Portuguese/Ckech descent from Merced, CA , Gourmet Chef and Executive caterer in Oakland CA;  Owner/Chef of Sea Star Bistro, B&B, and AYH Hostel in Bandon, OR; award winning Lake Tahoe Realtor; World Sailor, Traveler, Adventuress.  Proud mother of four, and Nama to eight.  Now the reason for this blog, Monica is going on pilgrimage.  Backpacking the “Camino Frances” from St. Jean Pied de Port, France across the Pyrenees to Pamploma, to Burgos, then Leon, and on to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, a distance of 500 miles.  Monica accompanied by her husband will travel the Camino independently staying in hostels, refugios & alberques, and small country inns.  The trip is hoped to be done in under 40 days, walking 12-15 miles a day with a couple of layover days.  The usual question is , why are you doing this?  While each of the many long training hikes with full packs raised the same question, upon reaching Santiago there should be a good answer.  Join in the trip following along via this blog.