Morning Star Staff
Wayne Emde of Vernon and Jack Greenhalgh of Kelowna will share their story of friendship that took them on a pilgrimage to walk the ancient Camino trail, as The Greater Vernon Museum & Archives presents “Walking the Camino,” as part of the Friends of History Lecture Series Jan. 23.
The local pilgrims will share how the journey in the spring of 2009 changed them. The longtime friends decided to take this expedition together following Emde’s 1,200 kilometre Buddhist pilgrimage in Shikoku, Japan that he took with his son in 2008. Greenhalgh, a retired Anglican priest, had always wanted to walk the ancient Camino pilgrimage trail and Emde was eager to accompany him.
“For Greenhalgh it was a spiritual journey, but for Emde, it was a continuation of the reflective journey he undertook on Shikoku,” said Denise Marsh, marketing and communications coordinator at the museum. “
Emde said the 800-kilometre ancient pilgrimage path attracts all sorts of travelers.
“Some want to walk in the pilgrims’ footsteps, others are trying to cut out the noise and face a crux in their life, many are there for spiritual reasons, and some just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery,” he said. “Whatever the reason, everyone walks their own path and you’re often changed in different ways than you’d expect.”
Emde, a retired teacher, photographer and writer, along with Greenhalgh, who is active in his church and community, will give a brief introduction before showing a slide show of their journey, wrapping up the presentation with a question and answer period.
As space is limited, you are encouraged to call the museum at 250-542-3142 to pre-register. Admission is by donation. For more information please see www.vernonmuseum.ca or visit the museum’s Facebook page.
