Homer's Travels: Conversations And The Spinning Of Camino Tales

Friday, January 25, 2013

Conversations And The Spinning Of Camino Tales

On Tuesday the local Backwoods, an outdoor outfitter, held what they called a Camino Conversation.  Backwoods set up the meeting after hearing people talk about the Camino - I mentioned it at least twice in that store.  It sounded like something I should participate in ... so I did.

At least thirty people showed which was a pleasant surprise - I'd expected fewer.  Of those thirty, five of us had actually walked the Camino including DK, a Camino veteran, who Backwoods had asked to be the conversation facilitator   The rest of the group were either scheduled to go, planning to go, or wanted to learn more about the Camino after seeing "The Way".

The next two hours flew by as the planners asked questions and the veterans answered.  How much did it cost?  What was it like?  Rain gear?  Shoes?  The albergue experience?  How to train for it?  I know that many questions went unasked or unanswered because of time constraints.

It was nice to know that other pilgrims saw the Camino as I did.  They all enjoyed it.  They all could talk about it endlessly, almost always with a smile on their faces.  They all agreed that the people around them were tired of hearing all their stories.  Being surrounded by a group of people who were honestly interested in every word you had to say was a nice change.  I think I talked a little too much, letting out all the pent up story telling.    I caught myself a few times and had to let other people talk and I abbreviated most of my stories so that I wouldn't hog the limited time we had.  I could have continued all night.

I had a great time.  Backwoods organizes talks and hikes in local parks.  I will have to check out other events.  I also hope Backwoods organizes another Camino conversation sometime.  I would love to go again.  How much did I enjoy it?  When the tray of cookies and snacks was passed around, I skipped the cookies - I was too busy spinning Camino tales.

6 comments:

  1. I'm so excited that you're starting this adventure again. I love reading about your travels! I always wonder where the next year will take you. :)

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    1. Autumn: I haven't decided if I will post as much detail as last time (i.e. 2 posts per day of Camino walking). It will depend on if anything interesting happens and how I feel. I will definitly post something.

      Just weight til next year - We are putting together a good trip for 2014.

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    2. Maybe you could use the time you save in not writing all the details this year to edit your writing into a booooook :)

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    3. Autumn: Sorry, there is not a book in my future ... at least not yet. But thanks for the vote of confidence :-)

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  2. Maybe you should start a Camino MeetUp group or something. Meet up once a month or so to discuss Camino tales, exchange tips, plan for future trips, etc.

    I still can't believe you skipped the cookies. It's like I don't even know you any more, man. ;)

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    1. GH: That has been a thought. I'm a bit surprised there is one already. There may be one but they don't seem to advertise it much.

      Why is everybody so freaked out about me not eating cookies? You are like the third person to say they don't know who I am. ;-)

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