Camino Santiago trip

The Camino – How it began

June 17th, 2023

Touring Michigan

Caleb graduating from 8th grade

Backup 20 years. I wanted to do The Walk. Nothing happened until last summer.

I told my daughter that I’d decided it was time and thought Caleb (grandson) should go with me. She agreed. I don’t remember actually asking him if he wanted to go, he just said ok. Quite sure he had no idea what was coming. It’s 500 miles (790 kilometers) that we will walk in 34 days.🥴

For more info, I listed a link below.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago

There are plenty of routes, some longer than others. We are taking the longest cuz we are over achievers . The French Way begins in Saint Jean de Pied de Port.

June 19, 2023 —

Having done a bit of research prior to fully committing to this trip, the idea of sleeping in the outdoors after a long day of walking in the blazing sun was clearly madness. Further, looking for a hotel (no hostels for me!) every day, was an even worse idea.

Answer – find a tour. I found one that is self guided, so you’re on your own during the day. However, they book your hotel in each town and it includes breakfast and dinner, plus they move your one and only suitcase to the next hotel. Voila – we only have to walk each day with a small day pack and grab lunch somewhere. Walk at our own pace and arrive in time for dinner. I booked us each a room with private bath. How much better can it be, right?

I’ve started packing. Actually started about a month ago gathering the few clothes and shoes needed. There’s so much I think I should be taking, but I’m sure I’ve got more than I need. Guess we’ll buy whatever is missing.

The trail is apparently clearly marked with the Camino yellow seashell, plus the trek is done by hundreds of thousands of people every year from around the world. Looking forward to meeting lots of people.
June 22

June 22nd, 2025

Our last full day in Paris. Time to go back to sure winner memories – Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, Isle San Luis.

Only 3.7 miles today. Too much time on the metro.

But first, breakfast. Sadly, I am eating alone as Caleb is not feeling great. He had some juice but that’s about it.

We got to Notre Dame only to find horrible lines (think Disneyland) to get in, so we continued on to Isle San Luis to Berthillon for the best gelato. Then on to one of my favorite little shops – Pylones. Got a few gifts and we headed back to the apartment. Weather still toasty.

Side view. Too many people in front!

Scaffolding still up at ND

Hotel DeVille

Always eye-catching

My hope is that he feels well enough to have dinner. Poor kid has suffered today with a bit of a stomach problem. I am fine so am wondering what he had to eat that’s got him in a bad way.

Dinner on my own

So sad Caleb is still feeling a bit fragile. I ventured out and found a lovely cafe. I dined on risotto with chicken, mushrooms, onion and Parmesan shavings. Plus wine. No photos of food; too pleasant just sitting outdoors and people watching.

We have tidied up the apartment and packed for our flight tomorrow. Caleb is on the mend and looking forward to getting home to his own bed.

Well, didn’t get to do all the fun things in Paris that we had planned, but Caleb is feeling a little better and is cheery at the prospect of seeing family and friends again, and the dogs!

I say good bye to one of my favorite cities in the world and know that it won’t be long before I’m back.

Can’t wait to get home and share memories with family and friends. Another Camino accomplished. Another adventure awaits.

Since I didn’t take many photos this time in Paris I’m sharing some from past trips that make me smile

Always light a candle at Notre Dame for mom

Good night. Thanks for being here.