Conclusion to the Camino

Tom Wright has written frequently in his commentaries that we are born into Christ not him into us. This is I think significant as through baptism we are born into communion with Our Lord. This means we are not just individuals seeking salvation but a communion of believers sharing the journey to the Heavenly Banquet....

The Final 24 hours

On the last but one day of the walk we said goodbye to Rene our dear friend from Majorca. Rene's flight was a day earlier than ours and he wanted to attend Mass on the Wednesday at the cathedral. Fr Michael and myself walked the 15km to Monte Do Gozo, a huge Albergue that looked...

The creative genius in the design of the Cathedrals

The 3 cathedrals of Burgos, Leon and Santiago were breathtaking in offering beauty, awe and wonder. The windows at Leon were stunning. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to visit Chartres Cathedral will appreciate the use of light through amazing stained glass windows. In Leon the left hand side of the building had a slightly...

Potential Gap in the Camino

As you will all have gathered by now I enjoyed the experience of eating the many wonderful dishes that the people of Northern Spain provide. One of the obvious problems (perhaps only to me) is the lack of spicy food and far too many breakfasts of bread and jam! My extensive market research with 2...

Inspiration from a Football Hero

Suffering from a tendon/shin splints injury I looked for inspiration from one of the heroic figures of England's history. I plumped for Norman Hunter, a hard centre half from the great Leeds team of the 1960's and 70's. Hunter was a solid defender who gave me confidence in the same way JPR Williams gave me...

A Difference of Musical Tastes

Fr. Michael has moved from a slow starter on the Camino to someone training to take on Mo Farah. One afternoon he raced by me announcing that he was marching to Sibelius. Later on we discussed his tactics. I said that I thought Mozart had had more hits! But he thought I was confusing Sibelius...

School children walking the Camino

Spoke to some Spanish school children about their football team Real Madrid and I was able to talk to them about Ronaldo and even got the chance to mention Bale and Wales. When I told them I supported Leeds Utd. they looked confused because they didn't know Leeds played football! Annoyed at the gap in...

Musings on the state of the economy

My friend Fr Kevin supports Leyton Orient. In recent years the owners have developed the ground so that there are luxury apartments in each corner of Brisbane Road. It is still a football ground as in the middle there are stands either side for 53 people to sit and watch the O's whilst partaking of...

The End Is In Sight

I'm looking forward to receiving my certificate for my Camino. As far as I can remember this will be the third award of my life. I once came 2nd at 16 years of age in St. John's church under 9's table tennis competition (I always looked younger than my age!). My other prize came when...

Palas de Rei to Castaneda

Another great walk today from Palas de Rei to Castaneda. On route we met some German ladies and a young American. Stopped for refreshments and salsa dancing to Coldplay. A group of Italians got in the spirit and also joined us. Thanks to Agnes for encouraging me to dance. All pictures will be found in...