Walking the Camino as a couple

By Cathy Seitchik Diaz

David and I went to see the documentary, Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago on February 21, 2014. As we left the theater, I said to David, “I want to do this. I want to walk the Camino de Santiago.” At that time, David, not an avid walker like me, lovingly, or was that reluctantly, said, “Okay.” There it began, a new adventure for us. We began to plan, organize and learn what the Camino de Santiago was all about.

April 9, 2015 arrived and we were on the plane flying to Paris, our first stop on our pilgrimage across Spain. A few days before I remember saying, “What was I thinking!?!?” But off we went and once we landed in Paris we knew there was no turning back and this was the right thing to do.

Toasting at Orisson, after Walking STRAIGHT UpHill for 7 Miles from St Jean Pied de Port.

David and I started in St. Jean Pied de Port and walked the Camino for 45 days, with some days of knee recovery in León. There was a time we thought we might need to stop, as we were fearful I was doing irreparable damage to my knee. That caused stress in our communication a bit; I was sad to be the one to cause the stoppage. David said that we had come so far and we might not be able to continue, but was worried about my knee pain.

David and I got through that challenge and were a stronger and more united and loving couple as a result. The second part of our Camino was more “Our” Camino, and not just a “My” Camino with a partner. It brought us closer and more loving, compassion and patient with each other.

At one point I said to David, “I feel like I have a new boyfriend.” I loved the old boyfriend, but I loved and appreciated the new boyfriend even more. Below are a few photos from our Camino.

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The Camino also put us on a more equal level. From the start we both noticed how equal all pilgrims were—young, mid-age and old; thin, chubby and heavy; slow, medium and fast. All pilgrims had one one common goal; walking to Santiago. NO one was better than another. Prior to the Camino David had called himself “Chopped Liver” in comparison to me, the “Energizer Bunny.” On the Camino, everyone saw David as my equal. No more “Chopped Liver” for him!

David and I plan on returning to walk the Camino again this April and May 2016. We are “equals” and much more loving and patient with each other in a way we have never been before. The Camino provides in SOOOOO many ways!

Buen Camino.

Cathy and David, aka “Camino Man”

On a recent coastal hike near our home in Santa Cruz, California, with Northern California pilgrims

The Camino Man. When the world needs a hiking super hero.

For the month of February, I’ll feature Camino love stories on this blog.  Why? Because love is in the air! I certainly respect the premise of what happens on the Camino stays on the Camino.  However, love is a splendid thing that should be celebrated. Has the Camino provided you with more than just a long walk? If you have a Camino love story to share,  email me or use the form below. Photos and video links welcome.

Share the Camino love! ♥