(photo P Volker)
My Rebecca found this wonderful report from Farmer John way before I got to read it. He is Mr Be at the Right Place at the Right Time. I am just going to put up his words here. Can’t do any better than this!
Hola, Felipe!
We’re having just the best of times on our vacation in the southwest. The Camino Convergence coalesced here in the Vortex of Arizona today. There had been a Camino hint here and there earlier in the day, and I had just sat down here at the keyboard to respond to your post today when Russ (husband of Cathy’s sister Bev, who you met in Dubuque) required my immediate departure to lunch. Timing, as they say, is everything, for just as we were walking into the Patagonia restaurant, a man was “saddling up” to leave with his substantial backpack. And, prominently displayed on the pack was his Camino Shell! Weeellllll, we all know that can’t be ignored! My “Buen Camino” was heartily returned, and the conversation took off like a rocket. “Hob”, A true gentleman in our age bracket, along with his wife, Deb, were about midway along on the Arizona Trail and had stopped in Patagonia for supplies. They have trod many of the variants of the Camino de Santiago, SEVENTEEN of them to be precise! That in itself was mind blowing, but as it turns out, that was just the wonderful start of the conversation.
He was informed twenty odd years ago that he had stage four cancer and should find a way to enjoy himself as he “got his affairs in order” for his predicted last six months of life. His doctor suggested that he should look into some “meaningful” journey, and, knowing his Catholic background, had mentioned The Camino de Santiago. What the Hell, he added, the Pilgrimage was begun by people in search of miracles 🙂 His first “Camino Family” drew into its folds a Polish Priest who left no church door unopened on their Way so that daily Masses were de rigueur. What a great story that is, eh Felipe?!! He has fully embraced your credo of “Just Keep on Walking”. They have walked both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail now. The Arizona Trail itself is nearly 800 miles. And, the Miracle did, in fact, happen, as his cancer has been stable and non-advancing since that first Camino. How wonderful is this thing we are all so Blessed to be a part of!!
on the road with Pilgrim Farmer John CHBC.
Thank you Felipé and Father John for sharing this.
I will have to add the Arizona Trail onto my ever expanding “Bucket List”.
Solvitur Ambulando.
This was the best thing I have read in a long time. Thank you for sharing!!
That is the Way to go Farmer John! I love it.
Amen. Keep on walking
Happy for this life story share and the mercy of God in our lives.
Hola, Felipe!
So good of you to honor the story of Hob with a headlining, above the fold, post on your Blog. The story was getting a bit long as it was, so I had limited it to the base details. The “extras” are just as remarkable, however, and need to be added to the story.
After Hob and Deb had completed several Caminos, they decided to tackle the Via Francigena, from Canterbury to Rome. Ending this prodigious Pilgrimage in their eagerness to make it into the Eternal City, they had neglected to check accommodations availability. After their glorious and joyous entry into St. Peters Square, they were faced with the prospect of literally sleeping on the streets. As they commiserated with each other, they were overheard by one of the off-duty Swiss Guards, who took pity on them and invited them to stay in one of the “guest quarters” that the Guard keeps for their own guests. Right place at the Right Time, eh Felipe!! Needing another couple of night’s lodging, the Guards arranged for the Star-Blessed couple to spend those nights with the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within Vatican City. Yes, you heard that right! After hearing Hob’s story, the nuns treated them like royalty and were reluctant to let them go! I was leaning forward in my chair half-expecting him to tell of meeting the Pope!
Yeah, I know, we’re getting into the “legend” category of Pilgrims, but the topper of them all was that those two rode their tandem bicycle from Trondheim, Norway to Santiago, Spain on the EuroVelo3, covering 5215 km. Biking Pilgrims and Hiking Pilgrims, par excellence!!
I’m going to try to keep in contact with them, but they do spend much of their time out of electronic range.
Stories for the Ages!
Semper Fi,
PFJ
Farmer John, Are you still in Arizona?
Also as a new resident of this beautiful state can you tell me where the Arizona Camino begins and ends. This might be a good warm up route for Spain.
Camino Hugs,
Rho
So happy to hear from you, Rho! I’m not sure if you’re referring to the Arizona Trail, but if so, it starts just south of us here in Patagonia on the US/Mexico border, and runs 800 miles to the Utah border by Fredonia. That is the trail Hob and Deb are on now.
Juan ~ OK, I’m expecting you to answer all these comments on your comment. You’ve caused a stir. So, yes, keep in touch with these two remarkable pilgrims. They need to be celebrated. Thank you, Felipé.
Pilgrim Farmer John, My mantra given me in Yoga class today is, I am a magnet for miracles. Sounds like your couple Hob and Deb are a magnet for miracles. I love how Hob has spent the last 20 years living out his last six months. Thanks for sharing this great story–you were in the right place, right time, to meet them.
And I have to remark the old newspaperman’s code, “above the fold”; it made me smile to see that phrase and remember the thrill of having one of your stories land there.
Many years ago, we were living in San Diego. The President of Mexico met the President of the United States in an historic meeting. For the parade, I dressed my young son James in a sailor suit, waving the flags of both countries. A picture of James landed “above the fold” and both presidents were below. Haha. Thanks for the memories.
Print and paper loves,
Henriette Anne
Dear Henriette Anne!
I even enjoy typing your name. 🙂 it’s so beautiful. Such a neat remembrance on your son’s fame. And the print and paper clipping held in your hand creates the power of rekindled memories more satisfactorily than any digitized image.
I do hope to stay in contact with the “miracle magnets”, that would have to be a good outcome for all.
Semper Fi,
PFJ
Hi Everyone,
Love these stories and the phrase “magnet for miracles.”.
There is a sign along the Meseta that says: “Don’t stop before the miracle.”
What great reminders today. .
Susan
Susan ~ thanks, I am going to steal that quote from the Meseta! Thanks for hanging out here with us. Felipé.x