Lake Merritt Camino Walk + Optional Brunch
Saturday, June 4, 10:30 am
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 and starts walking at 10:45 in a clockwise direction around the lake. RSVP on Facebook.
Optional no-host brunch. We will gather for a post-walk brunch around 12:15 pm at Shakewell located at 3407 Lakeshore Ave., 10 minute walk from the Lake Merritt Pergola. See map. See menu: http://www.shakewelloakland.com/menu/
RSVP on Facebook for the next one! July 2 Lake Merritt Walk and Optional Brunch.
Phil’s Camino film screenings:
Saturday June 4 at 2:15 am
Monday June 6 at 7 pm
Annie O’Neil is pleased to announce that her new film Phil’s Camino will be screening as part of the SF DocFest this coming Saturday and Monday at Roxie Theatre in San Francisco.
Annie writes, “I know that some of you came to one of the rough cut screenings that I held up there and for that I am eternally grateful! Please help spread the word about this uplifting and inspiring short film. As a special thank you, and a treat for everyone, Phil himself will be joining me for the Q&As that will follow the film. Yay! I hope to see you all there! Ultreya y Suseya!”
You can purchase film screening tickets here.
Richmond to Rockridge Walk (“Rich to Rock”)
Saturday, June 11, 9:30 am – 6 pm
Looking across the bay from Albany Beach. Photo courtesy of Guy Joaquin.
Join us for this full-day walk that starts at the Richmond BART station, follows the scenic SF Bay shoreline, winds through the charming neighborhoods of Berkeley, and ends at the Rockridge BART station in Oakland. It’s a chance to walk a large part of the East Bay that we often just whiz by in our cars, and discover hidden gems along the way. If you’re training for the Camino, this is a chance to try a longer-distance walk alongside experienced pilgrims. And it’s easily accessible using BART! Park at the Richmond station and take the train back from Rockridge at the end of the walk OR park at the Rockridge station and take the train to Richmond to start the walk (Fare: $2.70 one-way, free weekend parking at both stations).
From the Richmond BART station, we’ll walk down to the Richmond Marina and join the Bay Trail through Point Isabel (ruff, ruff!) and the Albany Bulb to check out the remaining urban artwork. At University Avenue in Berkeley, we’ll head up into downtown via Addison Street and then through campus before strolling down College Avenue to the Rockridge neighborhood.
Date: Saturday, June 11
Time/Place: Meet at Richmond BART (outside the ticket gates) at 9:30 AM for check-in and briefing, leave by 10:00AM and plan to arrive in Rockridge around 6:00PM
Distance: 16 miles/26 kilometers (más o menos)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate (this is a full day of walking and although generally flat terrain, being an urban setting, the majority of the walk is on pavement and sidewalks)
Open to: Everyone (both current and “yet-to-be” APOC members welcome)
Drop Out/Drop In Points (w/ approx. arrival times)
- Mile 5, ~12:00PM, Mudpuppy’s Café at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, aka “The Happiest Place on Earth for Dogs” (1 Isabel St., Richmond), have lunch ~1 hour, food/water and restrooms available, 1.6 mile walk to/from El Cerrito Plaza BART station
- Mile 11, ~3:30PM, Sea Breeze Market & Deli (598 University Ave. at Frontage Rd., Berkeley), food/water and restrooms available, AC Transit Bus 51B to/from Downtown Berkeley and Rockridge BART stations (Fare: $2.10), map and weekend schedule at http://www.actransit.org/wp-content/uploads/51B_timetable.pdf
- Mile 13.5, ~4:30PM, Downtown Berkeley BART (2160 Shattuck Ave.)
Be Sure to Bring: A bag lunch to eat at Point Isabel (or buy one at Mudpuppy’s Café) and also sun protection as there is little shade until we get to Berkeley
Canine Pilgrims: Dogs are welcome, too! But please bear in mind that this is a long, “thru” walk and carefully consider your dog’s capabilities. Public transportation policies are basically prohibitive for our situation (BART and AC Transit require pets to be in a container). Taxi, Uber, Lyft cars, etc. may/may not accept pets. So we’re recommending this as a “circuit” walk. Park and meet us at Mudpuppy’s Café for lunch and then walk a section (e.g., to the Albany Bulb) and return back on your own. Otherwise, please have someone with a car on call to pick up, if needed, or at the end.
Après-Walk: Depending on group size and interest, we can end with ice cream at Smitten (yes, they make your order from scratch) or Dreyer’s for an Oakland-local scoop, and perhaps carry on for drinks and/or a bite to eat in the neighborhood
RSVP by Friday, June 10 by emailing Guy Joaquin (walk leader) or the Facebook event. Email any questions, too. Please let us know if others will be joining you and if you plan to use one of the “drop in” or “drop out” points. “Drop In” Walkers: Also include your mobile number so you and Guy can keep in touch on timing and location on the day of the walk.
SAVE THE DATES!
Saint James’ Day Annual Potluck and Celebration
Saturday, July 23.
Location and details will be sent to NorCal APOC chapter members by Rennie Archibald in the next few weeks.
Third Annual Pilgrim Get Together in Lake Tahoe
July 22-24, 2016
David Jennings is hosting the 3rd Annual Pilgrim Renewal on July 22, 23, 24 at North Lake Tahoe, Mt. Rose Campground (above Incline Village, NV.) Veteran Pilgrims and those planning to do a Camino are welcome.
Bella Tahoe from the Flume trail. Photo courtesy of Dave Jennings.
Campsites have been reserved at the Mt. Rose Federal campground for tent campers, and all meals and activities are centered at the campground. Home stays can be provided for those who do not tent camp.
Friday, 22nd Happy Hour Social at 5:30 PM at Campground followed by a community dinner.
Saturday, 23rd (Feast day of St. James) Breakfast at Campground followed by a hike (moderate 7+/- miles), but depending on turnout there may be options. Evening Mass, with social time and dinner to follow at campground.
Sunday, 24th Breakfast followed by a hike (5-6 miles) returning to cars for return home about 2:30PM. The weekend with the exception of minimal camping fee is donativo.
Early reservations are much appreciated to assure space for everyone. Contact Walt Scheer for Campground reservations or Dave Jennings for home stays.
More details on our Facebook Group and NorCal Chapter page.
I’m back from my Camino!
I enjoyed a Trafalgar tour of Portugal with my mom, then I walked 150 kilometers of the Camino Portugués May 21-29 from Ponte de Lima, Portugal. I took many photos and will be sharing my experience on this blog soon. It was truly an amazing experience. Here’s a photo of me in Santiago.
My credential full of stamps and memories of places I stopped at along the Camino.
The new 2016 Camino Provides Patch
I designed a new 2016 Camino Provides patch for those who wish to commemorate their 2016 Camino. This variation has a western theme and shell colors represent a sunset. The shell points the way along the Camino and reminds us to keep moving forward in life. Ultreia! Click for more details.
To order this new patch, write “2016” in the order notes. You can mix and match patches, just note the quantity of each. Order individual patches, or buy a dozen, get one free.
Why the patches? I am not selling these for profit, rather, I’m doing this just to make my blog sustainable. There are costs to maintain my blog, so I partner with like-minded sponsors who have something of value to share with other Camino enthusiasts. You won’t see random ads on my site that have no connection to the Camino. You will see an occasional Camino book, product, or my own designs linking to my Etsy shop. I don’t ask for donations like some Camino blogs do, but I do enjoy offering accessories for those who have embraced the Camino lifestyle.
I love to share a good thing. Always have, always will. 🙂
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
The Camino Provides 