Butterfield Residents The Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Walk the Walk

It’s never too late in life to have transformative experiences. For some, it can mean seeking adventure and experiencing new places and cultures. For others, it might involve pushing physically and mentally to accomplish a challenging feat. In coming months, Butterfield residents and Carriage Club members will have the chance to undergo preparations for an incredible bucket-list opportunity that will perfectly combine both.

Director of Well-being Jennifer Neill has put plans in motion to take a group abroad to hike a portion of the famous Camino de Santiago. This ancient network of pilgrim routes has existed more than 1,200 years, stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. Butterfield travelers will walk the last 100 kilometers (over 62 miles) of the Camino Francés, the most popular route that stretches nearly 500 miles from St. Jean-Pied-duPort near Biarritz, France to Santiago, Spain.

Interested? Attend our information session!

Thurs, March 9 2:30pm

BTV Performance Hall

Anyone who cannot travel to Spain but wishes to train with the group is welcome and encouraged to take part in the Camino de Santiago Virtual Challenge. Visit theconqueror.events/camino for details.

For those who wonder if they are too old to walk the Camino Francés, it is helpful to consider that many pilgrims who tackle this hike are well over age 65. It is said the oldest known person to walk the Camino de Santiago was a

93-year-old woman who traversed the entire 500 miles with her age 60 daughter. A detailed strategy is in place to help our willing participants prepare for the both rigors of the trip and necessary accommodations once there:

• Expert help to get in good physical shape, including weekly group walks specially designed to prepare for the trail and proper use of walking sticks

• Assistance with trip preparation – such as packing guidance, education on finding the best shoes and what gear to take

• Travel accommodations support, including private rooms, luggage transport and rides for anyone who needs a break along the trail

• Wisdom and guidance from other residents and Carriage Club members who have completed the hike and are ready to share what they learned

The Butterfield version of the Camino Francés hike is specifically geared for fun and adventure, and every effort will be made to ensure travelers have the necessary advance training and ready support once there. The trip will also include plenty of sight-seeing and cultural experiences, such as the awe-inspiring Belorado Caves, the Templars Castle in Ponferrada, the summit of Monte de Gozo, the famous Bodegas Irache Wine Fountain, La Rioja wine and tapas in Logroño – and so much more.