Camino Community

Let’s talk about Camino families

(*Disclaimer: I apologize in advance to fellow pilgrims for using your real name, hope you don’t mind - won’t say anything bad)

There is a real sense of community and family among the pilgrims on the Camino. On many levels. It could be as simple as “Ola, Buen Camino” as you walk, or heart to heart talks over dinner and vino.

I actually brought some family with me, and have begun to expand on that.

Firstly, my daughter Rachel. When I learned about the Camino and we watched “The Way” movie, she said we should do that together. Sounds good to me. It has been an honour and a blessing to walk with her. She is a strong and beautiful young woman, and so much fun to be with.

Next is Kathy. I have run with her for a few years, and when we talked of the Camino we knew we wanted to do it together. She is such a friendly, outgoing and fun person. And she has overcome many obstacles to even be here. She is actually walking a day behind due to foot issues, but she might catch up today.

Charmaine is the next member of the family. Also a running friend, she is tough and sensitive at the same time. And a great resource - since being in the army reserves, plus loving to hike - has made her our expert in foot and blister care. We so appreciate her help and advice.

Next is Andrew. I met Andrew last fall while walking for pleasure and to train for the Camino. Immediately he decided to join us. So friendly and warm. He loves to hug everyone and has been our ambassador to meet even more pilgrims. Everyone loves Andrew. We are known as Andrew’s girls.

Last of our original group, but not least (there is no least), Penny. Penny was also a member of the walking group where I met Andrew. She is small but mighty, has so much energy, and also a joy to be with. Right now she is with Kathy, a day behind. They have been walking with a new friend from USA, maybe we will see them today.

So there were 6 of us from Edmonton to start. Though we are a bit spread out right now we are staying in touch with the use of technology. And we will see each other again soon.

But the beauty of the Camino is that you meet so many new friends. When we stayed at the Beilari Albergue in St Jean Pied de Port (seems like years ago but less than 2 weeks), we had a beautiful dinner and shared a bit with the other guests about why we were doing the Camino. And we keep running into those same people on the road or in the towns and albergues. We have walked a lot with Suzi and Teresa from Texas, such lovely ladies. Molly from Arizona and Susan from Florida are great, hope to see them again soon. This is Susan’s third Camino and she was a great resource at first when we knew nothing. Now we are figuring things out in our own. Molly is a lot of fun - she walks fast and listens to Canadian music, but is always ready to talk, laugh, or cry with you. Sharon and Danny are a couple from Australia and they love to travel. Danny is gluten intolerant, difficult in the bread loving country of Spain. Claude from Montreal keeps showing up, always happy to see us and say hi. Ahin from Germany is amazing. He did 1000 km from Vesaly, France before we met him, and plans to keep going until Santiago. He passes us every day as we walk since he leaves later but walks faster. Marielle from Quebec is sweet, we hope to see her again sometime.

And those are just the people we met the first night. Others have been great, too. And some are so inspiring, like the grandfather, son and granddaughter (9 years old). Or the couple with 2 children - I’m guessing both under 2 years old. They have each in a backpack as well as all their possessions hanging from said backpacks. Or the mother and daughter from Louisiana and Montana. Or Mark and his dog Lola. Or "the Lads" fro Ireland. Or "the Belgian" we kept crossing paths with. Or the sisters/friends from Ontario. Or Francisco from Australia. Or Laura from Wales, so friendly and energetic. I especially like Lidunka from London, we keep ordering the same food at restaurants and have a great time talking over wine. I owe her a glass of wine now, so will have to catch up with her at some point.

Those are a few of our Camino family, there are many more.

Communal meal at albergue in Zubiri