Stories

Reflections from the Road

On walking, waiting, noticing, and the lessons that show up on the trail and after.

A man in a dark jacket refuels the motor of a Taxi-Mar boat flying a Portuguese flag, with a Spanish town on the shore behind

2026-10-01 · Ann Reible-Cook

Can Grandparents and a 21-Year-Old Hike the Camino Together?

I can still remember being 21, but I have no desire to be 21. And yet, Ben is. Next week, the three of us start walking from Porto, and every one of us will have a different journey.

A couple enjoys the view across from the pit wall at the Dutch Grand Prix.

2026-08-26

After the Roar: Finding Quiet Beyond the Dutch Grand Prix

We went to Zandvoort for the race — the noise, the crowds, the thrill of watching our favorite drivers in person. We came home with something else too: storm clouds over an empty beach serving as a reminder that an important part of any journey is knowing when to step away from it.

Beach scene with shadows cast on the sand, rocky coastline, and ocean waves in the background.

2026-08-01

Walking Beside the Sea

On the coastal ways, the ocean keeps you company — and quietly sets the pace.

A large, metallic spider sculpture with long legs stands in an empty plaza under a cloudy sky.

2026-08-01

A Spider, a River, and Bilbao

Arriving in Bilbao, where a titanium museum and a giant iron spider guard the river.

A person in a rain jacket and backpack walks along a stone path by a house with a grapevine canopy.

2026-08-01

Two Caminos, Two Wines: Vino Verde and Rioja

From Portugal's bright vino verde to Rioja reds, two pilgrims on two Caminos learn to taste the place through which they hike. Vino verde tasted like the light in Portugal. Rioja got us thinking.

A pair of boots stands sentinel in a doorway

2026-07-27

One Foot After the Other (Etching Available)

Every pilgrim has a foot story. Along the Camino Francés, I learned that the right shoes, the right socks, and treating blisters early can make all the difference—but even the best gear can't prevent every ache. Sometimes, as my fellow pilgrim Anna reminded me, all you can do is put one foot in front of the other.

2026-07-24

Reflections from the Road

Can Grandparents and a 21-Year-Old Hike the Camino Together?

After the Roar: Finding Quiet Beyond the Dutch Grand Prix

Walking Beside the Sea

A Spider, a River, and Bilbao

Two Caminos, Two Wines: Vino Verde and Rioja

One Foot After the Other (Etching Available)

Cow 4543 and Lessons from the Camino (Etching Available)

Must See in Burgos

Just Sit Still

My Dad's Marker Makes Shrines Mean More

World Cup and Soccer Near Santo Ildefonso