Ebook: A Million Steps

Kurt Koontz thought he was well prepared for his 490-mile walking trip on the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain. He was fit and strong. He had a good guidebook and all the right equipment. His pilgrim passport would grant him access to the shelter of hostels along the way. But all that, however helpful, did not begin to encompass the grandeur of his external or internal adventure. A Million Steps climbs over the high meadows of the Pyrenees, quests through the unceasing wind of the Meseta, and dances in the rains of Galicia. While following the yellow arrows that mark the route, Koontz also navigates through his personal history of addiction, recovery, and love. With outgoing humor and friendliness, he embraces the beauty of the countryside and joyful connections to other pilgrims from around the world. Part diary, part travelogue, A Million Steps is a journey within a journey all the way to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and beyond. -- Provided by publisher.;Arrival: pilgrim passport -- Day 1: Crossing the Pyrenees -- Day 1: Albergues -- Day 2: Camino meals -- Day 3: Historic pilgrimage -- Day 4: Camino wine -- Day 5: Arrows and signs -- Day 6: Reflections -- Day 7: Singing -- Day 8: Music and walking stick -- Day 9: Burgos blister -- Day 10: Baggage -- Day 11: Anniversary -- Day 12: Flowers -- Day 13: Chilly -- Day 14: Gratitude -- Day 15: Lives of service -- Day 16: Camino art -- Day 17: Marathon -- Day 18: Wagga wagga Vegemite -- Day 19: Miraculous shoes -- Day 20: Vineyards -- Day 21: Ascents -- Day 22: Welcome at any table -- Day 23: Calls home -- Day 24: Taxi temptations -- Day 25: Rain -- Day 26: Soaked -- Day 27: Next to last day -- Day 28: Santiago! -- Days 29 & 30: Two days and home.