$100,000 goal surpassed!

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

WOW, congratulations to all of you for helping me reach my $100K goal BEFORE completing the end of my trek. If you have not had the opportunity to donate, please don't let this stop you - UST is an incredible cause and overachieving would be a good thing!

Let me add a little incentive, to those of you who have already donated. When I return from the Camino, I am going to send a DVD of The Way, the movie with Martin Sheen, that inspired me to tackle the Camino, to anyone who has donated $500 or more. As you know, that is an extremely generous offer, considering how expensive DVDs are today! So, if you're so inclined, please consider increasing your donation up to that level, and you will get your very own copy.

Camino Trail Marker

On October 2nd, it had been 26 days on the Camino de Santiago, I am getting very close to the finish. I am now less than 150 km from Santiago. Once I get to Santiago, I am going to go the further distance to Finistere , as I originally promised.

My body continues to hold up remarkably well. I continue to have minor issues with a small blister, but it has not been a serious problem.

About 10 days ago, I thought it was possible that I may not be able to finish my Camino. I developed a serious pain, in my right shin, above the ankle. I went to a local hospital, it was diagnosed as tendinitis, I received some medication, took a day off, and got on my way.

It has remained a unique, lifetime experience.

Beautiful sunset leaving Orbigo

The places I have visited and the people I have met have been remarkable.

Church in Fromista  - circa 1066

City Hall in the beautiful chocolate capital - Astoga

I enjoyed the town of Leon, both the Cathedral in the main square, and the Parador hotel, where Martin Sheen stayed in the movie. Incredible.

Cathedral in the main square of Leon

Parador Hotel - Martin Sheen stays in this hotel in the movie "The Way"

The Camino this fall has been extremely busy and I started having troubles getting somewhere to stay. A friend, and Cambridge Member, Gerry, referred me to an individual, who helps people on the Camino. He was remarkable and helped me get accommodation all the way to the finish, in Santiago.

I have met so many people, but perhaps the most unique and special, were Peter, Jean, Patrick and Catherine from Great Britain.

My new Camino friends

Separately, they have done parts of the Camino, a number of times over the years. But this year, they are doing the entire Camino, and they are not spring chickens.

They are being met by a friend, a priest, and a minister, 100 km from Santiago who are joining them walking into the finish.  And in Santiago, they are being met by their family members, children and grandchildren, welcoming them as they finish this historic adventure/pilgrimage.

It has been wonderful to have gotten to know them over the last 10 days.

The Iron Cross in unfavourable weather conditions

Although I thought being in the homestretch, it was going to be quite easy and simple from here. But unfortunately, that is not the case.

Two days ago and yesterday, I had to do 30 plus km each day. Yesterday, the last 8 km was straight up hill. And today, which was a simple 21 km, was in the worst rain, wind and fog of the entire Camino. But I survived to endure another day.

Such an experience this Camino de Santiago. So many people, so many stories, such an endurance effort.

Before I return, I am going to give you a brief history of the Camino, and what it is. I am also going to give you a brief history of Urban Squash, and what has been accomplished over the years.

  

It’s been tough on the Camino and I am certainly pushing my physical limits but I am committed to finish strong. Please help me surpass my fundraising goal just as strongly by donating to UST if you have not done so already.

Many thanks,

Clive