A selection of photos that consider this issue’s theme, “Lightening Your Load,” from various perspectives. The liberating promise of a new day. Light-hearted backpack humor. Seizing a moment for some refreshing self-care. Offloading weight to go the distance. Jubilation at the Camino’s end.
A pilgrim walks out of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at daybreak, ready for the arduous trek to Roncesvalles along the French Way of the Camino de Santiago on October 4, 2022. Photo by Kirsten Nicolaisen.
“Plenty of room for all of your fears, what-ifs, and the kitchen sink!” Sara Gradwohl stands next an outsized backpack in Astorga, Spain, April 2024. Photo by Dan Gradwohl.
Jane Murphy lightens her load by soaking her feet in the Rio Valcarce behind Casa Susi in Trabadelo, Spain, on September 28, 2023. Photo by Marty Murphy.
This pilgrim who started out from Le Puy-en-Velay, France, three months ago uses a cart to lighten their load. Paradela-A Pena, October 22, 2023. Photo by Adriana Rovers.
Finished and elated, Rae Eiklor jumps high with arms outstretched in front of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, 2022. Photo by Rae Eiklor.
