Camino Frances: The Way of St. James
Last summer, Sue and I watched The Way, starring Martin Sheen. The film follows Sheen's character on his nearly 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain to Santiago.
His backpacking odyssey was meant to honor his son (played by his real-life son Emilio Estevez), who had died in the Pyrenees Mountains on his solo trip on the ancient path.
The journey is an awakening for Sheen's character in many ways.
“Great film,” I said afterward.
“We should do it,” Sue replied.
She must be joking, I thought.
She wasn't.
Nearly a year later, we are about to begin our journey.
Pilgrims have walked The Way of St. James since before medieval times, dating to the 8th Century. Their walk began at their home and ended at the shrine to St. James in Santiago de Compostela, where it is believed St. James' remains are buried.
The most well-known path begins in St. Jean, France (point A on the map), travels over the Pyrenees and across Spain to Santiago de Compostela. It passes through villages and cities with rich histories of offering pilgrims lodging, food, medical help, and much more.
Today's pilgrims carry a special passport that grants admission to the many hostels (albergues), which offer a bunk, hot shower, camaraderie, a place to cook, and often a pilgrim meal with Spanish wine.
Partly sparked by Sheen's film, the number of pilgrims has exploded recently, with more than 192,000 traveling one of the paths in 2012. About half were Spaniards and 7,071 were Americans. About 56 percent were male and 164,778 traveled on foot. More than 27,000 bicycled the Camino, an offense to some traditionalists. At least one reportedly rode a unicycle.
More than 22,000 started in St. Jean (point A), where Sue and I plan to begin. About 40,000 completed just the minimum required for a certificate of completion, 100 kilometers, or about 62 miles.
Some began walking from afar. Thirty-one started their pilgrimage in Rome, three in Jerusalem.
More than 56 percent were aged 30-60, 28 percent were younger than 30, and nearly 15 percent were older than 60.
I am 60 and Sue is 56. We should feel right at home, age wise.
I know the Camino will provide unique opportunities and challenges.
Thank you, Martin Sheen. And Sue!
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