I have walked

Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 

Yes, I did manage to "walk the last 100 kilometers" into Santiago.

Yes, I have my certificate in Latin (too bad my names does not have a Latin equivalent)

Yes, I am still sorting the walk experience out and think I may be doing it for quite some time.

After arriving in Santiago we went out the next day to Finisterra the actual 0.0 km point of the camino. We were again reminded of the Celtic roots of that are of Spain.  The hills and barrenness of the 'end,' the power of the ocean waves crashing upon the rock, the wind blowing so that one had to touch the other to get one's attention because no one could not hear reminded both of us of Achill island (minus the rain and cold we experienced on the island).

looking East across the Atlantic @ Finisterra

Rick & I at Peace Pole

 Seeing the peace pole (this was the first peace pole located in Spain) reminded us to ask blessings on those at home who pass our peace pole every Sunday and give thanks for their blessings asked for our safe journey. 

Just crossed over this roman bridge

Portugal - Cork tree

Camino even travels under grapevines

More than just 'walking' the camino, this trip was an experience of the history and cultures of the areas we walked through.  Walking the ancient roads, paths and byways allowed for the time to really see and hear and feel the life of creation; not just we pilgrims and the people we came in contact with, but the flora and fauna which make this area a vital living piece of creation.  To see and experience the care with which these peoples continue to companion plant and rotate crops, allowing the land to continue blessing them with beauty and nourishment for millennia.  Each meal we ate was graciously presented and consisted of fresh vegetables from those same farms we had just walked past!

Just one of the many gardens we passed daily

One memory I'll cherish is the incredible hospitality of Fernanda as she opened her kitchen 

Rick & I with Fernanda 

and presented us with more food for lunch than I have seen on some Thanksgiving tables to sustain us in our journey: salad fresh from the garden, roasted potatoes just dug that morning, grilled chicken prepared by her father from the ones that had awakened him just that morning, verde vino decanted from her own barrels into pitchers we passed and shared with one another, all offered with a smile and a blessing on each of us for our 'buen camino'. Walking with the small group of pilgrims I know encouraged me to keep putting one foot in front of the last as we walked slight inclines and just around the curves...being greeted with "BOM DIA' each morning as we tried to wake up and encourage each other that we did it yesterday we can do it again today. Whether it was sunny, misty or downright pouring we all managed to make it to Santiago as the sun shone down on us, letting us know - walk well done!

I leave the camino with memories of the birds singing and chirping, metal windmills clanging to 'scare' the birds from the fields, church bells pealing as we walk into the valley, dogs barking hello and go away, cars honking wishing us buen camino, the stamp received from the patrolman as we stopped by his car in the middle of the camino!  I also leave with HOPE as I work for a sustainable world for all. Encouraged with the experience of the camino where I witnessed the the respect for one another and the respect for the land that CAN nourish all, I saw the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

The Atlantic Beach portion of the camino.

Rainy Day picnic lunch in hearth kitchen of the monastery 

Puppies  saying Buen Camino

Fresh Bread Delivery each morning!

View out one of our hotel windows

                   

                   Our small pilgrim group as we finished - in front of Santiago Cathedral

Rick's thoughts at the end of the camino

This has been a wonderful trip.  Like many new things, it was full of exciting experiences as well as the unexpected.  It was a good, long walk with the change of perspective that comes with reaching a goal.  Was it what I expected?  Not exactly, but as I said before, I tried to approach this without expectations.  I certainly wasn't a tabla rasa, as my perceptions had been colored by books written by others who had walked the French Camino with the hardship, suffering and penitence.  We didn't have that.  We didn't have to put up with the snoring of others in the alberge (communal pilgrim lodging), the hotels we had were excellent and often sited in the most amazing places (fortresses, monasteries etc).  The food was excellent and plenty.  One would think with the amount of walking that we did, we would lose significant weight.  Well, we may have lost some, but not the amount I would have expected because of the excellent food and generous proportions.  No penitence, although there was certainly time for reflection.  I loved the conversation with each person in our small group and I loved learning about northern Portugal and Galicia (northwest Spain).  We were lead by guides with intimate knowledge of the area and the other members of the tour brought interesting viewpoints on many different issues.  Would I do it again?  No, but only because this was a trip to share with Jo.  Will I take other hiking trips to interesting places?  Yes, because this one has been so rewarding, physically, mentally and spiritually

Camino Musings

Some sights and thoughts as we review a few of the pictures and memories of the past days...

the cathedral in Porto where we obtained our compestela passport and our first stamp.    

the first picnic in the rain

walking into Barcelos as they were preparing for their Medieval faire - costumes, jousts smoked meats and all...

walking down into the valley as the church bell chimes the noon hour and them plays a hymn with birds chirping along 

Flowers grow everywhere even coming out of the walls smells lovely

our small group of pilgrims walking this walk together-the 100 kilometer point...from this point you are to walk the 100 kilometers into Santiago in order to earn your Compestela certificate.. 

the animals we have seen include rabbits, chickens, swans, horses and these very shy long-horns

Just the facts...

Be careful what you post.....

Experiencing a plane problem in Charlotte, we had to change to another plane and missed our connection in Lisbon to Porto. As the door opened after landing in Lisbon, a steward was there with boarding passes in hand. We had been reconnected to a (much) later flight. Although 5 hours later I do think it helped adjust to the time difference and we got to stretch the legs. Arriving in Porto, we were able to purchase a ticket, get on the right train in the right direction even changing lines and arriving to our hotel with only a 3 block down hill walk...7 hours later than we had planned but we made it.   The next morning I realized my watch seemed to be slow, never thought to replace the battery before leaving, oh well who needs time on 'holiday', except someone who has group to meet, dinner times servings, wandering villages to meet bus at... hmmm oh right that's why Rick is with me and the phone works and we have been able to keep electronics charged quite well so far. 

Had a wonderful time slept in a bit, toured and wandered Porto, had a port wine tour and tasting, dinner by the river and then overnight I was sick (Rick believes it may have been food poising, but we did eat the same things). Thank goodness we had planned extra days before meeting the group and beginning the walk. I was able to sleep in and rest before meeting the group at 1 that afternoon. An interesting group of 11 of us, from Canada, NJ and KS. We also have three guides with us an Australian, Gary, a Brit, Deborah, and her Argentinian husband, Pablo. We are very well covered in languages spoken and understood. It works well to have three so we can trek at the pace most comfortable to us with one in front so we don't miss our way markings and one guide in back to make sure we all make it and usually Deborah, as she says working like a sheep dog, making sure everyone is coming along and is doing well. 

Guess this means I have nothing to do but let go and  walk - everything is pretty much taken care for us! The rest stops for coffee and potty breaks seem to come just in time. Hotels are bit fancier class than our usual abodes and lets just say, losing weight will problem NOT be an option.  One thing is the dinner meals are late, as in starting at 8 or 8:30 and going until past 10 - way past my bedtime. And the next morning we are usually headed out by 8:30.   I am very glad we DID NOT decide to walk it with everything on our back and hopeing to find meals and accommodations when we are ready to stop!

I have been wearing a fitbit measuring the steps/miles walked and floors climbed. And some times the 'about ___kms' that Gary states is not quite as 'about'..more often longer. (which may be good since the first actual distance walked on the first day walk was what the tour brochure states will be the last 'Long Walk in to Santiago' and we have accomplished that distance in the rain no less! My measurements, as of tuesday evening crawling into bed, we have walked 67.96 miles both on the camino and walking the towns we stay in (city guide tours and to and from dinner). Oh and we have climber 486 'floors'.

We are off again and on our last 100 kilometers that must be walked to qualify for the compestela certificate. Have been watching the kilometers count down....step by step...  Jo

one of the kilometer countdown markers

Rick's reflection as we start off...

Camino reflection 5-28
     I have a little more time to reflect on our journey as I wait for Jo to recover from a (hopefully short lived) stomach bug.  We had planned some extra time in Porto prior to the start of the walk and with a small airline delay and Jo's food poisoning, it turns out to have been important.
     I am anxious to start the walk.  Jo often asks me about my expectations for an activity.  Often, I have a hard time answering her.  I find that when I go into something with expectations, those same expectations will color my interpretations of the event.  If I expect something to be fun or interesting or boring or unpleasant, often it is.  While my original expectations may reflect an accurate assessment, sometimes my expectations can color my experiences and memories.  It is easier to remember good experiences and forget bad experiences when one expects a good event.  The reverse about expectations is just as true.  For that reason, I will try to approach something will an open mind to see where the experiences lead me.  I realize that there are many beliefs implicit in my personality and world outlook that will color my interpretations, but I will at least try to reduce the more egregious kinds of prejudices that can lead me to false conclusions.  I try to reason forward from the data to the conclusion rather than the reverse.  I know my mind is a bit weird that way, but sorry, that is me.
     After saying all of that, I must admit the power of emotion.  I am a sucker for medieval cathedrals.  In Porto, the Franciscan Cathedral was begun in the 14th century and updated many times since.  It has a simple, almost austere exterior, but the interior consists of a baroque set of altars and alcoves that are simply stunning.  Combine that with the pipe organ music and I could stay there for hours (actually I did).  I was reminded of the words of Olga, mother of Valdimir the Great upon entering the Hagia Sofia in Constantiople.  "God must dwell in this house!" In that cathedral I could respond, "yes He must".
     For those reasons, I am anxious to start.  I want to see what the Camino will bring.  What experiences will occur, what new people I will meet, what reflections will I will have.  Yes, I know that my excitement is something that effects my interpretations, but that is not something that I am willing give up.
     We meet the tour guide and the rest of the group today at 1:00.  OK, we're off!

The adventure begins

Well the day has arrived - we have packed, rearranged and tucked in some last minute 'oh we should pack..'.  I think I may have overpacked and Rick keeps saying "they probably have it there..." We have enjoyed some great times this last week with family birthday and new home celebrations.  We celebrated accomplishments and enjoyed quiet time with friends and now we are off to our adventure.  We leave this afternoon (Sunday) arriving some 15 hours later in Porto, Portugal, hopefully with all the belongings we checked meeting us there.  [Due to other travel experiences we have allowed 24 hours to let them catch up. :-)  ]

here we go - all we need for three weeks

I have spent the last 48 hours trying to tie up loose ends and give answers to those who may not have the question yet but they now have the answer. I have prepared my plants and gardens for Sarah to care for them in the easiest manner possible (all pots are in one place for ease of watering - making the yard a bid sparse but when we get back it will be beautiful like magic).  I have arranged for messages to arrive to friends & family just because and to congratulate during the time we are gone. I am sure I will be making more lists on paper and in my head of just about anything but what I need to have on the top of each and every list is "LET GO". I am tired. 

In the process of repotting plants I came across the piles of seashells in my garden, collected over the years, mostly from my favorite beaches in NC.  Besides the oyster and conch, I discovered all sizes and colors of scallop shells. If you weren't aware I am somewhat of a passionate 'care for all God's creations' kinda person. And  spending time quietly on a beach being lulled by the rhythm of the waves, studying all the creatures, searching for seaglass and collecting shells is just about as perfect as it gets.  Is this another sign...a green NC scallop shell among my collection? 

The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino. The apostle, James, a fisherman of Galilee and a pilgrim, is seen in many pictures with the scallop located somewhere on his clothing.  Therefore this Way of St. James uses the scallop shell to represent the many starting points from which pilgrims begin their journey. It also points pilgrims in the direction to Santiago. The scallop is used for way marking on the trail, for identifying official pilgrim hostels  - the ribs of the shell pointing the way.  I have to 'Let go' to enjoy this adventure, watch for signs as we travel and  be aware those signs may be right under my feet.

Rick says he will obtain his shell on the compestelo, and I may too but in my day pack I will carry this green North Carolina shell along with another small one given to me just for my pocket as we walk this Way of St. James.

 I pray that I let God care for all my needs as I 'LET GO' on this journey.

Give me my scallop shell of quiet; 

My staff of faith to walk upon; 

My scrip of joy, immortal diet; 

My bottle of salvation; 

My gown of glory (hope's true gage) 

And then I'll take my pilgrimage. 

-      Sir Walter Raleigh

My green NC scallop shell 

Reflecting....

As I make my final preparations for departure, I have the opportunity to reflect on a journey that is different than any I have taken before.  Really, why do I want to do this?  Yes I enjoy hiking and experiencing new cultures, but I can do that in many places.  It is time that I can spend with Jo, undistracted by the everyday events and obligations.  That certainly is a draw.   I also see this as an opportunity for reflection. 

In our busy days, we don’t have time to think beyond accomplishing the next item on the list.  In the course of walking for two weeks, there will be ample time for talking with Jo or others in the group.  I will spend time seeing some of the sights, but there will be many hours where I have the opportunity to just reflect.  In the past, I have had that opportunity in short spurts, while driving long distances and on a long run, but it is hard to divorce myself from what is coming up next on the schedule.  For two weeks, there won’t have much, if anything that I can do about anything else outside of the walk.  That will allow me, if I allow myself, to reflect for extended periods of time.

           

           What will I reflect on?  I am not sure, there is a lot of time and my mind tends to cast a wide net.  What I would like to discern is my motivation for helping others.  I am of a pragmatic bent and no matter what my motivation is, I know that I am called to help others.  Is it because I feel that I am supposed to do it?  Certainly Jesus commands this and I do like to follow his commands.  Is it out of love of those who I help?  I would like to think so.  Is it to assuage some inner need of mine?  Maybe there is some of that.  But I would like to think that it isn’t a major factor.  I am not sure.  I would like to approach this without preconceptions and just say that I don’t know why I do what I do.  Then I can appreciate the results of this introspection without imposing my preconceptions on the results. 

Well, we are almost ready to leave.  We need to finish packing and there are lots items on the list to still tie up.  Follow us as we go and I hope you find it as interesting as I do.  Rick

I'm wondering......

Epiphany Sunday is STAR Sunday in our church. Baskets of differently colored stars are passed through the sanctuary during service. You pick a star from the basket and turn over the star revealing your star word. This word is one you are to prayerfully ponder during the year. My star word for this year is Wonder.  Wonder, or more rightfully, wondering, has been a family vocabulary word for years. Our youngest, was never the 'why' child as he experienced and tried to understand his ever growing world. He always prefaced his questions with "I'm wondering..". 

my star word

In preparation for this trip I have checked books out of the library, attended a screening of a new documentary on walking the camino, walked to meetings, school events, friends homes throughout Johnson county. This helped to test the shoes, the socks, the clothes, timing and the backpack. Hopefully this means the I have the right things with me as we head to our camino.

These last weeks as I have tried to get longer walks in, I make lists in my mind of the things I still need to do. Things to arrange so on our return we will find that our Kansas City life is still functioning well and when we return we should not have much catching up to do. You know the things - who will be in town when to take care of the dog; who can I make arrangements with to cut the grass at least once a week; weeding, composting and mulching the beds to hopefully survive the weather during our absence;  maybe even planting window boxes so the house will greet us with pretty smiles on our return. Oh and all the meetings, reports and publications to prepare and submit before leaving. I am thinking I can't wait until we are 'just' walking without all the other stuff to 'get back to'. BUT....

Reading John Brierley's books Camino Portugués and Camino Finisterre (recommended reading in preparation for the walk) I came across a statement that a conscious preparation for a pilgrim should be training for 2 paths and the pilgrim must train for both paths  - the physical path and the spiritual path.  
The physical path I think I am prepared for. 

This spiritual path? Maybe this list making is part of that spiritual preparation, an awareness that walking can be a creative and productive process and recognizing that it doesn't have to be a stressful time.. A new Stanford study found that walking increases creativity by more than 60%. It states :"The act of walking itself, and not the environment, was the main factor" - I think the environment we will be walking through and the individuals we will encounter and travel with will all be factors in our awareness of the call we are answering. 
Although we didn't choose to walk the camino primarily as a spiritual pilgrimage we will be challenged by not only the physical demands but our spiritual experiences.  This may be my daily meditation as we step out on the camino each morning - Psalm 94: 18-19 

Whenever I feel my foot slipping,
your faithful love steadies me, Lord.
When my anxieties multiply,
your comforting calms me down.

Hey William, I am wondering .......

 should I collect street glass as well as sea glass? 

will I see something as similar as this arboretum path on our camino ?

is this why, since visiting the Island of Iona over 10 years ago, I have been reading this prayer daily? 

testing the shoes..

As we prepare for the Compostela, one of our bigger concerns has been to build up our calluses and to discover the right combination of boots and socks to wear.  Since the walking days will be consecutive, there won't be time for the blisters to heal if they occur.  Jo has been able to hone in on her boots fairly quickly settling on two pairs air of Merrell's.   I have been a bit more challenged by the scarcity of size 14 boots.  I have tried a couple but I couldn't find a pair that felt right.  Currently, I am going back to a pair of boots that I have had for a while but have never worn much.  It should be fine but as Jo knows, I like to test my hypotheses.  
In my travels in the developing world, I have seen many people walking barefoot or with flip flops for shoes, in the city, in the mountains and in the muck.  On rocky slopes which would cut the soles of the of good shoes and also through substances that I won't describe.  These memories remind me how blessed I am to have a problem of choosing the right boot.  Over the years, Jo and I have supported an organization called Soles4Souls that collects unwanted shoes and packages them for distribution into the developing world.  It provides a wonderful service that can help kids go to school, provides safety when walking and reduces the chances for injury or infection.  These shoes are processed in a sheltered workshop in Iowa where they are packaged for the developing world or recycled.  You can see how much good can be done with something that we would discard.
While we are gone, I would challenge you to look through your closets and find those shoes that you haven't worn in a year or two.   Those shoes that aren't fashionable and those shoes that the kids have outgrown and donate them to an organization that recycles shoes.  We collect ours at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at College Blvd and Nieman in Overland Park.
On the Compostela as in most endeavors, this will be a trip for the spirit as well as the body.   "I am not a human being on spiritual journey, I am a spiritual being on a human journey." -  Spiritual Maxim (thanks Jo).

30 Days until we leave -

We have read, wondered and discussed pilgrimages of the faithful for years. While helping escort students through Spain on the 2013 spring break bus tour of the sites of Spain, we got to know our guide, Deborah. We learned she and her husband also work for a walking tour company out of Canada and one of the tours they offer is this walking tour of the ''The Way of St. James' - (is this a sign???  )

We decided to look into the timing, routes and other particulars once we got home.  In short, we have been planning this trip since 2013 March. We have chosen to walk the 15 night walk from Porto Portugal to Santiago de Compestela Spain this May/June and this page is where we will identify our observations and adventures as we prepare for and complete our Camino.

We have been walking in 'training walks' though out Johnson county. We think we have worked out the shoes, socks, clothes and backpacks to use. We have borrowed walking sticks, ended up with some blisters and sore feet and think we are close to being ready for our adventure.

Full Disclosure: We are not the writers that our daughter Amy is - this is just our humble attempt to 'keep you up to date' and to answer the many questions we have been asked.

Now our attempt to put our thoughts & adventures out to the 'universe'.  

Buen Camino...
Rick & Jo