045: Walking Together, One Year In
A Year of The Camino Calls, from Dreamers to Pilgrims in 35 Countries
“This is just like the Camino!” I thought as I reviewed the year here at The Camino Calls.
I started The Camino Calls in February of 2025 to help those of you 45+ go from dreaming about the Camino to actually doing the Camino. This year, I’ve helped dozens of you personally plan your Camino; I’ve walked the Camino with some of you; I’ve met others of you in Santiago de Compostela, North Carolina, and New York; and I’ve (hopefully) inspired many more of you to get on the Camino, return for another Camino, or volunteer on the Camino.
I’m grateful to every one of you—THANK YOU for reading, writing, working with me, meeting me, talking to me and sharing your stories, fears, concerns, successes and insights. I’m looking forward to more of all of the above in 2026!
But the statistic that really made me smile was where you all are located.
Walking Together from All Over the World
You, my dear subscribers, come from 35 countries!
On the Camino, one of the things I love most is falling into conversation with people from all over the world—sometimes for five minutes, sometimes for five days. This newsletter, much of the time, feels a bit like talking while walking side by side: I’m sharing, you’re listening, but I don’t always know what you’re thinking. And that’s okay.
But if the spirit ever moves you, I’d truly love to hear from you. A comment, a reply, or even a click on the heart feels like the Camino equivalent of a smile, a buen camino, or sharing a bench for a moment. It also helps others find this writing, which I deeply appreciate.
Where You’re Writing From
The majority of you are in the United States—hailing from 38 states! The U.S. is followed by the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.
One of the things I love most when I volunteer in the Pilgrim Office in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is seeing the list of nationalities from the previous year’s pilgrims. So here’s your version of that list. In addition to the four countries already mentioned, you’re reading from:
Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Belize, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Croatia, Romania, Germany, France, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Nigeria, South Africa, Tonga, Singapore, Philippines, and Bermuda.
If I missed you, let me know!
A Few Fun Camino Calls Stats
A couple of other things that stood out this year:
August 4 was the highest-traffic day of 2025 for Inspiration.TheCaminoCalls.com. That was the day I sent out “Yes, the Camino Is Possible for You” and introduced my first Camino Walk with Rebecca trip. I’m working on plans for my Camino Walk with Rebecca trips for 2026. If you want to be the first to hear about them, click here.
My Camino Conversation with Maurice Frank received the most views.
In the last 6 months, one of you has opened emails from me nearly 1000 times. This is a mystery to me as I’ve published 45 newsletters,17 Camino Conversations, and sent maybe 20 additional emails to subscribers. Further research shows that it could be because this person forwards my emails to others. I’m honored!
Gratitude (Because the Camino Is Never Solo)
Thank you to Lisa McMann, Danny (Danielle) Bernstein, Kristin Fellows and Lois B. who posted the most comments. I smile every time I see a comment come in and love having that “conversation” with you.
Many of you forward these newsletters to friends—and when you do, some of them subscribe. A special shout-out to to María Seco and Brooke Camacho for sending the most subscribers my way this year.
Thanks to the Guinea Pigs
Four readers joined me for my first Camino Walk with Rebecca. A special thanks to Kathie, Margaret L Faure, Emily, and Vikki for being my guinea pigs (or lab rats, as one suggested!). Your trust in me means so much. I am so humbled that you chose to walk your first Camino as part of this inaugural group.
I was able to conduct some live interview from our time together.
Emily was the first brave soul to do this with me.
Kathie was on a high after Day 2.
Margaret shared her experiences on Day 3.
Camino Conversations
Speaking of conversations, a very special thanks to all of my Camino Conversations guests—those who joined me to talk about their experiences walking or planning their Camino. Your stories are a gift to this community.
For those of you looking for inspiration from those 45 and older who’ve done the Camino (and one couple who is planning to do so), click any of the names underlined below to hear their interviews.
Kathie Carnahan - Kathie had been dreaming of the Camino for years. This past October, (at age 70) she finally made her dream a reality by walking the Camino Inglés.
Debbie Bartolumucci - Over 500 miles on Camino Francés—solo! Debbie Bartolomucci didn’t intend to do her first Camino alone but I’m so impressed that when friends dropped out, she went anyway.
Lois Bertram - Over 500 miles on the Camino Francés—at 73! Lois was the first person I ever guided on the Camino (over 10 years ago). She still walks 5 miles every day she is able.
Hana Maris - Over 200 miles on the most physically challenging Camino (Camino Primitivo)—I haven’t been able to face this route yet, but Hana is inspiring me to consider it.
Dora Elias McAlister walked the last 60 miles of the Camino Primitivo. Dora Elias McAllister says that part wasn’t terribly difficult, but she was comparing it hiking the Grand Canyon!
Tim Wesolowski - my first-ever Camino Calls client and first-ever Camino Conversations guest! Tim Wesolowski walked the Camino Portuguese from Tui at age 67.
Maria Seco - What’s it like to grow up with the Camino walking through your town? María Seco shares how that experience eventually led her to teaching Spanish for Camino.
Dave Whitson - Guidebook author, veteran pilgrim, host of The Camino podcast— Dave shares about these experiences and many others walking pilgrimage routes around the world.
Louis Gallo - My dear father braved the challenges of technology to reminisce about our 4 experiences walking sections of the Camino Francés together (his most recent at 76) and our latest team effort: volunteering in the Pilgrim Office in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Maurice Frank - Maurice Frank was hooked by Day 5 of his first Camino (age 67) and shares with us why he keeps going back.
Maria Anderson of The Perennial Immigrant - Maria Anderson shares her journey from the US to Portugal and her first walk on the Camino Portuguese. I was honored to have her share her insights from her life and her Camino with us.
Lisa and Matt McMann - The Camino often inspires returning pilgrims to minimize, but Lisa McMann and Matt McMann have done that already. They live as nomads and talk about how they find practice hikes around the world in preparation for their 2026 Camino.
What’s Ahead in 2026
I remember when, in job interviews, I’d be asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and what I really wanted to say was, “How can anyone know that?!” I finally did in one interview, and I was right—my life has never been what I could have predicted.
That said, I plan to continue this weekly newsletter and live interviews, lead at least 2 Camino Walk with Rebecca trips, and help hundreds more of you to plan your Camino.
I’d Love to Hear from You!
Have a 2026 Camino goal? Or just want to say hello? Or want to join me as a guest to share about your Camino adventure(s)? I’m at rebecca@theCaminoCalls.com or just click the button below.
With best wishes for a wonderful 2026,
Rebecca
Ready to start planning your Camino?
Rebecca Weston
Camino Planning & Preparation Guide (for People 45+)
Rebecca@TheCaminoCalls.com
Your Camino adventure should feel exciting, not stressful — here are some ways I can help you get ready:
🎥Watch Camino Conversations for practical tips and advice from my guests who have done the Camino (or more than one!).
🗓️ Camino Planning Session (45 min): Get answers to your top questions and a notes doc created during our call.
📞 Full Camino Experience: 6 coaching calls with detailed notes to plan your trip with confidence and ease.
🥾 Walk With Rebecca: 7-day hybrid Camino walks — 3 days guided, 4 days independent, private rooms, preparation classes, and optional check-ins. Click here to be the first to be notified about my next trip.
About me: I walked my first Camino in 2012 . Since then, I have walked over a dozen Caminos—alone or with others; in spring, summer and fall; in Spain, Portugal, and France. I’ve also spent many days volunteering along the trail, and if I’m not walking one now, I’m planning the next—and would love nothing more than to help you plan yours, too.
Bravao, Rebecca!
Our Camino Conversation was a highlight of my year! Best to you in 2026!