Below is the roundup of Camino-related events and hikes in the SF Bay Area for the month of October 2017. This coming Saturday, October 7th, there will be a screening of Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago for those who attend the Lake Merritt walk and lunch. My hope is for the camaraderie to continue after our monthly walks, where everyone can gather in a comfortable atmosphere over a good meal and learn about Camino topics or enjoy a film from our chapter’s CaminoFlix library.
Lake Merritt Walk + Camino Film
Saturday, October 7, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This is an informal gathering that takes place on the first Saturday of the month, rain or shine. The group meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Pergola on the east side of Oakland’s Lake Merritt and starts walking promptly at 10:45 a.m. It’s a level, 3.3 mile walk around the lake that takes about an hour. All are welcome (American Pilgrims members and non-members). Afterwards, there is an optional brunch at Barlago Italian Kitchen. Check out the menu. Remember: Bring cash to split the checks.
Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago
Camino Lunch & Learn is a new forum for Bay Area pilgrims to learn about Camino, share their own experiences, or present a topic. For the October 7th walk, Guy Joaquin, NorCal APOC Chapter Coordinator, will show the documentary Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago. The film will start around 12:30 p.m. in the private dining room for those who attend lunch at Barlago. The space is extremely limited, so RSVP on the Facebook event or email laurie@caminoprovides.com.
If you have a topic you’d like to present or would like to share highlights of your Camino, please contact Laurie. Barlago’s private dining room is equipped with a TV with HDMI input for laptop presentations.
Directions to the walk: Take BART to the 19th Street Oakland station (Lake Merritt station will be closed this weekend) and navigate your way to the Pergola. If you drive, make sure to give yourself enough time to find parking, as there are many activities on Saturday mornings in the Lake Merritt area.
If you are in the Bay Area, join the Peregrinos Northern California Facebook Group to get details on this and other events.
September 2, 2017 Lake Merritt walk
Walking Tour: Discover Downtown San Jose
Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m.
Think that there’s no “there” there in San Jose? Think again! Join the APOC Silicon Valley Chapter this Saturday for a lovely 5-mile ramble through Downtown San Jose. You might be surprised to discover all the interesting history, and exciting future, that are packed into the heart of this city. Join native Lisa Hettler-Smith, and other APOC members on a guided tour. Stroll through the University campus, downtown, parts of the Guadalupe River Park, San Pedro Square and other areas of interest in San Jose. Meet at 10:00 a.m. for coffee at 134 South 12th Street, San Jose, CA. The walk starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. and will last about 2 1/2 hours.
Afterwards, potluck in Lisa and Gordon’s backyard. Very shady and nice for a gathering. Folks can leave their potluck stuff in the house before the walk. During the potluck we will ask people to do a short share, “What is the one thing you did that made your Camino more comfortable?” Friendly dogs are welcome.
RSVP not required, but you can check the Silicon Valley Facebook Group Event for updates or to coordinate carpools.
See more upcoming events on the Silicon Valley Chapter APOC page.
Please note: The Marin County: Tennessee Valley Hike & Beach Party has been cancelled due to the fires.
SAVE THE DATES:
I’ll Push You at Jack London Square + Happy Hour
Thursday, November 2, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are now available in Oakland’s Jack London Cinema for this inspiring film about two best friends on the Camino de Santiago. Purchase tickets.
Learn more: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/ill-push-you
Prior to the screening, we’ll meet up at Plank Beer Garden for drinks and dinner. http://plankoakland.com/
Plank doesn’t take reservations. If weather is nice we will sit outside.
Bring cash to split checks, or run your own tab.
Dinner Menu: http://plankoakland.com/menus/dinner/
Happy Hour there is 3-7 pm.
$2 Off All Drinks & Appetizers – Choose from delicious items such as our Hummus, Southwest Rolls, Nacho Stack, Ahu Tuna Poke…
RSVP not required, but if you are on the NorCal Facebook group, check the event to coordinate carpools or to see who’s coming.
Other chapters are planning gatherings on national debut of I’ll Push You on November 2. Check your region’s chapter APOC page, or Facebook group.
Welcome Home Potluck
Oakland, California
Saturday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
St. Augustine Catholic Church
400 Alcatraz Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Help the Northern California chapter celebrate this year’s returning pilgrims at our annual Welcome Home Potluck. We’ll be gathering at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Oakland, near the border with Berkeley. This year’s theme is Beyond the Camino francés and we hope to inspire you to think about Camino routes other than the most popular and well-traveled Camino francés.
Please refer to the American Pilgrims – Northern California Chapter page for more information, event updates or cancellations.
Camino Inglés 2017 Route Report
I’ll be rolling out more posts over the next month. Follow this blog and check Camino Inglés Stages for updates. I have been sharing photos from the Camino Inglés on Instagram too! Follow Instagram.com/caminoprovides and search on this hashtag: #caminoinglésphotochallenge
Get your Camino Provides 2017 patch before they’re gone. The theme this year is LOVE. The rainbow design was inspired by Chakras (energy centers of the body). $4 each at etsy.com/shop/caminoprovides.
My mission is to celebrate the Camino de Santiago and the pilgrim’s journey, from the Calling to Compostela and beyond. I do this by sharing informative tips on training, gear, and routes; by promoting Camino related events in the Bay Area; by interviewing pilgrims and sharing inspiring stories; and by curating content relevant to the Camino. Purchases help to defray the costs of hosting and managing this blog so that I can keep sharing the Camino love!
There are always opportunities to train for or learn about the Camino. 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 who live elsewhere, there are Camino hotspots all over the USA and the American Pilgrims on the Camino (APOC) website has a listing of local chapters where you can find Camino events. There are also many active Facebook groups to learn about events in your region. Check your local REI store for workshops and presentations about the Camino. Check http://www.rei.com/ for events in your area.
Visit the Northern California Chapter page on the APOC website.
Join the Peregrinos Northern California Facebook group (closed group for Northern California residents only)
Buen Camino!
The Camino Provides 