I sit down with first-time pilgrim Kathy Carnahan to talk about what it’s really like to finally answer the “Camino call”—and to do it at 70 on the Camino Inglés. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a “big reason” to go, worried you won’t be social enough (or too social), or hoped the Camino might leave you feeling different—this conversation will make you smile, nod, and maybe start looking up flights. And wait until you hear the moment that completely caught Kathy off guard in the Santiago cathedral…
“How did you first hear about the Camino?” (00:00:33) — and why it kept “popping up” for years (00:00:49)
“What made you finally go…to making it happen?” (00:01:54) — the turning point that made her say this is it (00:02:01)
“What concerns did you have before embarking?” (00:03:31) — being shy, walking hills, and the fear of coming home unchanged (00:03:39–00:05:03)
Camino “angels” + a hill strategy that becomes a life metaphor (00:06:29–00:08:57)
A powerful grief-and-gratitude reframe after her husband’s passing (00:09:06–00:10:35)
“How did your sister-in-law come along—and what makes the right walking partner?” (00:12:40–00:15:16)
“What surprised you most on the Camino?” (00:15:51) — the ease, the glow months later, and why she didn’t even need to journal (00:15:59–00:17:54)
The Camino Inglés as a “perfect introduction” (00:20:22–00:26:43) — pace, crowds, planning, and letting go of control (00:27:23–00:28:03)
“What’s it like arriving in Santiago?” (00:28:09) — the tunnel, the plaza, and the emotion of the finish (00:28:52–00:31:06)
“What do you recommend for Santiago—should people stay longer?” (00:35:25–00:36:43)
The Botafumeiro: what it is, how to see it, and why it moved her to tears (00:37:01–00:40:45)
Final question: “What would you say to someone on the fence?” (00:44:12) — her answer is short…and it might just push you over the edge (00:44:25–00:45:12)
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🥾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.
