Pilgrims and donkeys conquer the Camino

NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - The 100km route around the Compassberg continues to attract people from all walks of life due to its incredible beauty and remoteness.

Last week an intrepid group of pilgrims from Bethesda (and some friends), completed this local 'Camino'. The Camino was first walked by Marinke Poiesz, Dutch owner of the farm 'Diepkloof'.

Last week Margie Afonso, Annette van der Hulst, Jacquie Ackhurst, Justin Duckitt, Jacques Muller, Silke Gehring, Benita Kotze and Jurie Kotze proudly completed this remarkable feat. In true Karoo style their backup vehicle was Jakob van Staden and his two donkeys who carried supplies as everyone walked.

Silke wrote: "Tired and in need of a reboot I arrive in Nieu-Bethesda. On Friday morning we wake up to coffee, 'hou-moed' rusks and load our luggage on the donkey cart. We begin our our Compassberg Camino. A few kilometers in I realise the task ahead - the distance we have to cover - 100km. I gulp and luckily someone suggests we have a coffee break in the shadow of the mountain.

With every step I leave a little bit of worry behind. With every kilometer I walk I get a little closer to myself. With every snack break I enjoy the camaraderie of this community I find myself in a little more.

Every morning we greet Jakob and his donkeys at 07:30.

We stay in an array of accommodation, we get fed wholesome food prepared with love. Every morning we greet Jakob and his donkeys at 07:30. By 08:00 we are on the road.

Sometimes laughing and talking, other times solemn and silent. We walk with Compassberg as our constant companion, our guardian. We fall into rhythm so effortlessly.

And then, before we know it we hobble down and descend into the village after five days around the mountain. Somewhat joyful, somewhat sad. The only thing reminding me that the dream was real are the blisters on my right foot, and the calm that has settled on my soul. What a privilege."

Before we know it we hobble down and descend into the village after five days around the mountain.