Silver Falls Trail Angel

[CaminoDebrita]

Of course, I have been rather quiet as of late. I thought I would pop back in and give all of you good pilgrim friends an update.

I am teaching full-time this term, as a gentleman at the local high school needed to leave fast. Perfect time to gather money for my next journey, in September!

Part of my training routine for when I did my first Camino in October of 2015 was to hike the jewel of the Oregon Parks system, Silver Falls. I became such a regular fixture that I now work there--on the weekends--as a trail ambassador.

I wear a khaki Oregon State Parks outfit, with a cool vest, hat, etc. I hike, give out directions, and carry a radio. I basically am living the dream!

Last weekend, I was hiking down a steep decline, Maple Ridge Trail. An attractive lady, just a bit older than me, was hiking up the formidable and steep incline, and we paused to chat.

She said that it was a miracle that she was hiking, and that the previous year, she had nearly died. Her story was nothing short of incredible. Then, she looked at me. A pause.

"Have you heard of the...Camino de Santiago?", she asked.

I could have fallen over backwards. "Yes.....as a matter of fact, I have".

She is going later this year, as a celebration of life. I told her about this forum, and I hope she comes on. Her name is...well, it will be hers to share, but let me just say that it sounds like "Angel".

She was my trail angel last weekend, and I was hers.

Buen Camino!

 

[natefaith]

Very cool, Deb! Good to get an update from you.

 

[wayfarer]

Good on you Deb. As you say, living the dream.

 

[VNwalking]

Beautiful. Thanks for the update, Deb--you have been missed.
[Edit...Pretty please, can we see a photo of you in action...in that cool outfit?]

 

[Shakespearshakes]

Atta Girl Deb. keep living the dream!

 

[Christian Hiriart]

Thanks for sharing Deb, I think this was the Camino way of calling you back.
Happy trails.
Chris

 

[movinmaggie]

Great to see you back Deb. Had thought about your whereabouts. You certainly don't stay idle. I'll be thinking of you while walking in Scotland, as you did help me with some information. I leave in two weeks.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Beautiful. Thanks for the update, Deb--you have been missed.
[Edit...Pretty please, can we see a photo of you in action...in that cool outfit?]

I will attach a photo later today. Honestly, I hang my ranger outfit up in my master bathroom where I can see it every day! It cheers me up so immensely, and makes me smile every morning.

Getting my special job at Silver Falls State Park is a dream come true. It is a volunteer position, but if I wanted, I think I could become more quite easily (seasonal work). I am very happy doing it, and love the rangers and the hikers. Everyone is noticing the wildflowers, the state of the trail, the wisp of the clouds, the giant tree that falls and becomes stuck precariously someplace; the conversations are of an outside nature, and so close to the earth and trail.

Of course, hikers everywhere commit the same crimes: garbage, paper, smoking on the trail, loudness. The idea is to educate and walk on.

On a different topic, many of you know that my initial Camino walk was a God Walk to deal with loss--loved ones who were very close. Now, I have the other newer losses--a close friend, an ex husband who was even closer. I am finding myself in a better position now to observe my grief, acknowledge it, and continue walking (daily walk through life, walk on the trail). I am not as mired down in the business of grief. This is good.

I will be back more frequently. After all, I have a Camino to plan! Porto, perhaps? We shall see!

 

[SabsP]

Good to see you back Deb! As always from you : heartwarming writing.

 

[Mike Savage]

It does sound like a dream job . . . pretty cool!

 

[Mike Trebert]

Of course, I have been rather quiet as of late. I thought I would pop back in and give all of you good pilgrim friends an update.

I am teaching full-time this term, as a gentleman at the local high school needed to leave fast. Perfect time to gather money for my next journey, in September!

Part of my training routine for when I did my first Camino in October of 2015 was to hike the jewel of the Oregon Parks system, Silver Falls. I became such a regular fixture that I now work there--on the weekends--as a trail ambassador.

I wear a khaki Oregon State Parks outfit, with a cool vest, hat, etc. I hike, give out directions, and carry a radio. I basically am living the dream!

Last weekend, I was hiking down a steep decline, Maple Ridge Trail. An attractive lady, just a bit older than me, was hiking up the formidable and steep incline, and we paused to chat.

She said that it was a miracle that she was hiking, and that the previous year, she had nearly died. Her story was nothing short of incredible. Then, she looked at me. A pause.

"Have you heard of the...Camino de Santiago?", she asked.

I could have fallen over backwards. "Yes.....as a matter of fact, I have".

She is going later this year, as a celebration of life. I told her about this forum, and I hope she comes on. Her name is...well, it will be hers to share, but let me just say that it sounds like "Angel".

She was my trail angel last weekend, and I was hers.

Buen Camino!

Hi CD, it's great to have you back on the forum. I'm saving my pennies and will walk next spring in Italy, my Camino last year really blew the hell out of the budget. My motive for walking was similar to yours but now less will power is necessary and things have levelled off quite a lot. I walk almost every day and will get out and shoot more pics on some longer walks. I'm planning a bit of a push re selling photography and some other projects which have been on the back burner for years. You're an inspiration, please keep us updated.

Buen Camino, - Mike