Our Way to Santiago

John's Camino
Since the 70s, when I Came to Colorado with the US Military, I have been a citizen athletic and explorer. I have climbed many mountains in Colorado and around the world; Mexico, Argentina, and Nepal. Running was my passion for many years but now turned my focus to hiking and walking. Having known of the Camino from friends and of course, the movie,a pilgrimage on the Camino was a natural progression of me adventurous life.
There are many reasons why people walk the Camino. Initially my reason was purely for the sake of adventure. But now I realize I do have a purpose. I walk for Tom Sorensen. My co-worker, hunting buddy and good friend. I walk to celebrate my 70th birthday( albeit in advance) . I walk with Ann-Marie to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
There is no way to know what the Camino will bring for me or anyone until one returns. I am not sure what I want from my pilgrimage , but maybe when I return I will see things more clearly, be able to unburden myself of things that get me down. To be able to focus more on that means the most to me and family.
To let go.Not sure what this means now, but may when I return.
More to follow after.
Bon Camino

Ann-Marie's Camino

Hi all! I’m ready to go. I am so excited. We sold our Mountain House, closed on it today. What a relief to have that done. It’s been a crazy month packing and moving and hoping this would all take place before leaving the country. I think this walking trip might actually be relaxing after this last month. I have weighed everything I am taking and 15 lbs or so is going to be what I’m carrying in my pack. It’s amazing how much stuff you can have with 15 lbs. Our original plan was to leave Denver May 1 and walk 500 miles starting in France, but we had to shorten our trip and now will be departing Denver on May 17 and starting our walk in Burgos, Spain. We plan on walking about 315 miles to Santiago de Compostela.I discovered the Camino de Santiago many years ago while on a vacation in France. I saw a sign with a scallop shell giving the number of miles to Santiago. I did a little research and thought I’d like to do that someday when I’m done hiking up mountains. Well, the years went by and I forgot about the Camino until I saw the movie “The Way” a couple years ago. I remembered that sign from long ago and that’s when I started thinking aboutwalking the Camino. John thought it was a great idea. So we made a plan.There are so many reasons why people do this walk. I think our 20th anniversary is a great reason and who else to do this with but John. He’s the best. We’ve had lots of great adventures over the years and I know we will both have a great Camino together. Let’s hope that our feet and knees hold out as well as our sense of humor. I look forward to the Camino experience both physically and mentally. I’m also intrigued to meet some of the other thousands from all walks of life from around the world who will be walking. One of my biggest reasons is my Dad, who today has great difficulty walking. He is a very devout Catholic and would thoroughly enjoy doing this if he was able. So Dad this is for you! Bon Camino

 

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