The Walk of a Lifetime: 500 Miles on the Camino de Santiago

My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.

You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!

This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.

This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!

The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.

I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.

Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl

I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.

There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.

My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.

My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.

You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!

This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.

This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!

The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.

I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.

Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl

I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.

There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.

My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.

My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.

You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!

This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.

This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!

The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.

I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.

Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl

I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.

There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.

My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.

My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.

You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!

This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.

This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!

The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.

I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.

Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl

I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.

There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.

My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.

My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.

You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!

This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.

This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!

The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.

I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.

Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl

I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.

There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.

My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.

As one who has logged thousands of miles across the High Sierra over the past 40 years, I think it’s time to go on Pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. This book is the inspiration.

Sometime we get guided to read a book and unexpectedly go along for a great adventure. That is how I felt reading this book. Russ's words took me along with him and I found myself cheering him on. I love to read travel essays and this one didnt disappoint.

It was a pleasure to read this book by Russ Eanes and an inspiration for my plans to walk the Camino Frances, hopefully in fall 2021. His descriptions of the walk teased me into wanting to enjoy and endure my own walk.

This is a refreshing read, with lots of description, about slowing down and walking the Camino de Santiago

Whatever you have spiritual leanings or not. This book will get you thinking about your life and what my need to be changed.

Great descriptions well written engaging and inspiring

I am reading this book and I can’t put it down. This is a thoughtful work, almost an extended essay, on the spirit and effort effort it takes to walk 500 miles on a pilgrimage to a holy place. From the beginning, the reader is swept up into the author’s journey. He uses quite short, but detailed descriptions of all he comes into contact with: places, people, villages, food and weather are vividly described. An additional feature of the book is his use of the beautiful and interesting photos he took as he walked. Not only does he reveal much about his walk, but we learn much about him as well, although his focus is on the journey he is taking. A very good read: don’t miss it!

I've walked the Camino Frances three times as well as other English, Spanish and Italian pilgrimages and hikes. Plus I have a shelfful of books on the Camino de Santiago and pilgrimages in general. So -- it takes a unique book on this subject to capture my heart and mind and to be deemed worthy of shelf space in my Camino library. Russ Eanes' book is such a book. From the beginning, his humility and wonder about the journey drew me in. Part history book, travelogue, guidebook (though not complete enough to replace "real" guidebooks), memoir, and spiritual journey, "The Walk of a Lifetime" is written in a way that made me feel as if I were walking with an old friend. By the end of the book, I felt my feet itching for the trail, my head cleared, and my heart light. Whether you are a past or future pilgrim or only want to "travel" the Camino on a path of words, I encourage you to read this book.

Why read a book such as this? For me, it is partly about enjoying a good story that unfolds in a different part of the world and partly to vicariously experience and "test" the journey - is it something that calls to me? Could I/would I want to follow in the author's footsteps? This book gave me several hours of reading pleasure and reflection. I was drawn in - by the descriptions of the geography, the trail itself, the relationships that developed. The author created an expansiveness in me as I imagined walking my own Camino while immersed in his tale. He freely shared his innermost thoughts and fears as the miles peeled away. Through them, I learned that one need not be fearless to walk the Camino but, rather open to facing fears, practicing mindfulness and shedding some old thought patterns and habits. This book has a way of drawing one in and is a fast read. It provides seriously practical tips and preparation ideas for the physical component of walking the Camino de Santiago without being ponderous and also opens the reader's mind to the possibility of the soul's journey that may unfold step by step given the invitation.

The author opens his heart to the reader in a style that matches his easy going embrace of the Camino experience. One can feel his growth along the way as he recounts both reflections and revelations of the experience. The style of relating his personal growth interspersed with tales of the trail, both humorous and otherwise, keeps one turning the pages in anticipation of what comes next, much like the daily pace of the Camino. One of the few books I have wanted to never end, perhaps reflecting the feelings of the pilgrim nearing the end. In a sense a guide, or perhaps a record of one man's approach, for the Camino that goes well beyond the mere physical aspects of the trail. A very good addition to the books one should read in preparation for the experience, in both a spiritual and physical sense.

My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.

You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!

This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.

This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!

The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.

I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.

Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl

I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.

There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.

My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.

I own over 35 Camino books and hiked a portion in 2017 with a return trip planned in 2022. Time wise I may never hike the entire trail at once, but I still love reading about those that do. This is easily one of the top 3 Camino books I have read ! I think of this book like Goldilocks- it is just right!. You felt you were hiking alongside the author, without it reading like a journal. The book was spiritual, but not too preachy. The book was detailed, yet didn't get bogged down in tiny details. As I stated, the book was just right! It is well written and reads like a conversation over a cup of coffee with the author. Very well done and a very enjoyable read!

I had the privilege of meeting Russ and his wife Jane on my recent via DiFrancesco pilgrimage to Assisi. My first pilgrimage was also the Camino Frances from SJPdP to Santiago (in 2015) and it left an indelible mark on me that has never left. Reading The Walk of a Lifetime brought me right back to what was also a life changing walk for me. Russ managed to put all those feeling and thoughts I've always had inside me into words and it was thrilling to read every page, many times with goosebumps:) Beautifully written and authentically capturing just what makes this pilgrimage live forever inside the those that have walked the Way! Well done peregrino!

A fantastic read and well written book. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. It has motivated me for my own trek hopefully in 2020. The author’s desire to “live deliberately “ can be summed up when he states, “my only agenda is to walk, to be in the moment.” Excellent book!

Some seven years ago I spent a day on the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain, and ever since I've wanted to complete the journey. Reading Russ Eanes "The Walk of a Lifetime" was the next best thing to doing the entire Camino. I felt like I was walking with him every step of the way. If you can, do the Camino. If you can't (at least this year), read the book.

My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.

You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!

This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.

This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!

The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.

I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.

Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl

I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.

There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.

My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.