sillydoll
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2002 CF: 2004 from Paris: 2006 VF: 2007 CF: 2009 Aragones, Ingles, Finisterre: 2011 X 2 on CF: 2013 'Caracoles': 2014 CF and Ingles 'Caracoles":2015 Logrono-Burgos (Hospitalero San Anton): 2016 La Douay to Aosta/San Gimignano to Rome:
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.
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.