A mini film: St Jean to Santiago

[wilbox79]

Hi - I did the Camino Frances in October 2010, and it was quite literally the best month of my life. I wanted some way to remember my thoughts and feelings that I had on the hike, and to record some of the people and places that I saw. The result was this small film which tracks my journey:

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

I hope that for anyone that has done the Camino it brings back happy memories, and for those about to embark on it, inspires them a little.

Buen Camino.

Matt

[HuskyNerd]

Matt, thank you so much for sharing your lovely and artful film. Every pilgrim sees the Camino differently, and it was a delight to learn how you see it and what it means to you. Thank you for your contribution to the videography of the Camino de Santiago. I know that many will enjoy your film for many years to come.
--Sandy Brown

[Covey]

Made me feel very nostalgic and wonder about doing Burgos to Leon in late April where I have a 10 day break. The boots sit in the corner reminding me daily that the Way is there ready to welcome Pilgrims from all over the World. I am very fortunate in that London to Bairritz is 90 minutes flying time and €30 for a ticket!

A real pleasure to sit and watch the film in which we are spared the unending "this is me in the albergue, me eating a meal, me doing my washing" and instead are treated to reminders of the wonderful countryside we are all privileged to walk through.

[wilbox79]

Matt, thank you so much for sharing your lovely and artful film. Every pilgrim sees the Camino differently, and it was a delight to learn how you see it and what it means to you. Thank you for your contribution to the videography of the Camino de Santiago. I know that many will enjoy your film for many years to come.
--Sandy Brown

Many thanks for the kind feedback Sandy, and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Matt

[wilbox79]

Hi Covey,

Thanks very much for taking the time to watch my video and provide some feedback. Glad you enjoyed it.

You are right - there are some great deals to Biarritz from London, and I must say in the Summer, it is one of my favourite places to go.

Thanks again for the great feedback, and glad you enjoyed the same aspects of the Camino that I did.

Matt

[BHinSanDiego]

Hey Matt, you nailed it! You captured the essense of the Camino. From the friendships that are so special, the core group that you didn't know when you arrived in St Jean but bonded with on this unique experience, when I looked at the photos of your friends I saw the same smiles I remember so well from my Camino amigos, to the aches and pains, to the life that is so simple, when you said "I wake up, have some breakfast then walk", that is exactly how I describe my Camino to people! But what I can totally connect with was the bittersweet feelings you express with the end of your Camino coming. I wasn't able to complete my blog till just a couple of weeks ago even though I finished walking on June 23 of last year. Congrats on a great film.
Buen Camino,
Barry
www.bhcamino2010.blogspot.com

[pbanta17]

Amazing !! As someone who hasn't yet walked the Camino...your film got me all the more excited..and yet unafraid....thanks again!!

[wilbox79]

Amazing !! As someone who hasn't yet walked the Camino...your film got me all the more excited..and yet unafraid....thanks again!!

And thanks to you for giving such lovely feedback. Glad that you enjoyed the film, and are approaching the Camino without any fear. Enjoy every moment - even the couple of moments along the way when you doubt yourself. Fighting through that, with the help of your new friend's support, is what makes it so special. Buen Camino

[unadara]

Wonderful, Thanks Matt=going in sept for 35 days.

[wilbox79]

But what I can totally connect with was the bittersweet feelings you express with the end of your Camino coming.

Thanks Barry - I somehow missed your great response. Thanks for taking the time to write it. Yeah, I don't like to give too much advice to people when they walk the Camino, but the one piece I tend to give is take your time and savour it. The month itself is the best part, not the certificate or cathedral. Thanks again for watching. Matt

[Precious1]

Hey, thanks for that great film, Wilfox!! Gee, I wish I could do 40 kilometers a day like a breeze lol
I totally had the same epiphany at the end as you did, that somehow what is important in life became clear, as if what we had just accomplished was some metaphor for living the good life...goals, hard work, focus, and friends without whom none of us can fulfill our potential and who make life worth while...short or long as our time walking together might be. And a start of a new day, a journey for life.

[Precious1]

Oooops. Meant Wilbox, of course, Matt. :] Dyslexia...grrr lol

[freedom13]

Great videos Matt, the best I've seen put together on youtube ....well done.
Love the music too, great accompaniment ....... starting to get itchy feet to go back on the camino already ..

[wilbox79]

Hey, thanks for that great film, Wilbox!!

Very welcome - and thanks for watching Always nice to hear what the Camino meant to other people. As I sit here at my desk in Melbourne's Winter, I soooo wish I had a pack on my back and was listening to the sound of my boots on the gravel once more. Must be time for a little walk this weekend and get some country air

[wilbox79]

Great videos Matt, the best I've seen put together on youtube ....well done.
Love the music too, great accompaniment ....... starting to get itchy feet to go back on the camino already ..

Aww - thanks very much for the kind words. Slowly approaching a year since I did my Camino ... and I reckon it's helped me have a great 2011. Love your quote: Live to experience, experience to live :-)

[turlonegres]

Lovely videos, great memories.
Here's a couple of mine, haven't got round to editing the rest!

Our Way Part 1.mp4 - YouTube
Our Way Part 2.mp4 - YouTube

[Monsieur]

Just watched part 1 of your videos - thanks!
My main concern about walking the camino is the mass crowds. I can only take the needed time during the end of july and beginning/middle of august which brings heat and crowds.
Your walking time of september seems to be the ideal time to go!

[Di-27]

Thank you so very much, I thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos!! "Healing", I believe that is exactly why I have chosen to take this journey, for healing and ultimately happiness.

Thank you,
Di

[Lipka149]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos!! "Healing", I believe that is exactly why I have chosen to take this journey, for healing and ultimately happiness.

Di ... would you be willing to expand on this ? The whole idea of walking the Camino for healing is one that deserves a witness ... knowing what the injury is and why the walk is considered to be the remedy would be ever so helpful. You may think it is too personal to share, but I assure you WHATEVER it is, it will resonate with someone and help them along the Way.

All the best !

[Di-27]

So very sorry if this post is sad but you asked and I NEED, I must HEAL!!

I grew up in an alcoholic home, very violent (verbally, mentally & abusive---there was some sexual abuse), I was told and over heard that I did not belong to either of them ("the parents"). Before the age of 15, I attempt suicide 3 times......there's a great deal more but that is the reason for the journey, I NEED to "say" good bye to all the demons in my head!

Di

[Lipka149]

... but you asked and I NEED, I must HEAL!!

I NEED to "say" good bye to all the demons in my head!

<eep>

Wow, Di.

Yes indeed, you need to leave THOSE demons behind !

For what it's worth, I too had some things that needed to be put to rest. About 5 days out of St. Jean, I was so tired and sore and tired and lonely that I just wanted to quit and go back to the world as I knew it. My conversation with God reflected my real need, however, which was also to HEAL, and He told me quite simply that if I finished, He would take away the hurts and resentments and longings that were haunting me. (At the time I was engaged to a wonderful woman, but afraid of taking the bad baggage of my past into this new relationship.)

I had no idea this would be the REAL reason for my walk. Now, almost 3 years later, I can say that God did indeed relieve me of the fears I had. The NEED to let go of hurtful memories ... simply wasn't there any more. The memories still were, but they did not have the negative impact that kept me from moving forward in a good way. I came home knowing that I could build a new life with a woman I loved deeply, without the guilt ... my guilt ... of a failed relationship to hold us back.

Of course, it helped that I had years of therapy and a solid foundation of Faith to build on. Hopefully, you do as well. But even if not, I believe that with the right approach on your part, the Camino can have a healing effect. If I may offer any kind of advice, it would be to gather all of love you have experienced in your life and take EVERY SINGLE BIT OF IT with you as you walk.

You will find great comfort on the Camino, Di.

It may be just enough to vanquish the demons.

Know that you are in my prayers. Please tell us your story when you return.

All the best -

[Di-27]

Thank you Alan!!
Watching Matt's video brought me to tears at times, this how I know that I need this journey. I think I've been "training" for this walk all my life, even at 47 yrs. of age!!

I do plan on keeping a journal and hope to keep family and friends updated throughout the walk...I plan on purchasing a SPOT Tracker for those wishing to track my progress.

Time to heal and find happiness within....
Buen Camino a todos!!

Di

[divergordon]

Buen Camino Di.

[housesitternichols2012]

I really liked your film Matt. Choice of music was great too. I leave Texas on May 23rd to hike the Camino with
a full 3 months to compleat it. At 72 I am excited to be able to take on the challenge and your little film
has given me much courage. Thank you
Lee Nichols

[nathan]

wow...just watched the you tube film, i log on to the forum so often how did i miss this gem?
thank you so much for recording your camino. I loved the line about having no decsions to take

[Gypsy Shoes]

Matt,
I loved your mini flim on the Camino. You inspired me to continue my planning for next year. I am a bit older than you. So I have to plan time away from work and family. I know now watching your film I will be able to make the walk.
Thanks,Gypsy Shoes

[WayWalker63]

I just watched the 1st part of your film on YouTube. Very nice! I am just starting to plan my trip and would love to see more but am unable to watch the rest on my iPad. YouTube said it hadn't been made available for mobile devices. Haven't a clue how you would go about fixing this issue but am hoping you do.

Buen Camino, K

[dhansen]

Wow, so inspiring and I so want to go now instead of waiting until next year. I loved the images you included. I suspect for me it will be very hard to leave the people I meet along the way.

Donna

[wilbox79]

Thank you Alan!!
Watching Matt's video brought me to tears at times, this how I know that I need this journey. I think I've been "training" for this walk all my life, even at 47 yrs. of age!!
Di

Hi Di,

Thanks for taking the time to watch my film, and for sharing your own reasons for doing the Camino. If you have a chance, try and carry a small rock along your path the entire way and drop it at the Iron Cross. I did it, and found it was a good way of letting go of some of the baggage I'd be carrying on my shoulders over the past few years.

All the best with your journey.

Matt

[wilbox79]

Wow, so inspiring and I so want to go now instead of waiting until next year. I loved the images you included. I suspect for me it will be very hard to leave the people I meet along the way.

Donna

Hi Donna,
Thanks for watching. Walking the camino alone gave me a great chance to meet new people, and some I was able to walk on from, and others I almost became inseperable from. It's certainly a bonding experience, and I wish you luck for your upcoming camino.
Thanks,
Matt