Camino Salvado - The Pilgrim Walk

I've just returned after  completing a 170.5km Camino walk from Subiaco to New Norcia with 23 other people.  My expectations were uncertain but the experience was much more wonderful than I could ever have imagine it to be.

The first day while walking along the Swan River we bunched together, it was as if we were uncertain as to where we were going and whether we were up to leading the group. But by the second day we had settled into our own walking pace with some jostling to lead and others very happy to be the tail.

I had imagined that a pilgrim walk would equal some hardship and going without some of life's luxuries but on this walk we really didn't go without. The first day we visited St Charles Seminary at Guildford where we were served an amazing afternoon tea and meet some very interesting seminarians. The following day we gathered at The Chocolate Factory in the Swan Valley for morning tea; this theme continued and I'm suprised I haven't put on any weight.

The country side continually changed as we wandered through vineyards, along side rambling rivers, through farms, forests and cannola fields. As we got to know each other laughter and chatter filled our pathway, then at the end of each day the hospitality of our hosts was wonderful and we had plenty of stories to tell.

When we were approaching New Norcia there were mixed feelings, sad that the our special time together was ending but our feet were very happy. As we walked into New Norcia the bells were tolling to welcome us and this was followed by one of the monks symbolically washing two of the Pilgrims feet. Later that evening we gathered together, celebrating with a fine dinner and drinks at the hotel, then slept peacefully at the old convent.

Since returning home I have found it to be very quiet and the house empty as last week I had quickly adjusted to having so many lovely people around me - I'm now looking forward to the reunion next month.

The group of Pilgrims before we set off Sunday 26 August

Bells Rapids

Thursday morning tea at Stringybark Vineyard

Julimar Forest

Cannola Fields

Walking through Kelly's Farm

Symbolic washing of the feet

Waking up Sunday to a misty morning at New Norcia

Chasing The Little White Ball

Since living in Perth I've been taking golf lessons which not only has been great to learn the techniques but it's also been fantastic to meet other people who are thrilled to give advice to a new comer to Perth as to what places we should visit.

Today it was suggested that I visit Bold Park, which over the last 7 months I've been driving past but hadn't really noticed. Bold Park is a coastal bushland reserve with fantastic 360 degree views and as Perth is a fairly flat city, after visiting I can appreciate why it was suggested.

There are lots and lots of golf courses around, but the one I've been having lessons at is Wembley Golf Course, which is a 36 hole public golf course with an automated driving range - you don't even have to bend down as the balls pop up for you to hit. Tim and I have also been going to Lake Claremont Golf Course that's a 3 par course at $10 a game. Also my golfing friends and I are now attempting to play at some other golf courses, we don't score it's just a hit and a giggle.

Upstairs on the automated driving range Wembley Golf Course

View from Bold Park

           

The Bold and Beautiful

I've just returned to Perth after spending a week staying with two of my sisters at Harbord, now know as Freshwater. It was one of those special times where I was able to spend time with my family, going for coffee with my Dad at Dee Why beach, cooking up a storm for my sisters and for Mum.

While I was there I got up early a couple of mornings and followed one of my sisters into Manly who regularly swims with The Bold and Beautiful.

The Bold and Beautiful are a very informal group of up to 50 people during winter and probably more in summer who swim from Manly out to Shelly Beach and back. These are brave souls, I was very tempted but after nightmares of cramping up in the cold water I decided to wait until my next visit in summer.  Swimmers meet each morning at 7am and give themselves such challenges as completing 20 swims over winter and in summer swimming 6km or 10km.

To find out more about this group go to www.pacificjules.com.au

Sunrise at Manly Beach

The Bold and Beautiful

The Bold and Beautiful

Dee Why baths