Page 4 - KOG Glory & Grace, Issue 8, November 2022

PAGE 4
The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient hiking trails in Europe that lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. For over 1,000 years people across the globe have come as pilgrims to walk, reflect, and challenge themselves to complete this unique physical, emotional, and spiritual journey.
When Susan Plath's sister Mary first told her about the Camino and asked if she wanted to join her, Susan remarked, “that seems kinda insane!” The Camino Frances (the most traveled route) is nearly 500 miles long, starting from the French side of the Pyrenees Mountains and ending in Santiago, Spain where legend says that St. James the apostle is buried. To get from one point to another pilgrims walk, sometimes as long as 6-8 weeks, carrying what they need, and relying on the hospitality of others along the way.
WHY ARE YOU
WALKING?
Reflections from walking the Camino de Santiago
Photo: A view from the Camino path of the Asturias region of Spain.
KINGOFGLORYBILLINGS.COM
After the pandemic delayed their original plans, Steve Loy and Martha Rowe started their Camino experience in September 2021. Their plan was to walk 5 days or so along the Camino del Norte and see how it goes. “It got us,” Martha says smiling, sharing that they ended up walking 16 days and 220 miles. "Everyday, we got up and walked. That was the job," Martha explains. Each day began with headlamps around 7am and concluded around 2 or 3pm after completing at least 12 miles (20K), with their longest stretch being 18 miles in one day.
"Walking was so inspiring," Susan shares. “We were walking on a path that hundreds of thousands of people have walked on since the early ages... it was humbling.” Steve confesses that it was demanding, not only physically, but psychologically and spiritually as well. Each day questions would arise, questions not just about the hike, but about life. "What stuff is holding you back? What will you pick up? What will you let go of? How do I keep going when I don’t know where I’m going?" There's an old saying about the Camino that, whatever it is that is needed, the Camino will provide.
(continues next page)