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Pilgrimage for Bowel Cancer

By Linda Verity

Please Help Me Reach My Goal

Raised

$2,956

My Goal

$5,000

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My Activity Tracking

760
kms

My target 800kms

I'm doing it for cancer!

My name is Linda. I am 68 years young. I have just completed the most difficult and challenging journey of my life….the diagnosis and subsequent treatment for stage 4 bowel cancer. Having endured a bowel resection, liver resection, insertion of a portacath and 6 months of the most gruelling chemotherapy I am now strong and healthy and ready to give back to all the wonderful Earth Angels I met on this path, in the only way I can. By walking the 800 km pilgrimage, the Camino De Santiago in Spain, to raise funds in order to support those also travelling the arduous bowel cancer journey. I leave for Spain on 10th September 2023. Flights booked, itinerary planned and all paid for. Every dollar raised will go to Cancer Council. Let the training continue….

I’m challenging myself to get active to support Cancer Council in their mission for a cancer free future.

Because 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, I’m putting my body to the test to raise funds and show my support.  

Please sponsor me to support cancer research and provide vital services for Australians living with cancer.

Thank you for your generous donation. Together, we can free the future from cancer. 

My Updates

Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela

Friday 27th Oct
Muchas Gracias...

El fin del Camino.

Friday 27th Oct
We made it !!! Successfully completed the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, relatively unscathed. 971 pilgrims arrived in the pouring rain, I was number 502 ! We were awarded our compostela at the Pilgrim Office and attended the pilgrim mass in the cathedral but sadly the botafumeiro did not swing. Today we walked around Santiago in the rain and admired the beauty of this great city. We completed the four traditions upon entering the cathedral : 1. stopped by the Portico de Gloria 2. touched the brow of Maestro Mateo 3. hugged the Apostle behind the High Altar & 4. knelt before the casket of St James. Tonight, after dark we will be off to find the "shadow pilgrim" underneath the clock tower. Meanwhile, we are no longer pilgrims and have removed the shells from our backpack. EL FIN DEL CAMINO. Thank you to all those amazing people who have supported me and made this pilgrimage possible and to all of you wonderful folk who have made a donation in support of cancer council. Bendiciones...

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela.

Thursday 26th Oct
Today was a seriously hard walk in the pouring rain and wind. It rained all day as we trampled through mud and paths that had become streams. Freezing cold all day and soaked to the skin. Who said the raincoats were waterproof ?? Just like being in a tent, the water came through. Every pilgrim we met was soaked. Enjoyed the familiar smells of eucalyptus on the way and trying to avoid being a Camino casualty by not being really mindful on the wet tracks. Many are now limping, sporting wounds and damaged feet...this is no easy feat !

Eucalyptus Forest on the Camino.

Wednesday 25th Oct
Long day today walking in the cold and the rain, arrived at A Rua soaking wet and covered in mud. Crossed shallow rivers, on natural woodland paths through very familiar eucalyptus trees...the sweet smell of home. Passed the beautiful memorial to a lost pilgrim, Guillermo Watt. Very excited about arriving in Santiago tomorrow. Ultreya.

Which way is home ?

Tuesday 24th Oct
Just a gentle reminder that we are on the other side of the world ! You are kidding...over 16,000 kms away from Australia !!!!

Pulpo Gallega .

Tuesday 24th Oct
Crossing over shallow rivers, through beautiful woodlands and enjoying the famiar smell of eucalyptus trees. Now in pulpo Gallega (octopus) country...Thank goodness we are vegetarian !! Very steep climb into Arzua where we are resting the night, two days from Santiago. Here we are joined by more pilgrims, those walking Camino del Norte. Now we are many !

Horreos.

Monday 23rd Oct
Stone granaries or horreos are everywhere in Galicia, storing the local harvest (primarily maize) out of reach of rats and rain.

Pointing the way to Santiago.

Monday 23rd Oct
A lovely walk today despite the intermittent rain and mud, mostly through beautiful woodland on green paths through small hamlets. Resting in Melide for the night where the Camino gets even busier as pilgrims walking the Camino primitivo join us for the final stages into Santiago. Ultreya....

No time to chat guys !

Sunday 22nd Oct
Hoping there's a coffee & Santiago tart left for me at the next bar. Or maybe I will need a sangria by then !

Raining in the Mountains.

Sunday 22nd Oct
Still raining in Galicia ! A long days walking in the cold and wet uphill on woodland tracks from Portomarin (alt 330m) to Palas de Rei (alt 560m). The path was muddy and slippery, trampling our way through rocks and cow dung, trying to be the one not to fall down with exhaustion. Pilgrim numbers have increased dramatically as we all wind our way to Santiago.

Sarria to Portomarin

Saturday 21st Oct
The cold and rain continue as the caterpillar of colourful pilgrims wind their way out of Sarria this morning. Walking on woodland paths through many small hamlets to the town of Portomarin. Entering over the long bridge, which was originally of Roman origin and climbed the steep stairs to find the nights accommodation in town. Looks like it will rain all the way to Santiago !

The pallozas

Friday 20th Oct
Characteristic dwellings of the Ancanes found in the mountainous areas of the north-west peninsula of Spain. Their unique configuration is related to their perfect adaptation to their environment, housing both people and animals out of the harsh mountainous conditions. This stage meanders from Triacastela to Sarria, the highest point being Alto Ricabo at 905m. Resting overnight in Sarria which is a major starting point for many pilgrims. Walking from Sarria to Santiago and collecting two sellos (pilgrim stamps) a day is the pre-requisite for obtaining a compostela in Santiago.

Mountain mists

Thursday 19th Oct
The stage from O'Cebreiro to Triacastela is mostly downhill mountain walking. The weather remains unpredictable, cold and wet with low clouds and mists. A lot like home really !! Triacastela is stage X1 in the Codex Calixtinus and is known as the village of three castles, all long gone. Spending the night in a modern albergue with great amenities and a fabulous restaurant attached. Enjoyed our first taste of Galician bean and potato stew.

Hola Galicia.

Wednesday 18th Oct
Walking in the cold wind and rain to O'Cebreiro, one of the steepest climbs on the Camino. Steep ascent, to 1300m through dense woodlands of mainly chestnut trees on a rocky path which proves to be quite slippery in the rain. The church, Iglesia de Santa Maria, stands proudly at the entrance to O'Cebreiro and is the final resting place of Don Elias Valina Sampedro. He was a parish priest who created the yellow arrow waymarkers along the way guiding pilgrims to Santiago. Pilgrims are blessed that he worked so hard to restore and preserve the French Camino path.

Teddy walking the Camino

Tuesday 17th Oct
Teddy, the Great Pyrenees Mountain dog, is also walking the Camino and having a wonderful time. There are many puppy's walking with family....Its a busy and interesting pilgrimage.

Rain and misty mountains.

Tuesday 17th Oct
Villafranca to Herrerias is a hard slog following the N-V1 with some dangerous bends in the road very close to traffic. At Herrerias those pilgrims coming from Valcarce join for the steep uphill climb to O'Cebreiro tomorrow. Staying in a lovely casa rural with misty mountain views, gentle rain falling and the sound of bells jingling from nearby grazing cows. There is even a massage therapist available here !!! Delicious food for vegetarians and English breakfast tea...no sangria if we want to climb these flights of steps to the room tonight.

Climbing mountains again.

Monday 16th Oct
Spectacular view entering Villafranca Del Bierzo. Feeling a tad homesick for our Blue Mountains and missing our fur babies.

Walking mountains, again.

Monday 16th Oct
Walked the practical path from Molinaseca to the ancient city of Ponferrada, capital of El Bierzo. In awe of the magnificent Castillo de los Templarios X11thc Templar castle. The castle now declared a national monument and once under the protection of the Templar Order. On to Villafranca Del Bierzo and the X11c Romanesque Church of Santiago. Staying the night in a lovely private hostal. The town is a maze of narrow streets, big ups and downs...we have been lost more than once tonight.

Entering the mountains.

Sunday 15th Oct
Walking on from Rabanal to stay the night in Molinaseca. Difficult walking on shale with steep uphills and even steeper downhills where most injuries occur. Reached the highest Alto 1,515m and dropped down to an Alto of 610m. Tired and proud to feel the strength and resilience required for this stage. Human you are amazing !

Cruz de Ferro.

Sunday 15th Oct
The highest point of the Camino, this simple iron cross stands on top of it's weathered pole and marks the doorway through the mountains. It is one of the most spiritual spots along the way where pilgrims leave a stone or other token or blessing to the enormous pile left by pilgrims from around the world. It is a place to ponder why one walks the Camino and to consider what one will leave behind at the Cruz de Ferro and no longer carry with them in life. Today was a perfect, sunny day, not too hot and the rain did not arrive. We spent time sitting quietly with the group of other pilgrims, experiencing an expanded sense of self. "On all the peaks lies peace" (Goethe).

Via Crucis

Saturday 14th Oct
Pilgrims weave crosses into the fence in the woodlands as they pass by on the way to Rabanal. These self-styled Via crucis can be seen at many points along the Camino.

Pilgrim monument towards Rabanal.

Saturday 14th Oct
Left the city of Astorga and headed towards the mountains. Beginning the steeper ascent through woodlands passing the self-styled Via Crucis where pilgrims have have woven crosses into the fence alongside the path. Ending the day in Rabanal del Camino which continues a centuries old tradition of caring for pilgrims before they take the steep path up and over Monte Irago, the highest point of the entire Camino. In this small village, population of 50, lives an order of monks and there is the wonderful sound of Gregorian chants with Vespers daily plus a pilgrim blessing offered by the Benedictine missionary monks of the monastery of San Salvador del Monte Irago.

National Spain Day.

Friday 13th Oct
Arrived in magnificent Astorga on National Spain Day. Very busy with pilgrims and tourists. Checking out the amazing monuments. Memorized by Palacio Episcopal (Gaudi).

The passage of honour...Paso Honroso

Friday 13th Oct
Journeying from Vilar de Mazarife to Astorga through the amazing village of Hospital de Orbigo, a Knights Commandery of the Order of St John Caballeros Hospitalarios de San Juan who maintained a pilgrim hospital here. Famous for its jousting tournament that has taken place since the Holy Year of 1443. Hot, dusty, solitary walking continuing on the green path to the big city of Astorga. Population of 12,000.

The scenic route.

Thursday 12th Oct
Taking the green, scenic route from Leon to Villar de Mazarife. A small pilgrim friendly town where we are staying in the Tio Pepe Albergue.

Leon Cathedral

Wednesday 11th Oct
Rest day in beautiful Leon exploring the many monuments and enjoying the wonderful food. Caring for body, soul and spirit before heading off again tomorrow.

Magnificent Leon.

Tuesday 10th Oct
Arrived at Leon, my favourite city on the Camino. Toured the beautiful Cathedral X111th and enjoyed watching the city go by with a frozen yogurt. The city is busy, colourful and loud with many tourists and pilgrims. Surprising to find such a lot of Aussies also walking the Camino and resting in Leon today. Many historical monuments to explore and such a great variety of food. This original Roman military garrison became the capital of the old kingdoms of Asturias and Leon and is today thriving.

Compostella from Sahagun.

Monday 9th Oct
Check out my beautiful halfway compostella from Iglesia Senora La Peregrina !!

Mansilla de las Mulas.

Monday 9th Oct
Travelling from Bercianos del Real Camino through El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas. Long, hot, dusty days in Spain with a maximum of 28 degrees today. Staying overnight in Mansilla which originally tended to pilgrims in three separate pilgrim hospitales.

Half way compostella.

Sunday 8th Oct
Stopped in the beautiful town of Sahagun and visited the magnificent Iglesia Senora La Peregrina where we received halfway compostellas and bought a lapel pin to celebrate this great achievement. Onwards to Bercianos del Real Camino to spend the night in a modern albergue "Albergue La Perala" with great facilities and a restaurant.

Finding new friends along The Way

Saturday 7th Oct
Short day from Calzadilla de la Cueza to Terradillos de los Templarios. A small hamlet, population 80, formerly a stronghold of the Knights Templar. Jacques de Molay was the last Grand Master of the Order. Staying overnigjt in a lovely, quiet and relatively modern albergue.

Hot, dusty road to Calzadilla.

Friday 6th Oct
Walked a flat, featureless landscape with little shade and no villages in between. Carrion to Calzadilla, 70% on gravel paths which overlay the old paved Roman road, Via Aquitana. Here we find our first vegetarian paella, approximately half way to Santiago !

Arriving in Carrion de los Condes.

Thursday 5th Oct
Walked from Fromista to Carrion de los Condes today, first experience of the soulless sendas (pilgrim autopistas), that run alongside the main roads. Enjoyed a stop in the hippy albergue at Vallalcazar with the company of geese and donkeys, airing sore feets on lovely cool grass.

Beautiful Fromista

Wednesday 4th Oct
More Meseta from Catrojeriz to the lovely village of Fromista wirh a declining population of 840 and best known for the Iglesia de San Martin X1thC, reputedly one of the finest examples of pure Romanesque in Spain. The church has over 309 external corbels in various vegetable, geometric, animal, monstrous and human representation. It is truly a wonder, consecrated in 1066 and now entertains endless coach parties and pilgrims. The Meseta continues on tomorrow.

Walking the Meseta

Tuesday 3rd Oct
Travelling the peaceful Meseta again with a stop for rest and refreshments in the classic pilgrim village of Hontanos, population of 70. Arrived in Castrojeriz for the night, enjoying a salad and sangria before heading off for a siesta.

Beginning the Meseta

Monday 2nd Oct
Leaving the busy city of Burgos and entering the relative wilderness of the sublime Meseta. Little or no shade to offer protection from the sweltering heat which reached 31 degrees today. The Camino is very busy with no accommodation left in Hornillos by 1pm. Off the beaten track to stay at Isar for the night.

Magnificent Burgos

Friday 29th Sep
Burgos is a veritable architectural jewel, marking the beginning of V1 of the Codex Calixtinus and often referred to as the Gothic capital of Spain. Home to the warlord El Cid. The city is very hot and very busy.

To Santiago on horseback.

Friday 29th Sep
There's more than one way to get to Santiago, walking, bike, even horseback. A lovely walking day with a glorious 93% on earth tracks through woodlands, steadily climbing to Alto Mojapan. 24.2 km from Belorado to the tiny village of San Juan de Ortega with a population of 20. Sitting in the bar enjoying a well earned sangria.

Santo Domingo to Belorado.

Thursday 28th Sep
Hot walking in 29 degrees with little shade and long paths , half of today's walk parallel to the busy main road. Happy to arrive in Belorado to shower, tend sore feets and rehydrate. Going out on the hunt for a vegetarian pasta or paella.

The ancient town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Wednesday 27th Sep
Saint Dominic calzadas dedicated his life to improving the route for pilgrims in the X1th C. A giant among men. He built a pilgrim hospital and a church which evolved into the Cathedral. Today is a well earned rest day.

Entrance to Najera

Tuesday 26th Sep
Hot days, blistered feets. Peripheral neuropathy doesn't really help ! Quite a few Aussies on the Camino. Onwards wirh courage peregrinas !!

Unexpected mystical places

Monday 25th Sep
Hell of a day from Los Arcos to Logrono along the natural paths through farmlands, olive groves and vineyards. Climbed Alto Del Poyo and a few other smaller but steep sections. Hot day, did not drink enough water and now I struggle with blisters...what is the lesson in that ? Magical suprises of loving memorials with contributions from around the world and I am overwhelmed with gratitude and compassion. The gifts of El Camino continue. Ultreya.

Stepping on to Los Arcos

Sunday 24th Sep
Another lovely day, enjoyed Irache wine fountain then on to Monjardin. Long, rocky walk into Los Arcos. How great to have the luxury of a hot shower and tend to sore feets. Off to find some vegetarian paella.

Walking on to Estella

Saturday 23rd Sep
Fabulous day with mild temperatures and no rain...still dodging mud. Loved the medieval hilltop village of Cirauqui, then meandered through Lorca & Villatuerta. Settled for a restful night in Estella.

Climbed Alto Del Pardon, The Hill of Forgiveness.

Friday 22nd Sep
Alto Del Pardon, where the path of the wind crosses that of the stars.... a significant pilgrim monument, wrought iron monument of medieval pilgrims heads bent to the west. "Donde se cruza el Camino del viento con el de las estrellas". A challenging day of rain and mud, but great rewards.

Arrived at St Jean Pied De Port.

Thursday 14th Sep
After hours of travelling halfway around the world I am now in St Jean Pied De Port at the foot of the Pyrenees, the starting point for El Camino. Collected my Pilgrim credentials and pilgrim shell this morning, almost ready to leave now.

We’re off then.

Saturday 9th Sep
Very exciting times….leaving the Blue Mountains today and off on an early flight tomorrow. Let the magic continue.

Magic moments at the Blackheath Growers Market.

Sunday 13th Aug
What a wonderful experience today at the monthly Blackheath Growers Market. My thanks to the kindness of fellow stall holders who helped us in the rain. Also my gratitude to Nicole from “Blackcastle Events” who made this day possible and gave me a terrific, central spot to fundraise. Thankyou to the “Gardners Inn” at Blackheath and “Josophan’s Chocolates” at Leura who donated very generous gifts to raffle today at the markets. I am grateful to my helpers Marilyn, Kerri and my faithful compañero Charlie who stood by me in the rain and helped me to navigate people and puppies. And, a huge thankyou to all of you who continue to support my efforts in fundraising for a cancer free future. I am very blessed.

2600 steps…seriously !

Monday 7th Aug
A huge Camino preparation day which included three and a half hours of walking with 2600 steps…a magnificent Blue Mountains walk in Wentworth Falls. The Undercliff walk with fabulous views in our glorious bush land. How blessed are we to have paradise on our door step ! 33 days until leaving Oz for Spain and feeling great.
Ultreya….

Resting in the daffodils.

Tuesday 1st Aug
Very excited now with only 39 days until departure for Spain. Sorry Charlie but you cannot come with me but we will walk again when I return from my Camino in November. Off we go, no more playing in the daffodils today beautiful compañero.

The Camino is calling.

Thursday 13th Jul
Now only 59 days until I leave Oz for Spain to walk El Camino…how the time flies by especially when a wonderful new adventure awaits. I walk every day with gratitude as this time last year I was struggling through cycle 8 of my chemotherapy and could barely walk to the bathroom let alone the 25 kms of rough bush track that I walk now. Praise be…
I am very busy dividing my time between Camino walking preparation, fundraising for Cancer Council and ongoing self care post cancer treatment. Yet every day is a blessing and today the sun is shining and warm on my skin. One day at a time, step by step…

Miracles do happen

Thursday 22nd Jun
I am on track and preparing well for my Camino De Santiago which is now only 11 weeks and 2 days away…am I counting down ? You bet I am. Feeling strong, healthy and very excited. Thankyou to all the amazing people who support me and believe in a cancer free future.
Ultreya….onwards with courage 

Are we there yet ?

Thursday 11th May
Preparing for the Camino with my faithful compañero, Charlie. He loves a walk but today just wants to know “are we there yet?”.

Preparing in earnest

Monday 8th May
On track with Camino preparation…walking up to 16 kms a day now.
Ready to leave for Spain on September 10th to commence pilgrimage on September 17th starting at St Jean Pied De Port in France.
Ultreya…onwards with courage.

Thank you to my Supporters

$316

Blackheath Growers Market

$300

Lara Mcnaught

I have never stopped loving you Linda nor thinking of you. I see you are enjoying the marrow out of life - how wonderful! It would be a blessing if there were an opportunity for connection. You have been one of the most formative energies in steering the direction of my life, for which I will be forever grateful. Please contact me if you are willing and able. Love always, Lara McNaught.

$263.75

Anonymous

$242.65

Ann Gale

Well done

$242.65

Julie Grant

Good luck Linda

$212.10

Blackheath Village Businesses

$127

Leura Village Businesses

$105.50

Mountain High Pies

$105.50

Self Donation

Backing myself…. Fate whispers to the warrior “you cannot withstand the storm”, and the warrior whispers back “I am the storm”.

$105.50

Anonymous

You are amazing and an inspiration to all, thank you for all you are doing

$104

Austin Chick

I recently lost my mum to bowel cancer, and right now I can only think of one way to help in the fight to cure cancer. I wish you all the best on your walk!

$100

Happy Home And Pet Sitter

Buen Camino Peregrina

$100

Blackheath Growers Market

$70

The Bilby Linedancers, Leura

Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this enormous challenge.

$52.75

Marilyn Duncan

Linda, you are a warrior woman and so amazing to be giving back when you are still struggling yourself. You enjoy every second of your pilgrimage and know how much your fundraising efforts will be appreciated by other bowel cancer sufferers. Ultreya!

$52.75

Anonymous

$52.75

Ms Karen M Grega

This is such an amazing challenge you have taken on, but you can and will do it! Each step will be a step closer to a cancer free future.

$52.75

Gary Moore

$52.75

Gwenda Dufty

I am long lost Marie (via Gwenda), you are an amazing person, been through a lot and the Camino is your ultimate quest. The trekking you do with Charlie is certainly a determined step towards your goal. I will be very keen to follow your endeavours my dear family member.

$50

Anonymous

$31.65

Paul Bateson

Read your wonderful story in this week's Blue Mountains Gazette and amazing achievement to overcome bowel cancer. That together with my love of bushwalking and connections with Spain motivated me to support your fund raiser, even if in a modest way. Best wishes for Camino de Santiago, which I one day hope to experience, and well done on this initiative.

$27

Pam Staples

Wishing you strength and good health on your journey

$26.38

Jodie Dalglish

All the best!

$26.38

Cameron Beard

$26.38

Steve Tusler

$26.38

Rachel Simpson

$26.38

Lynda Chester

From Lynda with Bonnie dog , Happy walking Linda !

$25

Kylie Matthews

Good luck. I hope that you make more than $5000

$21.10

Zoe Clare

$10.55

Clare Swan