The Camino in 120 words

I was recently asked to write 120 words and mine and Becky's Camino to people who had never heard anything about it - 120 words to describe over 30 days worth of walking across a country! It actually turned out being 123 words (I was working on the plus or minus 10% from College) but here it is:

Santiago de Compostella in Spain is the resting place of Saint James, one of the 12 Apostles, and has been a site of pilgrimage for hundreds of years – to receive the Compostella certificate one has to ride a bike or horse 200km or walk 100km - although some people walk a much greater distance, like the 800km my sister Becky and I walked from France to arrive in Santiago.

Walking, we covered three mountains and had knee high snow as well as nearly 30^oC days as we went 20-30km per day and met people from such diverse countries as America, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa.

After 32 days, we arrived in the city and gave thanks to God for our safe arrival.

So that's my attempt - let me see what you can do!

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Route Napoleon closures: November-March

For anyone thinking of setting off on the Camino anytime soon just a reminder that the Navarrese Govenmnet closes the Route Napoleon over the Pyrenees from November 1st - March 31st each year (and longer if need be). Roncenvalles in the snow The official notification for this (from last year) is below.

The Camino Primitivo

The Camino Primitivo (or the Original Way) is reportedly the very first Camino Way to Santiago in the 9 th century when most of Spain was under the control of the Moors and it runs from near the city of Ovideo in Asturias as it starts in Villavicosa (which also lies on the Camino Norte so many people follow this Way from Basque city of San Sebastian (Donosti in Basque) or in from the French border at Irun ( this route then hugs the Bay of Biscay passing through Guernica, Bilbao, Santander, Llanes before going under the Picos de Europa and then heads along the coast to Ovideo) before branching off onto the Primitivo which goes across the mountains and through the city of Lugo before joining the Frances at Melide. The route is 320km long. Image taken from https://viaalpina2013.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/camino-del-norte-camino-primitivo/

Pilgrim Prayer - Columba

Columba was an Irish monk (who founded several monasteries in Ireland) who sailed with 12 others to the island of Iona just off the west coast of Scotland. The Abbey he funded became one of the powerhouses of Mediaeval Christendom. He lived from 7th December 521 until 9th June 597. Alone with none but thee, my God, I journey on my way. What need I fear, when thou art near O king of night and day? More safe am I within thy hand Than if a host did round me stand. Be thou a bright flame before me, Be thou a guiding star above me, Be thou a smooth path below me, Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me, Today, tonight and forever.

On the Camino

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