Camino walk set for Feb. 1

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This article was published 30/01/2020 (2308 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new non-profit group dedicated to walking with purpose is gaining momentum one step at a time.

Camino Manitoba is hosting a Winter Camino Walk event on Sat., Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting and finishing at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (637 Buckingham Rd.) in Charleswood.

Volunteer executive director Gilles Boulley invites everyone to join in the free event.

“We are dedicated to promoting simple living, spiritual health and overall well-being by walking with purpose,” he said.

“Winter Camino Walk is a one-day pilgrimage on the Harte Trail and the Assiniboine Forest Trail System that is just under 10 kilometres in length. All ages can join us and do as much as they can because it is an out-and-back route.”

The event is geared for people who want to improve their mental, physical and spiritual well-being, he added.

Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. The route might be modified, depending on the temperature.

“Snacks are offered at our meeting place, which is at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Charleswood at the start and the end,” he said.

“Pilgrims are encouraged to bring food and water to sustain themselves along the way.”

Camino Manitoba events begin and end with a sharing circle so that participants can get to know each other and why they decided to join the journey.

Each year, more than 350,000 people from around the world walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, which often takes about 30 to 35 days to travel approximately 800 kilometres.

Camino Manitoba aims to bring this meditative experience closer to home with shorter time commitments. The organization adds a social aspect to the individual journey since participants can enjoy walking together and meeting new people.

Participants are asked to register online for the free Winter Camino Walk so that organizers have a way to communicate with them in case plans change due to the weather.

The organization is also planning a three-day pilgrimage called “Journey to McGillivray Falls” in Whiteshell Provincial Park from July 23 to 26. This 55-kilometre walk starts at the ski trails at Falcon Lake and ends up at McGillivray Falls near Caddy Lake. The group will stay at West Hawk United Church, sleeping on the floor as well as preparing meals and snacks together. The cost of this journey is $325 per person and registration opened on Jan. 27 on Eventbrite.

For more information about Camino Manitoba and its events, visit www.caminomanitoba.ca or check out their Facebook page to learn more about upcoming events.