These mission-to-mission walks are open to all who enjoy nature, art, history. And walking. Though many of the walks are between 16-22 miles, they're set at a reasonable pace and are easy to train for.
Why'd You Start the Group?
Long story short: In March 2011 I walked 330 miles of the Camino de Santiago, a 1,200 year-old pilgrimage route in Spain. I lived with very little for 3 weeks. I experienced nature, art, and history. I met people from all around the world on the same simple quest - to reach Santiago. I was surprised at how far I could walk, and how incredibly humanizing the experience was.
I was inspired to walk all 21 California missions, from Sonoma to San Diego, and bring some small semblance of the Camino de Santiago experience to my home state.
Currently, I'm mapping a walking route on the Camino Real, which traced some indigenous footpaths and may have been part of the migration trail from Asia. In early April, I'll start the "official" California Missions walk, covering 800+ miles in about 55 days. Afterward, I'll create a free, online trail guide - so that anyone can walk it too.
Though the missions can be reminders of the often cruel legacy of the Spanish crown, the path and the journey are timeless. Everyone who follows it will have their own reasons for doing so; for me, one of the most important is it reminds me there is more to life than the stories we tell ourselves or the cycles of history - there's a basic, underlying humanity.
These walks are a way for me to get in shape and share the trail with others. I'll also likely schedule Meetup events for a few legs of my "official" walk, as well as after I return.
Read more about the Camino de Santiago experience, the California Missions walk, and the guide here.
Who is Welcome?
- Everyone is more than welcome. However, training is very strongly recommended. Fortunately, with a little effort, most anyone can do it! We're made to walk longer distances.
Are You Asking for Donations?
- Please consider donating toward Meetup dues.
- Also, donations to my non-profit April 2012 California Missions Walk are very welcome, but definitely not required.
Walks Basics
- Generally between 16-22 miles, though there will be a shorter hike or two with 1 mission as the start or terminus.
- Pace runs from 2-3 mph.
- Trails tend to be mostly flat (will be noted otherwise).
- Rain won't generally stop the hike, unless it's really pouring.
Training Tips
Training is key to a fun, successful walk. Plus it'll let you know ahead of time if an injury might require attention or if you're susceptible to blisters.
- Shoes: Be sure you have the proper shoes. Though a few people seem to be able to walk with running shoes, hiking boots provide critical ankle support and traction. Whether shoes or boots, footwear should be 1/2 size to full size larger than normal, to accommodate swelling. Save yourself time by getting fitted for boots and socks at a specialty store like REI or Sports Basement. Btw, REI is expensive, but they allow you to return even shoes worn outside - very helpful if they don't wear like they did in the store.
- Backpack: The other must have is a good backpack. On day hikes, you won't need something big and you shouldn't be carrying more than 5-7 pounds of water, snacks, and gear. However, after a few miles even that small load can seem really heavy, especially if straps are cutting into your shoulders. If you have back trouble, consider investing in a pack with hip straps - the weight rests on your hips. Again, consider getting fitted at a specialty store.
- Regimen: Before the date, give yourself 2 weeks to do at least 3 walks: 3 miles, 5-7 miles, 7-9 miles. Try hitting a hill or two along the way. As far as conditioning goes, you don't need much more. If you have new shoes, be sure to break them in.
- Find a creative way to fit in the walks: Get up early and walk to work, or walk home. Walk with friends or family.
What Might I See on a Typical Walk?
- While these long walks are meditative, there's often a lot to see. On a recent walk from MIssion San Jose (Fremont) to Mission Dolores, we saw the pretty informative MSJ Museum, an unpaved tree-lined oak lane (shades of New Orleans), suburban streets, a waste treatment plant, the salt flats, a lovely little river that winds through Milpitas and San Jose, shellmounds, squatter's village(?) and veg gardens on grounds of old farm, and a site where mammoth bones were recently discovered.
Are These Walks Religious in Nature?
- No. But everyone is welcome to their beliefs.
What to Bring?
Don't bring much! Every ounce is a bit more weight on your body, and it can seem really heavy after 10 miles. So before you pack it, ask yourself if you really need it. Also, we'll pass stores along the road, so don't despair if you forget something!
- Snacks
- Lunch (depending on the route)
- 1-2 quarts of water
- Another layer or hat
- Cell phone
What to Wear?
- Hiking boots or sneakers that have been worn in. (This is not the time to break in a new pair.)
- Soft Insoles, if you have them.
- Blister Tape
- Layers of Clothing
Disclaimer
Jeez I'd really rather not add this, but since we are a litigious people: Please note that the organizer is a non-profit volunteer. The organizer is not responsible for anyone's safety, for providing food or water, or for any incident during the event. The organizer cannot guarantee carpool arrangements to the Meetups, and is not responsible for incidents during carpools. Advice given by the organizer is based on experience, but participants follow it at their own risk. Participants agree to release all organizers, initiators, and other participants from all liability and each assume responsiblility for their own actions.
