"Reflections"

During May and June 2007 Margi Biggs walked from St Jean Pied du Port to Santiago on her first Camino.

She writes: As a sedentary person, I was terrified of doing something so physically demanding. But something kept telling me to do the Camino. I wasn't very fit and it was really tough. At times we were walking through thick, sticky mud that curled into my shoes and at times it was freezing cold. But it was also incredibly beautiful. On the whole it taught me that I can do anything if I really want to. I trained as much as possible before I left. I walked as much as I could, and even signed up at the gym. The hard work paid off and I lost about 10kg. My body needs to walk now. I also don't feel the need to rush so much anymore. On the Camino all you have to do is walk, but you can't live on the Camino forever. It's a journey you take and the journey continues, and you bring what you can into your normal life. I enjoyed almost everything about the journey. My Camino was characterized by wonderful people, beautiful scenery and spiritual growth. I took my time and completed the 800kms in 48 days.

Margi braved the elements for the street children of South Africa, as well as for StreetSmart, a charity organization that raises funds for these children. NOW she has another idea which she has already put into action:

What did disturb me was the amount of litter left by other Pilgrims over the years. So I have decided to do something about it. I thought a Camino Spring Clean would be in order. What I plan is, to do a PR campaign to bring the problem to the minds of those who are still planning to walk. Then to find sponsors to make up bio-degradable bags, overprinted with a message in 8 languages inviting Pilgrims to fill the bag with litter along their way and to put the bag into the efficient Spanish garbage system. I am also hoping to find sponsors to print posters with an anti-litter message which could be displayed in Refugio's all along the route. I have the committed assistance on Gordon Bell who lives on the Camino near Villacha, who will use his car to deliver the material along the way during June. He will also receive any material we need to ship.

Then I will return to Spain to do a week of litter collection myself. I thought to start in Burgos. This will be useful not only to clean the Way but also for PR purposes to spread the word to those still heading to the Camino.

I am inviting members of the Confraternities from around the world to join me if they can, or to help in any way with the project.
As I see it we need the following:

• Press release writing skills
• Translation Skills
• Garbage Gloves
• Bag
• Posters to be printed

Transport for material from South Africa to Spain (if they are printed here, or from wherever).

Pilgrims to "walk the talk" in Spain 25 June to 02 July between Burgos and Leon.

If any members of the confraternity can help, please ask them to contact me on my personal email address: margi AT eqweb.co.za (sub @ for AT)

LATEST NEWS: Camino Clean-Up Project - first team is to clean the sector between Léon and Burgos during May/June 2008. This initiative has already developed into an international event.

Congratulations Margi!

Labels: camino, clean up, spring clean