Final Reflection from all the Pilgrims

The Pilgrims are now home and adjusting to life and all that entails.  I asked Joanie, Sandy and Jan to write their thoughts for the blog.
Sandy writes:
Hi Muriel,
I so admire and appreciate you for writing the blog .  It is not easy! So many have loved the blog!!! I saw Donna at church and she was raving about it and your excellent style. (Here I will add....thank you Sandy and Donna M.)
Here is my reflection (Sandy)
When I told people we were going on another Camino, they generally looked puzzled and asked “why”.  My answer was vague. I would say I don’t know, it is hard to describe, there is something about it , we like it!  After this past Camino, I have decided I like the simplicity. Our lives are very busy and we are pulled in many directions and we are intertwined in many people's lives.  On the Camino our only purpose is to walk to the next town. We can slow down and enjoy the beauty of the world God has created!!
At the end of the day, we are physically exhausted but mentally rested and spiritually lifted!
One of my favourite days this Camino was the day we went from Portugal to Spain.  We had a short, exhilarating boat ride on a small boat as we crossed to the next country. Then we began a magical walk!!  We were beside the ocean and we could feel the mist on our faces. We could hear the waves and the foghorns blaring. There were few pilgrims and it felt like we were alone.  Eventually, we walked into an old town so extraordinarily different from Vancouver!  The old buildings, the narrow cobbled streets and the open squares where people are laughing, drinking and eating. We sat down for our grande beers!!  A very special day shared with three special friends!


Thoughts from Sandy Pilgrim 2.

Jan writes:
Dear P’s
It is difficult to summarize my favourite thing about our latest Camino!
I think for me I loved being close to the water. I enjoyed walking along the water hearing the waves
 and looking at the spectacular scenery!  It was special being with the three of you sharing this amazing journey!
Jan/ P4 xxx

Joanie writes:
Hi Muriel
You should know that I received many positive comments on your blog, some nights I wondered how you had the energy to write it, it really was a labour of love, thanks so much.
As requested my thoughts:
Third time lucky, Camino #3 Portuguese route was my favourite and amazingly we 4 didn’t have any real problems with feet, healthy weather, missed flights etc. Yes, we had blisters, cuts, a cracked tooth - we didn’t walk as fast or far as some but we continued to smile (for me after I had my tooth fixed 😁) , greet fellow pilgrims with a “Buen Camino” and “where are you from” . Meeting fellow pilgrims is one of my best memories. Over the 3 Caminos in 2 countries we walked over 1000 kms, all the while we drank lots of cafe con leche, laughed, prayed, had many many grande beer, great conversations, most importantly we supported each other physically and spiritually.
We 4 P’s are lucky and so blessed that we could do the 3 caminos together, they were the best of times.  Dear pilgrims Sandy, Muriel and Jan, love you and thank you.
Joanie P1

My Camino Reflection.....Muriel P3
We did so many wonderful things it is difficult to choose which was the most meaningful , because it was ALL meaningful. I would agree that the ocean played a big part as well as the simplicity of walking and opportunity for self reflection .  With all our needs being met we just had to “walk”
Two events that had a lasting impression were not on the actual walk. From Paris we traveled to Auvers sur Oise which is where Van Gogh spent his last days. It was moving to stand in his very bedroom where he lived and to walk where he walked and painted. The Anne Frank museum moved me to tears.