Maria Labbato, PhD

In a little over two weeks, I’ll begin the first stage of the Camino del Norte. Already, it has been quite a journey in preparing. After several signs over the last couple of years, the need for some self-actualization and transformation, a very generous school grant, and the urge to return to my beloved Spain, I started my planning by finding a useful podcast. The Camino Podcast has been a saving grace! Dave Whitson is incredibly knowledgeable and hosts numerous experts and aficionados of all things pilgrimage, with a series dedicated to the Norte. While I already wanted to visit Spain’s northern coast, especially San Sebastian, these Norte episodes really sold me on taking this (somewhat) less journeyed route. By far, the most hikers and pilgrims do the Frances, especially as their first camino. Hopefully, epic photos of incredible coastal views will populate this site soon. In addition to planning the stages and other logistical details (shoes, gear, lodging, etc.), the physical training has taken its toll. Or, I should say I am learning that the camino is always teaching lessons. Taking things slow is one such lesson, and one in which I had not listened to. With my training window closing, I am suffering from a tight and painful knee – IT band/low back flare-ups presenting in the knee. I feel frustrated and worried. My goal for the physical accomplishments seem out of reach. The Norte’s views of the Bay of Biscay comes with steep up and downhills. Will I even make it?! The physical trials of the camino expose many other vulnerabilities. Will I see the growth I hoped for without the painstaking daily walks from town to town? Part of this journey is acceptance… and humbling yourself that god, the universe, nature, or whatever else you have faith in, cannot be controlled by your will. The camino is already providing me the essential learning on this outward, but more so inward, journey.