Cloister in Los Arcos on the Camino de Santiago

Cloister in Los Arcos on the Camino de Santiago

Friday, January 4, 2013

Alea Iacta Est - The dice is thrown - we're on our way - again!

And so we have decided, Barry and I, the self appointed sub committee, that we shall complete the Camino in early May 2013 that we started in the innocent days of 2006. Little did we know then... But we are all alive and healthy and still talking to each other.

We have looked at the snakes and ladder board of the Camino and have thrown the dice.
We have landed on the ladder that stretches from Logrono in my case (Much, much further on in Barry's case) to Sarria, approx 120km from Santiago de Compostela.

We are going to complete the last five stages and earn our credencial in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Indeed strictly we have earned it already having completed much more than the requisite 100km. But we will do it in style and with elegance, as always.

We hope to attract up to eight others to join us, giving first preference to the Camino Five of 2011 - including Dan, Pat and Fraser. Invitations will be extended to family - brothers, sisters, wives.
I have a special hope that some people from MC3 - the Monkstown Ecumenical initiative involving The Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland and Quaker Communities - might join in.

We are looking at the possibility of a guided trip by the excellent and professional people in Camino Ways or alternatively the misguided trip (dis)organised by yours truly. Let the people decide!

We want to leave at least a full day to savour the delights of Santiago de Compostela and perhaps we might even look at walking, driving or thumbing a lift to Finisterre.

Clear your diaries, start walking 20km a day, stop shaving (men only!), build up your stamina and prepare for our foray into Galicia. As of now we are thinking of flying out on Thursday 2nd of May and returning either Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th. We understand Aer Lingus are operating on all days mentioned.

It will be above all a walk of joy, of thanksgiving to the Almighty (whoever he or she may be) for friends and family, a time to contemplate and pray whilst not forgetting to enjoy the odd glass of wine in excellent company.