The Vía de la Plata and Camino Francés Guides

First of all, thanks to everybody who donated last year, the response was really amazing, much much better than I expected.

The money came in very handy but what was great too was the positive feedback, the reassurance that people genuinely appreciate what I'm trying to do here.

Social media has a way of amplifying the negative and there were a number of incidents in the past couple of years which had made me think of giving up. The massive positive response to last year's fundraiser convinced me it was worth continuing. That and the great experience of walking the Vía in 2023, my first big Camino post-Covid.

So I'll be continuing this work for the foreseeable future, both the guides and the Facebook group. And I’ll continue to make the guides available for no cost for anyone who needs them. I've always believed strongly in the donativo a model, it's an important part of the Camino tradition and one of the things which still makes the Camino something more than a long distance hike or a cheap holiday. This is an important part of the spirit of the Camino and it needs to be explained and defended against the increasing commercialism of the Caminos.

Thanks again to everybody. If you can afford to give something please do. All donations are much appreciated.

Best wishes and Buen Camino!

Gerald