Why We Walked the Camino as a Couple and Why I’m Inviting You to Join Us This Time
Some trips change you. Others bring you back to yourself and to the person walking beside you. The Camino de Santiago did both for us.
I first heard about the Camino in 2010 after watching a movie called The Way. That movie lit something inside me. As someone who’s always loved hiking and who is also Catholic, the Camino spoke to my soul. A pilgrimage, a path, a purpose.
Several years later, I told my husband, “When I turn 50, I want to walk at least the last 100 kilometers of the Camino.” That final stretch felt like the perfect way to honor a milestone birthday—something both meaningful and spiritually grounding. It was also something we could do together, physically, mentally, and logistically. With busy schedules, careers, and kids, we needed something doable, yet powerful. And this felt just right.
On August 24, 2022, we set off from Sarria, walking the last 100 kilometers of the French Way with one simple goal: to arrive in Santiago and walk into the cathedral on my 50th birthday, August 30th. We did just that!
I remember our first morning on the trail, walking quietly, just the two of us—and suddenly feeling the weight of how many had walked this path before. Pilgrims from all over the world, walking for reasons as unique as their stories. And yet, despite the centuries of footsteps, the trail felt untouched. Peaceful. Sacred.
Each village we passed felt like a postcard from another time. We visited churches along the way, pausing to say a Hail Mary at each one. We met fellow pilgrims, shared stories, and felt this quiet kinship with strangers we might never see again. Every step felt unforgettable.
And although my husband began limping by day two, he never gave up. I could tell he was considering taking a day off, but when day three came, something shifted. The desire to finish what we’d started—to walk it all—kept him moving. I can’t explain it fully, but each evening, no matter how sore or exhausted we were, we were filled with something so much bigger than fatigue: gratitude and a deep sense of accomplishment.
However, along the way, I quietly held another hope in my heart: to witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro, the massive incense thurible that swings across the cathedral on very special occasions. Someone along the trail told me not to get my hopes up as it only happens about six times a year on holy days or for significant pilgrim groups. So, I let go of that expectation.
On the day we arrived in Santiago, we got in around 2:30 p.m. We checked into our hotel, showered, and I told my husband we were going to the 7 p.m. Mass. He was tired and suggested we skip it and go the next day. But I had made a promise to myself and I was not breaking it. I would attend Mass in the cathedral on my birthday, the same day we completed our walk.
So I insisted. We made it just in time. The cathedral was packed, and we had to stand along the side. The Mass was beautiful, even standing shoulder to shoulder among fellow pilgrims.
And then, it happened.
Eight men in red robes, four on either side of the altar, began approaching the great ropes. The bishop stepped forward and said, “Today is a special occasion. We are honored by the arrival of the youth group from Catholic Charities.” And with that, the Botafumeiro began to swing.
I stood there stunned. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my husband. This one thing I’d silently longed for but didn’t think would happen, was unfolding before my eyes. On my birthday. On the day we reached Santiago. After 100 kilometers of walking, reflecting, praying, and growing together.
It felt like a divine gift.
The Camino was so much more than a hike. It was a love story—between my husband and me, between us and the trail, between us and the strangers who became part of our journey. But most importantly, it was a reconnection with my faith.
That’s why I created a Couples Camino Experience—to share this type of transformation with others.
Not just a vacation. Not just a trek. But an experience to walk in step, reflect, reconnect, and rediscover what really matters—together.
If the Camino has been on your heart—and you’ve been dreaming of walking it with your person—consider this your sign.
Join us for a journey designed for connection, reflection, and the kind of memories that stay with you forever.