By Linda Goldstein Loewinger
If you’d like to support Linda’s fundraising efforts, donations are welcome.
Why the Camino
I have wanted to walk the Camino since a friend walked the entire length about 9 years ago. I love walking and hiking, and was intrigued by its reputation for those who seek personal and spiritual growth. At 69 years old, as a retired pediatrician in Washington, DC, I wasn’t sure if I was up for the month-long 400-mile trek from the Pyrenees in France to Santiago, Spain, so I signed up with a few friends for a 9-day organized trip.
I originally planned to dedicate the trip to friends and family who have died recently from cancer, other terminal diseases, and mental health problems, and to those currently being treated for severe medical illnesses and those recovering from alcohol and chemical addiction. Although those people remained in my consciousness and deep in my heart throughout my walk, I realized I could honor them by positive action as well.
Individual action for the greater good
As I watch in horror the destruction of many social institutions and organizations in the US, like many people, I was overwhelmed with how to do something as an individual. I decided to concentrate my energy on one pressing need that reflects my values – environmental action. Since my trip to Patagonia in 2016 and, more recently, my Climate Hike in Glacier National Park in the Summer of 2022, I witnessed firsthand how our treasured, awe-inspiring glaciers are receding due to climate change. Also, as a pediatrician, I have witnessed the effects in children of pollution, environmental toxins, and rising temperatures, on chronic diseases such as asthma. Finally, I am fortunate to enjoy a second home on the bay side of Bethany Beach in Delaware. The Chesapeake Bay is full of opportunities for exploring marine life through kayaking, boating, crabbing, and birdwatching. The effects of climate change are evident in rising water levels, more violent storms, and more polluted waters.
Due to these experiences, I have decided to turn my Camino walk into a Climate Ride fundraiser, and earmark the contributions from my independent challenge to three organizations: the Glacier National Park Conservancy, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and Climate Ride.
Although I did a bike ride for many years, as I have aged, I have become less confident in my biking competency. I “retired” from it about five years ago, but do try to remain fit by swimming, Pilates, yoga, working out, and, of course, walking and hiking. Although I have been driving an all-electric car for nearly 9 years, I try to minimize time in the car by using the Metro in DC, as well as my feet! So, in a sense, I have been training for my multi-day walk on the Camino for years.
The wonderful part about an experience like walking the Camino it is all about the journey, not about how far one walks or how fast. In 8 days, we were only able to walk a small portion of the total route – about 45 miles. Everyone in our group walked at their own pace – sometimes fast chatting with friends, sometimes more slowly getting to know someone new, or even slowly walking alone, taking in the landscape, wildflowers, meeting other pilgrims, or lost in their thoughts. All was considered “walking the Camino” and the experience was wonderful for me.
Taking on the challenge
In terms of actually deciding to do an Independent Challenge with Climate Ride, many of us have our hearts in the right place, but are not exactly “naturals” when it comes to fundraising. Multi-day bike rides, hikes, or walks are not as daunting as asking friends and family for contributions off the cuff, even for a cause they believe in. I can report that the staff at Climate Ride were incredibly supportive (I needed a lot of help!) and simplified the mechanics of setting up the challenge. After that, the rest was easy – people were happy to support my walk in the name of Climate Action, and I raised $3,000! I would consider doing something similar in the future.
Donations are gratefully accepted.
