Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
- Blog
-
Location Date Pomeys 1508626800 Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port 1507676400 Navarrenx 1507590000 Arthez-De-Béarn 1507503600 Aire-Sur-L'adour 1506985200 Gers 1506812400 Lectoure 1506553200 Lauzerte 
1506294000 Cahors 1506121200 Bach 1505948400 Limogne-En-Quercy 1505862000 Cajarc 1505689200 Decazeville 1505602800 Vareilles 1505430000 Conques 1505430000 Estaing 1505343600 Golinhac 1505257200 Saint-Côme-D'olt 1505084400 Nasbinals 1504998000 Saugues 1504652400 Saint-Préjet-D'allier 1504652400 Monistrol-D'allier 1504566000 Carlucet 1504479600 Le Puy-En-Velay 1504393200 Ribeyret 1504306800
Dear fellow pilgrim,
I am sitting here in my little hotel in Lauzerte, which has seen better days…the double cabins are tired, the contents minimal. It is run by one very obliging man who speaks excellent English and I am the sole guest, for whom he is cooking my meal while I bask in the mild evening sun.
It's the 23rd September my sole surviving sister's birthday and I have completed over half the journey to St. Jean Pied de Port.
So, I thought at this point of the pilgrimage I should share with you a reflective and honest assessment of what I have learnt and the adjustments I have had to make.
Firstly, I am profoundly grateful to all of you who take the time to read my repetitive blogs and view my equally repetitive videos following my progress. I especially thank those who have the time to write a comment. Due to the time difference when I awaken at about 5.30 am each morning the first thing I do is reach for my iphone and read the comments. They encourage me to get out of bed, pack my bag and backpack, ready for another day.
I also wish to share with you some facts about how things have developed since day one. Perhaps an analogy may help.
It's from a yachting image.
It's Boxing Day in Sydney and thousands have lined the foreshore of the Harbour on a scintillating summer's day, waiting for the starter's gun to launch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. They are off! The wind is perfect the fleet set sail down the harbour making for the Heads and open water, the mainsails are all up and suddenly the spinnakers have caught the breeze and are in full bloom as the yachts jostle for position. No sooner have the yachts cleared the Heads, when disaster hits in the unexpected arrival of a southerly buster which smashes into them. Spinnakers are shredded; mainsails are lowered and a small jury-rigged sail ( I have forgotten the proper name) is placed up front. The speed slows and the boat barely makes headway in the right direction.
That's enough of the analogy. You see where I am going?
The preparation and the hype for this my Camino maybe somewhat overblown to stick with the analogy. My aim was to walk the full 740 Ks from Le Puy to St Jean. The first few days tested my resolve and ability- I am consoled to learn that even seasoned Pilgrims agree those days are hard going- but many of all ages manage so well. I quickly realised if I was to make it to St Jean I would not be able to handle any more than 25 Ks a day. Which I thought meant not being able to walk the distance I promised. Well at the rate I am going, with wrong turns and Fitbit readings, distance will not be a problem- I am already past the guidebooks indicators.
I was further encouraged when speaking to a young Swiss lass in a cafe today, who arrived in a Pilgrim's bikini- (a first for me), after a heavy slog in very warm weather, "don't take any notice of the guidebooks," she said.
The young lass, no more than a slip of a girl, started in Zurich and has already claimed a mountain higher than any one she will encounter on the complete Camino! She has walked over 1000 Ks and will finish at land's end (Finisterre ) in Spain, camping all the way. Oh, the joys and capacity of youth!
On a lighter note some days ago I spoke to a multi-lingual Dutch man- is there any other kind? He has already covered nearly 1700 Ks in the past three months .There were three of us making introductions and he introduced himself as "Vim" (at least that's how I heard it) and I said "my name is JimVim"! I then suggested he must have travelled with "vim and vigour", he quickly replied "no I am travelling alone and my name is spelt with a "w"". Ah the vagaries of language!
I am attempting a few more videos but the signal has been a problem.
With warm regards and best wishes
Jim
- comments
Joanne Karcz Already over half way. Congratulations! And you're taking all the challenges in your stride. It's a tough challenge that you have set yourself and I for one am in awe.
Marg Pirotta Dear JimVim, you always make me laugh out loud!!! Congrats on your milestone achievement.
Rob hennessy Thankyou Fr Jim, praying for you and love work!!!!
Ron :)
Bob & Yoko Jim, the Sydney-Hobart start is indeed spectacular. Things happen along the way, but 'Stella Maris' brings everyone safely to harbor. Lovely photo of your late father Bill posted at the top, or, oops, could it be those mischievous Carty genes at play!
Rebecca van der Woude Lovely post Fr Jim ...and you didn't miss my birthday...mine is the 24th (Feast of Our Lady of Mercy) and my Dad's is the 23rd...he was 91 :-) stay safe and remember just one foot in front of the other and you will get there xx
Anne Hodgson Thank you Fr Jim for your heartening words via Jo- it did give me some hope that we might be able to aspire to your amazing feats. I loved your Sydney to Hobart analogy- I get that!!! I think we might be the boat that fires the starter gun. All the best for the following days on the trail.
Joseph Rooney I do not know if the saying of our ancient Chinese friend Lao Tzu is inspiring for you or not, at this time; "The journey of a thousand Ri begins with one step" Shalom!
Alan Good work Wim. I love the multi-lingual-Dutch-man. Though they mostly come with numerous languages they often come with a humour by-pass. I think the most important lesson with regards to walking is finding out your true capacity and not trying to do too much. As you look at the map and in your imagination you can see yourself walking 30ks in reality is not feasible after a while wears you down and you start to get injuries. So keep finding your true north of distance and keep going. Love reading about your progress. We're in up-state New York sending you love from Sue and I. Bravo!!
Mark Green Hello Jim. I have been catching up with all your news while holding Tess, our 7 month old, who is not so well. She slept while I laughed as I read your stories. You sound really alive and happy as you power along. I think the night you had take away pizza and sit down spag bol and then raided the vitals intended for the following morning's breakfast will stay with me for a while. You'll have a new take on the story Jesus tells about the time David and followers were hungry and took off with the food from the sanctuary. You are bringing back memories of a much shorter pilgrimage I did once, begging my way between Lilydale and Mansfield in central Victoria. That can wait until you are back, suffice to say I cannot remember a time in my life when I felt more free. Much peace and blessings on your path and on those who are helping you. Keep safe.
Noelene Lynette Donovan Dearest Jim.. how I love you blogs - the analogy to the Sydney to Hobart was marvellous - but of course I hate to admit it, i laughed out loud - because a lot of journeys in life are a bit like the Sydney to Hobart I can disclose only to you!!!! Saw Maggie she sends love as do I to get you over the line - my analogy is that you are in the Cox Plate and you are just turning into the 1200 metres. Oh what a marvellous thing you have done and half way already - Maybe print a book of your blogs and leave it discreetly for other wonderful people who have taken this arduous challenge.. would be so much more informative than the travel guides that have you travelling in circles. . Hope the little stick is not worn out yet our thoughts and prayers but mostly love go with you dearest Jim
Michael Whelan Jim did you know there was a household detergent called Vim? Like you the Chapter is on a sort of pilgrimage. And I think we have taken one or two wrong turns. Is it avoidable? Mostly it makes no difference. In fact it can be good. We are now in our second week and about to address the issues. Spirits remain high, expectations of making it to the end - whatever that might mean - are high. We had a marvelous day at Assisi yesterday!
Patricia Baker Hi Jim. Mary O'Rourke and "moi" are having lunch at Headquarters today (Wed) so if your ears are ringing, it will be because you will be the topic of conversation plus "Super Sunday". On your return you can always refer to your blog plus the other adventures and perhaps find the time to write a short book on your adventures. Perhaps you can talk MW into selling it at St Pat's with all monies to the Foundation. All the very best and looking forward to seeing you back home.
peter Stuckey Jim, just read your blog from Lauzerte so am a bit behind - you travel soooo fast ! Fantastic effort . You will no doubt have the wind behind you especially when you see the Pyrenees - just watch out for those sudden gusts don't put up too much canvas. Love your story - I too laughed out loud. Cheers Peter
Wendy Dixon 25 Ks a day!! Deede and I averaged 20K a day and we are much younger, well she is anyway. You're doing an awesome job! ANd using your metaphor, as a racer, I have come to respect every aspect of wind, wave, skipper, crew and boat conditions. A race won capturing the most elusive of light wind movements is as celebrated, even more so, than the race won in stirred up seas with gusts up to 25 or 30. So I celebrate and honor every step you take, Jim, no matter the pace or meandering. You is heart animated by the love, cause and zeal of Christ, plus your genuine attraction for a terrific adventure!