CAMINO DE SANTIAGO - THE CONCLUSION
Hi everybody. On Monday July 1st 2013 I walked into Santiago de Compostela and faced the Cathedral at 1315pm. I had just completed the Camino de Santiago in 34 days covering over 800kms. 
I made it without any major issues and completed it with all of our Camino friends we met on the way. The four of us that started out together walked in together. We have become close friends and supported and encouraged each other when the going got tough. We were also fortunate to have had beautiful weather for the last 2-3 weeks.
It was also interesting to see the numbers of Camino walkers and pilgrims increase significantly after the last of the mountain ranges we crossed. There are many Spanish students who do a part of the Camino as part of their Curriculum and they were interested to hear our stories.
In the end we were a group of 18 souls. From many parts of the world - from the north in Fairbanks, Alaska to the south in New Zealand. We had at any time 6-8 different languages being spoken and compared notes on politics, religion, climate change and cultural issues. We also enjoyed the fabulous countryside, cuisine, hospitality and enthusiasm that the Spanish people showered us with on our journey.
During the Camino I carried no watch, did not hear any news, did not read any papers, did not know what time it was and did not see any TV - It was exhillarating to live simply, with little save the comfort of fellow Camino pilgrims. We shared bread and wine and helped each other when help was needed. We always knew the way.
To anyone who is considering doing the Camino in the future - It's a life experience. I am happy to help with advice and suggestions if required.
Many things in my life will be different from now on and I again am blessed with a caring family and great friends.
Thank you all for your generous support to Prostate Cance Foundation of Australia. We will meet our target of AUD10,000 very shortly.
Tony Brebner
MID CAMINO UPDATE - SATURDAY 15TH JUNE 2013
So I am now over halfway across Spain on the Camino de Santiago and blessed and grateful that I have gotten this far. We have walked 453kms.
The first week from St Jean Pied de Port in France through to Lorgrono was tough. We went over the Pyrenees Alps in rain, then sleet and then evetually in snow storm conditions at -2Deg C. Many turned back. Roncevalles was a welcome refuge but the rain continued for most of the next 150Kms.
I´m walking with an American from San Diego and a Dutch guy from Biarritz now living in France and a wild lady from Fairbanks, Alaska. We´re well suited We have also walked with a lovely couple, Ed and Pam, from our very own Margaret River in WA !
The accommodation has been relatively easy to get as its in the early part of the Camino and the Albergue´s, (dormitories specifically available for use by pilgrims), have been cosy and cheap (€5-€10 per nite). You have to learn to be patient, humble, resilient and accepting to bunk in an open dorm, (no doors or privacy), amongst all nationalities, both sexes and snorers sharing limited unisex facilities... !
From Lorgrono the weather improved slightly with the sun coming through to lighten up the beautiful rolling vineyards of the La Roija province. We took a rest day at Burgos and facinated at the Cathedral, the old city and its many historic treasures.
For the past four days we have been travelling through "The Meseta". High plains of wheat, oats, barley and corn. In the next few days we get to Leon where will recharge our weary bodies, (actually feet more than anything else), before the next stage of 12-14 days to Santiago de Compostela. We have another snow covered mountain range to cross again 
We are still averaging 23-25Kms per day in all conditions. It was 27Deg C in Sahagun yesterday in the Leon province. Blisters, sprains and muscle injuries are common, and so far I have avoided bed-bugs and colds.
There is a friendship and brotherhood that extends to all "Peregrino´s" on the Camino. The hospitality shown by all of the Spanish people whose lands we have walked through has been generous and warm. I have felt no fear on this pilgrimage and have a felt a belonging and a peace that is hard to describe.
It is the simplest of existence that provides the greatest comfort.
I continue with gratitude and thanks to everybody who has donated to my challenge for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. I am blessed to have been able, through your generousity, to provide some means to help sufferers of Prostate Cancer and their families in Australia.
But my work is not done and I have to pull on my "Mochila", (backpack), again, pick up my walking poles and head off on the Camino once again.
Thank you so much. If you want to join me on Facebook, all the pictures of our journey are there for you to see.
Buen Camino, Tony.
UPDATE SUNDAY 26th MAY 2013.
Well, after all of the hype and preparation, I am on my way to the Camino de Santiago in Spain from Perth this afternoon 26th May 2013. There has been a fantastic response from all you donors out there, especially seeing that we reached and exceeded the original target of $5,000 in less than three weeks 
, and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is very grateful for all your support.
So my hard work starts now and I invite you to continue to support and donate to this cause while I try to keep up 25-27kms per day with a 11kg pack on my back. I have been challenged to complete the entire 800kms to double the donation, I've also been challenged to have my photo taken a significant landmark on the Camino in some garish garb for even more donations ! 
So I am committed to do what I have to to raise the target to $10,000. Please help me do it. I will be posting a blog as I can on FB.
Thanks again and Buen Camino - BTW weather forecast for the first few days over the Pyrenees is RAIN, RAIN and RAIN and ~13 Dec C !!! Ouch ! Adios......
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My Unexpected Journey started in October 2012 when I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.. My life changed that day.
After I had come through the surgery, the recovery, the fear and anxiety with the gracious and caring support of my family, friends, skillful surgeons and their medical teams, hospital staff, my workplace and valuable support from Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, I knew I had a debt to repay.
So I am asking you to help me support others who are diagnosed, undergoing treatment or are survivors of cancer by raising funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Please see the link in this page.
To make it more of a challenge, I am going to walk the Camino De Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port in France, across the Pyrenees and northern Spain starting on 27th May 2013. Its an ancient pilgrim walk of 800kms and I expect to complete it in 33 days. I am doing it in the 'Pilgrim Way' with no support but the generosity of the pilgrims' "Albergues" along the way. (http://caminoadventures.com)
I'm doing this in thanks for my recovery and for those who are diagnosed with cancer and embarking on the anxious journey ahead. It's also in respect of those who sadly lost their lives to Prostate Cancer.
I urge you to please support Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia by donating an amount of $40 or more which equates to 5c per km. So click on the big green DONATE button up on the right, and you will be making a difference....
Your generosity is recognised by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia with thanks and the knowledge that you have made a difference to the many cancer sufferers in Australia today.
Thank you so much.
Tony Brebner
Cancer Survivor http://www.prostate.org.au
