Half A Bandana Will Do

For two decades, author Gail Woodard yearned to walk the Camino Santiago de Compostela, a network of trails starting in France, Spain, Portugal and beyond with all roads leading to the 800-year-old Cathedral of Santiago. In May 2019, at the age of 67, she made her vision a reality in a remarkable solitary 180-mile pilgrimage that changed her perspectives forever. In "Half a Bandanna Will Do," Woodard takes us along on her journey from Porto, Portugal to the cathedral in northern Spain, describing the people, scenery, customs, foods, and her own self-discovery.Her journey started with the challenges of packing for a two-week trip in a single backpack; her son, an experienced wilderness camper, even cut her bandanna in half to save space and weight. With little baggage but big questions to ponder and big areas to explore, Woodard turned the trek into an internal meditation.Searching for the Divine Feminine, focusing on positive energy, and working through all possible remedies for an injured foot, she grew spiritually and physically as she tackled hills and valleys and made spontaneous friendships with fellow pilgrims. More than a travel story, the book gives us a look at community and caring among those united in a common goal as they all move forward, one step at a time.