97-year-old Jesus welcomed Mary and Robert Zunick into Vilar de Donas, a 12th-century chapel. These are the original doors adorned with Romanesque Ironwork. Several tombs and headstones of the Knights of Santiago who guarded pilgrims on the walk are located inside the church. Photo courtesy of the Zunicks.
By Robert and Mary Zunick
We recently returned from one of the most meaningful experiences of our lives: walking the last 110 kilometers (about 70 miles) of the Camino de Santiago. This ancient pilgrimage route winds through the Spanish countryside and has welcomed pilgrims for over 1,100 years, ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – believed to be the resting place of the apostle James.
Starting in Sarria, we walked from village to village, following scallop shell markers through shaded forests, rolling hills, and open farmland. Some days were tough – hot sun, steep climbs, and sore legs – but each day was full of beauty, reflection, and quiet joy. We met people from all over the world, each with different stories and reasons for walking, but all moving in the same direction.
There’s something sacred about slowing down. When you travel by car, you may reach more destinations, but you often miss the small, beautiful moments – the sound of doves in the trees, a child kicking a soccer ball with his grandmother, or a 97-year-old man appearing at the door of an ancient church, eager to share its story. On the Camino, those moments aren’t side notes – they’re the heart of the journey.
We walked over 70 miles in seven days, but it wasn’t about the distance. It was about presence, connection, and gratitude. The Camino gave us space to breathe – and memories that will stay with us forever.
