Friday, October 21, 2016 3Brooklin Town Crier NutcrackerThe Oshawa Little Theatre 62 Russett Avenue December 17th • 2pm & 7pm December 18th • 2pm Prima Dance Ensemble Presents their 6th Annual Production of Tickets: www.oshawalittletheatre.com On sale at Oshawa Little Theatre Box Office November 1st Child & Adult Prices Call for sponsorship opportunities 905-425-2828 Brad's El Camino (from page 1) My 800 kilometre long El Camino de Santiago walk begins in France on October 4 when I spend the day exploring the village of Bayonne on the Nive River. My first steps are from the village of St. Jean Pied de Port, France, in the Pyrenees Mountains on the route called the Camino Frances. On that first day, I take the train from Bayonne to St Jean at 7:45 am. At first I figure there'll be no pilgrims heading out so early in the morning, but the train is crowded with people and backpacks. When I get off the train, I'm welcomed by some Canadians who had walked for eight weeks from Le Puy. One of the guys, Wayne, is from Hamilton. I decide to break up my hike of the Pyrenees over two days and so I stay at Orisson, a wonderful place in the mountains where I meet the first pilgrims I've continued to meet (and hear about) along the way. When I was in Pamplona, lost in the sea of city crowds, I heard my name called over the noise of restaurants, clinking glasses, and conversations in many languages. I looked around and was excited to see Adam, who had been walking with his father, Peter, an Australian from Melbourne. This is Peter's second camino. At Orisson we have a pilgrim dinner and introduce ourselves. It's amazing to meet people from all over the world. Even though we all start the walk on our own, there is an instant fellowship and camaraderie formed that night. I wake up to groans, shuffling sleeping bags, and the clattering of gear. It's 7 am and still dark. The fog is a bit spooky, like something out of a Stephen King story. I'm a little worried. Here I am, attempting to climb a mountain. Am I ready for this? It's difficult to see about 20 feet in front of us. Sections of the mountains are surrounded by enchanting Grimm fairytale-like forests. I can see why early writers might have been inspired. Crossing the Pyrenees mountains into Spain is physically challenging but it's where I've one of the most magical experiences. While adjusting my pack, a wild horse comes up to me in the fog. I'm nose to nose with this incredible animal. I'm a little nervous at first, but it just wants to say hi. There's a soulfulness in its eyes I don't believe I will forget. By Oct. 16, I've walked 192 km. Only 584 km to go before I reach Santiago.