Category: Post-Walk

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 spreading the message behind it.

Speaking of that message, I want to share a story that made my day…

My friend Corky was having dinner with a friend in Asheville, North Carolina. As they approached the restaurant, they noticed a man sitting alone on the sidewalk — someone who looked like life had been a little rough on him.

Corky stopped, smiled, and talked with him for a minute or two while his friend waited by the door. When they finally went inside, his friend asked, “Why did you stop?”

Corky smiled and said, “I just read this book — It’s Just sMiles — that reminded me how much difference a smile and a simple hello can make.”

After dinner, the man was still there. This time, they both stopped to say hello. The man’s face lit up. He was grateful that someone noticed him. And Corky and his friend walked away feeling good.

A win-win… for everyone.

Be a Corky.
Take a minute to smile, to say hello, to connect. It costs nothing — and you might just make someone’s day a little brighter… including your own.

And if you’ve read It’s Just sMiles and it made you smile, please take a moment to leave a short review on Amazon. Those small acts — just like Corky’s smile — make a big difference.

For more smiles: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Just-sMiles-Santiago-Adventures/dp/B0FNX7CQ9H/ref=sr_1_1?asc_source=01HFY6QA7FYP0YEFD1ZY3XMFP8&tag=snx78-20

Keep smiling,
Just Pete

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… what are you waiting for?

It’s Just Walking surprised me with how well it’s done. It still brings in enough each month to pay for a couple weeks of Budweiser. I’m hoping It’s Just sMiles can cover the rest of the month.

But here’s the thing: on Amazon—where about 85% of book sales happen—reviews are everything. Once It’s Just Walking reached 40 reviews, something magical happened: Amazon started recommending it more, and sales took off.

It’s Just sMiles has seven reviews so far. That’s on me. I haven’t asked until now.

So here’s my Camino request to you:
If you’ve read It’s Just sMiles and it made you smile (or laugh, or maybe tear up a little), would you take two minutes to leave a short Amazon review? Just a few sentences or even a line helps more than you’d imagine.

If you haven’t read it yet, I hope you’ll grab a copy, take a virtual walk with me across Spain and Portugal—and then let me know what you think.

We’re all on a pilgrimage. It’s called life.
Thanks for walking with me.

Just Pete

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 the way, I discovered how a simple grin can cross language barriers, brighten the hardest days, and turn strangers into friends.

This book shares that journey—part travel adventure, part reflection, and a mix of humor, heart, and honesty. You’ll wander through seaside towns, cathedral cities, and (I hope) find reasons to smile in your own everyday life.

Where to Get It

• Available today, September 16
• Formats: paperback, hardcover, and e-book
• Order through Amazon or wherever you get your books.

How You Can Help

• Grab a copy (or three—books make great gifts!)
• Leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads—it makes a huge difference.
• Share this post with friends who love travel, adventure, or just a good story.

I can’t thank you enough for walking alongside me through this journey—from the Appalachian Trail to the Camino de Santiago. Your encouragement, messages, and smiles have carried me farther than my legs ever could.

So here it is: It’s Just sMiles. May it bring you as many smiles as the Camino brought me.

Keep smiling—it makes the road lighter.

Just Pete

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 barriers, lift weary spirits, and remind you that kindness is universal, no matter where your hiking boots take you.

Whether you’re planning your own Camino or simply love a good story about getting lost (both literally and figuratively), I hope It’s Just sMiles will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even reach for your own backpack.

Thanks for being part of this wild, wonderful journey. I can’t wait to share the smiles with you all.

Buen Camino… and keep smiling.

Just Pete

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 a time.  Remember?  That was fun.

I put together this video to help you remember to not worry and be happy.  We’ll all get through whatever is thrown at us by sticking together.

Happy trails, buen Camino, and, most importantly. PEACE!