Peace Walker Society

For over a thousand years, Pilgrims have made this journey before us and now we will place our footprints gently in theirs. We will walk alone and walk hand in hand; we will walk in silence and walk in song. We will pass through fields, woods, mountains, villages and cities, rich in shrines, cathedrals, and monasteries.

Blessed by wind at our backs, the sun at our face, the earth beneath our feet and the bright stars to guide us, we will arrive in Santiago De Compostella. Here awaits the hero's welcome, where the inner celebration of pride and self worth embraces the outer song and dance. Upon returning to our homelands we will continue the Walk, for new roads open magically before us and the Journey will begin once again.

The Route

It could be said that all roads lead to Rome. In the Middle ages it would be just as true to say they also led to Santiago de Compostella in the northwest of Spain.

The El Camino is one of the most famous and revered pilgrimages. It is part of a larger network of routes, many of Roman origin extending throughout Europe and used by Pilgrims since the eleventh century. Santiago was one of the focal points of the first spiritual movement, which united the peoples of Europe and laid the foundations of their future greatness.

This ancient path is covered with many legends. It is believed by many that the grave of St. James (one of the twelve disciples of Jesus) is buried at Santiago. Another legend has it that the name Compostella was derived from Campus Stelae or Star field, after the miraculous (star) light that showed the place of the grave. Then there are the stories of how numerous Pilgrims instead of stopping at Compostela, continued on another 80km to the far westerly point of Finisterre believing they would be literally at the end of the earth.

Why

There are various reasons for choosing a pilgrimage. Taking "time off" from life to walk in the shadows of past Pilgrims such as Charlemagne, St. Francis of Assisi, King Ferdinand, Queen Isabella of Spain. Reflecting on ones life; spiritual or religious reasons. Searching for inner meaning or creating space to pray think or meditate. Giving thanks for life or for health. Enacting with one's feet a metaphor of the human journey - from birth to death, and through death to new life. The Camino de Santiago is probably the finest and best organised long-distance hike in the world.

Whether or not we hold traditional religious ideas, the pilgrimage remains a wonderful model of the human trajectory, as natural as setting one foot after another.

Health and Strength

The walking is not too demanding, but you will need to be in good normal health. The most we will walk on any given day is about 20 km. This means we will walk approximately 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon, with a good long break at lunchtime. We will walk in Spirit traveling light on the earth. Any heavy baggage will be left in Leon, taking only the bare necessities.

In the Plaza de San Marcos we begin our journey by forming a circle declaring support for our fellow pilgrims. The following day we travel by bus to Villafranca, and here the walk begins.

ITINERARY

• May 16: (18km.) Villafranca to Vega.
• May 17: (10km.) Vega to 0 Cebreiro
• May 18: (21.3km.) 0 Cebreiro toTriacastella
• May 19: (17.2km.) Triacastella to Sarria
• May 20: REST DAY
• May 21: (21.5km.) Sarria to Portomarin
• May 22: (24km.) Portomarin to Palas
• May 23: (23km.) Palas to Ribadiso
• May 24: (17km.) Ribadiso to Santa Irene
• May 25: (20km.) Santa Irene to Santiago

Logistics and Costs

Cost for Pilgrimage is $400.00CAD plus $20 Peace Walker Society Membership

As there is a limit of ten pilgrims, and past Pilgrimages have filled quickly, it is advisable to reserve early. The cost does not include travel, accommodation or meals.

For information and registration contact Derek Walker Youngs.

Not for profit, fees go to expenses and to the Peace Walker Society

"This experience taught me patience, acceptance of others for who they are and to acknowledge my fears and work through them." -Jane

"Fresh air, exercise, and beautiful scenery. Yes, there were some physical challenges, but they only added to the sense of growth and accomplishment I felt. Whether I was walking alone or with others, I felt a constant sense of well being and serenity. For me there was clear spiritual growth that has become part of who I am. I will never forget the camaraderie and the laughter I shared with my fellow Peregrinos." -Dan

"This Camino was my first one, my reward was a glimpse at enlightenment: heightened senses, smell, vision, hearing, peace, relaxation, joy in my heart, and clarity of mind (emptiness). Foremost I discovered a new passion in my life, walking meditation, with more to come." -Rejean

"El Camino was a turning point in my life... it was a time for me to look at myself, hear myself breath. With the beauty of the Spanish countryside and the vibrational pull of the Camino, my life will always have long walks in it. I thank you Derek and Lucile for the gift. May the wind always blow you along as it did me and continues to everyday. Mucho gracious...." -xxx peace Danna

Arriving in Santiago de Compostella you will walk to the Deans house. There you will present your "Credential del Peregrino" now full of the stamps that were given to you at each stop on the way to St. James. In a tradition now over five centuries old, you will be awarded a certificate in Latin, proclaiming that you are an official Peregrino.

Credencial del Peregrino