The program will focus on creating an environment for reflection in order to deepen your connection with God. A typical day will look like this:
Morning: Pilgrims usually rise shortly after daybreak to enjoy the crisp morning air. We will begin the day with a short facilitated meditation on the suggested theme for the day followed by an orientation for the hike ahead. Breakfast will be taken on your own, based on your own needs and desired departure time. The morning will be spent walking, with rests and lunch along the way.
Afternoon: After walking 4-6 hours (averaging 25 km each day), you will arrive at your overnight destination sometime in early to mid-afternoon. Everyone is permitted to walk at their own pace, with or without a companion. Afternoons will be spent showering, resting, journaling or doing laundry. Before dinner, you will have the opportunity to debrief the day with the group over drinks and tapas, if desired.
Evening: You may choose to eat dinner with our cohort, a smaller group, or on your own. Dinner in Spain is typically much later than in other countries (after 9 pm). However, due to the rigorous exercise of the Camino, most albergues will require lights out at 10:00 pm. So, we will aim to eat dinner between 7-8 pm. Afterward, there will be an optional brief meditation before bedtime.
The program above describes a typical day and the opportunities that will be available to you. While we hope you will participate in some of the group sessions to enrich the experience of others, it is not required because we realize that every person’s pilgrimage is unique. Each person comes with different questions, hopes and needs. We want to respect and honor where each person is at. The intent of the program is to provide a basic rhythm that pilgrims can follow as desired.
Dr. Adéle Booysen’s passion is to help people see the thread of God’s presence so that life with God becomes an epic adventure. She has a doctorate in ministry (focused on transformational leadership) and has taught graduate classes in church history and research. However, she prefers in-person, in-depth conversations about life and issues of faith. Adéle is a graduate of Larry Crabb’s School of Spiritual Direction. She leads life-planning seminars in various locations. Adéle has traveled to more than 80 countries and speaks multiple languages. Currently, she is working on learning Spanish by living in Antigua, Guatemala, her eighth country of residence. Adéle loves any adventure. She also enjoys capturing beauty through photography. She’s a freelance writer and editor by profession.Primitivo Part II – Lugo to Santiago de Compostela
You will begin your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lugo, the only city in the world to be surrounded by completely intact Roman walls ringed with 71 towers. This 5 night walking retreat from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela traverses the peaceful and astounding beauty of the Galician countryside. It is the minimum distance you must walk to earn the official Compostela certificate issued by the Catholic Church. The journey will take you through quaint medieval villages, expansive green landscapes, and rolling hillsides. You will experience the quiet, traditional way of life in rural Spain. Although we feel longer retreats are better for the soul, this length is sufficient for those who have limited time. It is also less demanding than the first leg of the Primitivo that passes through rugged mountains. Nonetheless, you will still be surrounded by nature’s peace and glory for most of the walk.
Please read the tabs to the left for details about what is included.
