How did I get here?

 I've hiked a Camino previously, in May 2019.  It took me 16 days to travel from Leon in northern Spain almost directly west to Santiago de Compostela where the remains of St. James are supposedly buried.  And then another four days to hike to Finisterre on the coast, where I proceeded to lose my phone.  (That's one of my better Camino stories, but I'll save that for another time.)  Hiking the Camino was one of the greatest experiences in my life.  The scenery was great, but it's really about the people you meet.  All ages, locations, walks of life.  I basically hop-scotched across northern Spain for two weeks with a South Korean woman I met.  It's how the Camino works...you see some of the same people for several days, then never see them again.  Or see the same people all the way.

Anyway, I kept thinking I'd do another Camino or hike some day.  And I completed part of the Fife Coastal Path in May 2023.  So this is in my blood.  I've kind of wanted to go back to Spain and do another Camino, but I also have to care for my 96-year-old mother.  Getting her to the finish line comfortably is my first goal.

A couple months ago I read the book "The Way, My Way" by Bill Bennett.  It details his Camino in 2013, and amazingly it was made into a movie.  The movie was due to show in the US in early March.  Loved the book and the movie was equally good.  The end title song was extremely catchy and I wondered who sang it.  I found out it was Dan Mullins and went to his website.  Strangely enough he was arranging a "musical Camino" in September 2025.  "This is too good to pass up!" I thought.  Too much fun, a concert on legs.  My biggest worry was getting coverage for Mom, but that was quickly solved with my cousin's help.  With my biggest question answered, it was full speed ahead.  

When I met a group of hikers on the canal a couple days ago who were training for a Camino, I figured that was a sign that this was meant to be.  Don't fight it, just consider that once again "the Camino will provide."

I registered with the group ($625), got Dan's welcome PDF which contained suggested accommodations, and started booking.  Good thing, because many of the accommodations had only a few beds left.  I still need to get my flights arranged, but that shouldn't be a problem.

I was hungry for another "game."  All the walking and hiking I've done around Phoenix is just practice, like hitting balls on the range.  It's time to get out and play for real.  Still hard to believe, but 5 months from now I'll be in Portugal.

Buen Camino!