Grand Pilgrim Hikers
The Grand Hikers has a number of Camino de Santiago pilgrims! Yes, many of our own members have walked the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James. It is a renowned pilgrimage of medieval origin where pilgrims journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galacia, located in the northwest region of Spain. There is more history to this pilgrimage, but that is too much to tell here! A unique experience and possibly the trip of a lifetime, walking the Camino brings thousands of people from all over the world, all year long. The walks take weeks or even a month or two, depending on how you plan your pilgrimage. Hostels, or albergue, along all the routes provide evening rest and comaraderie of other pilgrims, with food and beverages, and of course, pilgrimage stories.
There are a variety of starting points on this journey. Two of the most
well-known routes are: 1) Camino Frances, also known as the French Way,
most famous and most popular of the Camino routes. 2) Camino Portugues
Coastal is the second most popular route. This walk weaves along the
coastline north of Porto in Portugal and into Spain, taking in some
beautiful fishing towns and scenery. This pilgrimage walk, by its
nature, reconnects travelers with themselves, nature and other pilgrims
from around the globe. The Grand Hikers has 6 members who hiked the pilgrimage during 2023! All
have done more than one! Following are brief thoughts about their
journeys. When you see them at meetings or hikes, ask them more about
their personal adventures!
Gena Bailey
Doug and Shelly Smith - We have completed the Camino Frances St. John Pied de Port (2019; 500 miles, 34 days); Camino Ingles-Ferrol, Spain (2023; 75 miles, 5 days); and Camino Portugues-Porto (2023; 170 miles, 3 routes over 12 days). We love the simplicity of it…carry all we need on our back, each day is simple…walk about 15 miles, bathe, eat, sleep…repeat! For us, the Camino is less about the journey or the trail, or even the challenge - it’s more about the people along the way. Our lives are enriched by the people we meet from all over the world.
Shelly and Doug Smith
Steve Zuber - On June 30th, I finished my second
Camino, the Portuguese Coastal route beginning in Porto, about 150
miles, completed in 12 days. The highlights were many - the scenery, the
beautiful beaches and ocean vistas, the culture, history, and cuisine
of the areas I trekked through. Most importantly were the people from
around the world that I met each day and evening. I am 77 years old, and
being one of the oldest, I seemed to be embraced by all the younger
folks. I do the Camino not to escape life, but to build upon my life.
This is what the Camino does for me. It shows I can still meet physical
and mental challenges. The Camino allowed me to build confidence in
myself and sets me up for new challenges. I am not afraid of my age!
I hope you enjoyed our brief story of our Grand Camino de Santiago Grand Hikers of 2023.
Gena Bailey - I have done three Caminos. In 2018, the first half of the Camino Frances, ending in Sahagun, Spain. Then in 2019 I started in Sahagun and ended in Santiago, Spain where I received my Compostela (certificate of completion), a total of 600 miles. I completed my third Camino this past May. I walked a 300 mile portion of the Le Puy route in France and I have future plans of walking the Norte Camino in Spain and the Portuguese routes.
I loved walking my Caminos. I met people from all over the world that are still friends. When walking, I experience the everyday life of others that are different from me. Walking Caminos taught me mindfulness and the importance of meditation. So much so, that when I returned, I became certified in meditation and now teach meditation in The Grand through Grand Learning. I also co-founded The Grand State of Mindfulness Interest Group.
John and Suzanne Hardman
John - I first heard about the Camino during a college semester abroad in Sevilla, Spain. Thirty years later my sister walked the Camino Frances followed by my wife, Suzanne. Then my brother decided to give it a go. My first Camino was a two-week hike with Suzanne from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. After that experience, I started to think more about doing this longer hike across northern Spain, and upon retiring, it seemed like a great way to kick-off the next chapter. I liked the metaphor of literally walking into retirement, at least the first 500 miles of it.
Suzanne - So far, I’ve walked four Camino’s. In 2017, I walked 500 miles on the French Way. In 2019, I walked 260 miles on the Portuguese Central Camino with my husband, John. In 2022, 275 miles on the Portuguese Coastal route. John and I walked the French Way September/October 2023 in his retirement celebration. What I appreciate most about walking the Camino(s) is the realization that I can live with so few possessions. I am inspired to live more of a minimalist lifestyle and appreciate the slow pace of travel the Camino allows. One becomes immersed in the culture and develops lasting friendships with people from all over the world.
Suzanne and John Hardman
Steve Zuber