10 Kilometers to go, October 11, 2022
Creating the most successful
Camino possible
Personal, hands-on Coaching
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago is a long-established pilgrimage from the French/Spanish border traveling on foot across Spain to Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain, in order to visit the Cathedral and pay homage to St James, one of Jesus disciples who is buried there. The journey has been happening for over 1,000 years. There are also Camino’s from southern Spain and Portugal as well as many routes through France that connect with various routes in Spain. People in Europe often begin their journey on foot from their home wherever that may be. Once you come to the Northeastern border of Spain it is approximately 800 kilometers to Santiago. In the Middle Ages Pilgrims most often wore a certain outfit that included a long robe, a wide brimmed hat, and a gourd for water. They were easily recognized and as a result were cared for by people along the path. When they reach Santiago, they receive a Scallop shell to take home to their priest as proof of their journey and to receive absolution. Today there is a Camino infrastructure of Bars, Restaurants, Mercado’s, and Hostels (which are specific to pilgrims and they are called “Albergues”). A pilgrim walking today will have a Pilgrim Passport they acquire before the trip or in the village where they officially start the journey. The pilgrim today collects stamps in their passport along the way to signify each stop at an Albergue, Pension or Hotel, as well as bars, restaurants and Churches to commemorate their journey and receive a Pilgrim Compostela in Santiago.
The most traveled path is the Camino Frances and begins at St Jean Pied de Port, France. Next is the Camino Portuguese that begins in Lisbon or Porto, Portugal. Next is the Camino del Norte, which begins in Irun and goes along the Northern Coast. Other Camino’s are the Camino Via de las Plata from Seville, the Camino San Salvador from Leon to Oviedo, The Camino Primitivo from Oviedo, and many other routes that accommodate the Pilgrim. The section of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago is the most popular of all. It is generally a 5-day journey through the hills of Galicia that allows the Pilgrim who completes it to receive a Compostela Certificate in Santiago. Those who walk that section are often compelled by their experience to return to do the entire Camino Frances. Several hundred thousand people do the Camino each year on foot or on a bike. There are even people who do it on horseback or bring a donkey to carry their burden. A great number of Pilgrims begin the journey alone, including women who find it is a very safe journey. It is hard not to end up establishing meaningful relationships with others on the Journey. Sharing the challenges and learning of others life experiences from people from all over the world, makes this a transformational and meaningful event.
About Stephen Towles
Stephen Towles is a retired Unity Minister who has been on the Camino Frances 3 times and done the first 9 days of the Camino Del Norte. He first walked the Camino Frances in April-May of 2019 in celebration of his 70th birthday. He made it to Carrion De Los Condes and had to leave the Camino because of some seriously infected blisters on both of his feet. In September of 2021 he returned to Fromista and completed his Camino in 19 days. The following year in September of 2022 he returned to St Jean Pied de Port and did the entire Camino Frances in 32 days carrying a 20 lb backpack. It was a life transforming experience with no blisters, no body pain, and many meaningful friendships from that experience. As a result, he published two books in the fall of 2022 and the spring of 2023. The first book is “Heaven is Walking the Camino de Santiago” which is an account of his Camino Frances experiences. The second is “Heaven is Walking the Spiritual Path” which is a book of principles and practices for those who consider themselves on a spiritual path. Both books are available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle.
In his first Camino he met a woman who would become his Camino Angel. Neus de Saavadra from Catalonia Spain stepped in and helped him seek medical help and as a result they became friends. Over his next two Camino’s she helped him organizationally with booking accommodations, which was necessary because of COVID. She also helped him on his 3rd Camino as well which made a huge difference. Neus was originally on the Camino following cancer treatment, sadly she passed away on September 20, 2023 when Stephen was walking the Camino del Norte. He wrote a blog article in her memory called “My Camino Angel”.
As a result of his books, Stephen has been doing Camino presentations in Library’s and Churches for those who are interested in this pilgrimage. He has also been very active on some of the Facebook Camino forums answering questions for people concerning their preparations for their journey. It occurred to him that there is a need for a Camino Coach for those who would like to be prepared properly for their journey and who would like to learn what is needed to have a successful Camino. A few hours of Coaching could make all the difference in making the right choices, picking the right Camino, booking accommodations, picking the right city to fly into, transportation to the start destination, taking the right amount of equipment and clothes, and many other questions and concerns concerning this fabulous journey. A successful Camino is 90% preparation and 10% inspiration. Stephen says, “The Camino has literally changed and enhanced my life. I am healthier than I have ever been and in better shape than I was in my younger years. I know how to prepare physically and mentally, and I would like to pass along my experience and insights in a helpful way. If I had had a Camino Coach, I would have been better prepared on my first Camino. My successful Camino’s all occurred because of the support of my Camino Angel.”
Stephen is available at stephen@caminocoach.net or by phone at +1 208 651-8556 to schedule a phone consult or a Zoom session. In the spirit of the Camino, he works by Donation only. What a pilgrim pays for the service is entirely up to them.
Books by Stephen Towles Plus a Guide
Click on Book for link to amazon.com
What to expect from personal coaching
We are all unique and often planning a Camino is about honoring our uniqueness.
The essence of personal coaching is listening to the client and learning about preferences and abilities. So many decisions are necessary to create a successful experience, that it is often overwhelming. Youtube videos are helpful, but not specific to the individual. For those who’s abilities are compromised for one reason or another, it is especially helpful to have input tailored to the specifc needs that are present. What do you do with a C-pap machine, or a pet, or a specific diet? What city do you fly into for the easiest experience? What is a good schedule for my abilities? Can I have someone schedule for me?
Camino Coach is about helping individuals deal with their unique situations and being confident that there is someone behind the scenes to guide and help out. The service is provided by free wll donation by the pillgrim client. Donation can be made by Paypal, Venmo, or Credit Card. Any work done outside of the meeting will be agreed to in advance, such as booking accommodations or creating a specific schedule. Please scroll to the bottom of this page for complete contact information.
Latest blogs
Read about meaningful moments associated with the Camino experience
Click on Blog title to go to the Blog or you can access all blogs by going to https//caminomoments.blog
January 8, 2024
The Journey to Camino Conditioning
What condition you need to be in to do a Camino and how to get there.
December 22, 2023
Sunrise on the Camino
Experiencing the amazing sunrises that present themselves on the Camino for our inspiration and enjoyment.
Basking in the beauty of a Camino Sunrise becomes a morning ritual for those who are up early to continue their Camino. This is a unique time to walk in the peace of the morning and be moved at a deep level.
December 1, 2023
A Kilt to Remember
On the Camino we meet people from all over the world, but often some of the most interesting and powerful connections are with those from our own country. This blog is about Lance and Karen from New Hampshire, USA. Two people who were the center of our Camino Family that formed over the 32 days of walking the Camino de Santiago.