Your stones, your shells, your burdens....then moving on.

[naplesdon]

I have been walking the Camino since 2011 in memory of my daughter's unfortunate death in 2010. It is a very personal mission for me and even more difficult to discuss.
There are many, many pilgrims who have eclipsed my minuscule Camino endeavors and have far greater stories to tell about their personal tragedies and their incredible walks.
I've learned over the years some of you people are an integral and important part of the daily life on the Camino because you live and work there.
I've left several stones and photos dedicated to my daughter at the Cruz de Ferro over the years, but at the age of 69 I have been struck by how many friends I have lost in the past decade. So last winter I decided to collect scallop shells on the beach where I live in Florida. I give each one a name for a friend or family member I've recently lost and leave them somewhere discretely along the way. Next year there will be one for Denise.
My burdens will be lighten 2016. I have decided to travel around the world next year. I have rented out my apartment in Biarritz with the view of la Rhune, so no snow reports in April onwards. Sorry for that!
Hopefully Reb' s got me scheduled for a stint at San Anton in June or July.
Love this forum but I think it is time to say GOOD-BYE!

 

[dougfitz]

It will not be the same without you. Safe travels and all the best.

 

[naplesdon]

It will not be the same without you. Safe travels and all the best.

Thank you my friend!
I shall return someday,

 

[Anniesantiago]

Wishing you all the best and safe adventures!

 

[mspath]

Don,

Whatever you might do and wherever you may go,
Godspeed and, in the truest sense, Ultreia!

Margaret

 

[MTtoCamino]

You have been a very good resource for this forum. Thank you

 

[DurhamParish]

Goodbye and may God bless you, as you have blessed us here with your presence. We will miss you.

 

[peregrina2000]

Buen camino, Don. May your trip around the world be a marvelous experience, and we will await your return to the camino and to the forum! Laurie

 

[MichaelB10398]

It never fails to surprise me at how closely I feel attached to fellow pilgrims on this forum. I have met so few of you, but it is a heart-felt loss to consider that I will not hear from someone I have grown to "know" on the Forum. You will be missed.

Keep the wind at your back and I look forward to reading your comments in the future.

Bon Chemin,

 

[CaminoDebrita]

You were one of the first pilgrims that impressed me on the forum, and I hope you will be back. May the road rise with you, and the wind be ever at your book. May the Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand. Buen Camino, and "lighter" 2016.

 

[grayland]

We all hope to see you back with us soon, Don.
It is obvious you will be missed.

 

[annakappa]

Oh, no! Thank you for all the encouraging posts you have contributed to this Forum. I wish you all the best on your travels and hope sincerely that we will hear from you once again when you return!

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

As I posted a conversation to your profile page...I'm new here and don't understand how it all works but when I walk, I'll pray for you and yours. <3

 

[wayfarer]

Hope to see you in my neck of the woods in 2016 Don. Safe journeys.

 

[Bernard duffy]

I always found yer snow reports too cold anyway,all the very best in yer travels Don

 

[Deleted member 36903]

I have been walking the Camino since 2011 in memory of my daughter's unfortunate death in 2010. It is a very personal mission for me and even more difficult to discuss.
There are many, many pilgrims who have eclipsed my minuscule Camino endeavors and have far greater stories to tell about their personal tragedies and their incredible walks.
I've learned over the years some of you people are an integral and important part of the daily life on the Camino because you live and work there.
I've left several stones and photos dedicated to my daughter at the Cruz de Ferro over the years, but at the age of 69 I have been struck by how many friends I have lost in the past decade. So last winter I decided to collect scallop shells on the beach where I live in Florida. I give each one a name for a friend or family member I've recently lost and leave them somewhere discretely along the way. Next year there will be one for Denise.
My burdens will be lighten 2016. I have decided to travel around the world next year. I have rented out my apartment in Biarritz with the view of la Rhune, so no snow reports in April onwards. Sorry for that!
Hopefully Reb' s got me scheduled for a stint at San Anton in June or July.
Love this forum but I think it is time to say GOOD-BYE!

In the months preceding the start of my first Camino, in March this year, your weather reports, and advice based on local knowledge, were such a reassurance for me about the safety of beginning of the Way over the Pyrennees. I have always valued your contributions to this forum. They have been so warm-hearted, generous, useful and also welcoming of newbies and I for one will miss you. Buen Caminos!
Thank you - Sandy

 

[gerardcarey]

If you get to head downunder remember you've got some mates down here.
Regds
Gerard

 

[SabsP]

Don, take good care. Your encouragement and wisdom are only one of the many things I so like about you.
And when passing in Belgium : cold beer and high quality chocolate will be waiting for you.

 

[Al the optimist]

Enjoy your sabbatical from the forum and your world adventure. May it be all you hope for. Sorry to hear of you find you are losing so many dear friends. Unfortunately at our age these are things which increase in frequency. I refuse to believe we will never have the pleasure again from your company in the future. My regret is I had hoped to bump into one of the days. But hey, who knows? Safe and healthy travels friend. Hasta pronto.

 

[Arminius]

Don, thank you for the good advice that you gave to me and the other new pelgrims.
Take care of yourself! Wish you well!
"Everything changes, nothing perishes."

 

[Former member 42123]

May gentle winds and warm sunshine keep you company as you go,and may the help,advice and kindness you have given to others in this forum be returned to you a thousand fold,and until we see you here again may your God guide and protect your footsteps.

 

[jmcarp]

Adios, and vaya con Dios wherever you venture.

 

[IngridF]

Should the winds hurl you Toronto way..get in touch...travel safe and have a ball. Ingrid

 

[Kialoa3]

Hope to have you back with us soon. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[movinmaggie]

I have been walking the Camino since 2011 in memory of my daughter's unfortunate death in 2010. It is a very personal mission for me and even more difficult to discuss.
There are many, many pilgrims who have eclipsed my minuscule Camino endeavors and have far greater stories to tell about their personal tragedies and their incredible walks.
I've learned over the years some of you people are an integral and important part of the daily life on the Camino because you live and work there.
I've left several stones and photos dedicated to my daughter at the Cruz de Ferro over the years, but at the age of 69 I have been struck by how many friends I have lost in the past decade. So last winter I decided to collect scallop shells on the beach where I live in Florida. I give each one a name for a friend or family member I've recently lost and leave them somewhere discretely along the way. Next year there will be one for Denise.
My burdens will be lighten 2016. I have decided to travel around the world next year. I have rented out my apartment in Biarritz with the view of la Rhune, so no snow reports in April onwards. Sorry for that!
Hopefully Reb' s got me scheduled for a stint at San Anton in June or July.
Love this forum but I think it is time to say GOOD-BYE!

So sorry to see you leave, but it does seem its for reasons larger than any of us. You would be most welcome in Victoria, BC; truly you would. I'm still a newbie but have enjoyed your posts very much. Thank you so much for your support and contribution to the forum. Godspeed. Maggie

 

[annakappa]

Costa Rica: try us, you might like us!
So, if you travel this way, just contact Adriaan ( fraluchi) or me! You are very welcome!

 

[ivar]

I have been walking the Camino since 2011 in memory of my daughter's unfortunate death in 2010. It is a very personal mission for me and even more difficult to discuss.
There are many, many pilgrims who have eclipsed my minuscule Camino endeavors and have far greater stories to tell about their personal tragedies and their incredible walks.
I've learned over the years some of you people are an integral and important part of the daily life on the Camino because you live and work there.
I've left several stones and photos dedicated to my daughter at the Cruz de Ferro over the years, but at the age of 69 I have been struck by how many friends I have lost in the past decade. So last winter I decided to collect scallop shells on the beach where I live in Florida. I give each one a name for a friend or family member I've recently lost and leave them somewhere discretely along the way. Next year there will be one for Denise.
My burdens will be lighten 2016. I have decided to travel around the world next year. I have rented out my apartment in Biarritz with the view of la Rhune, so no snow reports in April onwards. Sorry for that!
Hopefully Reb' s got me scheduled for a stint at San Anton in June or July.
Love this forum but I think it is time to say GOOD-BYE!

Wish you well on your travels! You are always welcome back here any time. Buen Camino!

 

[Bobcat77]

'Behold I make all things new'.
God bless you on your travels.
RJ / Bobcat77

 

[movinmaggie]

'Behold I make all things new'.
God bless you on your travels.
RJ / Bobcat77

Bobcat77…how ironic this week has been, just 7 days out from departing for the Camino; subtle coincidences like this one; we just yesterday sang this in choir. There have been others…..good signs

 

[Ekelund]

Bierritzdon, I'll miss you on the Forum and I hope that some day, you will be back. Safe travels to you. If your travels bring you to Denmark, please send me a PM and I'll show you around. Take care - buen camino to you.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I have been walking the Camino since 2011 in memory of my daughter's unfortunate death in 2010. It is a very personal mission for me and even more difficult to discuss.
There are many, many pilgrims who have eclipsed my minuscule Camino endeavors and have far greater stories to tell about their personal tragedies and their incredible walks.
I've learned over the years some of you people are an integral and important part of the daily life on the Camino because you live and work there.
I've left several stones and photos dedicated to my daughter at the Cruz de Ferro over the years, but at the age of 69 I have been struck by how many friends I have lost in the past decade. So last winter I decided to collect scallop shells on the beach where I live in Florida. I give each one a name for a friend or family member I've recently lost and leave them somewhere discretely along the way. Next year there will be one for Denise.
My burdens will be lighten 2016. I have decided to travel around the world next year. I have rented out my apartment in Biarritz with the view of la Rhune, so no snow reports in April onwards. Sorry for that!
Hopefully Reb' s got me scheduled for a stint at San Anton in June or July.
Love this forum but I think it is time to say GOOD-BYE!

Don, you are scheduled for the second half of June. See you then, if not sooner!

 

[OzAnnie]

Biarritzdon,
Enjoy your 'break'. I see you as so much a part of this forum, I really hope to see you back here after your travels . I am one who enjoyed reading your weather updates early in the year.
Time to spread your wings for a while again.
Safe travels and Buen Camino
Annie

 

[Shefollowsarrows]

I have been walking the Camino since 2011 in memory of my daughter's unfortunate death in 2010. It is a very personal mission for me and even more difficult to discuss.
There are many, many pilgrims who have eclipsed my minuscule Camino endeavors and have far greater stories to tell about their personal tragedies and their incredible walks.
I've learned over the years some of you people are an integral and important part of the daily life on the Camino because you live and work there.
I've left several stones and photos dedicated to my daughter at the Cruz de Ferro over the years, but at the age of 69 I have been struck by how many friends I have lost in the past decade. So last winter I decided to collect scallop shells on the beach where I live in Florida. I give each one a name for a friend or family member I've recently lost and leave them somewhere discretely along the way. Next year there will be one for Denise.
My burdens will be lighten 2016. I have decided to travel around the world next year. I have rented out my apartment in Biarritz with the view of la Rhune, so no snow reports in April onwards. Sorry for that!
Hopefully Reb' s got me scheduled for a stint at San Anton in June or July.
Love this forum but I think it is time to say GOOD-BYE!

Don, I met you last year in Puente la Reina (spelling??) and you shared your story with me and my friend Jeremy. Your story touched my heart, and meeting you was a highlight of my Camino. You will be missed!

 

[domigee]

Somehow I had missed that thread,
Ultreia Biarritzdon, I always enjoyed reading your posts.

 

[SYates]

Safe travels and enjoy every minute of it! In case you make it to Prague pm me, Buen Camino! SY

 

[jbear]

Don, your openness, thoughtful snow reports, and spirt were part of what made me feel the Camino was something that could help me get my life straight when I was in a dark place. You are truly an ambassador for the Camino.

In the words of my grandfather:
¡Salud, dinero, y amor, y tiempo para disfrutarlos!