If you grew up in the 80s like I did, you know Andrew McCarthy from Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire.

But Andrew is more than an actor and director. He’s also an award-winning travel writer.

His writing is introspective, vulnerable and self-deprecating. He weaves memoir with vivid descriptions of people and place, and grapples with questions like how to balance a solitary nature with the desire for intimacy.

I reached out to ask him about walking across Spain, a journey he made twice: first alone, and then with his teenaged son.

I thought he might give me some insights and inspiration as I prepare for a long farewell-to-Europe hike.

We spoke about Andrew's Brat pack years, walking the Camino with his son, and how a hike can change your life.

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