These Boots are Made for Walking

“There is a wealth of wisdom that we may thus find, if we but place our foot outside the door, taking the first step upon a journey toward a new adventure.”

Keith Badger

In September of 2019, two friends and I walked a portion of the Camino de Santiago. The route, known as the Way of St. James, crosses Northern Spain from Burgos to Santiago. Our footsteps covered the thousands of footprints left by fellow travelers before us.

Each morning, we ceremoniously donned thick socks followed by our sturdy hiking boots. Lacing them up, I sensed the beginning of an intimate relationship between my feet and these boots. Together we set out to experience the glorious spirit of the land.

Our daily, long-distance walks ranged from 5-12 miles, carrying us through ever-changing landscapes. Rolling hills of golden wheat, divided by patches of red and green pastureland, filled the first few days. Step by step, mile by mile, we watched the dried waves of grain bend and sway in the wind.

Eventually, the road changed to a narrow path leading in to a foggy, misty forest. Wild ferns thrived below the canopy of the evergreen trees. Dark green moss grew lush, benefitting from abundant moisture and protection.

Soon, elevation change carried us high into the rocky, granite mountains. Jagged black and white rock, piled in old and new formations, glowed in the dim light of the charcoal shaded sky. Grassy knolls sat floating among the high peaks. The trail, narrow and steep, required a walking stick to keep us pinned on the path. Reaching the crest, we looked down to view the valley in miniature.

On we walked, entering farmlands with cows, chickens and dogs freely sharing the road with us. Farmlands led to vineyards. The air filled with ripening grapes. Rows and rows of old vines grew independently on the ground like a bush. Terra cotta dirt roads led past white-washed stucco houses. Vineyards led to villages surrounded by rivers and lakes. Ornate bridges beckoned us to cross these waterways.

Finally, our path arrived at the top of the hills above Santiago. We stood next to the larger-than-life metal statues of two pilgrims who had arrived at their destination. Gratitude was the emotion of this moment.

There is a magic and mystery in the landscape of our natural world. Walking upon the Earth takes us back to beauty, value and our human responsibility to care for her.

The soles of my boots were worn down but my Soul was lifted up!