November 2019
I eventually got home on Saturday 5th October. I was rather exhausted after a relentless four weeks of activity and travelling - mostly on foot of course! But I was thankful not to have had any accidents, illness, or even blisters.

I started this pilgrimage in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the French side of the Pyrenees, and finished 300 miles later in the city of Leon, Spain, walking for just over three weeks. Generally I walked alone, but was always very happy to meet and talk with others at the cafe stops or hostels. I stayed mostly in the pilgrim hostels, or albergues, which have mixed dormitories with bunk beds, and cost about 10 euros.

Occasionally I splashed out on a cheap hotel, to have some privacy and escape the snoring!

Countryside was mostly very open, with huge fields and vineyards, lots of ups and downs, little villages all with their churches (they ring bells in Spain).

The weather was quite hot and I only had two wet days. I carried my backpack with an absolute minimum of clothes etc - it is interesting to realise how little you can manage with if necessary. It did feel heavy at times, I used to tell myself that perhaps I was carrying my sins! I confess there was the occasional time when I did a few miles by bus or taxi when I was feeling that I'd had enough or was suffering with the heat.

I think the most wonderful aspect of the Camino is the contacts with other pilgrims, and how it's so easy to relate to people with many different backgrounds, countries, ages. All that matters is that you have a common purpose. I met people from a total of 32 different countries around the world. The Camino is very international! It was also lovely to see how people helped and supported each other. Personally I felt extremely supported by friends back home, who sent little messages urging me on - and also telling me to get enough rest!

Many of the churches held special masses with a pilgrim blessing, and I stayed one night in a Benedictine monastery. The Catholic faith is very much part of Spain. There were some opportunities to have group discussions about our varied reasons for pilgrimage. Many people said that they were "searching" for meaning in their lives.

As you know, I was fundraising for Safe Passage (helping child refugees) as an extra dimension for my long walk. I must say that I feel overwhelmed by the generous donations during the past weeks. The target of £5000 will certainly be reached. I am so grateful to everyone who contributed, including all those who remained anonymous who I can't personally thank.

It feels good to be back home, but pilgrimage is something which can continue, it is a life journey.

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October 2019
Well, I am safely home after four weeks in Spain. I am feeling exhausted but am in good health and never got any blisters!

I want to send enormous thanks to Everyone who donated to my Safe Passage appeal - to date all the donations plus Gift Aid are nearly at £5000. This is an extraordinary target to reach.
I am told by Justgiving that, for the month of September, we are in the top 1% out of 71411 different fundraising appeals!

Walking the Camino is a very special experience, I feel privileged that I was able to do it. Life really does get down to the essentials, to what really matters, and all the relationships with folks from around the world are to be treasured.

Peace, love, thanks and blessings,
Carol

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September 2019
I aim to walk 300 miles, carrying a backpack, on the French Way route to Santiago de Compostela, in northern Spain, in aid of the charity Safe Passage.

Four years ago, I walked part of the way, and felt very aware of all the refugees also walking the roads of Europe - the difference was that I had a safe home to return to, but they only had destitution and danger.

I now want to complete my pilgrim journey, and am asking for sponsorship for the charity Safe Passage, which works with unaccompanied child refugees across Europe, helping them to reach safety and reunite with their families. You can find out more about their work here: http://www.safepassage.org.uk/

I will start on 8th September and the walk will take me 4 - 5 weeks. I have just celebrated 75 years not out, so this seems a good thing to do, although it feels a bit daunting. But your sponsorship support will spur me on.

Please share the link to this page with your networks and contacts, on Facebook etc. I will send updates along the way.

Huge thanks for your support.