Contemplating my 5-Day
What exactly is the Blue Mountains 5-Day Camino (training) walk?
Not just a week away. Not a walk in the park. Not hanging out with strangers.
Much more. Unforgettably more. Described with terms coined along the way – it’s a joyous journey (even pilgrimage) with your newly formed Camfam (Camino family).
“Byoon Camino. Bonn Camino. Bween Camino. Bwown Camino. Buen Camino” It was a struggle for some to get the pronunciation right, but we mostly got it in the end, because that is what the 5-Day Camino is. It’s a great learning experience and confirms just what beautiful times can be shared by pilgrims from around the world and around Australia. An accepting, non-judgemental and giving group of people brought together by the idea of the Camino and oftentimes the memories of the Camino. Right here in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Australia, a world apart from Spain and Europe, but brought together by the gift of Camino spirit.
The walk starts on a Monday night with a gathering, an introduction, the receiving of the welcome pack, and the sharing of a home cooked meal. Cooked with love. This was held in Katoomba at the temporary Albergue for the week – No. 14 hostel. This is where introductions are made and excitement and trepidations shared. “I’ve trained 2 hours for this” – perhaps this should have an exclamation mark behind. Beyond that – one pilgrim arrived fresh from flying overnight and overday from Houston USA. Or others driving from Victoria and suffering a tyre blowout on the journey north. Part and parcel of the determination demonstrated. Others, the volunteers, just relieved that its finally starting. Everyone has nerves of their own nature but are bound by the hope for good weather, good walking, and uplifting times.
The beginning is right at the bottom of the Blue Mountains and the end is at the top. So the first day is a train ride to Emu Plains to meet at the Pilgrim table hosted by Margaret the “super-hospitalero”, “super-organiser”, “super-…”, well – everything.
Here the days route is explained, others welcomed, and morning credentials stamped. And then, just like that, they’re off. Determinedly heading west for 5 days of camino talk, immersion, long days walking, Café stops, bush walks and camaraderie camino-style.
As per tradition I carried a stone (rock according to Margaret) to place at a personally chosen spot along the way, or at the end.
Mine had a passenger, symbolising speed of travel, a shared journey (with my stone), and perhaps the connection with a strong foundation of support.
Each pilgrim carries something, even if it is not physical and even if it is not deep and meaningful – it is still meaningful. How much warmer and richer is a 5-Day Walk with pilgrims, than just ‘a holiday’.
I completed all 5 Days walking this year, something I have never done before, having always been a part of the organising team. It was truly a rewarding experience.
And my muscles are stronger and my connection with the Camino renewed. I have expanded my Camfam.
-Rowan