Happiness Moment: Program Host, Eric Weber, spready his happiness in the last year donating monthly directly to Bulldog Bags. He said that he is sorry that such a program is needed but, happy that he can contribute. Thanks Eric for sharing your love and care for others.
Eric introduced Janet Palcko who managed NEO (now BASICNEO) until her retirement in 2017. The firm specializes in reimbursement account information.
After her retirement in 2017, she planned to go to Spain and Portugal for El Caminos De Santigo, a 500 mile walk that could either be looked at as a religious experience or an adventure challenge. A movie, "The Way," starring Martin Sheen portrayed this adventure and is a good way to learn more about the trip. Janet used her as a way to re-center herself after retiring and moving in the same year.
Janet showed numerous photos about her travels as she explained her experiences. In 2019 more than 350,000 pilgrims walked the route but, everything shut down in 2020 because of the pandemic. She trained by utilizing the Buckeye Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including carrying a backpack that she added slight weight to every day. It is recommended that the weight a person carry on the trip be no more than 15% of their body weight. Packing her bag required many, many decisions regarding weight and value. Janet had never been to Europe, nor traveled alone, before embarking on a six week journey!
Soon after she began in St John (France), the trip was transformed from a trip to a pilgrimage for her. Walkers actually carried what was called a pilgrim passport.
The accommodations were usually a dorm with a clean bed and hot showers, if you were lucky. There was a communal evening dinner with a chance to be with other walkers. During the various days, there were times when she hiked alone for a time of self-reflection and times she walked with others. She was grateful to a priest who had marked the trail pointing to Santiago with yellow arrows. Generally people were on the road by 7:00 am, retiring to sleep by dark.
She told us how she walked through tiny villages, around farmlands, up and down mountain ranges. Sights to behold included many monasteries. When she arrived at Santiago she attended noon mass at the cathedral there and witnessed the Butafumeria, 250 pounds of incense that was part of the ceremony and tradition. Santiago was still 87 kil. from Finesterre, which is Spanish for Land's End. She left her hiking shoes there.
The trip was so rewarding that the following year she went to Portugal with friends from Australia and the United Kingdom that she had met on the Spanish trip.
Janet ended with a quote, "The world is full of friends waiting to know you."
Thank you Janet for sharing a truly life-changing experience with our group. Best wishes to you as you continue venture and meet new friends!!
