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Hiking the Camino: 500 Miles with Jesus
You might reasonably wonder why anyone would shoulder a heavy backpack, grab a walking stick and hike across Spain. Whatever happened to planes, trains and automobiles? But Father Dave Pivonka knew that the Camino the ancient pilgrim path to the tomb of Saint James the Apostle in Santiago offered an opportunity to focus on God in the stripped-down environment typical of the religious journey known as a pilgrimage.
Father Dave takes you along with him, eager to show that God wants to take care of you whether or not you can see down the road or, if tired and sore, you're tempted to quit. His Camino hike holds real lessons for your own life's journey.
Father Dave takes you along with him, eager to show that God wants to take care of you whether or not you can see down the road or, if tired and sore, you're tempted to quit. His Camino hike holds real lessons for your own life's journey.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 10, 2025
4.25/5 - This was such a fascinating read. It was really interesting to see this priest's journey, both phyically and spiritually on the Camino. It has made me really interested in reading up on the history of the Camino and Saint James. Purely based on vibes alone, excellent account by this priest, but I bump it down from a 4.5 purely because he doesn't use the oxford comma, and something about that rubs me the wrong way.
January 11, 2021
"What the world needs more of are pilgrims heading to the house of the Father, pilgrims who will follow in Christ's footsteps. If you know the way, then have the courage to lead someone who doesn't. If you are lost and don't know where you are going, find someone who is on the right path, and hold on till you can walk by yourself." [p133, book:Hiking the Camino: 500 Miles With Jesus|6492612]. This quotation, offered towards the end of his humorous and humble memories from hiking the Camino di Santiago, captures well the lessons Fr. Dave Pivonka offers all of us that he learned across those 500 miles. Basically this: stop complaining, start walking, and "do it for the King." We'll find joy, beauty, love, and peace, in doing that - and heaven, if we just keep walking.
May 29, 2026
Got a heck ton of corny dad jokes in there. But I laughed the most at the women doing their laundry story.
Absolutely loved reading this while I am walking the Camino Del Norte route. I am blending with the Camino Frances (what Father did in the book) in a couple days. I resonated with a lot of the meditations and connections he made on his walks. I cried at the last bit
On my Camino, I’ve met so many people who are amazed I am Catholic and doing this, as they are all atheist or searching. I’ve had so many beautiful conversations with many of them about my faith and theirs or lack thereof. Upon finishing this book in Bilbao, I gifted it to my friend, Alex, from the UK, who is searching for God. I actually brought him with me to a pilgrims mass and he prayed for the first time!
Inspired and feeling grateful for holy priests.
My side note is that I am jealous they had Mass everyday (they are priests of course) but that is the saddest bit about my experience, is most of the churches are closed or Mass is unavailable.
Absolutely loved reading this while I am walking the Camino Del Norte route. I am blending with the Camino Frances (what Father did in the book) in a couple days. I resonated with a lot of the meditations and connections he made on his walks. I cried at the last bit
On my Camino, I’ve met so many people who are amazed I am Catholic and doing this, as they are all atheist or searching. I’ve had so many beautiful conversations with many of them about my faith and theirs or lack thereof. Upon finishing this book in Bilbao, I gifted it to my friend, Alex, from the UK, who is searching for God. I actually brought him with me to a pilgrims mass and he prayed for the first time!
Inspired and feeling grateful for holy priests.
My side note is that I am jealous they had Mass everyday (they are priests of course) but that is the saddest bit about my experience, is most of the churches are closed or Mass is unavailable.
May 2, 2026
So so glad I read this before starting the Camino! I feel more mentally prepared in what to expect and I now have lots of topics to ponder on along the journey. I also enjoyed reading through a priest's view. So many insights!
December 24, 2022
i’ll convince you to read this book using one quote and one quote only…
“Each day I should desire to love better, be a better priest, be holier and more faithful. What is demanded of me is not significantly different, whether I am just beginning my walk or nearing the end.”
such a fast read. such a cool story.
i know fr dave personally, so i think that was an added factor into how much i loved it- because i could imagine him writing this, and the way he explains things, etc etc.
but this is making me feel oddly compelled to walk 500 miles on the Camino…
it’s profound. i’m struck by how people start this journey for so many different reasons and it is radically transformative. whether it be spiritual reasons, seeking to let go of an addiction, or just searching for something in their life, everyone starts the camino in the same way- a single step.
it’s a great story, i learned a lot. i’d recommend it a LOT.
“Each day I should desire to love better, be a better priest, be holier and more faithful. What is demanded of me is not significantly different, whether I am just beginning my walk or nearing the end.”
such a fast read. such a cool story.
i know fr dave personally, so i think that was an added factor into how much i loved it- because i could imagine him writing this, and the way he explains things, etc etc.
but this is making me feel oddly compelled to walk 500 miles on the Camino…
it’s profound. i’m struck by how people start this journey for so many different reasons and it is radically transformative. whether it be spiritual reasons, seeking to let go of an addiction, or just searching for something in their life, everyone starts the camino in the same way- a single step.
it’s a great story, i learned a lot. i’d recommend it a LOT.
March 21, 2021
I enjoyed this book because I am a Christian and plan to walk the whole Camino. The story was more about the authors love of Jesus than the actual trials and joys of the walk. The writing was clear and direct. Father Dave is to be congratulated for his achievement!
May 2, 2025
Father Pivonka described his time on the Camino in a vivid and engaging way. His approach to the pilgrimage led to a lot of personal growth and cool experiences. It was very inspiring, and I’m curious to see how my experience will compare to his.
September 10, 2012
diary of the 500 mile walk to Compostella in Spain. Priest Dave decided to walk it in celebration of his 10th anniversary of being a Catholic priest. lots of good inside I of, like how the pilgrims wash their clothes, the importance of sox, conversations and scenery along the way. Great descriptions of everything: the auberges (pilgrim hostels), the 26lb backpack, the walking stick, the chapels along the way, the people, the food. Each chapter concludes with a short implication, kind of a lesson learned.
Final arrival the the Cathedral of St Leon, believed to be the burial site of St. James, is one of the best. The thurible is big enuf to swing from the rafters and throw its scents into the farthest corners of the church.
Most memorable pilgrims: couple, wife 68 and husband 69, walking the Camino for the second time. The husband is blind.
This is an easy read and deserves a second read or a third.
Final arrival the the Cathedral of St Leon, believed to be the burial site of St. James, is one of the best. The thurible is big enuf to swing from the rafters and throw its scents into the farthest corners of the church.
Most memorable pilgrims: couple, wife 68 and husband 69, walking the Camino for the second time. The husband is blind.
This is an easy read and deserves a second read or a third.
February 23, 2014
This grace-filled tale of a modern pilgrim gave me quite a bit to ponder. Scary prayers, excess baggage, simple joys, faith journeys, community, valuing other's journey--not comparing or racing to get ahead, thankfulness, personal call to service, and the grace to say yes. As someone who is not usually moved by spiritual literature, I found this book particularly striking.
April 28, 2013
I truly enjoyed this book. I think I needed to read this book. One day I'd love to walk the Camino. I recommend this to any who are longing to encounter Christ on their journey towards him.
August 17, 2019
Great spiritual Perspective by Father Pivonka. I am so looking forward to my Camino.
Read this book again August 2019 - great book
Read this book again August 2019 - great book
June 8, 2026
Hiking the Camino is exactly what the subtitle promises: a priest’s account of walking the El Camino while reflecting on faith, hardship, and spiritual growth. The book begins practically, even including a packing list, but quickly becomes much deeper than a simple travel memoir.
One quote early on stood out to me: “I had to believe I was prepared, and I had to start.” That line really captures both the physical and spiritual themes of the journey. Throughout the book, the author shares prayers, reflections, and honest thoughts about what it means to walk with God through discomfort and uncertainty. And yes — did I mention the author is a priest? That perspective shapes the entire experience.
I appreciated how grounded the book felt. He doesn’t romanticize the Camino. He talks about the realities of lodging, food, showering, laundry, sore feet, and daily logistics alongside deeper spiritual lessons. One of the most meaningful themes was his metaphor about the loads people carry. Some burdens are small but incredibly heavy, and you can’t always tell by looking at someone what they’re carrying internally.
Another powerful point was his discussion of fasting: that fasting is not simply about not eating, but intentionally choosing discomfort so God can reveal truth.
My favorite quote from the book was: “What a shame it would be to finish the Camino with my legs and body in tremendous shape but my heart unchanged?” That line perfectly summarizes the message of the book.
Overall, Hiking the Camino is more than a travel story. It’s a reflection on the Christian walk itself — comparing the physical pilgrimage of El Camino to the spiritual journey all Christians endure.
One quote early on stood out to me: “I had to believe I was prepared, and I had to start.” That line really captures both the physical and spiritual themes of the journey. Throughout the book, the author shares prayers, reflections, and honest thoughts about what it means to walk with God through discomfort and uncertainty. And yes — did I mention the author is a priest? That perspective shapes the entire experience.
I appreciated how grounded the book felt. He doesn’t romanticize the Camino. He talks about the realities of lodging, food, showering, laundry, sore feet, and daily logistics alongside deeper spiritual lessons. One of the most meaningful themes was his metaphor about the loads people carry. Some burdens are small but incredibly heavy, and you can’t always tell by looking at someone what they’re carrying internally.
Another powerful point was his discussion of fasting: that fasting is not simply about not eating, but intentionally choosing discomfort so God can reveal truth.
My favorite quote from the book was: “What a shame it would be to finish the Camino with my legs and body in tremendous shape but my heart unchanged?” That line perfectly summarizes the message of the book.
Overall, Hiking the Camino is more than a travel story. It’s a reflection on the Christian walk itself — comparing the physical pilgrimage of El Camino to the spiritual journey all Christians endure.
May 9, 2022
What a read! It was so joyful and made me excited about my Camino this summer. I won't be doing the whole trail like he did, but I think he had a lot of advice that could apply to any pilgrim.
I loved his sense of humor, and his book just had me smiling while I learned more about God and the Camino. I still think about his lessons; sometimes they pop in my head when I pray my rosary, and I meditate on them for a while. One that stood out to me was about everyone having their own cross. At first, it sounds like something you hear all the time, but the way he talked about it just stays in my mind. When he writes, you can tell he's genuine, and that makes all the hopeful things he says that much more beautiful. His trust in God and his gratitude for God's blessings came through on every page, and I think some of it passed onto me after reading it. This is an uplifting, insightful book, I'm glad I got to read this before my trip.
I loved his sense of humor, and his book just had me smiling while I learned more about God and the Camino. I still think about his lessons; sometimes they pop in my head when I pray my rosary, and I meditate on them for a while. One that stood out to me was about everyone having their own cross. At first, it sounds like something you hear all the time, but the way he talked about it just stays in my mind. When he writes, you can tell he's genuine, and that makes all the hopeful things he says that much more beautiful. His trust in God and his gratitude for God's blessings came through on every page, and I think some of it passed onto me after reading it. This is an uplifting, insightful book, I'm glad I got to read this before my trip.
June 1, 2024
In all honesty, I was not expecting much from this book. I thought it would be cheesy and predictable... and yes there were some cheesy or cringy moments, but overall it was a beautiful book with some really valuable insights! As a Christian and a soon-to-be pilgrim on the Camino, I appreciated the spiritual lessons that he drew from his time on the Camino. I hope that I too can learn more about Jesus and about how to love others and the world through my future time on the Camino.
Two quotes that I especially appreciated:
"Being emptied or stripped is difficult and often involves suffering, but I believe it is the only way to be free." (15)
"Fasting for a day isn't simply giving up food in order to lose a pound or two. Rather it is freely choosing to be uncomfortable, if only for a brief time, so that God can share with me the transcendent beauty of offering myself for something greater" (45)
Two quotes that I especially appreciated:
"Being emptied or stripped is difficult and often involves suffering, but I believe it is the only way to be free." (15)
"Fasting for a day isn't simply giving up food in order to lose a pound or two. Rather it is freely choosing to be uncomfortable, if only for a brief time, so that God can share with me the transcendent beauty of offering myself for something greater" (45)
October 19, 2023
Plainly but enthusiastically written. I enjoyed knowing that the author is so grateful for a vocation as a Catholic priest and that he truly enjoys his calling and finds it completely fulfilling. This thoughtful, optimistic and faith-filled approach to every event in his pilgrimage was inspiring, even if I'm unable to fully credit all the tenets of his Catholic faith.
I began the book rather enchanted with the idea of undertaking this walking pilgrimage myself, but developed reservations as the recounting proceeded knowing that the author is an otherwise fit 30-yo and I'm an active woman in my late 60's and he found this walking trip to be seriously physically punishing. Pause for perhaps a rethink ...
I began the book rather enchanted with the idea of undertaking this walking pilgrimage myself, but developed reservations as the recounting proceeded knowing that the author is an otherwise fit 30-yo and I'm an active woman in my late 60's and he found this walking trip to be seriously physically punishing. Pause for perhaps a rethink ...
September 13, 2022
Such a journey
Fr David took , me om several journeys as I walked with him on his pilgrimage through Spain The first was his own starting with the actual walk. He and his friend trekked across mountains and plains the same trek made by pilgrimage for hundred years. I chose to read this book now because my friend is hiking the sa e roads and I wanted a visual of his journey, Added to this was the spiritual journey that Fr David escorted me through...his journey brought me through my own. I'm never going to bike the El Camino, but my heart and soul have been there. THANK YOU,
Fr David took , me om several journeys as I walked with him on his pilgrimage through Spain The first was his own starting with the actual walk. He and his friend trekked across mountains and plains the same trek made by pilgrimage for hundred years. I chose to read this book now because my friend is hiking the sa e roads and I wanted a visual of his journey, Added to this was the spiritual journey that Fr David escorted me through...his journey brought me through my own. I'm never going to bike the El Camino, but my heart and soul have been there. THANK YOU,
July 4, 2026
Hiking the Camino is a fascinating insider’s look at Fr. Dave Pivonka’s experiences while walking the Camino Pilgrimage. Done as a thank you for his 10-year celebration of being a priest, he quickly adopted the posture of “all for the King.” The range of experiences, conversations, trials, lessons, and opportunities he encountered is just a beautiful collection of reflections that offer poignancy mixed with honesty. You will find vulnerability, humility, wisdom, inspiration, and plenty of humor packed into this quick read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
March 21, 2022
I read this book in preparation for a religious pilgrimage along el Camino de Santiago. It is not a guide book, nor is it a typical trail journal. Pivonka tells of his Camino as it affected him spiritually. He shares the messages that God taught him through the process of being a pilgrim. It was a bit like a good sermon—relatable and applicable.
As I begin my Camino journey, I will ponder the lessons he taught me through his own experience. I will think of how my Walk is a tribute, sacrifice, and praise to God.
As I begin my Camino journey, I will ponder the lessons he taught me through his own experience. I will think of how my Walk is a tribute, sacrifice, and praise to God.
August 10, 2026
This book about hiking the Camino Trail, which is on my bucket list, is written by a Catholic priest on a spiritual journey. I liked some of the spiritual tidbits but skipped over the Catholic references which really didn't apply to me. I really enjoyed his stories about the friends he met along the way. He also includes a lot of helpful ideas about making the journey easier should you decide to walk the trail your self. This book is a quick and easy read. I want to learn all I can about the Camino. I am fascinated by it. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
May 2, 2023
I received this as a gift in anticipation of my time on the Camino this spring. Father Dave is quite funny! Reading this bookended my time on the Camino, and I literally finished the book before boarding my last flight home. I believe I saw some of the cows Father Dave mentioned, and his frustration at the frequent signposts were a bit resonant (wow, I've walked 100 meters since the last signpost...). I expect to revisit this one!
July 26, 2023
I have read several books with authors telling about their experiences while walking the Camino. I found this book to be the most inspiring book I have ever read on this subject. Father Dave gave me the inspiration to “walk” my own path to a closer relationship to God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Because of RA and my age I can’t actually walk the Camino but I can become closer to the Holy Trinity in my own way.
April 21, 2018
A short and simple recounting of a priest’s journey to hike the Camino trail. His is presented as an offering of the thanksgiving to God for allowing him to be a priest. I’ve been obsessed with thru-hiking stories of the PCT, AT and the JMT. This was very different but I enjoyed how he showed his spiritual growth on the trail. Lovely read. Simple writing but heartfelt message.
June 8, 2019
Walking with Heart
Well written descriptive narrative interspersed with humor and parralleled with heartfelt spirituality. Having walked the Camino, I know each pilgrim's story is unique and Father Dave's is no exception except in his talented storytelling capability. I found myself chuckeling outloud many times!
Well written descriptive narrative interspersed with humor and parralleled with heartfelt spirituality. Having walked the Camino, I know each pilgrim's story is unique and Father Dave's is no exception except in his talented storytelling capability. I found myself chuckeling outloud many times!
June 15, 2019
Father Dave did a fine job with this book. It was a nice reflection of his faith and calling as a priest while he spent a month on the Camino. I would have enjoyed more discussion on the scenery and a little bit more about the people he encountered. Overall it was a relaxing read and a nice look into the experience of walking the Camino as a religious pilgrim.
January 2, 2020
I have visited both Santiago de Compostela, as well as Saint Jean Pied de Port , although I have not walked the Camino. This book brought back the memories, as well as the atmosphere of these two cities. I found the memories in this book to be honest and inspiring, as well as humorous.
Thanks to Father Dave for sharing these wonderful recollections, as well as private moments, with us.
Thanks to Father Dave for sharing these wonderful recollections, as well as private moments, with us.
August 26, 2021
The best journey my spirit ever went on and I didn't leave my house!
I didn't want it to end! The love that is in the pages of the book has caused me to pray about my life direction. Wanting to go to home and be with Christ now...Fr. Dave's words about walking each day profoundly impacted my heart. Thank you Father Dave for taking us on the Camino with you.
I didn't want it to end! The love that is in the pages of the book has caused me to pray about my life direction. Wanting to go to home and be with Christ now...Fr. Dave's words about walking each day profoundly impacted my heart. Thank you Father Dave for taking us on the Camino with you.
July 25, 2023
I enjoyed reading Father Dave's experience walking El Camino. My parents are from Santiago de Compostela and I have been thinking about doing El Camino for years and for one reason or another, I just do not place it as a priority. Reading this book, has given me a boost of energy to now plan with purpose my walk and encounter what Jesus has in store for me.
February 8, 2019
Fun, quick read with some spiritual and faith insight. I heard his presentation of his hike in person and he is HILARIOUS. I don't know how funny this book would be if I hadn't heard him first though.
April 22, 2019
Really great book! I think it would be a good read even if one wasn’t preparing to walk the Camino! I found it fruitful how Fr. Dave Pivonka would tell a story from his Camino experience in each chapter and then explain the lesson he drew out of it. 👍🏼
July 15, 2019
A catholic priest hikes the sacred Camino (500 miles). Blisters, hard beds, new people teach him spiritual journeys on the way.
Great book... looks like a batter hike than the AT (too crowded)or PCT (too many mosquitoes).
Great book... looks like a batter hike than the AT (too crowded)or PCT (too many mosquitoes).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews