Friday, December 2, 2016 3 Brooklin Town Crier Buen Camino! Brad's El Camino - Part 4: Buen Camino Indeed BTC contributor Brad McIlwain has been documenting his 800 km-plus walk, El Camino de Santiago. This is the final installment describing his journey. In the days before reaching Santiago, we'd been walking in mud and rain, through patches of thick fog that made it difficult to find the Way markers, even inside city limits. Terry and I were drinking tea with Keryn from Melbourne, Australia, whom we adopted into our Camino family. We were talking about our journey and what the final stage would be like when another woman beside us mentioned how a fellow pilgrim passed away that day on the trail. My heart sank. It happened on the Valcarlos route, in the Pyrenees valley. A man and woman were on the first day of their pilgrimage. The man succumbed to his injuries while the woman was rescued, but was hypothermic. The accident happened a month to the day after I began and it made me realize the very real dangers we've faced daily. We set out for Santiago on Nov. 7. Terry played the theme song from The Last of the Mohicans on his phone, which got me pumped up. My mind raced at what I might see and I had a strange energy and anticipation. But at the same time, I didn't want the walk to end. I wanted to stretch it out. I still had 22 km to go and I wanted to enjoy each moment, rock, flower, lake, forest, and village that we passed. Before entering Santiago, Keryn and I stopped by one of the fences that bear thousands of handmade crosses left by pilgrims. We decided to make our own, so we tied together two branches we found by the roadside. It was around 4:30 pm. Terry had gone on ahead. Keryn and I walked down old cobblestone streets, hearing the click of our walking sticks on the ground where pilgrims' footsteps have echoed for a thousand years. We bought some gelato in one of the alleys. The green mint chocolate was refreshing and cool on my dry throat. We sat at a fountain and watched people pass. Jim, an Irish pilgrim, recognized me and came over to greet me with a hug and congratulations. I happily returned the same sentiment. He showed us where the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral was and how to get to the pilgrim office. The sun began to set on it and I stood in awe for a few moments. After walking for more than a month, I could hardly believe I was here. What did it all mean since walking out my front door on October 4 and setting out for the unknown? At the pilgrim office, I received my official com- postela from the Church, recognizing my Way. It was a humbling and emotional feeling. I felt a sense of both sadness and joy that it was finally complete. The next day, I attended the pilgrim mass where I connected with people from all over the world who'd shared their personal stories and dreams. After mass I approached the statue of St. James and placed my arms on its shoulders, giving thanks for the blessings and people who have come into my life on the Camino and for our safe pilgrimage home. It's amazing that, setting out on this pilgrimage on our own and leaving our families, friends, we'd found each other. On the Camino, just like in life, you are never truly alone, as my friend Marc from France would say. In Madrid, before my flight home to Toronto, I saw Terry. "Hey Terry, good day to walk 25 km!" A special thank you to my family and friends for their love, support and encouragement on this crazy, wonderful journey. It has truly meant the world to me, half a world away! Meanwhile, I hope my words inspire you, the BTC reader, to go on your own adventure. Whitby's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting When: Friday, December 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Where: Celebration Square, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby What: Watch the lighting of the Town's Christmas tree, make crafts, visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Bring un- wrapped toys to donate to the Owasco Stuff-a-Bug for Santa Toy Drive, supporting the Salvation Army. Whitby Santa Claus Parade When: Saturday, December 3 starting at 10:00 a.m. Where: Brock Street (Manning Road to Trent Street) in Whitby What: Residents can gather on Brock Street to watch marching bands, dance groups, floats, clowns and musical entertainment - all in anticipation to see Santa Claus and his reindeer. New Year's Eve When: Saturday, December 31 starting at 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Where: Iroquois Park Sports Centre, 500 Victoria Street West What: Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of skating, face painting, magic tricks, juggling acts, balloon artists and a live performance by the Whitby Figure Skating Club. Celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year at family-focused events From the Whitby Archives A black and white photograph of Thearn Kivell standing in front of the Brooklin Bakery delivery truck. Mr. Kivell was the driver for the Brooklin Bakery for over 20 years. The bakery was located at 4 Roebuck Street, on the north side, between Baldwin Street and Cassels Road. It was demolished in November 1983. Whitby Archives Photograph 25-000-217 Thearn Kivell and Brooklin Bakery Delivery Truck, 1924