Camino Caracoles arrived in Santiago today

[sillydoll]

The Camino Caracoles arrived in Santiago this morning after walking from Barbadelo in 17 days. It was an amazing journey and "take it slow and smell the roses" took on a new meaning for Adriaan and me, the two group leaders. Walking 5km to 8km a day, always concious of their physical limitations, was a learning curve for us.
Johnnie walker met us in Santiago and surprised us by reserving a bench in the front row. Also, the Camino Caracoles 2013 was named as one of the groups that arrived today. Our walkers said that they felt like VIPs and were overwhelmed by the reception they received. Johnnie took us to the pilgrim's office and led us to a private room downstairs where the Compostelas were prepared.
It was an emotional moment for Patricia who walked in the memory of her brother who passed away at a fairly young age. Patricia (74 years old) and her 52 year-old daughter have a familial foot problem and some days thought they might not make it.
Ann and her husband did a part of the Camino from Roncesvalles to Burgos in 1995. They planned on completing it the following year but he became ill and passed away. Ann, who had polio and walks with a walker, did the Slow Camino carrying her husband's 1995 credential and was given a lovely memorial Compostela in his name.
Bob doesn't have a specific disability (besides having had heart by-pass a few years ago) but at 89 years of age was a wonderful inspiration to us all.
Reinette had a tumour the size of an egg removed from her skull a year ago which has left her a bit wobbly at times and with occasional headaches. She was so euphoric with the joys of life that she sang, danced and laughed her way across the Camino.
This experience proved that anyone could walk the Camino with a little bit of help and earn the Compostela.

 

[tyrrek]

Well done to you all, and glad you had such a great time. Wasn't JW a star for organising that?!

Buen Camino!

 

[Priscillian]

WOW! "¡Parabens!" (Galego for congratulations!) to you all. Every pilgrim who walks the Camino takes on some special difficulty since it is the nature of humans to suffer in some way, alas. But to walk with a physical infirmity is courage indeed. Way to go all of you. You are a true inspiration!!!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

 

[Kiwi-family]

YAY! You guys have done so well - including the leaders who had the compassion to make this achievement possible. Go JW too!

 

[fraluchi]

...This experience proved that anyone could walk the Camino with a little bit of help and earn the Compostela.

So may be it, but in my view the "little bit of help" was essentially Sil's organizational qualities.

 

[sillydoll]

So may be it, but in my view the "little bit of help" was essentially Sil's organizational qualities

Maybe, but you did twice the mileage anyone else did! Playing the role of sweeper and up-front helper wasn't easy. You should have seen Fraluchi go! Racing ahead to reel in 89 year-old Bob who often marched ahead and had to be stopped before overshooting the end place. Then hot-footing it to the back to help the slower walkers. Pushing the Irish lady on her Veloped when she couldn't walk.
The Slow Camino wouldn't have been the success it was without you!

 

[Packinglight]

What a beautiful experience that walk must have been. It moves me to read your posts.

 

[Deleted member 22638]

Wonderful !

 

[KiwiNomad06]

So glad to read it all went so well sil, and I am sure all those who received their compostelas were duly proud of them.
Margaret

 

[Rambler]

Sil,
In another post Annie says she sensed a different vibe on the Camino this year. What was ya'll experience?
Rambler

 

[natefaith]

I know you arrived in Santiago a couple months ago but wow, reading through this thread I can just feel the enthusiasm, excitement, and sense of accomplishment. When a trip is well-planned-out beforehand people are free to just enjoy and take it all in during it, so good job everyone!