The Stone Boat pilgrim house

“Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey.”
- Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

ABOUT THIS QUEST:

Welcome to a 30 day quest to help to open the doors and begin the journey of this unique little refuge for pilgrims, sojourners, and friends in the Spanish village of Rabanal del Camino, an old Knights Templar hangout where the Mystery is strong and the monks still sing their song … 

Many dream of having a place on the Camino. It has taken over fifteen years, thousands of kilometers on foot, and the shedding of many layers for this to be revealed and to finally hold the key. I am inside of this dream now in real-time, inspired to share this next part of the journey, and to invite you to come along.  

Since I posted the announcement - the one with all of my worldly possessions at the front door - I have had many questions and inquiries … What is the Camino? How can I become a pilgrim? How can I help? What do you need? … And a question that comes up often on this long and winding journey of mine, Aren’t you afraid? 

It has been during conversations with two thoughtful and generous Camino Pioneers that the suggestion came up to create a donativo (donation) page to help to prepare the house to open as soon as possible, and to answer at least some of the questions above.  

The vision is to offer a comfortable stay in a supportive, soulful environment, with future plans for writing workshops and creative retreats that nurture the journey, and artist/writing studio space in the wintertime when the pilgrim Way is quiet. 

Not all stops along the pilgrim trail offer these things, and my feeling is that it is divinely designed this way so we know contrast. After a night on the cold floor of the old schoolhouse, the next one spent in that lumpy albergue bed feels like a gift. It is all part of this fantastic adventure of the spirit that we signed up for.

For over 15 years, I traveled as pilgrim and seeker being met time and time again with the kindness of those who care for others along this Way.  People — angels even — who know the true meaning of Service. I have been on the side as hospitalera, learning the rhythms of deep listening, blister care and scrubbing floors. Lastly, in the role of mentor/guide, humble witness to mind-bending synchronicities, transformations and the mysterious power of this long, strange and beautiful Road. What I have come to understand that it is in a Divine Flow of both the giving and receiving that we can all take part in this dance.


At the End of the Land, Finisterra, Galica.

After looking into Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Patreon and other platforms, we decided that because gofundme allows for the contributions to be used within a couple of days of being pledged, this is the best match to allow the work to happen as quickly as possible. Pilgrim season is upon us. It would be great to open the doors by the end of this campaign quest.

So, for the next 30 days, with my deepest appreciation for your kindness, support and belief in this project, this donativo box will be open. Offerings and talismans will be lined up and ready to ship out from here, and as much as time allows - field notes in the form of words, images and maybe a moving picture or two will be published just for you. The website will be up shortly, and there you can see the progress of this story, one that you are helping to tell. And with a little help from the ‘Angels in the Rigging’, this little stone boat - sheep barn turned pilgrim refuge - will begin its voyage and place in the history of this Holy Road.

One last thing, before I send this out into the ethers … It is with the knowing that not everyone will be able to make the physical journey here, put road-weary feet up by the fire, share the harrowing tales of symphonies of snoring, mystical meseta visions, or rest a ‘tired but emptying’ head on one of the pillows upstairs. It is also for you that I offer up this story, perhaps it will touch you in some way, wherever you are tuning in from. And whether or not you are able to show your support with a donation … know that all good will be taken directly to heart. It will be because of you that those who are called to make a stop at this house will have a place to rest, one that was built with love and care, that was once just a pilgrim dream. 

And for those who's destiny it is to walk westward towards Compostela, when you arrive to this door - as I have heard it said and continue to learn to live - ‘knock and it shall be opened to you’… pilgrim, sojourner, friend.

Thank you and Ultreya! 

Kim



Winter pilgrims (The view from the front door).

Traveler, there is no path.
The path is made by walking.

Traveler, the path is your tracks
And nothing more.
Traveler, there is no path
The path is made by walking.
By walking you make a path
And turning, you look back
At a way you will never tread again
Traveler, there is no road
Only wakes upon the sea.”

― Antonio Machado, Border of a Dream: Selected Poems



WHAT THE FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR:

(click here for current photographs)


KITCHEN DESIGNED/BUILT:  Estimate to do the kitchen is around 3500+ euros. Including appliances to support vegetarian menu. Electrical upgrade for safety and to prevent circuit of tripping.

BEDS: 6 beds needed, plus linens, blankets and towels.

HEATING: The source of heat for the house and the water is a gas/oil system. The tank holds 720 liters of diesel @ .73 euros per liter.The snow keeps falling, and this is the most immediate need.

WOOD STOVE: I have two estimates for a wood stove. Simple wood burning stove, or one that can hook up to the radiators, a more natural option. Estimate between 800 - 1000. euros for a good quality wood stove/chimney pipe (to install the chimney (they have to go up through the second floor and out the roof) an additional 700+ euros. For the natural option connected to the radiators, 3000 euros for stove and chimney.  

CEILING/ROOF LEAKS: The builder who would install the woodstove/chimney said he will check the roof at that time.

BATHROOM FIXTURES REPLACED: Bathrooms are in quite good shape, but need new fixtures.

DOWNSTAIRS BATH: Install washer and dryer.

WOOD CLEANED, REPAIRED, PAINTED, STAINED: Also, if possible, stairs to be refinished.

STONE CLEANED/REPAIRED: Looking for a solution to get the paint and cement off of the stone. 

WINDOWS/GLASS REPLACED: Condensation between double paned glass panels. Already ordered, need to be installed. Downstairs bedroom window leaking quite badly.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: Expiration date 2015. Not sure if they can be recharged or need to be replaced. 

LIGHTING: Remove florescent tube lights and replace with kinder lighting.  Also, safety lights need to be purchase, installed, and then official inspection.

APPLIANCES: Fridge, stove, washer/dryer, vacuum, a few tools. 

‘GIOVANNI’ - Trusty truck, named after previous owner, has a loud rattle in the back wheel well that needs attention so can make it safely to Astorga for provisions.



 OFFERINGS & TALISMANS

- Sello print
- 1 night stay at the house in Rabanal
- Hermit Stone (small slate) from the Valley of Silence
- Poetry slate, medium, large, and grande
- Mentoring: Prepare for your Camino & 3 night stay
- Hero/Heroine’s Journey: 14 Day Journey to Santiago, includes 3 nights at the house in Rabana, 11 days acommodation to Santiago de Compostella, mentoring package (above), guide book, credencial.

How to choose your slate poem: First, choose the size you would like through the  gofundme rewards option (either medium, large or the grande), then click on the link below to choose your poem. Then, you may email me via the website or at [email redacted] and let me know the poem you like and I will create the slate piece for you.

https://www.thestoneboat.com/offeringsandtalismans/



STAY TUNED FOR ...

The significance of the name of the House, the making of a Sello, the making of our Sign, the naming of the Rooms, the Village, Monks and Pilgrims, Nellie, Treasure hunting at the Flea-mercado, Repair and small successes reports, Final website & Facebook page and opening day. 

You can visit the website for more details, images of the house, details on the offerings, and more. Subscribe there for updates from this 30 quest to open this little refuge. Thank you again for your support and for following along. 

Click on the link below to visit the website and more of the story.

www.thestoneboat.com