On September 19th, I’ll begin my second journey to Santiago de Compostela, following the Portuguese Camino starting from Lisbon. On the 18th, I’ll visit the cathedral to pick up my pilgrim’s credential, marking the official start of my adventure. As a ham radio operator, I’m bringing my trusty (tr)uSDX and a homemade End Fed antenna, combining my love for long walks with my passion for radio. My first pilgrimage took place in 2019, where I walked the French Camino, covering nearly 1,000 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in about a month.
This new journey will also be documented on my website iu8qtm.eu, where I’ll share the stages of my pilgrimage, including a detour to Fatima. Once I reach Porto, I’ll decide whether to continue along the Senda Litoral or take the central route. I’m also considering continuing beyond Santiago to Finisterre, but that’s a decision I’ll make once I reach my goal.
Why I Chose to Walk the Camino Again
Walking the Camino is not just a physical journey but also a way to connect deeply with the culture of the places I pass through. I’ve always been fascinated by Portugal, and after visiting it a few times, I decided to explore it on foot. By walking, I can truly immerse myself in its culture and appreciate every moment at a slower pace.
Though my blog and YouTube channel, Onde Radio in CAmmino, are focused on amateur radio, this trip will offer a dual perspective. I will share my experience both as a walker and as a radio enthusiast. My videos, which I aim to publish every two days, will be split into two parts. The first will cover my emotions and the journey itself, answering questions from viewers about topics like the right footwear, what to pack, where to sleep, and more. In the second part, I’ll discuss radio-related subjects, bringing together my two passions: walking and ham radio.
For ham radio operators, I’ll be active as CT7/IU8QTM while in Portugal and as EA/IU8QTM once I cross into Spain. I plan to log every QSO and will send QSL cards once I’m back home. Additionally, I will provide daily updates on my Instagram account, where I’ll share my location and, when possible, let you know if I was able to set up my radio station.
Representing My Hometown: Sessa Cilento
As part of this journey, I’m carrying with me a poster celebrating the 190th anniversary of my hometown, Sessa Cilento, thanks to Antonio Migliorino’s initiative. I will proudly take photos with the poster in various locations, including the Cathedral of Santiago, as a sign of respect and love for my home.
I hope this journey allows me to discover new aspects of myself, meet people from all over the world, and continue to embrace the beauty of walking and nature, while also sharing it through the lens of amateur radio.