The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) in northern Spain is the third most popular pilgrimage route in Christendom, behind only Rome and the Holy Land.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims and recreational hikers make the journey to Santiago de Compostela, on Spain's northwest coast. Most hikers begin their journey inside Spain. But if they start at the French border, they might walk over 500 miles to get to Santiago.

Our group started in Astorga, about 160 miles from Santiago. This book tells the story of why we walked, where we walked, what we wore, and what we ate. The book is a starting point for anyone contemplating a challenge to the Camino.