When I did the Camino St Francis last year I was constantly meeting people over the first few days who were doing it for the second, third, fourth, umpteenth time and I just didn’t get it. As ever, being the shy, retiring person I am, I asked some of them “I don’t get it, why would you do this more than once?” and they would reply “it’s early days yet, you’ll find out”.
Well, as time went on I found out. You become part of the Camino and the Camino becomes part of you. Even now, 18 months later, it’s still part of me and I can’t wait to return. And what’s more, for better or worse, I’ve managed to persuade two good walking friends to come with me and experience it for themselves (Barbara and Gerald).
I really hope they have the same experience and the Camino becomes part of them too. Only time will tell but by far the vast majority of the people I met and shared the pilgrimage with last year had the same experience that I did and already I know of two that have returned for more of the same.
I am certain that if I did the Camino St Francis once again I would enjoy it just as much as the last time, however we have made the decision to try the Camino Del Norte along the North Coast of Spain this time around. Partly because it will be quieter than the St Francis stampede at this time of the year and partly because it’s going to be different. Very much the same distance, around 540 miles, from Irun to Santiago De Compostela, but being a coastal walk I believe there’s a lot more up and down, especially in the first week.
I was unsure whether to write a blog this year as I thought “been there, done that” and people will be getting bored. However, so many people have asked …….., well at least one person ………., ok, it may have been Helen that asked, anyway I’ve decided to give it another go. Maybe this time I’ll manage to keep my camera in one piece and take some decent photos :-).
Same as last year I’ve setup a JustGiving page, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/derek-truby1 , not because it’s a sponsored walk but if you should by any chance get a little enjoyment out of the blog and want to give a little in return then this gives you the opportunity. I’ve chosen an Alzheimer’s charity this year as it seems to becoming so much more prevalent in our lives. Thanks to your generous donations last year we managed to raise over £340 for a local hospice so thank you to everyone.
To access the blog itself please click on ‘Posts’ at the top of the page. Thanks for looking 🙂
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Camino Del Norte 