Join us on Saturday, Aug. 9 for our annual five-mile round trip hike from Madrid (IA) along the High Trestle Trail to the bridge. We will arrive just as the bridge’s blue lights are illuminated! We’ll meet near the restrooms at the trail parking lot in Madrid, which is located on the east side of…

Our annual trek to Santiago (Iowa) is one of our favorite hikes of the year — we walk along Central Iowa’s Chichaqua Trail to the small town of Santiago. We’ll meet at the NE 88th St trailhead parking lot north of Bondurant, IA. The walk is approximately 11 km (about 7 miles) round-trip to the…

When Things Go Wrong Despite our best intentions and planning, sometimes things go wrong on the Camino. Join us in July to talk about proactive steps you can take (e.g. purchase travel insurance, safekeep copies of credit/ATM cards and emergency contact info, download Alert Cops app / 112, register with US State Dept., etc.) for…

Join our monthly charla to hear the experience of local Pampered Pilgrims, Jackie Saxon and Laurie Ihry, who opted to use a service or support system while on their Camino. They will share details of why they opted to use a service and what their experience was like. There will be substantial time for general…

How do I get there? What should I bring (and not bring!)? Where should I start? Will it rain? Do I need to wear hiking boots? Are there trains, cabs, buses? There are so many questions when preparing for your first Camino. Knowing the answers to these questions can help relieve the pre-Camino jitters. Join…

It’s time to start planning for your upcoming Camino! Join us for a short overview highlighting basic Camino needs, then we’ll take questions and provide guidance on equipment, clothes, footwear lodging, air travel, food, and other topics. No question is too big or small!! We welcome both pilgrims-to-be as well as experienced pilgrims to join…

Iowa Chapter Charla: Tips for planning a *shorter* Camino Are you interested in hiking or biking a Camino route but have limited time? A Camino lasting from a few days to a week or two is very “doable.” Join our virtual Charla, led by Laurie Ihry, for tips on how to plan and organize a…

There are many opportunities to volunteer on the Camino de Santiago! Join us to hear from several Camino veterans about their recent volunteer experiences on the Camino as hospitaleros, Pilgrim’s Office staff, and as volunteers in other spaces. We will also share a list of ways to get involved in 2025. REGISTER to receive the…

It’s time to start planning for your upcoming 2025 Camino! Join us for a short overview highlighting basic Camino needs, then we’ll take questions and provide guidance on equipment, clothes, footware, lodging, airtravel food, and other topics. No question is too big or small!! We welcome both pilgrims-to-be as well as experienced pilgrims to join…

In this presentation and discussion, Jackie will share the story of her journey on the Way of St. Francis in Italy.  Local Iowa pilgrim, Jackie Kilby, is a veteran of many Caminos in Spain. Via di Francesco” is one of the most popular Italian Caminos.  Beginning in Assisi — the Land of Sts. Francis and Clare…