The Camino Provides

13/06/2026

A Coruña playa Orzán y Paseo marítimo

07/06/2026

Hello! I am excited to share that I will be a participant in this year's American Discovery 250 Relay starting in July and running until Thanksgiving. The route is along the entire 6,800 mile American Discovery Trail. I will be carrying a special baton with a replica of the Declaration of Independence inside, and joining hundreds of other participants in what promises to be the longest non-motorized relay in world history. The relay is non-competitive, non-political and free.

I encourage you to join me as either a baton carrier or a volunteer to help wherever you may be needed as the event arrives in or near your community. To sign up for free, please visit: https://discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay. Thank you!

04/06/2026

Bonus Day in A Coruña 🇪🇸
Today was supposed to be my last day in Spain, but a canceled flight by TAP Air Portugal turned into an unexpected gift. Instead of spending last night in Madrid and flying to Lisbon this morning, I booked a third night in my favorite city in Spain and caught a short flight to Madrid today. Now I get an overnight in Lisbon and head home a day later.

There are worse problems to have than one more day in A Coruña.

A Coruña is a place I feel deeply connected to. It has beautiful beaches where surfers chase Atlantic swells, a lively seafront promenade that stretches for nearly 13 kilometers—one of the longest urban waterfront walks in Europe—and pedestrian streets that wind through the charming Old Town.

The city’s heart is the grand Plaza de María Pita, named for María Pita, the local heroine who rallied the city’s defenders against an English attack in 1589 after her husband was killed in battle. Her courage is immortalized in the towering statue that watches over the square.

Then there is the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest functioning Roman lighthouse. Built nearly 2,000 years ago and remodeled during the Renaissance, it still guides ships today. According to legend, it stands on the spot where Hercules defeated the giant Geryon, giving the tower both historical and mythical significance.

Mostly, though, it’s the feeling of the place that keeps drawing me back—the ocean, the energy, the cafés, and the easy rhythm of life.

As I wrap up this Camino and my time in Spain, I’m feeling incredibly grateful for all the blessings of this journey: the freedom to walk my own way, the friendships that appeared when I needed them most, the generosity of strangers, the beauty of northern Spain, and perhaps one of the greatest miracles of all—no heel pain.

Fifteen days ago, I set out not knowing exactly what I would find. I return home with tired legs, a full heart, and a reminder that some of the best moments in life are the ones you never planned.

Buen Camino, and until next time, Spain. ❤️🇪🇸

03/06/2026

Camino del Norte Asturias days 5-8

18/03/2025

Loved seeing Bill Bennett and Jennifer Cluff at the Berkeley screening of The Way, My Way. Encore screening this Thursday at the Elmwood. Get tickets before it sells out: https://app.formovietickets.com/?chain=rialto&rtn=37533&page=picktitle&showTitle=the-way,-my-way

13/03/2025

Camino friends, Join us in supporting International House! Make a gift of $10 or more before Big Give ends at 9 p.m. tonight and help us continue fostering intercultural connections. Every gift makes a difference!
https://givingday.berkeley.edu/amb/laurie

What a night to remember! 🌟 Chancellor Rich Lyons joined some of our incredible residents at our recent Gala, celebrating global community, leadership, and lifelong connections. 🌍 Join us in supporting I-House! Make a gift of $10 or more before Big Give ends at 9 p.m. tonight and help us continue fostering intercultural connections. Every gift makes a difference! ➡️ ihouse.berkeley.edu/biggive

13/03/2025

📸 Here’s a snapshot from our recent Gala, featuring two incredible global community ambassadors - Harini Voruganti and Eryn Su. Just 4 days ago, we celebrated the impact of International House, a place that has transformed countless lives, including mine.

Consider making a gift of $10 or more to ensure International House continues its vital work and remains a beacon of community strength! 💪
Your generosity can make a difference! Donate directly to International House: https://givingday.berkeley.edu/amb/laurie

🌍 Your support is invaluable! 🌎

13/03/2025

Come to the only East Bay screening of The Way, My Way camino film by Bill Bennett on Sunday, March 16 @ 6:30 PM.
Get tickets before it sells out!
https://rialtocinemas.com/coming-soon-elm/they-way-elm/

30/01/2025

Guided walk to Pueblo and trek to beach with a new friend

View my hike: Walk to Yelapa beach