Camino and Hiking Events in March

Lake Merritt Camino Walk

Saturday, March 5, 2016
10:30 AM – noon

This is an informal gathering that takes place on the first Saturday of the month, rain or shine. The group meets at the Lake Merritt Pergola on the east side of Oakland’s Lake Merritt at 10:30 AM and starts walking at 10:45 AM in a clockwise direction around the lake.
More details

NorCal Pilgrim Blessing Ceremony and Potluck

March 12, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Newman Hall, Berkeley

For those of you attending the Pilgrim’s Blessing and Potluck on March 12th, the program schedule was emailed to NorCal list subscribers and shared on the Facebook event page.

We will take a Camino Class of 2016 group photo and a photo of all attendees.

RSVP required by Friday, March 11th so we know how many chairs to set up.
Email NorCal@americanpilgrims.org and let us know if you will walk the Camino in 2016 and need a scallop shell for the blessing.

See more details on the Facebook event page.

Phil’s Camino Screening

Annie O’Neil is happy to announce she is coming back to screen the rough cut of Phil’s Camino once again!
RSVP Required:

The film will have its World Premiere on Saturday, March 12 at the at SXSW in Austin, Texas! Brava Camiga! Follow Phil’s Camino news on Facebook.

Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain

Presentations at REI by Nancy Reynolds of The Camino Experience. Learn more about how to get started on the Camino Francés! Nancy will be giving some classes on ‘Walking the Camino de Santiago’ at Bay Area REI stores. Registration is now open for the following classes:

I attended Nancy’s presentation in Berkeley and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Camino. She shares interesting stats, great tips, fun photos and practical advice—expertly delivered with enthusiasm. Q & A at the end so newbies can tap her knowledge. If the website shows that it’s booked, get on the wait list.

Yoga for Outdoor Enthusiasts @ REI Berkeley

Monday, March 21 & 28, 2016
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Berkeley REI

Practicing yoga is an excellent way to develop strength, balance, and flexibility. Join REI’s professional yoga instructor for a class tailored to help enhance your pursuit of season specific outdoor activities. Yoga mats are provided, or you can bring your own.
Registration required: Sign up for 03/21/16 | 03/28/16 | 04/04/16

Full Moon Hike

Tuesday, March 22, 06:30 PM
Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley: Inspiration Point

There’s nothing like hiking under a full moon! Join a trained REI Outdoor School Instructor for a special moonlit adventure at a nearby park. We’ll also teach you a few tips for hiking at any time of day. See location details for more information on the venue. Member: $25 Non Member: $45 Sign up

Love, Camino Style

I received enough stories in February from people who made a “love connection” on the Camino that I created a new Love page. I will continue to add to this page as I receive more stories. Has the Camino provided you with more than just a long walk? If you have a Camino love story to share, email me to write a guest post. Share the Camino love! ♥

New T-Shirt designs

Share the Camino Love with this heart design T-Shirt with “Love, Camino Style” in the rich red and yellow colors of the Spanish flag. Unisex long sleeve and Women’s fashion fit styles shown below.

Save the Dates for Events in April:

Point Reyes Hike + optional hostel stay

April 9th 10:30 am.
Trailhead Location: Drakes Estero Parking Lot
You might use coordinates 38.0815, -122.9141 with GPS (Click to see navigation)

Details and RSVP on the Facebook event.

If you know of any Camino related events for the SF Bay Area that should be included in the monthly roundup, please use the comment form below, or email me.

For those that live elsewhere, there are Camino hotspots nationwide and the American Pilgrims on the Camino (APOC) website has a listing of local chapters where you can find pilgrim events. There are also many active Facebook groups to learn about events in your region.

See you on the trail!
Laurie