I’ve learned a lot having talked to my podcast guests over the last number of months. First of all, it has been a pleasure to re-walk their Camino with them during this challenging time. Secondly, it gives me an outlet to give back – something that I have been doing for three years and I look forward to continue doing so when some kind of normality returns. It is encouraging to see people from all over the world listening in and I am grateful for that. I am not sure how long I can continue creating podcasts but if pilgrims wish to share their story with me, I will keep going. I had a great chat with Adam, a English pilgrim I met in 2017. We shared many memories and it was fun to talk after so long. Being part of a Camino family really helps your Camino experience in my opinion and we talked about that.

Prior to that, I spoke to Samantha from Thunder Bay, Canada. She walked the Camino Francés last May. She left her home with a question “Who really am I?” and returned with a different outlook on life. Following her Camino, she left her job as a financial consultant and once normality returns, Samantha will guide women on pilgrimages and retreats. She has a website www.shewalksthewalk.com where you can find all her details. The Camino has the ability to change you, only if you let it.

For me, change has been tiny but noticeable. The most obvious change is the call to give back to the Camino, both in written form on my blog and as a volunteer. I have been writing for years and many other pilgrims have been doing the same for far longer. I started to volunteer three years ago in Dublin. Secondly, I like to think that I have a more positive outlook. Yes, this pandemic is far from ideal but it will go away and we will be walking in Spain again. I am sure of it. And finally, and I suppose this relates to personal items, since 2012/2013 my hoarding days are over. Anything, that I do not need I usually give away. I live by how I walked on the Camino. I walk 2-3 weeks most years with bare essentials in a backpack and I am carrying on that idea.

So how has the Camino de Santiago changed you?

The 25th of July was the feast of Saint James. Saint James is the patron saint of Spain, and for many, his remains are in Santiago de Compostela. Many pilgrims spend this day together, gathering and remembering good times from Caminos-past. Many societies arrange events celebrating the occasion. In Santiago, the festivities usually start with a firework display where pilgrims fill the Plaza da Obradoiro to witness the spectacle. This year is the exception. With far fewer pilgrims and quite a lot of social distancing, King Felipe visited Santiago for the occasion.

So what was I to do this year? I didn’t have far to look. My good friend Oihana had decided to walk from her home in Dunboyne in Co. Meath with a number of pilgrims to St James’ Church in Dublin to remember those affected by Covid-19. I wouldn’t walk from Dunboyne. however, as I live too far away, but I arranged to meet with my friend Elizabeth and we would travel to Blanchardstown, 15kms from St James’ Church. From there, it turned out to be a beautiful day. It was the first time I had met many of who I walked with since the start of the pandemic.

It was great to see everyone and once we made our start, we knew our way. The Papal Cross was the next stop but there was plenty of time to look around and take our time. I thought that we would have some rain but it was Oihana that told me that it was Santiago protecting us. Oh me of little faith! I didn’t need the rain jacket at all. I had the pleasure of carrying the baton and the luz del camino from Blanchardstown until Castleknock. Both have been carefully crafted by Oihana with the words “Volveremos” (We will return) scribed on the baton. Everyone of us believe that. There were also many beautifully designed scallop shells.

Arriving at the Royal Canal and the National Famine Way, you can see many boats parked along the side of the Canal. We decided to take a rest, and it is a great opportunity for a photo. We have plenty of time but we are eager to arrive at St James’ Church.

On arriving at the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park, we met more pilgrims who wished to walk to the Church. It was planned that we would take a short break here and say a prayer, which was quite fitting.

From here we made the walk to the old door of Dublin, St James’ Gate. St James’ Gate now is a bustling industrial place but in medieval times, people entered the city from here. Many people associate this name with a certain drink too so it was nice to get a photo while we passed.

A quick turn of a corner and we were on James Street. We were welcomed by Fr Eugene who congratulated us on making our pilgrimage and asked us to be seated, but in a socially distant way.

He blessed us and as this pilgrimage was to remember everyone affected by Covid-19 – the healthcare workers, the nurses, the doctors, the HSE, ambulance drivers, he asked us to spare a few moments to thank those. He asked us to light a candle and spend a few moments with those in need in our thoughts.

One reason why I won’t forget the day is because we received a Compostela and a token afterward. I will be getting this framed this week. It is very well designed, don’t you agree? There was an incredible amount of work put into this walk from the design of the baton to the opening of the church.

And to top off a great day, we had a selection of spanish foods and tarta de Santiago. I’m blessed for having great pilgrim friends.

You can view more photos and read Oihana’s account here.

*Note that most of these photos do not belong to me.

Let me take you back to Saturday, March the 14th. Coronavirus was in the news here in Ireland however we were free to travel and see folks (oh I miss those days!). I went to the Camino Information Centre for the day and walked back to the centre of town to catch my train. At the time, there were a number of flights cancelled but there was no talk of lock-downs or restrictions. There were 90 cases of Covid-19 located in Ireland. The following day, I travelled to my parents house as I normally do for a Sunday. It was such a strange thing taking the train, it was actually empty for once. Sunday was fun but I had seen Italy and Spain had imposed restrictions to control the virus. I knew that I wouldn’t see my folks again for quite some time. And I was right.

Jump ahead to the next morning. I wake up with a thumping headache and a temperature of 37.5c. Ok, it’s not quite a fever but, considering the advice given from the HSE, I decided to call my GP and lay low. At that time, the HSE were looking to test anyone who displayed flu-like symptoms. It is quite an ambitious approach but it will have a huge waiting list. I called my GP and to my surprise, he asked me to self-isolate for 7 days and he would arrange a test for me. Now, the important thing to remember here was that I felt fine, I had no cough (yet) although I was aware that it is possible to be not have any symptoms to have this virus. I gave my GP the benefit of the doubt and looked forward for the test.

Four days passed and I heard nothing. I had been taking my temperature every day and it had remained normal. By the end of the 4th day, I had developed a dry cough, but I put this down to being indoors and having no fresh air. The cough is not persistent. I ring the GP to discuss this with him. Again, he said it was best to relax, and I should receive a call soon from the HSE.

And finally, on the 25th of March, the HSE changed their criteria. Now they were looking to test people with two symptoms. I immediately rang my GP and he said I didn’t need a test. I am now back at work, although working at home. Apparently, over 40,000 people were waiting for a test while 94% of those testing were negative. This is only a good move.

I took my first walk since the 15th of March on Thursday. We luckily have a large park beside my house where I can go to stretch my legs during lunch and during the weekend. A few weeks without seeing my family can be sacrificed. The party will only be huge when this is over.

I look forward to the day when I can hug my parents. I look forward to the day I can go for a walk through a packed Dublin city. Even walking through the hills of Galicia is a dream for me right now. But it is nice to dream. Keep hoping. It keeps a light on in the dark times.

But all I do right now is sit and wait. It is the best we can do to help. While I am not working, and while I am indoors, I will be good to #keepwriting. The Camino keeps me happy, naturally enough so I will post some of my favourite memories from years gone by every day.

Take care and stay safe!

So here we are..2019! Happy New Year! The celebrations are over, the good cutlery has been put away and we have settled down to another year. I hope you had a good few weeks. Christmas has been good in the Smith household. Strangely enough, the last time I felt this way was January 2018 and I was preparing for a Camino #1 with the brother. As we all know, those few weeks went very well and we enjoyed our time walking into Santiago de Compostela. So much so, that we are going back this May.

Celtic Camino & Camino Finisterre

May 7th – we both fly to Santiago and aim for Ferrol. From there we walk to Betanzos, on the Ferrol leg of the Camino Ingles. The following day, we take a bus to A Coruna where we will walk to Santiago. I’m looking forward to these few days between A Coruna and Bruma as it is pretty quiet. Once in Santiago, we walk to Finisterre and the end of the world. I was here last in 2016 when I witnessed the sunset. It is the true end of one’s Camino. Just 122 days to go at the time of writing.

Dabbling in Photography

Ok, to say this is a bit of a whim is an understatement. I have been thinking of taking up photography for quite some time and I have just purchased a DSLR camera (with thanks to some friends). I am waiting for it to arrive in the post but in the meantime, I have been watching “how-to” and “what-not-to-do” videos on YouTube. I chose Canon and didn’t buy too high-end. So, if I do enjoy it, I can upgrade the body or lens in the future. I will take it out on walks and see if it catches on. More from this in the near future.

One year in Donabate

Time flies when you are having fun eh? Well, I’m not sure about fun, but time is flying. I can’t believe it’s over a year since I moved into this new place. I’ve tried to make the place as homely as possible. I’ve got my compostelas hanging in my bedroom. There is a large Wise Pilgrim map hanging in my dining room and these large posters are hanging on the wall in front of the couch. I mean, I get to look at these every day! It’s great. I also have a large collection of fridge magnets with a Camino theme. So I’m quite happy with how it’s going. Just for the time being, that is.

Possible 2nd Camino for 2019?

I’m keeping my options open for a 2nd return to Spain in September. It will either be the Portuguese Coastal Route or the short snippet of the Via de la Plata. Nothing is set in stone yet. Updates will follow.

Have you walked the Camino Frances or any other Camino? Have you written or created a video of it?

If so, please feel free to share.

You can either post your link in the comments below or email me at clearskiescamino@gmail.com.

To see my current links, click here.

Buen Camino!