Clive's Camino - 375km update

My family, friends, supporters and soon to be supporters,

Today (Friday Sept. 20th), I completed my 15th day on the Camino and I have now trekked 375 km.

Drinking Pilgrims Wine

So far, at age 62, my health continues to hold up. I finally got my first blister, but it was quite minor under my baby toe. Although managing my blood sugars is always a challenge, I have not had any serious problems to date.

I suspect that my weight has dropped, even though I am doing my best to eat as much food as possible. And although each day is always a physical challenge, my recovery continues to improve daily.

The Camino continues to be a unique and wonderful experience. There is such a remarkable community that one gets to know during your daily walks, and in particular at the end of each day.

Dinner at a Farm House with new friends from the Camino

The long shadows of an early morning departure.

Mornings are always best. Generally, I'm out by 7:30 AM, just before the sunrise. It is cool, but one does not need a sweater.

Touch wood, the weather has been remarkable. For me, only one day of rain and the rest, brilliant sunshine. Sometimes a little hot during the day, but not too hot.

The Camino is remarkably well marked with either a shell or a yellow arrow or both. You walk either on cinder, rock, dirt paths, and often asphalt. 

It is a long and winding road through northern Spain.

We are generally moving through small towns, with populations of 50 to 250 and the occasional larger cities of 150,000 to 200,000. In terms of sightseeing, it is all about the churches and historic towns, steeped in rich history.

Burgos Cathedral

Main altar in Burgos Cathedral

I have met so many special people, many I am sure I will continue to stay in touch with, after my Camino has finished. And so many stories.

So many reasons for people being on the Camino. Although this is a Christian pilgrimage, not as many religious people, as I would have expected. A lot of hikers, who have always had this hike on their bucket list.

New friends at a former Monastery in Carrion de Los Condes

Families, couples and friends who just thought it would be nice to bond on the Camino.

It is also much busier than I anticipated. I haven't had difficulty with accommodation yet but I suspect it is going to become more difficult as I near Santiago.

I have been surprised how many people that I have spoken to who have also been influenced by the movie The Way. I am sure it has had a significant impact on the growing number of pilgrims.

Windmills dotting the landscape of Northern Spain

I believe we are now approaching my goal of $100,000 for Urban Squash. I cannot thank you all enough for your generosity and support. For those of you who have not yet given, I would ask you to help us break through that number, in a big way.

In future updates, I am going to give you the background of Urban Squash, how the concept got started, its history, and what we are doing in Toronto.

I am also going to give you greater background, on the Camino de Santiago. It's history both recent and in ancient times.

Again many thanks for your support and interest. As we say out here - Buen Camino.

Clive

Clive's Camino - the first 5 days...

My Family, friends, supporters and soon to be supporters,

I have now completed my fifth day on the Camino. I wanted to give you a brief update of my progress.

I arrived in Bilbao, Spain. My purpose was to see Frank Gehrey's Guggenheim Museum, which was opened 16 years ago to international acclaim.
 

Thrilled I did it. 

An unbelievable building. 

On Thursday I took a 5hr bus and train trip to St. Jean Pied de Port, the start of the Camino. I moved my start day up and prepared to leave the next morning.

The start of the Camino is considered the most difficult test. It is a 25 km trek, from France over the Pyrenees into Spain. And to be quite frank, it was incredibly challenging. It took me 7 1/2 hours and I climbed over 4500 vertical feet. And of course, I am carrying a 20 pound knap sack on my back.

The Pyrannes

I arrived in a small town called Roncesvalles and had my first real evening of Camino community. Everyone had just completed the same challenge, everyone was delighted to get settled, and have a beer and get to know one another.

And there are people from all over the globe. Scandinavia, United States, France, Canada, Israel, Spain and today for the first time in my life, I met a couple from Greenland.

A pattern then began to emerge. I would get up early, have a good breakfast and begin my day's journey on the Camino. Many are out by 6 AM or 6:30 AM, but it is still dark at that time. I tend to start at 7:30 AM, when there is light.

Roncasvilles to Larrasoana

I stop at least once or twice during the day's walk, to rest, have something to drink or eat and take my shoes off to rest my feet.
 
Please enjoy some pictures that I have taken along the way, showing you some of the sites of northern Spain on the Camino.

Alto del Perdon
790 metres
Wrought iron representation

I arrive at my destination, which is generally 25 km a day by mid afternoon. I get my accommodation set up, change my clothes, do a washing, and go somewhere to have a beer.

Leaving Pamplona early morning

I am writing this, from a small town in Spain called Estella. After writing to you about my first week, I will join some others from the Camino and have dinner this evening in the Estella's Central Square.
 
And then up at dawn and off tomorrow on the next leg of the Camino. I have trekked 115kms with much ahead.

Again, I wish to thank those of you who have given your support, for Urban Squash, something that is really making a difference in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto.

For those who haven't yet, may I please continue to encourage you to support this initiative. I would be most appreciative. It is a great cause.

That's all for now. I promised to keep this short and sweet.
 
I will continue to keep you updated with my progress. Not only on this wonderful adventure, but also with our fundraising results, and some more information about Urban Squash.

My best to you all,

Clive