1. Camino de Santiago Robert Newhouse robert_whyteleaf@yahoo.co.uk

2. The French Way - Camino Frances
There are pros and cons for all the pilgrimage routes. Camino Portugues and Los Caminos del Norte have also been considered but on balance Camino Frances has been chosen.

3. Santiago de Compostela
Pass of Lepoeder
Manjarin
O Cebreiro
Logrono
St Jean Pied de Port
St Jean Pied de Port
Burgos
Leon
Ponferrada
Sarria
Santiago
Santiago de Compostela

4. Weather
St Jean Pied de Port (start) Average Temperature and Rainfall
We will be going in September / early October so it is not too hot and not too wet!
Santiago (end) Average Temperature and Rainfall

5. Itinerary

6. Game plan Options We will walk the French Way.
We will walk the French Way.
Pilgrims may join at any overnight stop on the specified date.
Pilgrims are discouraged from leaving the route before Santiago.
Options
Option 1 - DIY (ie cheap and travel light (no baggage transfer))
Albergues (most basic):- Dormitories. No reservations, first come first served. Donations (€6).
Hostels:- Some private and less basic (€10-15). Reservations possible.
Option 2 - use Camino Ways as tour operator (ie standard cost)
This covers everything, ie flights, transfers, hostel accommodation, hostel meals, baggage transfer etc.
Pilgrims make their own bookings from SGSG call-off arrangement with Camino Ways.
We will ask Camino Ways to put us all in the same accommodation unless individual pilgrims request otherwise. 

7. Examples:- approx costs per person of 13 day pilgrimage from Leon

8. Next steps Let me know … Where you plan to start
Whether you plan to go DIY or Camino Ways
… by 31st January 2018 (or sooner if possible)
Research the Camino
¡Vamos a aprender español!

10. Backup slides

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Videos
Walking the Camino
The Way
Walking the Camino with a donkey
Botafumeiro
The Spirit of El Camino
The Camino Official Documentary
Camino De Santiago
A Journey for the Soul
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Websites
The Confraternity of St James
The Spiritual Dimension of the Pilgrimage
How to get a Pilgrim passport
Camino Ways
The French Way or Camino Frances
Booking your Camino Ways pilgrimage
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Guides
The Way of St James - Spain
All you need for the Camino Frances
John Brierley’s Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago – Beginners’ Guide
Books
Spanish Steps: Travels with my donkey by Tim Moore
Apps
eCamino
Pilgrim’s Guide to Camino France based on John Brierley’s book
Camino Pilgrim
Booking.com
Accommodation
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14. Later on

15. PRE-MEETING SLIDESHOW

16. “There are no tourists on the Camino, just pilgrims who haven't found their way yet" Chico
“Go as far as you can see; when you get there you’ll be able to see farther” Thomas

17. “I just came back from the Camino and it was great
“I just came back from the Camino and it was great. I went for religious reasons and experienced God in a very real and vivid way. I saw the compassion of God in the many gifts I received along the way. I can’t tell you how many times while I was walking that strangers came up to me and offered drink and food. I saw miracles, I saw humanity at its finest! It changed my life and I for one am happier for it. Two hours before I left for St Jean Pied de Port my cell phone went completely dead. I took it as a sign that God wanted me to be free from all distractions. And I was! I was better able to absorb and appreciate all the things I was about to experience. A little back story… I own a salon and some rentals. When I left I was experiencing turmoil at the rentals and chaos in my business. When I returned, all had calmed down and tranquility has beset my life. This was yet another Camino miracle. I came back with a new resolve. At Leon there was a poster which read “do not be afraid”. It was huge, that day I hadn’t eaten, there was a storm I was walking in, and I had no idea where I was gonna sleep. Yet I said ok I won’t be afraid. By the end of the night I was fed, dry and sheltered from the storm that raged outside my albergue. Walk the Camino, do it as soon as possible. To all pilgrims, past, present, and future, Buen Camino!” Jesse