"The Camino is different things to different people. Most who travel it consider it a pilgrimage or a sacred journey. Something in their lives is changed, illuminated or exorcised." 

So how does one prepare for the spiritual journey of a lifetime? With this eBook you will find out directly from someone who has made the journey and knows how to prepare for it. In the summer of 2005, Cheri Powell and her husband walked the five hundred miles of the French route of the Camino de Santiago. This trip was several years in the planning as they researched, talked about various options and made the best decisions they could with the information they had. However, when the trip was actually underway, they found that some of the information they had gathered was incorrect while other information that they really could have used was just missing.  There are lots of personal accounts on the internet, and many books about the history of the Camino and how pilgrims reacted to their journey. But no matter how well-planned any journey is, there are always things that could have been done differently. The increasing popularity of traversing the Camino has meant that many things have changed to accommodate a modern pilgrim. Books or web sites written five or ten years ago are still interesting, but the actual advice can be out of date. Travel technology is also constantly being updated and this affects the items taken on the journey and how the trip may be accomplished. 

This book is not a travelogue or a personal memoir, although it does relate some experiences to illustrate a particular point. The purpose of this eBook is to give some practical advice on the preparation for the trip based on observations made and experience gained, so that you can get the most out of the journey with the time and resources at your disposal. It just happens to be based on walking the 500 miles from Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, France to Compostela de Santiago, Spain in the summer of 2005! Here are just some of the questions this eBook answers: How does one find places to stay each night? What can be done if someone is injured? What is the Camino etiquette? Which route is best? What is a typical day like? How should one prepare physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? What is it going to cost? 

This first-hand guide includes information that is not covered in regular guidebooks. It thoroughly describes the essential preparation that will help you maximize the experience of walking the Camino de Santiago. 

You´ll learn how to pack for maximum comfort and minimum weight, along with how to get and use proper credentials and what is required for a "Certificate of Completion." You´ll understand how pilgrims from every corner of the world interact in this corridor where a unique, informal system of rules has evolved. You´ll also learn about a typical day in the life of a pilgrim, and what you can expect to be doing during your journey. This eBook details what must be taken and what can be purchased there, because some things that are readily available in the US cannot be found in Spain. It also includes a short history of the Camino and explains why this pilgrimage is one of the most popular in the world. 

Containing many helpful web links and charts, this eBook is designed to help you get organized and make the most of the Camino de Santiago. Start planning today so you´ll be well-prepared to make the pilgrimage. With this practical guide you´ll soon be on your way to preparing for this amazing adventure.