Camino de Santiago Robert Newhouse robert_whyteleaf@yahoo.co.uk 07928 052031

The French Way - Camino Frances There are pros and cons for all the pilgrimage routes. Camino Portugues and Los Caminos del Norte have also been considered but on balance Camino Frances has been chosen.

Santiago de Compostela Pass of Lepoeder Manjarin O Cebreiro Logrono St Jean Pied de Port St Jean Pied de Port Burgos Leon Ponferrada Sarria Santiago Santiago de Compostela

Weather St Jean Pied de Port (start) Average Temperature and Rainfall We will be going in September / early October so it is not too hot and not too wet! Santiago (end) Average Temperature and Rainfall

Itinerary

Game plan Options We will walk the French Way.   We will walk the French Way. Pilgrims may join at any overnight stop on the specified date. Pilgrims are discouraged from leaving the route before Santiago. Options Option 1 - DIY (ie cheap and travel light (no baggage transfer)) Albergues (most basic):- Dormitories. No reservations, first come first served. Donations (€6). Hostels:- Some private and less basic (€10-15). Reservations possible. Option 2 - use Camino Ways www.caminoways.com as tour operator (ie standard cost) This covers everything, ie flights, transfers, hostel accommodation, hostel meals, baggage transfer etc. Pilgrims make their own bookings from SGSG call-off arrangement with Camino Ways. We will ask Camino Ways to put us all in the same accommodation unless individual pilgrims request otherwise. 

Examples:- approx costs per person of 13 day pilgrimage from Leon

Next steps Let me know … Where you plan to start Whether you plan to go DIY or Camino Ways … by 31st January 2018 (or sooner if possible) Research the Camino ¡Vamos a aprender español!

Backup slides

Highlight link, right-mouse-click, open hyperlink Videos http://caminodocumentary.org/ Walking the Camino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dqOI87nSU0/ The Way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grFtcnFSHQw/ Walking the Camino with a donkey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaFqodavn0I/ Botafumeiro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHpPbiknf_k/ The Spirit of El Camino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRnUKseugag&feature=youtu.be The Camino Official Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dbhnTmwSqs&feature=youtu.be Camino De Santiago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LHABDXoXb0 A Journey for the Soul Highlight link, right-mouse-click, open hyperlink

Highlight link, right-mouse-click, open hyperlink Websites https://www.csj.org.uk/ The Confraternity of St James https://www.csj.org.uk/about-us/the-bulletin/the-spiritual-dimension-of-the-pilgrimage/ The Spiritual Dimension of the Pilgrimage https://www.csj.org.uk/how-to-get-a-pilgrim-record-pilgrim-passport-credencial/ How to get a Pilgrim passport https://caminoways.com/ Camino Ways https://caminoways.com/ways/french-way-camino-frances/ The French Way or Camino Frances https://caminoways.com/ways/french-way/book;start_date=/ Booking your Camino Ways pilgrimage Highlight link, right-mouse-click, open hyperlink

Highlight link, right-mouse-click, open hyperlink Guides https://www.cicerone.co.uk/9781852843724.cfm#.WbU2SLpFyUn/ The Way of St James - Spain https://www.csj.org.uk/product/all-you-need-for-the-camino-frances-3-in-1-suite/ All you need for the Camino Frances https://www.amazon.co.uk/PilgrimS-Guide-Camino-Santiago-14th/dp/1912216000/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1505049193&sr=8-6&keywords=john+brierley+camino+de+Santiago/ John Brierley’s Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago https://caminoways.com/experience/download-camino-ebooks/ Camino de Santiago – Beginners’ Guide Books https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spanish-Steps-Travels-My-Donkey/dp/0099471949/ Spanish Steps: Travels with my donkey by Tim Moore Apps eCamino Pilgrim’s Guide to Camino France based on John Brierley’s book Camino Pilgrim Booking.com Accommodation Highlight link, right-mouse-click, open hyperlink

Later on

PRE-MEETING SLIDESHOW

“There are no tourists on the Camino, just pilgrims who haven't found their way yet" Chico “Go as far as you can see; when you get there you’ll be able to see farther” Thomas

“I just came back from the Camino and it was great “I just came back from the Camino and it was great. I went for religious reasons and experienced God in a very real and vivid way. I saw the compassion of God in the many gifts I received along the way. I can’t tell you how many times while I was walking that strangers came up to me and offered drink and food. I saw miracles, I saw humanity at its finest! It changed my life and I for one am happier for it. Two hours before I left for St Jean Pied de Port my cell phone went completely dead. I took it as a sign that God wanted me to be free from all distractions. And I was! I was better able to absorb and appreciate all the things I was about to experience. A little back story… I own a salon and some rentals. When I left I was experiencing turmoil at the rentals and chaos in my business. When I returned, all had calmed down and tranquility has beset my life. This was yet another Camino miracle. I came back with a new resolve. At Leon there was a poster which read “do not be afraid”. It was huge, that day I hadn’t eaten, there was a storm I was walking in, and I had no idea where I was gonna sleep. Yet I said ok I won’t be afraid. By the end of the night I was fed, dry and sheltered from the storm that raged outside my albergue. Walk the Camino, do it as soon as possible. To all pilgrims, past, present, and future, Buen Camino!” Jesse