Before I was diagnosed with Hashimotos I steadily gained more and more weight. Following my surgery and cancer treatment I gained even more weight. When I undertook my first camino I did feel that perhaps I maybe the fattest woman on the trail. Continue reading
Author: Colleen
Sponge Bob Square Feet
Gerry’s amusing new nickname for me (or my feet) came to him as we compared my feet to a photo taken on my first camino. He has a selection of names for my feet which also includes pasties and bricks with toes… so you’re getting the idea that I have wide feet!
A few days into my first camino I had to stop for a few days because my blisters were just too bad. I rested up in Estella and bought new shoes and fortunately managed to reach Santiago without too much more drama.
Can I Help You With That?
This year I decided that I would walk with purpose. I want to raise money for Chris (The Samaritans) and Grace (Children’s Cancer Unit in Nottingham’s QMC Hospital) whilst walking the Via de la Plata. I’m copying the idea and the foot steps of Ailsa Piper, who advertised herself as a Pilgrim seeking sinners… and she walked off their sins.
The concept of walking by proxy was common place in the Middle Ages; if you could afford it. My offer is open to all and way more affordable… indeed you decide how much you wish to donate.
I plan to walk 1128km from Sevilla to Santiago de Compostella and then Santiago to Fisterra and Muxia on the Atlantic Coast. I’m not sure I like the ideas of sins so instead I’ll carry with me your regrets, burdens, worries, hopes, dreams or wishes.
Continue reading
Walking with Purpose
If you follow my blog you’ll know that I’m embarking on yet another adventure in the autumn; this time walking 1128km across Spain. I will be starting in Seville and walking north towards Santiago de Compostella. And after, onwards and westwards to the end of the world… otherwise known as Fisterra and Muxia on the Atlantic Coast.
On my previous Caminos, I’ve often wondered if I should try to raise money whilst I walk; over the last year a few things happened that made me feel that this time I should. There are two charities in particular that I would like to raise funds for (actually in reality, there are a great many… but I’ve chosen two).
My fabulous cousin recently learned that her equally fabulous grand-daughter had been diagnosed with Leukaemia. Grace is being treated on Ward E39, a specialist children’s cancer unit in Nottingham’s QMC Hospital. I asked them if I could walk on their behalf and if so, what charity would they nominate. They chose Ward E39… which seems absolutely the best choice!
My second charity is chosen on behalf of an amazing young man who, for just a little while lost his way and then sadly lost his life. However, his spirit was so amazing that he continues to move people like me to want to do something… So I walk to raise money on behalf of Chris and for the Samaritans… who in turn will help others who lost their way.
I suppose I ought to start training?
It’s May and, after a bit of a cold start, spring has finally arrived in the Dordogne. I have 18 weeks left before I start my next adventure so today felt like a good day to start some training. To be honest it’s been a while since I did any walking at all .. And I have new boots to break in… So we’re starting small and working up to our longer trips.
The first time I walked the Camino Francis I had an interesting training regime; I found a great way to start the day was to walk to the Boulangerie in the next village. It’s only a 5 km round trip, it’s very pretty, it’s on a quiet lane and I get to buy warm fresh bread from one of the best bakers for miles… What’s not to like?
What is the Via de la Plata?
The Via de la Plata is the longest of the Spanish pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. It starts in the Andalusian city of Seville in the south of Spain and continues north in parallel to the Portuguese border before going west into Galicia and on to Santiago. It’s 1007 kilomtres long.
Out of the Wilderness
So I’ve been unsure where to go next!
I knew I wanted to walk again this year but I was unsure about returning to the Camino Frances. For one, I was worried that maybe there would be too much Deja-vu this time… and secondly, the Pope has declared 2016 a year of mercy and this is having an impact on the number of pilgrims walking this year.
Which Direction?
I’m confused! I have booked my time off; I am free from Sunday 18th September until the beginning of November and I want to walk as far as I can.
The plan was to walk from St Jean to Fisterra but Pope Francis has proclaimed 2016 as the Year of Mercy. This means to visitors that the main Holy Door will be open in many cathedrals. Whilst not a Holy year, the last time the doors were opened at the cathedral in Santiago was the Jubilee year 2010 and the numbers of pilgrims were much higher than usual. A few folks are suggesting that accommodation on the Camino Frances is already booking up and this is backing up the suggestion that numbers will be up this year.
I had already started to wonder if I should walk a different route and now the idea of numbers increasing and a busy camino is pushing me further down this road.
Is That A Plan
It’s 2016 and I’m walking the Camino this year! “What? Again?” I hear you say… but there is a reason.
From Mountain Borders to the End of Land
Then We Walked 