I have always wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that winds its way through Northern Spain. It isn’t very likely that I’ll ever be able to do it in person, but no one right now is able to walk the camino in person, under the restrictions for travel that we’re all coping with currently. That got me to thinking about whether I could put current Covid restrictions to good use and walk the Camino using virtual means and everyday foot steps to make pilgrimage through this unprecedented summer of 2020.

“Why?” you ask. Well, this season is full of ambiguity. And I’ve found that in seasons when life is unsettled, but physical restraints are considerable (like living with Autism), personal spiritual disciplines provide moorings that help me lean in to what God is doing in my life. A Pilgrimage is a spiritual discipline, albeit one with macro parameters but it seems to fit this extended journey we’ll all on together.

The differences are considerable — no Archer’s in Spanish photo ops and no foodie pictures ( with Caleb and Emma it’s gonna be mostly French Fries anyway!), but there will still be great pictures and maybe even a food experimentation. John’s in charge of language learning, geography, history, and I’m in charge of morning and evening prayers, cooking, and travel log. Our real steps will be amalgamated from a combinations of pilgrim outings: my morning walks, John and Caleb adventures, afternoon walks with Emma and of course anything the family does together.

The virtual journey begins in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France and extends 779.9 km west, crossing the Pyrenees mountains until the pilgrim arrives in Santiago de Compostela, a city named for St James, a son of Zebedee and disciple of Jesus. Since the Middle Ages, millions of pilgrims have walked the road to St James tomb for millions of reasons. Obviously there is deep connection with the actual path; the place itself that stirs people. But I live in the world of disabilities where restrictions, limited access and parallel routes are quite normal. Consider our journey an ‘augmented camino’ — a way to access it using the same heart and commitment of the pilgrim. Will you walk with us? Maybe we’ll start a trend. Buen Camino Friends!

Walk With Me

Walk with me
along the idea
of a journey
anyone may travel.
Ordinary life
may be the link
to the extraordinary
as our footsteps:
running errands,
caring for others,
exercising – mimic
step for step
the journey of millions
who have walked
The Camino

All are Pilgrims
who wander
along heart paths
that go from
strength to strength
until they find
a home in You.

© 2020 Laurel Archer

Photo credits: The pilgrims, clothed in medieval travelling clothes. Graffiti on Nicomekl flood plain trail; Laurel’s morning walk. The Board of Progress…pilgrim’s progress. Archer’s on the inaugural walk – Aldergrove Park – 3.5 km. or 779.9 complete!