Well, the new year has shifted into top gear straight away and already, Easter is just around the corner: and that means the ABC’s Compass program will be going to air featuring the Camino Salvado which followed the Pilgrims Trail to New Norcia! Click here to see the Compass Episode. For us that means there’s lots of work to do to prepare the trail for this years 2 planned Camino Salvado Pilgrimages later on in the year.
My good friend Ean James and I have sat down to discuss our options for this years walk, and although we both agree that the route is continually evolving, for this year we will be using basically the same route as the 2009 walkers.
We are in the process of submitting a funding application for a Trails Consultant to formalize the route so then we can look at signage along the way, a proper web-page and leaflets for walkers.
Mike Foley, the CEO at the City of Swan has been tremendous in helping identify a public right of way out of Walyunga in the longer term: like so many people whom I have approached, he has freely given of his own time to help, advise and encourage us. Diane Pope is another who has very kindly offered the use of her facilities at Enderslea Farm in the Chittering Valley and we will be getting together shortly with her to look at how we can accommodate our needs with her kind offer.
Today I had a meeting with Mike Woods, CEO of Mountain Designs, and a man of great energy and vision: he is closely involved with the Bibbulmun and Munda Biddi trails here in WA. He shared his ideas for the Pilgrims Trail and was keen to help with establishing the trail on a permanent footing.
Next week there is a meeting of those who indicated they would help in seeking an alternative route away from the highway, north of Bindoon: this is our biggest challenge and all offers/help/inspiration/prayers are gratefully accepted!
As always, your input is essential if this is truly to become a trail for the people of Western Australia, so do please send in your thoughts and ideas.