Student, and former Life Family Marriage Officer at the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, Hashya Weerakkody recently walked the Aussie Camino. Here is her reflection.
As assignments started rolling in, punctuating the first semester of my master’s degree, I found myself signing up for a 10-day Aussie Camino with a group of total strangers.
Having never attempted a multiday trek in my life, I chose to travel with Getaway Trekking, whose package included sleeping in real beds each night, along with the convenience of a comfortable bus to carry luggage, as well as injured and weary pilgrims.
At the start of the trip we were given a scallop shell (the symbol of the Camino, which I tied to my backpack) a guidebook describing the life of St Mary of the Cross and a bit about the walk itself, plus a pilgrim’s passport which we had stamped at various locations along the way.
The package also included entrance to key historical sites such as the Bay View House where Saint Mary of the Cross grew up, plus experienced guides who provided fantastic insight into the history of the landscape we travelled through.
I was relieved that the schedule allowed me to get to Sunday Mass, however I was aware that travelling with a secular company, there wouldn’t be many structured religious activities. In fact, the small number of activities relative to walking time, was a large part of my attraction to the Aussie Camino. Having worked in ministry for several years and transitioning directly into study, I was craving a space just to breathe, and the pilgrimage did just that.
The steady pace of my boots meeting the ground, slowed my chattering brain. Occasional spells of rain greened up the grass, producing an earthy-fresh smell that made me feel alive.
In challenging sections, whether traversing steep sand-dunes, or trekking up ancient volcanos, it became impossible to ruminate on my problems; all my attention was focused on simply navigating the landscape and staying on my feet.
As Catholics, it can be so easy to get comfortable with our regular community. My initial anxiety about signing up for the pilgrimage solo, were quickly put at ease by the welcoming nature of my 10 fellow pilgrims.
Despite my walking companions’ diverse degrees of faith and religiosity the conversation and shared contemplation flowed naturally as we covered the long stretches of open road.
By the middle of the trip, there was a warm sense of familiarity about our little group, as each evening we played charades or listened to each other’s stories over a glass of South Australian wine. Without a doubt, it was each person’s friendliness, openness and charity that made my experience of the Aussie Camino such a wonderful one.
I thank God for the grace he gave me to say yes to the adventure.
Highlight: Second day of the Great South West Walk & seeing seals playing in the wild.
Animals along the trail: Whales, seals, echidna’s, koalas, sheep, cows, horses, wallabies, and snakes!
Walking music: Australian indie folk such as Just Like North by Angie McMahon, and Concentrate on Breathing by Charm of Finches.
Favourite town: Portland, Victoria.