On September 8th I set off to walk the pilgrim route known as the "Camino de Santiago" in France and Spain. This Pilgrimage ends at Santiago de Compostela in north west Spain. Although there are many starting points I began walking from St Jean Pied de Port in the French Pyrenees. The journey covers 788 kilometres from this town, with 91extra kilometres if one goes on to Finnesterre. I hope to complete the full 879 Km if possible. The route in from Finnesterre was known as the English Camino because many pilgrims in past centuries choose the sea route as being safer from possible dangers on the way through France and Spain.

My daughter works for Cecily´s Fund which is a small charity working directly with partners in Zambia. I am walking and hoping to raise financial support for Cecily's Fund as part of its tenth anniversary 10,000 mile challenge. This is a challenge to cover the distance in sponsored bike rides, walks and runs from Lusaka to Oxford.  All monies raised will go directly to support Zambian children who have been made vulnerable as a result of HIV.

October 1. I am now in Astorga having walked on my own for the last two weeks since my husband, Bill, had to go back to England for work. 521 km completed and 267 to go to Santiago.
The first two weeks were harrowing but things are easier now. Not so exhausted and I can lift my back pack and move it. The company of other pilgrims is excellent. I mostly stay in hostels, albergues, as the fellowship is so good. Each day I walk about 20 km. Today I have some time to spare after checking in and doing the laundry, by hand.
Most pilgrim problems relate to feet and legs but we seem to keep going. It is a unique experience.

October 9. Many days since I was able to access the internet. I had a fall on October 2 when I tripped on a tree stump and fell forwards. I was helped by some young people and eventually gained a half pot on my left arm, a small fracture. Fortunately I was still able to walk, and tie my own laces after a few days, so now there is less than 100 km to go to Santiago.

20 October.  Back home now. I was joined by Bill and Caroline  on 11 October.  We had a memorable few days walking before Caroline caught a taxi from the Camino to the airport, having done a significant 40km on her weekend break!

Together with my husband and Camino friends I walked to Santiago and after a rest day went on to Finisterre, or Fistera as it is known locally.

Santiago was great. Being in a new city where one feels totally at home with many friends and acquaintances was wonderful.

We attended the pilgrim mass on Tuesday 14 October. The occassion was very inspiring with beautiful music and an appreciation of the pilgrim achievement. What begins as a walk and a challenge does evolve into a very special journey through places and relationships.

The walk to Fistera was speedy but a suitable footnote to the whole experience. Surprisingly I still met friends again right up to the last day.

Now I must go and check on this arm!

Thank you for your support.