That’s shorthand for Portuguese Camino 2016 – Day Zero…
Meaning tomorrow on Day 1 we begin the walk.
This afternoon Jennifer and I met the group we’ll be spending the next two weeks with – wonderful people who each have a story – in fact, many stories. Each have come to this Camino for a particular reason – whether they know that reason right now or not.
During the next two weeks you will get to know these people – with their approval and sanction – and possibly you might also get to hear their story, or stories.
The Portuguese Camino is a short Camino – only 240kms or so from Porto – and yet it’s a very powerful pilgrimage. Several of those who accompanied us on our last tour found it to be extremely cathartic, and cleansing.
The Camino can wallop you when you least it expect it.
Tonight over dinner there was an undercurrent of nervousness. No one in this group has walked a Camino before, and so there was a level of anxiety amongst them as to whether they’ll make it or not.
They’ll make it.
And they will forge memories that will stay with them the rest of their lives.
PGS the Way 
How absolutely exciting Bill Bennett. I can still envisage our first group dinner in 2014! And you are so right, this group of pilgrims are going to create great memories over the next 12 days:) I look forward to your posts:)
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Thanks Angie – yes it’s lovely to be walking again – and with these wonderful carers. I’m looking forward to getting to know them.
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Buen Camino to you and your group, Blessings to all as you depart!
Kathryn and Michael
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HI Kathryn – many thanks for your blessings. Already it has started off well. I hope you enjoy the posts along the way! Say hello to Michael for me too… Bill
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Light and Love go with you all. Bom Caminho Ingrid
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Many thanks Ingrid. I look forward to the time when WE get to walk together!!
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Bill & Jen,
Bom Caminho!
So many questions, did you dine in Restaurante Abadia?
Did you enjoy it if you did?
I’ve been anxiously awaiting a post and so happy to read this one.
How was Fatima and your week in Portugal?
I’m looking forward to hearing all the details.
As you know, I will be following you and the group along the way. Bom Caminho Carers!
Arlène
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Hi Arlene – yes we ate at the Abadia last night and it was everything you said it would be! What a great place! And Jose is fabulous!! The tour has got off to a great start! Thank you for all your help. love Bill
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Hi Arlene – it was a great first day. Not too far, and yet far enough for those who are not experienced walkers to get a true sense of the Camino. Some wonderful countryside, and now in this beautiful Casa Rural, the same one you and your group stayed in. Fatima was underwhelming, I have to say – but in amongst all the tacky merchandising and concrete stadium feel of it all, there is a palpable energy. Daily posts from now on!!
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Bom Caminho to all in the group!
I hope that this Camino goes tremendously well for everyone and that the Camino bestows many gifts to you all each and every day.
Take joy in every moment and in every step.
Camino hugs –
Jenny
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Dear Jenny – many thanks for your wonderfully generous well wishes. These are a special group of people – being carers – and it’s shaping up to be a memorable tour.
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Ola Bill, Jen and fellow pilgrims!
I remember that moment very well – sitting at dinner on the eve of setting out on my first Camino Portuguese with you, Jen, Donna, Angie, Ken, Peter, Jules, Steve, Arlene, Marie and Catarina of course! Hard to believe it was a little over 2 years ago now.
There was an intense mix of feelings that night. Nervousness, excitement, fear, anxiousness and dozens of others all bundled up inside. Most of those feelings were transformed within a a few short kilometers of walking into awe, wonder, gratitude, satisfaction and peace.
I am very much looking forward to seeing your wonderful photos and reading about this journey with such a special group of people.
Buen Camino my friends!
Greg
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Dear Greg – Jennifer and I have such powerful memories still of you and the group last time. And when we sat with Catarina just a few hours ago she was keen to know all about you all, and catch up on all the news concerning you all. It was a magical time – and I think this new tour now with these amazing people will also be very special. We aim to help make it so…
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Dear Bill and Jennifer, so good to hear you’re there and nearly on your way. Can’t wait to hear how you and this new group get on 🙂 Love, Britta
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Many thanks Britta! Looking forward to getting to know these wonderful people. Love to you too mate! Bill
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Bill and Jen,
By now you have finished your first day. Hope the weather holds out for you as usual – sunny/no rain! Have a glorious walk. We are all there with you in spirit!
Bom Caminho
Love you
Lynda and Dale
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Hi Lynda – yes it was a full day, with a lot of sunshine and heat. About to have dinner shortly. A lovely bunch of people, and big adventures ahead, I’m sure! Give Dale a big man-hug for me. Love Bill
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Bom Caminho !!!
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Hey Julian, many thanks. Amazing about Leicester hey? Been following them most of the season. Fabulous to think they’ll be in the Champions League next season. Looking forward to finally meeting you!
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Me too 🙂
Been reading a bit more about Leicester, and their team make-up is actually quite a lot like AS Monaco — except we have a more important training centre and far more youth and young players. The one single flaw of Claudio Ranieri’s work here was that he didn’t work so well with the younger players, but he doesn’t have that problem at Leicester.
He led us to the top of second division a few years back, and it’s lovely to see he took Leicester up to the top of the first.
Would be interesting if Monaco and Leicester played each other next season, or even just in a pre-season friendly 🙂
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