“The Way”— is the movie that started it all. Dave & I had heard about the Camino while living in London, but watching the movie really made an impression and we decided to
add this to our list of “Things To Do”. The movie stars Martin Sheen and is directed by his son, Emilio Estevez.

Walking the Camino, many people discuss (both directly and indirectly), “Why did you decide to walk?” Consistently, the response we hear is: “we saw the movie…. The Way.” While most Europeans knew of the Camino, the rest of the world did not, and the movie has reached not only the USA and Canada, but also in South America, Africa, Australia and Asia. We have met pilgrims from all over the world.

The Pilgrimage reached its peak in Medieval times, but then tapered off, due to wars, epidemics, and natural catastrophes. However, it never completely died out, and in the last quarter of the 20th century there has been a resurgence of pilgrims. Tourism and cultural/religious awareness have had a great role in its revival throughout Europe.  Since the movie’s release in 2010,  the number of pilgrims completing the pilgrimage has more than doubled. According to the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, 145,877 pilgrims received their certificate in 2009, and in 2017, the number increased to 301,036. Amazing! Thank you, Emilio!

UPDATE FROM DAVE’S SISTER:   Emilio just produced a movie,The Public, about the homeless and libraries. A friend of ours who is the executive director of a homeless shelter near by (Chicago), wrote the librarian’s guide to homelessness. Hope Emilio has the same affect on this cause as he did on The Way!

Emilio Estevez.
Emilio became a rising star and member of the BratPack when he was in “The Outsiders,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Young Guns.”

“Young Guns” is a movie produced in 1988 in which Emilio starred as Billy the Kid. According to Wikipedia, he contacted his good friend, Jon Bon Jovi, to write and perform a few songs on the soundtrack. Among those used were two hits, “Wanted”, and “Blaze of Glory”.

Bon Jovi, the American rock band from New Jersey, was created in 1983 and produced several #1 hit songs. The 80’s were a decade of hard rock bands and big hair…I was in high school & college.

Walk with me back to 1986…..

PS: And, YES! We’re Halfway There!!!