimage journey follows the northern coast of Spain from east to west and is considered one of the more rugged Camino routes. I left on Good Friday, started the Camino on Easter Sunday, walked for forty days, and arrived in Santiago de Compostela on Ascension Day. I took rest days every Saturday, as well as a few extra days to explore some of the bigger cities along the route. This was a solo journey, and I slept mostly in albergues (pilgrim hostels).
I first heard about the Camino de Santiago when I was ten years old. During my senior year of college, a classmate in wheel throwing encouraged me to pursue my dream of hiking it. I am a Christian, and I hiked the Camino to deepen my relationship with God and learn to hear His voice. Forty days in the Bible is a time of fasting and spiritual challenge, and I challenged myself to fast from social media for the duration of the trip.
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, at times, monotony. I have endeavored to “keep it real” and include the unglamorous parts of my journey as well as the golden ones. Along the way I met some amazing fellow pilgrims whom I hope to keep in touch with for the rest of my life.
I hope this account encourages you in your walk with the Lord and inspires you to consider doing a pilgrimage of your own one day. I learned and grew so much on this journey, and I am beyond grateful 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 via email. I am not a Camino expert, but I am happy to share what I know.
Blessings,
I’m Going on an Adventure!
As I walked out the door for the airport, I felt a bit like Bilbo Baggins leaving on his first journey in The Hobbit. Not knowing exactly where the road would take him or what he would encounter along the way, Bilbo sprinted out of his cozy home in the Shire for a grand adventure that would change his life.
“Here,” said my dad, handing me a carefully folded letter. “You can read this once you get to your gate.”
My dad is one of my best friends, and he writes each of us letters before big moments in our lives. 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. I knew he trusted me, but more importantly, I knew he trusted the Lord.
“Thank you,” I said, trying not to let the tightness in my throat steal my voice.
I had been so excited in the months leading up to this point, but now that I was here, I was completely unprepared for the emotion that was now taking me of 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 the trekking poles would make it through. The officer looked at the screen, skeptically, and asked if that was my backpack.
“Yes,” I said.
It was Good Friday, and I was wearing my cross necklace. I noticed that he was also wearing one.
After a little pause, the officer said, “You’re all good to go.”
I waved to my dad one last time through the glass, and then I was off.
On my own.
Embarking on an adventure that would change my life.
