David on the Summit of Great Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales February 2019
This is my first blog since August 2018. My wife Lynne said to me in the months before she died in June 2018 . . . "please keep on travelling!" We also discussed the possibility of me walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage sometime in the future. Lynne was/is the love of my life, my soul mate and my best friend. I decided at her 'Thanksgiving Service' in early July that I would walk the Camino in the Spring of 2019. So here we are and in just three weeks from today I set off on this journey of a lifetime. I know that throughout my seven weeks of walking from the French Pyrenees, across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean at Finisterre Lynne will be with me every step of 'The Way'!!
David on the Summit of Green Bell in the Howgills January 2019
I started my serious Camino Training at the beginning of January 2019. Above is a picture of me on the summit of Green Bell in the Howgills. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to go 'wild camping' with my friend Jake from church. It was an exciting and inspiring experience. Jake is a fully qualified mountain leader so it was great to be outdoors with him in the wilds of the Howgill Fells.
Jake setting up the tent and me enjoying an evening meal in the presence of 'Stanley' Jake's faithful whippet!!
This adventure in the Howgill Fells was to be first of three months of serious training for the Camino de Santiago. From January to March I have been doing regular Camino Training walks, several times a week, ranging from 12 to 22 miles. I have up-loaded a new gallery of photographs entitled 'Keep on Travelling . . . .Camino Training 2019' in the 'Photography' section of my website. I have discovered that I have developed a real passion for long-distance walking! It is something I would like to continue after I have completed the Camino. Indeed I have already organised walking for 5 weeks in Japan in the Spring of 2020! I will be doing the famous Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage plus the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail, Mount Koya trail and the Nakasendo Way between Kyoto and Tokyo. Excited!!!!
Early morning start on an 18 mile walk around Derwentwater plus detouring up to Watendlath Tarn and
over into Borrowdale. Truly awesome views of the lake!
David walking along the banks of the River Nidd on the Nidderdale Way February 2019
This photo is of Lynne and I at Everest Base Camp in Tibet in 2016 was just months before she was diagnosed with her terminal cancer. Lynne and I loved travelling together. Lynne said to me many times in her final months . . . . "Keep on travelling!" She was so keen for me to do the Camino de Santiago. So in just three weeks time I will set foot on my 560 mile pilgrimage in memory of Lynne. It is my tribute to a beautiful and wonderful woman who was such a caring, generous and passionate human being! I love her and miss her so much!!!
I am not planning to engage in 'social media' or 'blog' on my website whilst walking the Camino. I feel strongly it is 'my time with God' and as such a very personal journey. However most of all I look forward to meeting fellow pilgrims from all over the world. Of course I feel Lynne will be with me every step of 'The Way'!
I have uploaded a new gallery of Camino Training photos in the 'Photography' section of my website. Just click on 'Photographs' above and it will take you to the 'Keep on Travelling . . . Camino Training 2019' gallery. If you hover your mouse over the first photo you will see that it is possible to view it as a slideshow. Of course the gallery is best viewed on a computer or laptop but it is still possible to watch it on a mobile phone. I hope you enjoy it!
I would love to hear from you before I set off on the Camino!! You can do so by the secure email available in the 'Contact' section above or just by commenting on my blog.
"Buen camino!!!"
David
xx