I've walked the Camino de Santiago before - three times hiking on the Camino Frances. It's been life-changing. You can read about the previous walks on my blog: www.MoreLaterFromElsewhere.com. My walks are something that I choose to do. And though I carry my personal possessions in a rucksack on my back, my hikes are steeped in relative luxury. I have always found a comfortable bed at the end of day. My meals are nutritious and plentiful. And, most importantly, the water I drink all along the way is abundant and clean.

For 703 million people in the world today, walks aren't for recreation – they are for survival. 703 million people in our world still live without access to the safe, clean water we take for granted. That's 1 person in 10. Some will walk miles, often in treacherous conditions and extreme heat, to find water. Any water. Even unclean water that makes them sick, or die. And, disproportionally, the people tasked with the difficult responsibility of water collection in communities where water cannot be found - are women and girls.

They are our neighbors.

For all the problems in the world which seem to have no resolution – this one is fixable.

Last year (2024) I walked the Camino out of gratitude for surviving getting hit by a car and (after surgery) being able to walk again. And I wanted to use the gift of being able to walk to help other people. Last year we raised enough money to bring clean water to 100 people!

And, I'm still very grateful for the opportunity I have to be able to help. That’s why this Camino I’m again walking for charity:water. This organization is brilliant at finding safe water for our neighbors who have none. Will you join me? Please consider supporting my walk for water. This year, I'm hoping to double the impact. Every $40 raised will provide a lifetime of clean water to one person. Most importantly, 100% of every dollar you donate goes directly to providing the life-changing gift of clean water where it’s needed most. Yes, 100%. Their over-head expenses are donated in full by other benefactors. charity:water will even report back to you with details of exactly where your money went, and how it’s helping.

And, this year ... some new twists! The path to Santiago will be from the south ...from Porto, Portugal ...a place I've never been. And instead of hiking alone - I'll be walking with my dear friend Susie. If you want to follow my daily posts about our adventures while we walk, go to www.MoreLaterFromElsewhere.com.

And, thank you for helping us find our neighbors some clean water!