The Cathar Route in Southwest France was just fabulous with Spanish Steps. We were lucky with good weather, challenging trails, beautiful French villages, Cathar castles, great French food and having Glen Craney, author of the Fire and the Light, a novel of the Cathars, gave us historical details about the Cathars along the way.

It was such a memorable trail and trip all around.

This recent trip on the Camino with you, Judy, Sally et al was amazing. So many wonderful Camino moments...all meaningful. Even though Bicky and I had walked the 100 km before, we felt like it was for the first time. We were surprised at how little of the terrain we remembered from 2007!

I told Judy (and anyone at home who shows the slightest interest :-}) that the biggest 'aha' for me is that I am in such a different (and better) 'place' today than I was four years ago. It is very reaffirming. And funnily enough, I believe at some subconscious level the opportunity to put the 'hill from hell' to rest (which I did) was a factor in my decision to join you.

I loved meeting you and I can't imagine being on the Camino without Judy. Actually I can't imagine any walking trip without Judy.

Many things made this particular walk unique for me, and here are just a few: the singular focus of the trip, you, your friends and family, supporters we met along the way, places we stayed and dined, our daily mediations, and most particularly the last morning in the chapel. Also thrilling was being witness to the Camino magic as it transformed some of the group members over those ten days.

I want to acknowledge Spanish Steps and Judy. I was on the Camino Documentary tour in October from Leon to Santiago, and was blown away by Judy's expertise, competence, flexibility, caring, and generosity. She's very good at taking care of people while giving them total respect. Her energy is uplifting and her laughter, hearty and authentic. She so willing to share information, ideas, stories, and her points-of-view. She's just a terrific guide and businesswoman!

Hi Judy, nice to hear from you and thanks for the pictures.

The hiking + yoga week was great. I'm still enjoying its positive effects in my daily life! It was a perfect combination of physical exercise, good food, luck with weather and wonderful people! I'm sure to come back!!

Saludos de Frankfurt

Sometimes my life gets overwhelming, and I realize I need time to get apart from it all and process my thoughts, my emotions, my spiritual journey. There is nothing like walking, one step by one step, getting into the rhythm of your body and the path, to make you feel whole and alive. This year, I was drawn to the pilgrimage route in France, Le Chemin, Part One, which started in Le Puy in late April. I knew very little about this part of France and its history, but it felt like the right time, the right place, and the right people (Thank you Spanish Steps!) to share the journey with. It was everything I needed, what I had hoped for.

There are amazing man-made structures along Le Chemin, like the cathedral in Le Puy and the entire medieval town of Conques, but the natural beauty dominated the pilgrimage for me. We hiked for days on moors and pastures covered with wild daffodils, through forests filled with bird song and the sounds of rushing streams, and then we descended into the valley of the River Lot, to spend a week in dramatically different surroundings. I had decided to come on this pilgrimage alone, and never felt a moment of loneliness. When I wanted companionship, kind, interesting folks were there for me; when I wanted to be alone, that was fine too.

France is very different from Spain, as far as organized religious experiences are concerned. But pilgrims make Le Chemin sacred. Around many a bend, a small shrine appears along the path. Simple. A place for the pilgrim to pause, to place a stone in remembrance, as a prayer, as a connection to the Holy.

And of course, since it was France, with Spanish Steps, the food was amazing, especially the lunches Judy created in the back of the van. Thanks for everything, Judy, and thanks to the guides Bruno and Jorge for their cheerful support and expert help when we needed them.

Fui parte de la experiencia del camino de Santiago del pasado junio. Fue una oportunidad única que jamás podre olvidar. Hay que felicitar a Jorge y Mario por el excelente trabajo en equipo que realizaron, son muy atentos y profesionales, en adición cocinan excelente. Les envió una reseña que envié a todos mis conocidos sobre esta experiencia.

Gracias a Dios y a ustedes y muchas bendiciones.

Just spent a week at Fuentes de Lucia and can't say enough good things about the locale, hospitality and food. Judy's cooking is superb. Would love to have stayed longer. I'd love to come back!

Judy and Juan Carlos,

We're finally home from our wonderful time in Spain. We just loved it!! Both Keith and I wanted to thank you both for a lovely visit to your home and Asturias. We fell in love and will return. It was a gentle but exciting entry to Spain for me. Jorge was a lovely person to spend time with and a very competent guide. I hope your busy schedule provides you time to enjoy the beautiful place you live!!

Hello Judy,

Want to let you know how wonderful our "Camino" was. Our family had the most incredible experience. So glad we had the opportunity to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to come and visit with all of us. I know the rest of the group enjoyed the visit as much as we did.

The guides you chose for us, Jorge and Mario, were so professional, sensitive, informative, and knowlegable of the entire areas in which we walked. They will always remain special in our memories. The accommadations were varied, comfortable and very much represented Spain in all of it's flavors. My most favorite was the the Posada in the countryside of Camaleño (Potes). The girls enjoyed the Spa Balneario. It came at just the right time on the Camino for them. We so much enjoyed the variety of local foods prepared in the local traditional way.

We certainly will count this trip as one of the most unusual, interesting and memorable ones we have ever taken. Thanks to you and your staff.

Keep in touch from time to time,
Jose and Betty Santiago and Family

I had an amazing and wonderful spiritual journey. Thanks so much for creating such a unique travel experience.

Hola Pilgrims,

It is now 5 years since our famous and inspiring Camino. Something that will always be special part of me. So absolutely glad I did the Camino. Not the least of which was sharing it with you. We can report all is good here and hope everything is super in your life. We have been blessed in so many ways. May you find good fortune, wonderful memories and peace in journey.

Blessings to all,
John K.

Hi Judy and Juan Carlos,

I just want to thank you both for the retreat, it was a fantastic experience. Everything from the accommodation, to the food, to the yoga and the hiking was great. In particular your warm hospitality made the trip most rewarding. I hope that I can return in the future and I wish you both every success.

Thank you again,
Sophie McKenzie

I would follow Mary Padgett just about anywhere to take one of her classes - and this year I followed her all the way to Asturias, Spain for the class of a lifetime. The combination of Mary's teaching skills and hiking and painting in one of the most breathtaking regions in Europe made for an experience I will never forget. Judy and Juan Carlos were gracious hosts - and the food and accommodations were perfect. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

We have just completed the Camino Long Walk as clients of Spanish Steps. We admit that we were somewhat apprehensive about the trip because, after wrestling for years with the passion to experience the Camino, our expectations were very high.

As high as our expectations had risen, what we experienced was exponentially higher. We were absolutely thrilled by our pilgrimage in every respect.

The Camino itself provides a blessing, but this blessing became incredibly more personal thanks to our marvelous guides, Virginio and Dana Corsi. They gave their heart and soul to insure that our "Camino family" had the best experience possible. We are so thankful to have encountered such dear people. Spanish Steps is blessed to have them, and so were we.

We were also delighted by the other people who joined us on the trip. By the time we reached Santiago we had became a close-knit group of pilgrims. We felt very blessed to have shared the Camino experince with our wonderful companions. It was difficult to say goodbye to our friends and to such a glorious experience in such a wonderful country.

Beautiful Spain won our hearts! The architecture, the blending of both ancient and modern, the lovely, generous people, the culture, the art, the countryside, Madrid (!), the food, and the Camino, all came together to show us the heart and soul of a magnificent country.

We are grateful for the opportunity you have created through the Long Walk to walk the Camino and to experience Spain. We especially appreciated the add-on trip to Finisterre. The weather was perfect, and it was a lovely way to wind down our time on the Camino.

We have not had the opportunity to meet, or even talk on the phone, but we felt you might appreciate our glowing report.
Very Sincerely,
Pam and Richard Park

This was an amazing, energizing experience - painting and enjoying the natural landscapes of northern Spain with the expert guidance of an artist's eye.

Another wonderful and memorable trip. Your organization is superb and you so graciously accommodated our shortcomings. I am looking forward to the Second part, in the mean time our best wishes to you.

I'm sorry we didn't have the pleasure of meeting you, too; however, you could not have sent us more wonderful guides/interpreters than Mike and Kate. What absolutely perfect matches for our group...better known as the "low maintenance" group:) We had such a great experience throughout the entire trip. Every overnight location was a perfect match. I still marvel at how much food one can enjoy after ten o'clock at night...definitely not an American experience. Even the after dinner homemade "brew" became a dessert after the dessert!!! We traveled, ate, slept,and experienced in the best of company. The walk to Santiago was a dream come true. Now I cherish the memories and will always treasure the experiences along the way..."it's not the destination but the journey"...so true.
Thanks, Judy...Blessings, Pilgrims.
Anne R, Wake Forest, NC.

Dear Judy, I was part of the Pilgrim Special trip of July 19th - 25th. I have to tell you it was an absolutely marvelous experience in every possible way, above all, of course, walking the camino. But I write mainly to thank you for the excellent arrangements and organization that you and your team provided. I can't imagine a better way of doing the short camino, or a better group to do it with. The accomodations were great, the information was always helpful and useful, the surprise of the two nights accomodation off the camino in phenomenally restored farmhouses was so very memorable. Most of all, I want you to know that Kate and Vanessa both are simply the best as guides and helpers. Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, outgoing, great at serving as translators and facilitators. I grew very fond of each of them in just a few brief days. Please convey to them my deepest appreciation for all they did. They both went the "extra mile" (I don't mean walking!) each day in terms of their helpfulness. I didn't want the pilgrimage to end when we reached Santiago, it was so thoroughly enjoyable. I definitely hope some day to return and walk more of it, though at this time I cannot know when that might turn out to be. I would definitely be happy to re-connect with Spanish Steps. In the meantime, I am singing your praises to all my friends. Thanks again for everything.
Best regards, Dan.

Judy, I wanted to thank you for arranging SUCH a beautiful walk - the quiet Camino by the sea. I will never forget the walk along the wet sand and splashing in the "bracing" Atlantic water, the smell of eucalyptus in the forests, the farmyards and fields and the beautiful, old villages and towns along the way. The Picos de Europa was such a highlight - a real contrast of extremes from the snow-covered peaks to the lush valley gorge walk along the (sometimes) teeny path! The accommodations were outstanding (who else could stay in a Gaudi house on holiday)?! The picnic lunches you and Vanessa prepared were a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, and eaten in such a well-chosen variety of scenic spots. We were always so happy to see you and it must have felt a bit like being descended on by a flock of gannets! The mid-day Mass was quite a spectacle and the botafumeira had to be seen to be believed! I ducked the first time it flew over my he ad! After a long wait with other friendly pilgrims, I was given the Compostella. I only answered her questions and the rest is between me and St. James!! The tour was great and the lady was very well-informed and helpful. On our last night, we came upon a large group of troubadors all decked out in medieval costume, playing opposite the cathedral. They were singing and playing their hearts out and the rest of us either danced, tapped toes or joined in - who doesn't know "Guantanamera" or the chorus of "Ay, Ay Yi Yi!" It was such a happy ending to what was an unforgettable two weeks. My heartfelt thanks to you and Vanessa. I really appreciate how much preparation, planning and co-ordination had to go into this to make it so enjoyable and such a pleasure. I want to do it again!! All my best to you and Vanessa and hope your B & B is every bit as successful and wonderful as your walking tours.

Judy, We both think of the Camino trip & the whole tour with Spanish Steps this year as one of our best ever holidays; it was very enriching in so many ways.

Dear Judy, I am not sure how to describe the feeling to you after I came back, neither how to describe it while we were there.. Both were overwhelming for many beautiful reasons; My expectations were far exceeded as far as what this Camino was all about.. I thought I was going to a trip in nature whereby my body was aching for exercise and my soul was yearning for nature.. Little did I know that I was going on a trip that will touch my heart and soul for the rest of my life! My trip to el Camino was life transforming, and I am truly grateful for that. I have come back with a clear direction on what I value most in life.. I came back with a completely different outlook on life; and what is important and real versus what is not.. the experience was getting better and better by the day. Actually deep inside my heart I felt quite sad to reach Santiago, as it meant the end of the trip (But not the journey for sure!) Last but not least, your preparations and way of organizing the Camino and managing a group of 12 people, who were coming from different walks of life and backgrounds, and of course your wonderful and most professional, helpful and pleasant guides; Kate and Vanessa, has been so impressive and has been a major part of why we cherished our Camino experience so much. My sister Lina sent me a message yesterday telling me that her body is itching for another Camino.. She is now saying that maybe we should go for the 800Km one. I had to read the message twice to believe what I was reading!! After my Camino Experience, I have decided to quit the corporate world and go after my passion; which is to walk the world. Expect to have a number of people coming from my end of the world to join your Camino, and one of them is my eldest sister and her husband towards September. Trust me, we can make a revolution in my part of the world. Once again Judy, I thank you sincerely and congratulate you for having such an amazing team on board, and for being able to touch people’s lives, the way you did with us. Warm wishes and regards to you, and to lovely Kate and Vanessa!!

Judy, the trip exceeded my already pretty high expectations. I am still feeling the ripples of the experience. I awake every morning wishing all I had to do was turn right or left and start walking. It was fabulous in every way. The places we stayed and the food and drink were above any criticism I would have. Don't change a thing. An extra kudo for Vanessa and Kate. Those are some special girls you have working for you. Their patience, helpfulness, sense of humour went well beyond normal guide service. I don't know how the kept their smiles putting up with a group of pampered folks like us. But they performed flawlessly. They really added to the fun of the trip. Keep me in mind for the next trip that starts in Le Puy. Or the Northern route. Or the Cassoulet tour. Or the Cathars. Hey, just let me know what's next. With great appreciation.

Hello Judy, My trip with Spanish Steps was absolutely fantastic. You have done an excellent job with not only your planning, but also the people you've hired to carry out your plan. I have only positive comments about Vanessa and Kate. What great girls, and what patience!!! We were not an easy group to keep together, but they did their best. I plan on doing the Camino again in a few years, and will hopefully be able to do the entire 35-day walk. I will definitely call on you.. Thank you so much for all of your efforts.

Hi Judy The journey was remarkable in many ways and made all the more special and enjoyable by the dedication, professionalism and kindness of Kate and Vanessa. Thanks so much to all of you and hope to see you in the future.

Dear Judy and the Camino "Compañeros" - Yellow arrows... They are beautiful and I pray they remain in my consciousness the rest of my life not only to remind me of the way, but also of each one of you on this May 15, 2009 group. Having the privilege of sharing a piece of your lives, the laughter, blisters, beers, great wines, made the Camino so much more enriching and meaningful in many ways. Only if the world out there in its diversity could walk as we did. I am still decompressing and reflecting. You run a tight ship Judy. Kate and Vanessa were exceptional. On another note, please send me the brochure on Fuentes de Lucia in Asturias. Best Regards.

Judy, Vanessa and Kate were fabulous. They handled all the necessaries with grace, expediency, professionalism, and big smiles - and left only the walking to us and our fellow trekkers. The girls deserve a huge round of applause! And probably a strong drink!! We enjoyed the journey tremendously, especially meeting and talking with people who were also on their own journey. It made our journey so much more meaningful to share thoughts and experiences.

I can't thank you enough for the wonderful time I've had on the Pilgrim Special in July. Your help and kindness was more than I expected. You will definitely see me again on one of your trips!

Judy, We all had such a good time with you and Vanessa, it was such a great trip, thank you! We all came home high on the experience!

Thank you so much! Everything was excellent, JUST as it is written on your web page! Also, I’d like to say thanks to our entire group: Pat and George, Bonnie and Krishna, Karen and Bruce, Elizabeth and Bob - all from US, and to Joanne and Linda from Canada, for all interesting conversations, for giving me a chance to talk so much in English, so much that I was even thinking and dreaming in English (Croatian is my native language). I’d like to thank as well to Marta from Argentina, our second guide, for all patience she had with me while practicing to speak Spanish with her. Camino de Santiago is one more pearl on the “necklace of my travels” and definitely the closest one to my heart and spirit.

I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed my trip with Spanish Steps. The solitude I was able to carve out was huge for me. The scenery was beautiful and the food and company wondrous. And you along with Vanessa were a large part of that enjoyment. Not only do you have the places to walk, eat and sleep so figured out but your quick wit and bit of an edge are also fun to be around! And with all I had/have going on and all you put into it were just what I needed. So a deep and hearty thank you. Thank you again for a truly memorable trip!

I often think fondly of our Camino experience, and of the part Kate played in making the experience so positive. She was knowledgeable, good humored and always ready to "pop-off" to do some extra thing for us. I hope to someday return to Spain and perhaps walk another bit of the Camino.

Judy, I would like to thank you for all that you did to make each day of our trip so special. Like wedding planning, there are so many details, seen and unseen, that go into planning such a successful time. Thank you for your professionalism, your easy going nature, your positive attitude and your patience. You have a gift for this sort of hospitality