Written at Santiago de Compostela, June 29, 2026.
Dear Followers, Friends, and Family.
It has been a magical 4 weeks… but…
I awoke this morning and asked Christine, “Give me an honest answer. Are you ready to go home?”
I received an unequivocal “Yes”.
Had she said “No” our plans would have remained unchanged. Had I not asked the question the issue would not have come up.
I’m tired and so is she.
Since retiring we have been “on the road” for as long as 12 weeks at a stretch. I know what we CAN do but I also know what we don’t HAVE to do.
We don’t have to add Brittany and Normandy to a journey that has already covered over 500km by foot (me) or 5 countries in the company of 7 grandchildren (Christine).
Our original plan was to fly to Paris after the Camino and spend another 2 weeks in the “City of Light”, Brittany and Normandy, including 2 nights on Mont Saint-Michel.
An email and our airline reservations were changed. A few more emails and 4 hotel reservations, 5 train connections and 1 tour were canceled. All costs were refunded. Brittany, Normandy and Mont Saint-Michel will remain on our radar for another day.
We will still spend 5 nights in Paris, but only at one hotel and no treadmill schedule to further challenge and frazzle us. Our relief is palpable.
Maybe we will just get a cute little puppy.
Peace Everyone. Pete
Babe Wiley says:
The world is full of interesting and exciting people, places, and things, but there is something to the old adage that there is no place like home! Click those ruby slippers, guys, and save some for another time. Get some rest!
Mary Day says:
I have fallen victim to exciting itineraries while sitting in my comfy den chair. And, finally, understood that I could just go on home. Fix a cup of coffee and exhale long and slow. Congratulations! Welcome back.
Maxine Harrison says:
Just don’t cross the US by train again….I swear I can still hear the train whistle in my sleep. Don’t think I can climb up into that upper berth again!! Babe is right! Click those slippers!