May 2015 - American Pilgrims on the Camino

LA C NCHA
Newsletter of American Pilgrims on the Camino
www.americanpilgrims.com May 2015
The Call of Other Caminos
In this issue
Camino Aragonés
Amazing View
Photo by Herbert Medina,
Los Angeles CA
Camino Portugués
Ponte de Lima
Photo by Mike Dunican,
Lake Stevens WA
Chemin du Puy - Dinner at the gîte at Cambarrat
Photo by Carlos Mentley, Donalds SC
Chair’s Message!
2
Xacobeo News!
3
Gathering 2015!
4-5
Hospitalero Happenings!6-7
Buen Provecho!
Salt Cod Fritters!
Stewed Zucchini
Camino Vanilla
10-11
Chapters!
16-17
New Members!
20-21
Member Writings & Photos
Throughout
Camino Primitivo - Puerto del Palo
Photo byAnnette Argall, Baltimore MD
www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
Message From the Chair...
When in April the sweet showers fall… Then people long to go on pilgrimages.
— The Canterbury Tales
Chaucer’s sentiment surely resonates with those
partnership with the Xacobeo, are serving as
of us who recall the excitement of embarking on
hospitaleros at that Xunta albergue between May
our first Camino as well as those now preparing for
and October.
their first Camino experience. More than 237,000
Finally, encourage future pilgrims to consider
pilgrims received their compostelas in 2014, and
routes other than the Camino Francés as a way of
many more walked stages. As the
reducing stress on that route. As
number of pilgrims grows,
experienced pilgrims know, there is
important issues arise – litter and
no one “real” or “whole” Camino.
sanitary conditions on the trails,
The web of Caminos leading to
stress on the albergue system,
Santiago offers a treasure trove of
security and others. There are a
history, beauty, and special
number of ways that we can help.
experiences. Heeding my own
As pilgrims who love the
advice, I plan to walk part of the
Camino and what it represents, we
Camino Sanabrés this summer to
can model good behavior – picking
experience that route. Our website
provides detailed information on
up litter, ensuring appropriate
many routes. If you walk routes less
personal hygiene, demonstrating
traveled, please remember to tell the
patience and caring for each other.
managers of municipal and parochial
As a pilgrim association, American
albergues of the grant opportunities
Pilgrims on the Camino continues
found on our website. ✦
to support the infrastructure
through our grant program to
¡Buen Camino!
albergues and related projects and
our hospitalero training program. In
Cheryl
fact, if you pass through Ribadiso
Board Chair
this season, watch for our 16
members who, through our new
Cheryl packing for the
Camino Sanabrés
Welcome As Brothers!
New welcome program at Pilgrims’ Office
Acoger Como Hermanos (Welcome As Brothers), a
new program supported by the Cathedral of
Santiago, is available for volunteers who wish to
welcome their fellow pilgrims at the Pilgrims’
Office. It replaces the Amigos program, which
operated over the past three years.
Unlike the Amigos Welcome service, which
American Pilgrims on the Camino and other
international Camino associations supported
financially and with volunteers, Acoger Como
Hermanos will work directly with each volunteer.
The Cathedral is providing an apartment for
Join/Renew
volunteers and will issue distinctive T-shirts for
them. A coordinator of volunteers has been
appointed and is actively recruiting volunteers.
People who are learning Spanish are welcome to
apply, in addition to those who speak other
languages.
If you are interested in learning more or
applying for this program, please contact the
coordinator, Montse (whom last year’s Amigos will
remember from the Pilgrims’ Office), at
info@acogidacristianaenelcamino.es ✦
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www.americanpilgrims.com
http://
www.xacobeo.es/
en
La Concha
May 2015
Xacobeo News
Joint Pilgrim Certificate
The Xacobeo and Wakayama prefecture in Japan have signed an agreement to issue a joint certificate
to pilgrims who complete both the Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. In
February, American Eric Bruce became the first person to receive this certificate.
The Xacobeo has told us of cultural events in Santiago that may be of interest to visiting pilgrims:
Exposition: "The Way. The Origin"
Cidade da Cultura de Galicia. Santiago de Compostela
Through September 13, 2015
150 artistic works and 11 contemporary interventions that take us back to the origin of the Camino.
Works by masters, including Murillo and Dürer; works on loan from the Prado, Uffizi Gallery,
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Free admission for pilgrims who have completed their Camino and present their Compostela
http://www.cidadedacultura.gal/en/event/way-origin
Exposition: San Francisco y su tiempo (St. Francis and his times)
Palacio de Xelmírez
Through June 28
Exhibit is part of the 800th anniversary of the pilgrimage of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated in 2014
Free admission
http://programacion.xacobeo.es/eventos/exposicion-san-francisco-y-su-tiempo-santiago-decompostela ✦
American Pilgrims on the Camino at Ribadiso
American Pilgrims is working with the
Xacobeo on a new program to staff the
Xunta albergue in Ribadiso with
American hospitaleros, the first time this
has happened in Galicia. The first
volunteer, Brad Harper, has arrived at
Ribadiso and is actively welcoming
pilgrims. Sixteen American Pilgrims are
scheduled to serve there this summer. ✦
l to r: Xacobeo director Rafael Sánchez, Brad
Harper, and local alberguera Dolores.
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
Recap of Gathering 2015: Ever Ancient, ever new
Photos by Nancy Harlan, Laguna Woods CA and Lisa Morales, Dennis MA
La Concha writers asked some of the 165 attendees at this year’s
Gathering in Menlo Park CA about their favorite moments from the
three-day event, and this is what they said:
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I liked the ambience of the (Vallombrosa Retreat) center coupled
with the great weather. People were able to connect and
congregate informally in many different places.
•
The Michael George* talk and photos were a hit for me. His
talent and self-deprecating humor won me over. Remember his
before and after pictures?
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I loved the early morning walks with pilgrims. It really gives you a
chance to get to the heart of people. You can talk about things
you might not be able to in a face-to-face discussion. You see a
person who limps, but you talk to a grand adventurer who has
been all over the world and had the most amazing adventures. It
mimics Camino walking conversation.
•I have not been able to attend the Shell Ceremony since my first
Gathering in 2012 and while I found that one moving, this year
being part of the blessing was one of the most powerful things I
have ever have done. Knowing what I know about the Camino and
the journey that follows, I looked into new pilgrims eyes and saw all
the anticipation, hope, fear and worries that they wouldn’t get it
right. I realized then that the blessing of the Shell Ceremony is as
important to the givers as to the recipients.
•
The outstanding fado performance by David Garcia, a Portuguese-American fadista, and four
Portuguese-born instrumentalists brought back memories of Porto and the Camino Portugués.
•
The excellent wine and cheese pairing presentation by Cordon Bleu-trained Yosmar Martinez and
cheese expert Peg Hall evoked recollections of sampling Camino cheese and wine along the way.
•The beauty of Michael
George’s photos reminded
me how unique and
extraordinary a walk across
Spain truly is. ✦
*Editor’s Note: Please see
Michael George’s work on the
Camino in the April/May 2015
issue of National Geographic.
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
Pilgrims at the 2015 Gathering
Gathering 2016 - Save the Date
Telling the Way
Within
19th Annual
Gathering of
Pilgrims
April 7-10, 2016
Belleville, Illinois
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
Hospitalero Happenings
American Pilgrims continues to be a strong
volunteer presence along the Camino. We work
closely with the Spanish Federation of Associations
of Friends of the Camino to provide hospitaleros
in the seventeen donativo albergues the Federation
assists. Thus far in 2015, twenty one of our
members have received their hospitalero postings
and will provide a welcoming spirit at ten different
albergues.
In 2014, the Federation placed 531 hospitaleros,
of which 306 were veterans and 225 were new. Of
this total, 20 were American, and we represented
the fifth highest number of hospitaleros who
served, behind Spain, Italy, France, and Germany –
all countries much nearer to the Camino – in
Federation albergues.
Many of our hospitalero volunteers have served
in private, municipal, and parochial albergues that
are not connected with the Federation.
Hospitalero opportunities also exist in France,
Portugal, and Italy. ✦
Hospitaleros trained at Menlo Park in March 2015
Hospitalero Training
Since last November, our hospitalero training program has graduated 48 new volunteer hospitaleros.
With the support of local chapters, we have three more hospitalero courses scheduled. They are:
• November 13-15, 2015 in Winter Park, Florida
• February 5-7, 2016 in Los Gatos, California
• April 5-7, 2016 in Belleville, Illinois
Please check the website periodically, as new trainings may be organized in the meantime.
Local chapters, let us know if you are interested in having a training course in your area! For questions
about becoming an hospitalero/a, please contact us at hospitalerotraining@americanpilgrims.com.
We want to help you find your way to another Camino, a Camino of service to others. ✦
“I was moved beyond words by the outpouring of charity, a love tempered with humour, and an ability to organize and
maintain places that sometimes sheltered seventy pilgrims. In our fallen world, this is a kind of redemption: meeting
people who in ministering to your body and your spirit, make you want to be more like them.”
Mary Victoria Wallis
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From her book, Among the Pilgrims
Join/Renew
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Room for
text here which can connect
with
story.
www.americanpilgrims.com
picture
La
Concha
May 2015
Hospitaleros Postings
“...meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide... from beyond.”
-Rumi
We would like to acknowledge the following American Pilgrims hospitaleros who will be serving at
albergues in 2015. If you are walking the Camino this year, please make a point of stopping to greet them! ✦
Greg Wright! !
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Tess Alan!
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Rennie Archibald! !
Barbara Zang! !
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Robbie Lawson!
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Rosa Torres-Tumazos!
Susan Tomic! !
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Bruce Colbert!!
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Zachary Lindahl!
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Dave Combs! !
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Kris Ashton! !
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Roxanne Morgan! !
Dick Carter! !
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Jane Carter! !
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Liz Brandt! !
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Tom Brandt! !
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Jim McCaffery!
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Lois McClave! !
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Rennie Archibald! !
Martha Crites!!
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Jim Limardi! !
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Grañón!
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April 16-30
Ponferrada !!
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May 1-15
San Antón! !
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May 15-31
Grañón!
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May 16-31
Tardajos! !
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May 2-9
Bercianos! !
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June 1-15
Grañón!
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June 1-15
Grañón!
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June 1-15
Grañón!
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June 1-15
Nájera!
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June 1-15
San Antón! !
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June 1-15
San Antón! !
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June 16-30
Carrión de los Condes! June 16-30
Carrión de los Condes! June 16-30
Rabanal! !
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June 30 – July 16
Rabanal! !
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June 30 – July 16
El Burgo Ranero! !
July 1-15
Grañón!
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Sept 1-15
Foncebadón!
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Sept 15-30
Ponferrada! !
Oct 16-30
Ponferrada! !
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Oct 16-30
“Serving as hospitalera was as challenging as being a pilgrim. For me personally, I needed to lean into the
spirituality I was hoping to deepen. I needed to stretch and dig deep to uphold pilgrims when they were coming
apart. The inner journey of service put me as in touch with my God as walking into the unknown every day. I
am grateful for having had the privilege of serving in this way.”
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Join/Renew
Join/Renew
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—An American hospitalera on her experience
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
The Way of the Mind
by Sandy Lenthall, Williamsburg VA
Walking with
second pilgrimage, again with the
determination, the
same walking partner, two
middle-aged man keeps on
companions never to meet in person
the track of the large
but still sharing their journey.
rectangular yard. At
Imagine, just imagine the possibilities
certain times of the day, it
for this prisoner! His real world;
is available to prisoners of
prison life, is much the same day after
the medium security
day, month after month, year after
prison in our region. This
year, but this prisoner has transformed
particular prisoner is
the yard into a small Spanish road
walking the Camino de
leading out of Torres del Río or on
Santiago…in his mind.
into Viana. The powers of
How did this begin?
transforming the mind are unlimited.
In late summer of 2014
As I walked Duke of Gloucester
a family member of an
Street early this morning, it occurred
incarcerated felon
to me how very privileged we are who
contacted a local who had
have actually walked The Way. The
done the trek to Santiago
smell of eucalyptus and pine freshly
in hopes of finding
dampened by early rain puts me back
information about Spain
to a Sunday morning walk into Melide.
Photo by Bianca Di Valerio
and maybe a pen pal. A
Walking down a hill reminds me of
friendship ensued, and the
the hike away from El Acebo. The sound
felon began his own
of tap, tap, tap on cobblestones reminds
pilgrimage counting laps around the prison’s
me of the pilgrim coming behind with walking
exercise yard. He would write that he was
sticks.
approaching Nájera, and the veteran pilgrim would
While most of us are not held prisoner by lock
send a postcard image of Nájera. Then Burgos, a
and key, there are life situations that can give us
postcard was sent of Burgos. In the course of
the perception of being held prisoner. Physical
several months the inmate reached his virtual
difficulties, relationships, occupations, finances, or
Santiago, and from the outside world came a
other situations might be restrictive; however, the
stream of images of Compostela. In
ability to transform, by our minds, to be
Lent of 2015 the prisoner
somewhere else, experiencing something else and
began his
hoping to arrive at a different place
is indeed a human
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
The Camino on $20 Per Day
by Chris Slater, Asheville NC
At the checkout, I became aware that the
comforting rectangle in my pocket wasn’t there.
Maybe another pocket – but no. Sensing the
shadow of impending doom, I abandoned my
groceries, went outside, and searched and
searched my backpack. But to no avail. No wallet.
No plastic cards.
I had walked seven weeks from Arles,
marveling as my perceptions of physical and
mental burdens receded and the colors became
brighter, more and more conscious of nature and
my fellow pilgrims. Now what was this new
challenge? I took the moneybag from round my
neck, verified the
passport and slowly
fingered my
remaining wealth of
banknotes. Enough
euros for three
weeks, at €17 per
day. Could I
manage? I felt a
strange sense of
elation. At least I
was in Santo
Domingo among
friends, since the
previous year my
wife Esther and I
had volunteered
here, and the
Crêpes a la Chris, Agés, 2013
cofradía were
enormously helpful in
contacting the local police and the previous
night’s albergue in Nájera, but nothing transpired.
Was it lying in a ditch, or the pocket of someone
who needed it more than I? I shall never know. So
I embarked on my frugal Camino.
I sought the municipal albergues with
kitchens, an inventory of past remains yielding
delights. Freshness was a rare luxury. I learned to
linger patiently, befriending the best chefs with
the skills of an amiable dog, always ready to
gobble up the surplus spaghetti. At donativos I
occasionally became a freeloader, feeling
uncomfortably like a member of the flotsam of
the Camino I had become aware of as an
hospitalero. Little by little I saved for the
occasional treat, like a café con leche, or a cold beer
on a hot day, even cherries in El Bierzo. One of
the hardest things was to accept charity though
this was freely
offered, as age and
distance walked
marked me as an
éminence grise of the
Camino, needing
little
encouragement to
pontificate on the
relative merits of
the albergues ahead.
So I arrived in
Santiago in triumph,
my last free meal as
one of the
celebrated ten at the
Hostal de los Reyes
Católicos, where the
greasy egg and limp
salad were in
particular contrast to the five star cuisine enjoyed
by the paying guests. A fitting end to yet a new
lesson of the Camino, a highlighting of the gulf
between rich and poor on our planet. ✦
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have
entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
¡Buen Provecho!
In this issue we have three tantalizing recipes for you to try.
Submitted by Martha Crites, Seattle WA*
Spanish Salt Cod Fritters
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• 10 ounces salt cod
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbs chopped parsley leaves
• salt & freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup water!
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 2 large eggs! !
• vegetable oil for frying
Place cod in a bowl, cover with cold water and refrigerate, changing the water several times until it is
desalted–12 to 48 hours.
The filling: Transfer cod to a medium saucepan, add onion and bay leaf, cover with fresh water by 2
inches, and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook the salt cod until it flakes easily, 10 to 12
minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cod to a plate, leaving the onion and bay leaf in the pan,
and set aside until the fish is cool enough to handle.
Bring the water the salt cod was simmered in to a boil, drop in the potato, and cook until tender,
about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander. Toss the bay leaf.
Dump the potato and onion into a bowl and mash them well. If the onion refuses to submit, cut it
with a knife, if needed.
Remove any skin, bones from the cooled cod, then shred it in a food processor. Stir the cod, garlic,
and parsley into the potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s not a bad idea to overseason a bit here; the batter will tame the flavor. Set aside.
The batter: Rinse the saucepan, pour in water and oil, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Shake in
the flour slowly and stir with a wooden spoon to make a batter. It’ll be lumpy, but press on. A few
minutes and it’ll work itself out.
Remove pan from the heat and continue beating the batter for 2 to 3 minutes to cool. Add eggs one at
a time, incorporating completely after each addition.
Add the cod mixture to the pan and stir to combine. It should be the consistency of a thick-enoughto-stand-your-spoon-up oatmeal. Let the batter cool to room temperature. It will keep for several
hours.
Fry the fritters: Heat 3 inches of the oil in a high-sided saucepan over medium-high heat. Spoon a
rounded tablespoon or so of the batter, scrape it into the oil using another spoon—irregular is better
—and fry until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and serve hot. Makes 24
fritters. ✦
*After tasting creamy-on-the-inside bacalao fritters in Barcelona, I set out to find a recipe to recreate them. No sauce needed.
This recipe by Portuguese food expert and writer David Leite comes close.
http://leitesculinaria.com/51785/writings-spanish-cod-fritters.html
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
Submitted by Jeff Stys, Houston TX
Zarangollo Murciano (Stewed Zucchini with
Onions)
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• 1/2 cup virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 yellow onions, finely chopped
• 2 pounds zucchini, peeled & cut into small dice
• salt & freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp dried
• 6 eggs (optional)
In a large sauté pan, heat ¼ cup of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and
cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Decrease the heat to medium-low and cook for about 15 minutes,
or until soft and translucent.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining ¼ cup olive oil in another sauté pan over medium heat. Add the
zucchini and cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes, or until they have softened and released their juices.
Remove from the heat and drain off any liquid released during cooking. Transfer the zucchini to the
pan with the onions.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper, add the oregano, and cook over medium heat, stirring often,
for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. If desired, break the eggs onto the vegetables and cook over
medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the whites are set.
Remove from the heat and serve hot or at room temperature. Serves 6. ✦
* Recipe from The Cuisines of Spain: Exploring Regional Home Cooking by Teresa Barrenechea
Submitted by Kathy Kennerly, Ponferrada Spain
Camino Vanilla - using what’s available
Camino food maven Kathy
Kennerly likes to use vanilla in
her Tarta de Santiago recipe.
However, vanilla as we know it is
not available in Ponferrada, where
she lives. She doesn’t let that stop
her, though, as she makes her own
version: vanilla beans + vodka +
time! ✦
Join/Renew
11
www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
Waking Up on the Camino
by Edith Ahlers, Conifer CO
Nature calls at 4 am, and my
bed creaks as I fumble out of
the bottom bunk. I stumble
through the darkness and over
other pilgrims’ packs looking
for the bathroom. The door
squeaks open and then
unexpectedly slams shut. I feel
around for the oddly placed
motion sensor light switch that
didn’t come on automatically,
and then wave my arms wildly
trying to activate it. “Oh please
let there be toilet paper,” I pray.
In my sleepy haze I’ve
forgotten to bring some in. But
it’s there; I’m safe! The flush
wakes everyone sleeping just
outside the door and all those
not wearing earplugs.
Climbing back into my
crinkly sleeping bag, I hit my
head on the edge of the bunk
rail. There I lay silently in the
dark waiting for someone else
to get up. I listen to the
underlying sound of deep
breathing, snoring, coughing.
I’m no stranger to this albergue
refrain. Someone momentarily
switches on a headlamp, and
people start to stir.
Soon everyone is rustling.
After sleeping all night in my
freshly washed and air-dried
clothes, I grab my backpack
and head for the door ahead of
the other pilgrims. My damp
boots and pack are on as I head
out the door into the darkness.
I’m off, using my tiny flashlight
to navigate around the
inevitable puddles. The yellow
arrows seem invisible in the
darkness. Where are they?
Townspeople walking their
dogs guide me back to the path
through a maze of shortcuts.
The light rain is meditative
in the darkness. This is my time
for reflection. What am I doing
here? Where am I going in my
life? Alone in the stillness,
walking methodically, I find
peaceful contemplation. A few
hours go by, and the sunrise
illuminates an open bar with a
blackboard announcing food
and the hope of a bathroom.
“Un café con leche por favor,” I say
in hesitant Spanish. Savoring
every drop of it in the open air
with my pack beside me, I wave
an open invitation to fellow
pilgrims walking by. Before long
my table is full of new Camino
friends. The sun is up as I trek
onward with my new family,
snacking on olives, apples, and
nuts bought in the tienda the
night before. My Camino day
has begun, and I feel at home.✦
Watching Pilgrims at Rozas
Photo by Mike Dunican, Lake Stevens WA
Page 3
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La Concha
May 2015
Camino Poetry
Advice from a Flecha
Be a light in the darkness.
Trust your direction.
Stay bold.
Point the way.
Soothe the anxious.
Appear when you are most needed. ✦
Advice from the Road
Embrace the unexpected turn.
Stay smooth and soft when tread upon.
Surround all with your beauty.
Take dirt in stride.
Let your path define your pace.
Stay close to Mother Earth. ✦
Poems by Linda Fitts, San Diego CA
September 11, 2011*
By Ann Loar Brooks, Baltimore MD
Somewhere in the middle of Rioja
out beyond the unceasing wheat fields
long past the piney mountain trails
emerges a path that can be
Overcome your
nightmares and
cautionary qualms
seen only with your broken heart
Align your
Overcome your
light within
fear to
life to
avoid it
Usual signposts will point you toward
Maps do not chart its course
expect to find your healing there
Instead you must close your eyes
Let your shattered and aching center
lead you over the uneven ruts
It knows the way to health
Santiago You can follow them but don’t
don’t expect to mend your deep
fissures until you break free from arrows
everyone else
expects you
to follow ✦
*The first letters of each line form an acrostic – “Soles of a million callused feet.”
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
A Very Short Camino Story:The Turtle and the Hare
by Michael Anderson, Buchanan TN
While walking the Camino Portugués last month, I
stopped in a restaurant for lunch, and conversing with the
owner, mentioned that I was probably the slowest pilgrim
on the Camino, as routinely everyone passes me with a
“Buen Camino.”
In response, he gave me this scallop shell that says, “Una
tortuga conoce mejor el camino que una liebre.” This means a
turtle knows the Camino better than a hare. ✦
Lifetime Volunteer Award to Daniel De Kay
For only the third time in
American Pilgrims’ history, the
Lifetime Volunteer Award was
given at the 2015 Gathering to
Daniel De Kay, known and
beloved by many as leader of the
American Pilgrims hospitalero
training program.
Daniel has walked the Camino
numerous times, served two terms
on the American Pilgrims Board
of Directors, and has had a hand
in training most of the roughly
300 American Pilgrims volunteer
hospitaleros. He also expanded the
program to include additional trainers
and is the main liaison with the
Spanish Federation, the organization
that coordinates hospitalero
volunteers in Spain. He has served as
hospitalero several times, also as an
Amigo in the Pilgrims’ Office in
Santiago.
Congratulations, Daniel! ✦
Congratulations, Authors!
Congratulations to the following members for the recent publication of their books:
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Journal Your Camino by David Jennings, Kings Beach CA
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Camino (Book of Poetry) Sarah Kotchian, Albuquerque NM
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The Lore of the Camino de Santiago: A Literary Pilgrimage by Jean Mitchell-Lanham,
Pacifica CA ✦
This listing is to congratulate member authors and inform our readers and is made without endorsement.
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
O Cebreiro
How the Boston Marathon and the Camino de Santiago Changed My Life
by John M. Schmitt, Long Island City NY
I had just left Villafranca around 8 am after little
sleep. Last night around 7 pm I learned that
someone had bombed the Boston Marathon, and
details were hazy. Friends of mine had checked in
on social media to say they were safe, others I still
hadn't heard from. No one knew who had done it
or why, but I feared the worst. It was making me
physically ill. I was restless and anxious as I stayed
up until 1 am. In non-Camino terms, it's like
staying up until 6am in the “real” world. Most
pilgrims are asleep around 10.
The bombing to me, for many reasons, was
crushing. Besides the senseless loss of life, and the
uncertainty of America’s response, the hardest
thing for me to deal with was the population that
was attacked: runners. ✦
Editor’s Note: Runner and pilgrim John Schmitt has
written an essay about his response to hearing the news
of the Boston Marathon bombing while on the Camino.
It is too long to print in La Concha, but the paragraphs
above lead into the complete essay, which you can find
here.
No One Ever Made it to Santiago
Without the Help of Another
By Maggie Cech, Portland OR
After I walked part of the Camino de Santiago
from St. Jean to Itero de la Vega in August 2013, I
had no idea just how much those 166 miles would
change my life. Upon returning home to Portland,
Oregon, I saw Walking the Camino: Six Ways to
Santiago and within a week, I was hired on as the
film’s Outreach Coordinator.
As the saying goes, the real Camino begins
when we return home, and I have had the most
incredible blessing of the Camino be what I talk
about every day – it’s my gluten-free, vegan bread
and butter, and my spiritual nourishment.
A huge part of my job entails reaching out to
local American Pilgrims chapters across the
country, asking for support in spreading the word
about the film coming to their city. It is through
the connections with the pilgrims in the chapters
that I have been able to continue to live the
lessons I learned while on the Camino. No one
ever made it to Santiago without the help of
another, and I am so grateful for the connections
I’ve made through American Pilgrims with people
who inspire me with their generous spirits and
giving hearts. ✦
Join/Renew
Trailside provisions for pilgrims, Chemin du Puy.
Photo by Carlos Mentley
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La Concha
May 2015
Chapter News
American Pilgrims Chapters continue to grow throughout the country, now numbering 30. A warm
welcome to our newest Chapters from Salt Lake City and Minneapolis. The interactive map on the
American Pilgrims website shows where Chapters are located, and you can find a listing of activities in
local chapters. If there isn’t a chapter near you and you would like to explore the possibility of forming
one, contact our Chapter Liaison at chapters@americanpilgrims.org ✦
Portlandia Chapter
St. James Day
The Portlandia
Chapter of American
Pilgrims has
established a tradition
of celebrating the
Feast Day of St. James
(Santiago) which falls
on the 25th of July each
year, with a special
Mass held at the
Roman Catholic
cathedral in Portland.
The Mass includes
pilgrim Robin Pigott
singing hymns from
ancient texts,
including the hymn,
Alma Perpetui from the
the Codex Calixtinus,
the XII-century
manuscript considered
the first and most
famous guide to the
Camino de Santiago.
The words to the
ancient hymn are,
“Apostle James, nourishing radiance of the eternal
light, cast light upon your servants, that they may
so conduct their time in preparation to lay hold of
the joys of life.” Robin is also a member of the
cathedral choir, and her rendition of this hymn is
stunning. Also during Mass, the Prayers of the
Faithful offer pilgrims the opportunity to pray
with one voice, as a community of pilgrims of all
religious traditions, or no tradition, for those
currently walking the Camino, and all others who
Join/Renew
are on a spiritual journey. Mass is followed by wine
and a tarta de Santiago tasting in the cathedral
courtyard.
In the three years this tradition has been
established the attendance at the Feast of St.
James Mass has increased from a dozen or so
pilgrims to nearly 100 pilgrims and soon to be
pilgrims. The Portland Chapter sees hospitality
and support to those who are planning their
Camino pilgrimage as one of our chapter’s
principle values.
The event has become a highlight for many
who cherish opportunities to reflect on their
pilgrimage and share their stories with others. A
shell ceremony for those going off on their first
Camino wraps up the evening.
Written by Christine Auerbach
Coordinator:John Pigott
The Icon of St. James is from the website of The ProtoCathedral of St. James the Greater http://protocathedral.org/
SoCal Chapter
In early February, the SoCal Chapter held its
second annual potluck in Newport Beach at the
home of Joanne Baker, with 45 attendees that
included both veterans and new pilgrims excited to
learn more about the Camino.
Also in February, the Chapter sponsored a hike
and subsequent picnic for 35 people in Tapia Park.
This hike climbed the forested slopes overlooking
Malibu Creek State Park. It then went into the
idyllic Malibu Creek valley to the M*A*S*H site
where we had an opportunity to step back in time
seeing a few of the artifacts still left there. We did
our first shell ceremony for people leaving within
the next six months for the Camino. We presented
them with a shell and a lovely prayer printed on
parchment for each of the 16 people ✦
Co-coordinators: Anita Baroldi, Marla Keesee, and Kurt
‘Carlos’ Schroeder
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La Concha
May 2015
Chapters
Orlando Chapter
Away from the theme parks and the hustle and
bustle of city life, Orlando Chapter members held
their February meeting at the Winter Park
Racquetball and Tennis Club. The scenic lakeside
club house, nestled among oak trees was the ideal
place for members to reminisce about their
experiences on the Camino Francés. Prior to the
meeting members walked around Rollins College,
alma matter of the beloved Fred Rogers.
Experienced chapter leaders with knowledge
and enthusiasm make all of the difference. Our
chapter is fortunate to have two such individuals Richard Baldwin, experienced pilgrim and
hospitalero,
and Casey
Blanton, a
two-time
Camino
veteran.
Richard
opened the
meeting with
welcomes
and
introductions
and a call to
join the
organization,
"I encourage
those of you
who are not members of the American Pilgrims on
the Camino to join now. Membership offers many
benefits, including hospitalero training."
During an alfresco lunch, experienced pilgrims
shared their experiences, while those planning
their first Camino this year eagerly listened and
asked questions. Casey showcased her ultralight
backpack along with some of the basic items that
aided her during her walks. One of the items that
got everyone's attention was her one-pound
sleeping bag. "Having the right size backpack and
keeping it to 10-percent of your body weight will
enable you to have a wonderful Camino," she
explained.
The meeting ended
on a high note when
Richard asked the
group if they were up
for a beachside
Spanish wine and
tapas cook out. The
response was a
resounding yes.
Ultreia! ✦
Written by Miriam
Gallet
Co-coordinators:
Richard Baldwin and
Casey Blanton
Contributors
A special thank you to all the writers, photographers, and artists who contributed to
this edition of La Concha. Your talents are much appreciated. ✦
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Michael Anderson
Edith Ahlers
Annette Argall
Christine Auerbach
Ann Loar Brooks
Maggie Cech
Martha Crites
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Bianca DiValerio
Mike Dunican
Linda Fitts
Miriam Gallet
Marla Keesee
Kathy Kennerly
Sandy Lenthall
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Herbert Medina
Carlos Mentley
Patrice Moulton
John M. Schmitt
Matthew Shepardson
Chris Slater
Jeff Stys
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La Concha
May 2015
Email from Astorga
by Matthew Shepardson, Colorado Springs CO
Good Morning, All:
Wanted to send a note about this awesome adventure
on the Camino de Santiago. Today, I'm in Astorga,
about 11 to 12 days from Santiago. The Cruz de Ferro
will be tomorrow morning, likely at sunrise.
I'm at the Catedral in Astorga, next to the Gaudidesigned Bishop's Palace. It is beautiful inside.Not as
old or large as some of the incredible churches here in
Spain, but nonetheless inspiring.
I was saying my daily rosary for the intentions of
Father Don and feeling like I was getting a glimpse of
what the Apostles got to experience when walking with
Christ. Call me crazy, or maybe just exhausted from
walking 44 km (26+ miles) yesterday to reconnect with
my travel companions, but I was reflecting on how I
am not journaling as much as I would like to. There is
so much to reflect on...and the Graces of Christ occur
so frequently in the people I've met on the
Camino...both those walking, and those whose home
this is, that I couldn't possibly write them all down or
describe them...they must truly be experienced.
Last Sunday, for example, after I was "mis-oriented" for
about 1 1/2 hours, having taken a "less travelled" route in
the guidebook and ended up walking an extra 6 or 7 km than planned for the day. It was the
half way mark, and when I got to the albergue, many of my fellow pilgrims were already there,
celebrating the occasion with some vino tinto and límón Kas. Joining in the celebration, I asked,
“How do you describe in a journal how incredible this feels?”
Anyway, I was thinking about the Gospel of John, and its last verse really hit me: “There are
also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not
think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25
I can't imagine what it was like to actually walk with Christ as the original Apostles did, but
with the graces I see and feel on the Camino, I can either write inadequately about what I
can't even begin to describe, or I can encourage people to go experience them, first hand, like
I feel Saint John was inviting us to do.
Enjoy this beautiful day. I'm heading out to link up with friends already on their way to
Foncebadón, so we can all enjoy a sunrise at the Cruz de Ferro Sunday morning.
Buen Camino,
Matt
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
May 2015
Universal Way of the Camino
by Patrice Moulton, Natchitoches LA
"Universality" is a term
of psychology that is used
to attempt to describe the
phenomenon of healing
that occurs when people
share a sense of
community. It is often
characterized by shared
struggle and the
acknowledgement that we
are not alone in our
dilemmas, the opportunity
to
see ourselves in others
The Cross - in Palas de
and
find insight through
Rei, April 8th
this shared life experience
and feeling, the joy of seeing others and ourselves
succeed through a supportive atmosphere, not the
least of which is the experience of HOPE created
through awareness and connection.
Yesterday my friend Susan Barnett and I
completed our Camino from
Sarria to Santiago. We
celebrated last evening with a
dinner that included
incredible individuals we met
along the way. Today we have
attended the pilgrim's Mass
not two hours ago, and now
are sitting at a sunny sidewalk
table, eating an exquisite
Galician meal, and reflecting
on our journey as we write
this article to share our
moments of universality.
The most obvious seems
to be the common struggle of
the physical and mental
challenge of covering the
miles. We certainly shared
this dilemma with other
pilgrims as we limped, shared bandages and
encouragements along the way. We saw ourselves in
others as we met families along the path. Both
Susan and I are professional women, but have
strong identities as "Mom.” We met a beautiful
little girl named Jess walking with her mom and
dad, and the support
they were sharing
with her to get her
through was
amazingly gentle,
sweet, and touching.
Then there were our
Australian ladies,
The Heart - in Sarria,
Annie and her
April 6th
daughter Bernadette,
who burst in like a
sunny day with love and laughter as they shared the
journey for a delightful birthday. The chance to
love a child through life, what a precious gift.
There is no stronger sense
of community than pilgrims
coming together in shared
solidarity of struggle and
accomplishment. Last
evening we sat at a table for
hours with all those kindred
souls we met along the way
celebrating, sharing stories,
tears, and much laughter. I
thought of a rock on the
Camino where someone had
painted "Imagine if there
were no countries... just
people" and I heard Annie's
voice saying.., "that would
be Heaven." We can only
HOPE. Buen Camino!✦
Patrice Moulton and Susan Barnett in the square in front of
the church in Santiago de Compostela, April 11th
Join/Renew
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www.americanpilgrims.com
La Concha
February
May 2015
2015
Welcome, New Members!
We are pleased to welcome the following new members who joined American Pilgrims on the Camino
from February through April of this year. We look forward to meeting all of you at future Gatherings and
events. ✦
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Patricia Abler
Tiffani Aho
Carmen Albert
Barbara Allen
Loren Ameen
Diane Anderson
Cathy Anderson
Maritza A. Andreu
Armando Andreu Mas
Terry Angulo
Barry Anson
Christine Auerbach
Kersten Bailey
Zoraida Ballew
Lourdes & Harold
Barboza
Aliette & Gabriel Barboza
Robert, Courtney, Katrina
Barth
Lucy Bender
Carol J. Besman
Holly Blakely
Elizabeth & Michael
Blakeslee
John & Melody Bock
Cindy Boldt
Rose Marie Boone
Sophia Bowie-McCoy
Capitan Bradley
Chris Breston
Jennifer Brown
Sibley Brown
Aleyna Brown
Alissa Brown-Skiles
Teresa Browne
Lisa Bruzzone
Currie Burris
K.C. & Tama Caldabaugh
Vivi Camacho
Cheryl Cantillon
Annemarie Carroll
Krystal Catalano
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Maggie Jane Cech
Aaron & Dylan Clark
Christina & Julie Collins
Elaine Cross
Mikie Cunningham
Melissa Curran-Moore
Bruce & Alex Currier
Lydia Cutter
Yolanda Ivana Cordoba
Linda Dahlquist
Michael & Brenda Davis
Jessica Davis
Kim DeCelles
Kate Defloria
April & Brent Delac
Kevin & Tina Demers
Lee & Jasmin Demers
Maureen, Caitlin, Mary
Dillon
Alex, Rachel & Patrick
Donka
Wendy, Michael, & Chloey
Downs
John Driggers
Robert & Robert C. Durst
Claudette Marie & Jairo A.
Estrada
Michael Eureste
Clinton, Jeanie &
Christopher Evans
Henrik Fagerstrom
Kathleen Feigley
Thomas, Jimmy & Gayle
Fenner
Hayes Ferry
Judy Arielle Fiestal
Derek & Mona Fitzer
Helana Fitzgerald
Joy Freeman
Marilyn Gabrish
Cynthia Garcia
Greg Gardner
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Rosalie Gervais
Tammy Gladwill
Larry Glover
Paul Green
Bruce Guthrie
Sandra Hahn
Terry & Sheree Hamrick
Sheila Haron
Michael & Laura Harrison
Carol Heiney
Thomas Henderson
Eric Hernandez
Robin Hernandez
Charles Hessom
Brianna, Ginny & Kaitlyn
Hill
Joyce Holleman
Joann Holmes
Raelynne Holmes
Roy Howard
Olga Hrycak
Rob Insinger
Katherine Jabuka
Debbra & Dave JacobsRobinson
Tarryn Jamison
Doug Johnson
Windi Jones
Tom Kansora
Deborah Keefe
Patricia Keig
Myoung Kim
Edw Kross
Kim Kupinski
Anne-Marie La Salle
Sherianne Laba
Jane Lafave
Carolynn LaRocca
Leticia Bernot Law
Leticia Law
Robert Law
William Law
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La Concha
May 2015
New Members Continued
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Peter Lennon
Marilynn Livingston
William Loewe
Catherine & Green Long
Katia Lord
Manel Lucas
Janice & Kathy
MacDonald
Sadie Maguire
Maeve Majali
Sal & Alexa Manrriquez
Sarah Pierce Martin
Janet Martin
Francine Mastini
MaryDell Mattingly
Maureen Maxwell
Margarete Mayer
Jen Maytum
Brad & Monica McBride
Leslie McClammy
Spencer McCoy
Ellen McDonough
Alisha McFarland
Elizabeth McGie
Kathleen McGuire
Therese McKechnie
Arlene Mennenga
Zachary Meyer
Julieanne Mills
Leslie Mitchell
Esther Morales
Zac Moren
Patricia Moss
Sheila Moss
Veronica Mueller
Grant & Mary Murrell
Susan Myron
Jennifer Neely
Elahe- Ellie Nelson
Lawrence Nichta
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Michael O'Halloran
JoAnne Obata
Karen Odom
Sharon Ogan
Linda OLeary
Peggy Olsen
Sharon, Summer & Eric
Ott
Roy Padilla
Lillian Perez
Hector Perez-Marti
Dean Pierose
Kathryn Poethig
Linda Puvogel
Zara Quesenberry
Rebecca Raab
Ted Reed
Steven G Rindahl
Jeremy Roche
Shae Rohland
Benjamin Ross
Diane Rubright
Morgan Ruppel
Patricia Lee Russell
Thom Ryng
Judy Sambrailo
Lee Sandstead
Lyzette SanGermain
Patricia Santivanez
Robin Sasser
Arthur Schleuss
Steve & Christine Sharpe
Lawrence & Leah Shea
Dario Silva
William Simpson
Bob, Marcia & Mary
Helen Skurka
Sara & Stephen Smith
Janet Smith
Alyssa Snider
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Linda Snow
Jan Snyder
Tom Sommer
Eric & Elizabeth Sorensen
Terri Sprouse
Marsha Stalcup
Pamela, Ben & Tim
Stephan
Patrick Stewart
Justine & Michael Still
Suzanne Streater
Laurna Strikwerda
Joseph & Danny
Tennyson
Julie Terray
John Teska
Cheryl Thomas
Mike & Lynn Thompson
Doris Tolmach
Mike & Bonnie Town
Catherine Traut-Hessom
Robyn Travis
Linda Turner
Diana Valle
Allyson Van Steenbergen
Wick & Helen Van
Wagenen
Alan Verdu
Marilyn & Seton Wade
Lynn Weisman
Megan Welbourn
Robin Williams
Kathleen Williams
Bickley Wilson
Jennifer Wivell
Wayne Ysaguirre
James & Carol Zuiches
Katy Zweifel
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La Concha
May 2015
The mission of American Pilgrims on the Camino
is to foster the enduring tradition of the Camino by supporting its infrastructure,
by gathering pilgrims together, and by providing information
and encouragement to past and future pilgrims.
Do You Have Camino Impressions to Share?
With every issue we are delighted anew by the
quality, variety, and abundance of submissions –
and especially by the fact that so many are from
first-time contributors. Your enthusiasm for the
Camino and for La Concha as a medium for sharing
that enthusiasm keeps us going!
So, please keep telling us, in 400 words or
fewer, about your Camino. Consider a photo, a
poem, or a new found understanding of an idea – a
pilgrim’s perspective. We have refined our
guidelines, so please visit Newsletter on our
website for suggestions and our new guidelines.
The submission deadline for the next issue is,
July 26, 2015. We welcome your questions,
comments, and submissions at
newsletter@americanpilgrims.com.
¡Buen Camino!
Annette Argall, Mona Spargo & Zita Macy,
Team La Concha
Board of Directors 2015
Cheryl Grasmoen – Chair!
Ann Howley – Treasurer
Martha Crites
Peg Hall
Yosmar Martinez
Michael Romo
!
membership@americanpilgrims.com
newsletter@americanpilgrims.com grants@americanpilgrims.com volunteers@americanpilgrims.com chapters@americanpilgrims.com hospitaleros@americanpilgrims.com
gatherings@americanpilgrims.com amigos@americanpilgrims.com Jeff Stys – Vice Chair
Mona Spargo – Secretary!
Cindy Day
Zita Macy
Carlos Mentley
Zita
Mona, Zita & Peg
Michael & Martha
Zita
Martha, Jeff, Yosmar & Cindy
Zita
Martha, Carlos & Zita
Cheryl
Other Key Personnel
Webmaster: Gene McCullough
American Pilgrims on the Camino
120 State Avenue NE #303
Olympia WA 98501-1131
Fax: 1 650 989-4057
www.americanpilgrims.com
American Pilgrims on the Camino is registered with the Internal Revenue Service
as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
Join/Renew
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