Carol and Steve Cross along with Steve and Louise Andres recently completed a stretch of the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain along with 10 other Rotarians to help raise $28,241 for projects identified by the Golden Triangle Rotary Club.
Rotarians joined walk organizers, Krishna and Bonnie Arora and Judy Colander of SPANISH STEPS - www.spanishsteps.com Her company provided vans, guides, accommodations and organization in Spain. The group walked about 80 miles of the Camino, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the legendary cathedral in the town. Krishna and Steve Cross, ages 73 and 75 respectively were the oldest of the walkers on the trip. Who says you can't have fun after 65!
This adventurous group of 12 gathered in the ancient Roman walled city of Lugo, Spain to begin their journey. The walls surrounding the city are a UNESCO World Heritage site and stunning in height and width. They ended their trek in Santiago de Compostela. Their final step was to deliver their passports, carefully stamped twice daily at different location along the trail to prove they walked the distance. The Camino office inspects the passports and issues each walker a "Compostela" or certificate of completion.
Pilgrims have been walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain for centuries, following the paths to Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of St. James. Today, whether walking the Camino for spiritual reasons, as a challenge or to experience its unique culture and beauty, participants will gladly say it is a trip of a lifetime.
The group represented five different Rotary Clubs working together to raise funds for six charities. The funds were presented at the May 26, 2017 Rotary meeting. To celebrate, the Cross's hosted a reunion for the walkers at their home on May 28.
The photo above shows Wayne Davis and son Steve. The Wall of Wisdom and worshiping as a different form of entertainment. People of the Camino.
The photos above shows Spanish Rotarians joining the group for part of the walk. Overnight accommodations were country manor houses called Pazos. Late afternoon breaks provided the group a choice of beer, expresso or wine. PDG Louise Andres and Carol Cross shop local for picnic items.
The photos above depict Ancient cities 500 BC, Medieval bridges, and a tribute to Rotarians, Harvey Koelln and Henry Ebert, La Jolla Sunrises Rotarians who died in January and February respectively. People of all faiths and nationalities walk the Camino.
The photos above shows the group gathering in the ancient city of Lugo with the original Roman walls and bridge intact. 1000 years of history. Rain and hail experienced on the first day.
The photo above represents the final Rotary dinner, Spanish sculpture and friendship.