What Is Bolden’s Way?

Welcome. I am Michael Bolden. I have been a journalist for more than 20 years and I’ve spent more than half my career at The Washington Post. Last year I took some time for a different journey.

On 26 August 2012 I left a lovely B&B on Chemin de St.-Jacques in St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and began walking. My primary destination was Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain, the final resting place of James the Apostle. In the Christian tradition, it is considered one of three great pilgrimages that the faithful undertake (Jerusalem and Rome are the others). I walked about 500 miles in 31 days. I took extra time to visit some cities, but I stepped onto the Praza Obradoiro in the shadow of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela on 30 September.

I walked alone, although I met dozens of other people from around the world, many of whom I now call friends. Some days I walked with one or two others. Often there was no one in sight. 

It is a journey that called to me when I first learned of it. You may have seen the movie “The Way.” This is that pilgrimage, although I was not motivated by the film. My inspiration was deeper and something that I don’t yet fully understand. My decision to pursue the walk was reinforced by the death of my mother last summer. I will spend the rest of my life unraveling the mysteries of my last moments with her and my walk. Everyone’s Camino is different. Although I’ve returned home, the journey continues. 

Selected Links From My Camino Travels

FAQ about the Camino

Selected images from the Camino

Bolden’s Way Full Archives