Hiking the Camino de Santiago. Independent traveler Susan Alcorn will present a digital slide show of her five-week 500-mile trek along Spain's ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the burial place of the disciple St. James.

Come walk with Susan and Ralph through quaint medieval towns in the high mountains of the Pyrenees, across the fertile red soils of the Rioja region, to the lush green Galician Hills. Susan will give you pointers for planning your own Camino adventure, including gear, expenses, lodging and what to expect about life on this centuries-old trail. Free, no reservations required. Susan Alcorn is the author of "Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago", and "We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill" Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers."

REI Thursday, July 30, 2009. REI Brentwood (brand new store!), Ste 100, 2475 Sand Creek Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513. (925) 516-3540. Free, no reservations required.