Congrats to Jasenjanine for the 'First to Find' and thank you for your kind words 👣
I did not realise we had a Camino in WA until I stumbled across the Camino Salvado through a Facebook group. I decided to join the group and register with only 6 weeks to prepare for a 190km hike over 7 days. I set up my accommodation (a camper trailer) at a caravan park in the Swan Valley and was picked up then dropped back at the end of each day.
We were only to carry a day pack with everything we would personally need on the journey, which included hiking poles (a huge support for tired and aching bones), sunscreen, insect repellent, a small first aid kit, bush toilet kit (leave nothing but footprints), warm and wet weather gear, water and snacks. We were able to rely on the planning of our two guides, the wonderful Sue O and Jazz, in relation to mapping our journey and a lovely picnic lunch every day.
With very little time to train before undertaking the Camino in September 2020, and having an issue with osteoarthritis; I was in some discomfort from day two but received support and treatment where possible from our knowledgeable guides.
I was fortunate to be with a great group of adventurous women ranging in age from mid-40’s to 82, who not only guided and accompanied me, but ultimately supported me mentally, emotionally and physically on my journey. Throughout the Camino, I was provided with company, quiet reflection time, some great laughs, marching songs, wild flower photo moments and some incredibly inventive ‘street’ art made from items collected on the way. We even found some geocaches although I will admit, just getting off my feet for a few minutes was more important to me at the time.
The last two days were very long and very painful but I also knew that what I was doing mattered, not only to my fellow travellers but to me personally; it was something I needed to complete and felt that the way I will spend my future years, depended on the strength and determination I needed to draw on for this journey.
This was not just a hike for me; it was a pilgrimage, a ‘way’; returning to a place that had ultimately changed the course of my life from the age of 14. New Norcia was where I met, at the age of 14, a handsome young man who I would marry 7 years later. We would spend the next 42 years together, raising our family and in later years, enjoying time with grandchildren. The last day of my Camino was the 48th anniversary of meeting that wonderful, caring man👣