Manolo Diaz’ s Certificate of Completion( left) and Emelio DeSousa’ s completed Passport which was stamped at significant locations along THE WAY.
Back at home, the Gilroy Amigos describe the walk as the experience of a lifetime. They all comment on how it has changed them.
Since returning Ed Mitchell feels a change. He is more in the moment and is more appreciative. He has seen“ how small the world is.” He will soon be making plans to walk El Camino with his daughter.
Larry Marques, the oldest of the group, was happy to spend time with friends. His friends from Gilroy were special but so were the many new friends they met.
A pilgrim who was on his sixth journey along El Camino surprised Manolo Diaz when he described the experience as“ being like a drug.” Although declaring that he doesn’ t want to be on drugs, Manolo is planning a second pilgrimage with his wife.
Emilio DeSousa found the experience to be very spiritual and profoundly personal. It all came together when he attended mass in the cathedral. The experience brought tears to his eyes as he saw tears in the eyes of many others!
Buen Camino … and once again the four Gilroy Amigos are back at First Street Coffee.
Kathy Bisbee, Executive Director of CMAP, walked solo for nine and a half days, 150 miles from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain in April 2013. She is already planning a second trip next year along the Camino Francés, the route taken by the Gilroy Amigos.
“ The Camino is a camaraderie like no other. Everyone is on the Way for different reasons, but most are spiritual in nature. For me, I wanted to be outside, hiking, walking and connecting with nature. I was looking for a stronger relationship with myself, and with my higher power. I also wanted to meet other pilgrims, villagers, and have an international experience. This experience will have a lasting impression on me, and I am still processing all of the lessons learned and how to apply them in my day-to-day life here in the Bay Area.”
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