A Postscript

I asked each of the guys to put forward their thoughts on the walk, their experiences, what it meant to them, etc and finally I have all the responses - detailed below verbatim.

This is the last entry in the Blog and I will archive it off to more permanent media, as a complete story.
Thank you all for your faithful following and your comments/feedback.

If anyone would like a copy of the Blog in total, a photo from it or anything else from it, please let me know via arthur.g.dunn@gmail.com or agdunn@westnet.com.au.

I now step-down from the TL position and hopefully can hand the baton over to someone else who wants to organise and walk the Camino Frances in Spain....I have many tips I can share.

It really has been a great pleasure to serve! (ex - TL)
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From Captain FOS
The Camino was a wonderful experience in terms of seeing Spain from a different perspective and enjoying their unique culture. I found the endurance of the walk a little daunting at first, however once into the routine combined with our physical preparation I soon found my rhythm. I must say the use of poles certainly made a difference in both ascending and descending. The camaraderie of our pilgrim force was outstanding and the leadership from TL was second to none (sorry Mal). Not only was it thoughtfully planned it was also great fun and will provide lasting memories, and has time is marching on the desire to engage in another walk is already being rekindled.
From a spiritual perspective there was no great revelation, perhaps that comes after a greater period of discernment and reflection. What did occur was having the time to think about people, places and occurrences that have shaped my life. If ask for a simple answer to the question, this is what I would say at this point in time. Highlights were many, although walking into St James' Square arm in arm and seeing our loved ones waiting for us and singing "This Little Light of Mine" would have to be near the top.
Great time with great memories.
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From Ram:
The Camino eventually became more to me than just walking from A to B. While I was a little apprehensive about what it may or may not do for me, personally, the actual process of walking each day with only limited expectations, became the real reward. To simply have the time and space in my life to walk the Camino with 3 friends was truly amazing. Time spent reflecting on my life to date, understanding and appreciation of the impact others have had on my life was something I had not anticipated. The simple daily process of walking the Camino, living in the now, without having to think too much about tomorrow, by simply placing one foot in front of the other and accepting "what is" with my surrounds and with who I met along the way, that was all I needed to think about. I also felt I became more aware and attuned to my surroundings. I'm unsure what impact it will have on me or if it will significantly change me in the future, I'm hopeful that whatever eventuates, will be positive and life full filling.

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From Compass:
The Camino for me was time, space and quietness.  It was walking in a relaxed manner. Dropping back behind the group 20 metres at times help me achieve that.
The bond we formed amongst the group and the friendships we made along the way was all part of the journey for me and as Peter said the affects won't start until we get home.
Thanks again for all your time and effort in organising the walk.

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From TL:
This was a different walk for me, compared to the last two with my wife.
Not only in the planning and execution of it - which was a little more demanding than the past, but also the walk itself.
There was a camaraderie between us and we each had our own patterns of walking, talking, each with different things to share.
I feel that the shared experience and the days we spent together formed a bond between us that that goes beyond simple friendship.
Walking into St James Square in Santiago and having someone to meet and serenade us, was a completely different experience and very touching.
It really was the "icing on the cake" - great friends, a great walk, great food and wine and seeing an absolutely beautiful country - all ending in such a display of affection from our loved ones.

I would recommend anyone who can afford the time and cost, to walk the last 290Km of the Camino Frances (from Astorga to Santiago - about 290Km), with someone they love, trust or respect.
And....someone to meet them at the end.