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My brief Camino introduction....

GraemeHall

Active Member
Donating Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Francés 2017/18; Portugués 2019
Having a window of just 6 days between commitments elsewhere in Europe, I covered around 164km in those 6 days from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Logroño. I met amazing folk, saw brilliant scenery, felt part of a centuries-old community, and immersed myself as much as possible in the cultural history of the Camino.
I set myself a goal of one entry in my Camino sketchbook each day. I admit I did have a bit of catching up to do later! I'll try to attach a photo of one of my entries.
Now I just can't wait to return to Logroño in early April to complete my first Camino, in the last few weeks before turning 70.
Buen Camino to all.
 
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I love the sketch Graeme. I will be walking the last 137km of Camino Frances with my Dad shortly. He turns 70 in January and it is something he has always wanted to do. Best of luck with completing your first Camino next April.
 
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164 km in 6 days - averaged 27 km per day! Wow! Amazing! As I read your post you sounded much younger, so busy, walking as far as possible, squeezing in the time to walk. And you are an artist as well! Thanks for sharing your drawing - I remember reaching that bridge and being completely exhausted. Your post was so happy, and reminds us of how exciting it is to walk the camino. Hope you have a great 70th birthday party next year!
 
Graeme, thank you for sharing your gorgeous sketch and the gladdening post! Many people who actually have the capacity to go the distance are way too limited by thoughts about their age. You will have inspired someone today!
 
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Thank you for such a happy thread and for the lovely sketch. It took me straight back to Zubiri. Love the way you’ve done the ducks. If you ever feel like sharing the rest of your sketchbook please feel free to post it.
 
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful art. Sounds like you had a great journey! You certainly covered some ground!
 
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Really nice sketch Graeme, captures the lovely old bridge at Zubiri perfectly. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
 
this reminds us that joy can be found in little moments and doesn't require the whole shebang

(like when i think I don't have 20 or 30 minutes to meditate and forget there are benefits in 10 minutes!)


Thank you for sharing the sketch - it is beautiful and another example of going slow enough to really see- You truly saw, took time and created- that will last a life time longer than a photo
 
Hi Graeme,
Apart from your lovely sketch, I note that you include the date, the location, the walking day, start point, finish point, distance that day and total distance. I like your attention to these details as they will give the sketch so much more context when you look back at it in a few years time.
Aidan
 
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Goodness - thank you all so much for your kind and affirming "likes" and responses to my post.
Really, it was such a modest beginning - only 6 days. I am still in touch with some friends I made. And as for finishing my Camino before I am 70 - well the 70 is just a number, a milestone, almost a metaphor for the Camino itself.
Thank you, too, for the kind comments about my little sketch. They really are just quick pen sketches with watercolour added - usually around 15 - 20 minutes. But your comments have emboldened me, so with your indulgence I'll add a few more from those first 6 days.... Buen Camino amigos.
 
Absolutely lovely
Forget the awe that you whip these out in 15- 20 minutes
How do you care for them in route?
Is the color applied later in the day when you have stopped?
 
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Nanc said:
Absolutely lovely
Forget the awe that you whip these out in 15- 20 minutes
How do you care for them in route?
Is the color applied later in the day when you have stopped?
Click to expand...
Thanks Nanc. My preference is to draw and paint the sketch in situ. That's not always convenient, generally because I'm a bit shy about it and it does tend to attract attention! The watercolour does dry quite quickly on sunny days
.I sometimes do a quick ink sketch on the spot, take a photo, and add colour later. And I must admit that I also quite often go back over a day's photos later, and do the whole thing from the photo. (Least preferred option, but still pretty authentic I think.)
 
I love their simplicity and freshness. To me, that captures the essence of the Camino. Thanks for sharing them with us.
 
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