First off, a huge thank you to everyone who’s left a review for It’s Just sMiles on Amazon. We’re up to 10 reviews! Shout out to Baxter, Victor Fransen, Jane Howard, Jim Harper, Bob Murphy, and Susan — you rock! Your words truly matter. They help more people discover the book and, more importantly, keep... Continue reading →
Category: It’s Just sMiles
The Camino continues… and I need your help.
IIt’s Just sMiles has now been out for six weeks—and like any good Camino walk, it’s been full of excitement, reflection, and a few unexpected blisters. Sales have been steady, but slower than I’d hoped. If you’ve already read it—thank you from the bottom of my heart (and my slightly sore feet). If you haven’t…... Continue reading →
It’s Just sMiles is Here
Today’s the day—I’m thrilled to announce the release of my new book, It’s Just sMiles: Just Pete on the Camino de Santiago. What began as a journey measured in miles quickly turned into one measured in smiles. In 2019, I walked more than 800 miles across Spain and Portugal on the Camino de Santiago. Along... Continue reading →
It’s Just sMiles launches September 16
My new book is (almost) here. After years of planning, walking, writing, and, yes, smiling, I’m excited to announce that my second book, It’s Just sMiles: Just Pete on the Camino de Santiago, will be released on September 16. In 2019, I laced up my shoes and set out across Spain and Portugal on the... Continue reading →
Coming This September: It’s Just sMiles
It’s Just sMiles chronicles my journey along the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal—a trek of of 820 miles that proved walking isn’t just good for your health, but also for your soul. This isn’t just a travelogue. Along the way, I discovered the quiet power of a simple smile—how it can break language... Continue reading →
Don’t Worry. Be Happy.
I really hope each of you, your family, and your friends are doing well during these trying times. Pretty crazy times. huh? I can't wait for those murder hornets. You couldn't even make this stuff up!! Things seemed to be much happier a year ago. We were walking across Spain and Portugal one smile at... Continue reading →
Day 56 Póvoa de Varzim to Labra 10 miles (811 miles total)
That makes 3,001 miles in the past 28 months. That’s really a long way if you think about it. Walked through Vila do Conde. Made me think of the Conde Spartans! This Conde just has nicer beaches than Conde, SD. The “Hola” smile of the day. She enjoys working in her garden and it shows.... Continue reading →
Day 55 Marinhas to Póvoa de Varzim 16 miles (801 miles total)
The mornings have begun with a pretty dense fog in the early AM. Burns off by 11:00. Reminds me of June gloom in San Diego. I’m taking every beach route possible so pretty much walking through lots of beach towns. They’re getting closer together as I get closer to Porto. Lots of fishermen, boats, and... Continue reading →
Day 54 Carreço to Marinhas 18 miles (785 miles total)
Your generosity has officially exceeded my expectations. Your pledges to date total $41.61/mile. That means we will have raised more than $33,000 this hike for the charities I’m hiking for. Thank you so much. I am humbled by your support. This is Aucke Ilff, my host for the past 2 evenings. He is a retired... Continue reading →
Day 53 Carreço 0 miles (767 miles total)
Spent a good portion of the day exploring Caminha. Got a ride into town (10 miles) from a local guy. Caminha is surrounded by Atlantic Ocean to the west, a river on the north, and another river to east. This is the “Hola” smile of the day. He had lots of fun chasing the pigeons... Continue reading →