The Canadian Company of Pilgrims - Toronto Chapter...

Last Saturday (07Mar09) I had the privilege of attending the Canadian Company of Pilgrims Toronto Chapter's meeting here in Toronto at St James Church Parish. The speakers were inspiring, the other attendees were fun and full of knowledge but I think my most memorable experience of that meeting was just to finally feel like I belonged somewhere. Since I started this quest...journey...adventure, however it gets labelled, while most people are thrilled for me and very supportive, there has always been this sense of "are ya nuts!" or just "why would you want to do this?". No malice, just no full understanding. That all changed when I walked into that basement room of the Parish where the meeting was being held. As it turns out, most everyone there had either done the Camino (I would say 80% of them) or like me, were planning too at some point. They all got it...no "nuts!" and no "whys?", they all understood the draw to do their Camino. Don't get me wrong, there are times I don't know why myself and think am I nuts but the draw to do my Camino never waivers.

3rd permission received...my Camino is a go!!!

I received the good news today from my Oncologist that I was cancer free so my Camino is a go! I have booked my flights and I am leaving for Paris on 03 September 2009 and will be returning on 18 October 2009. I am planning on spending a couple of days in Paris and then heading off to St Jean Pied de Port for an overnight and then off on the Camino. After my Camino, I will probably have 10 days (give or take) to travel around Spain or back to France or both! I built this extra time in to this adventure so that if I wanted or needed to spend more time doing my Camino, I wouldn't feel rushed. At this time, while the beginning of the adventure is relatively firm, the end will be how the wind blows me I guess. More later as it unfolds.

the route...

Just a quick update. Some people have been asking about the route I will be taking so I have added a map to give a rough idea of my trek from France and northern Spain.

I will be starting my Camino in St Jean Pied de Port (on the France/Spain border) and officially be finishing it in Santiago de Compostela (left side of map). I am planning on continuing on to the town of Finisterre which has also been known as the End of the World back in the day...way back!

The first day I will be walking from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles. The first real decision will be which route to take...up over the Pyrenees along the route taken by Napoleon's army or down through the valley. Over the mountains is the route I want to take but unfortunately, it is all down to the weather. From all I have read, if it is raining the valley route is the one to take. Fingers crossed for sunshine the first day! More later.

Only 3 days until I hopefully get my 3rd and final permission!!!