The Camino Cafe
The Camino Cafe
128 - Walk With The World: The Global Camino & Remembering Judy Colaneri & Ella Neal
Start the year with a pilgrimage you can do from your front door. We sit down with Leanne Pritchard to share how a small Tasmanian walk blossomed into a Global Camino that now brings together more than a thousand pilgrims across 40+ countries for two days of movement, meaning, and community. Whether you’re training for Spain, curious about your first Camino, or simply craving a gentle reset, this weekend gives you a simple way to reconnect with your body and your Camino family—no airfare required.
Leanne explains how the event began during lockdown and why it endures: flexibility, inclusion, and the shared joy of posting a photo that says, “I walked.” We talk through practical details—mirroring Tasmania’s 15 km and 18 km routes if you want, or choosing any distance that fits your weather, health, and time. You’ll hear stories that capture the spirit, from brave northern walkers crunching through snow to the Memphis crew bringing humor with Elvis costumes, plus smart safety choices when storms hit. We also preview the weekend’s livestreams: an opening ritual, a closing at St. James Church in Cygnet with a Botafumeiro, an interview with two Texas pilgrims flying in, and a live cross to Spain.
We dedicate this show in memory of Judy Colaneri and Ella Neal, honoring their courage, kindness, and love for the Camino. If you’ve felt the yellow arrow tug at your heart, use this weekend to set intentions, test your gear, and reconnect with friends you met on the trail. RSVP on Facebook, share where you’ll walk, post a photo when you finish, and encourage others in the comments. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to lace up, and leave a review to help more pilgrims find the path. Ready to walk with us next weekend?
RSVP Now for the Global Camino - https://www.facebook.com/events/1274566273763679
Judy's Podcast Episode on YouTube
Ella's Podcast Episode
Leanne's Podcast Episode:
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Hey everyone, welcome to the Camino Cafe Podcast. I am so excited to be with you today. It is Sunday, January 4th, 2026. So happy New Year, everyone. And I can't think of a better guest today to have, other than Leanne Pritchard. And Leanne is here to talk about the global Camino, which is happening next weekend on Saturday and Sunday. So we're going to talk about it because if you haven't signed up yet, I hope that you walk with us. I will be walking here in rainy, chilly Puget Sound in Washington. Leanne will be walking in summer because she's in Tasmania. So welcome, Leanne. Welcome back to the show. It's so good to see you.
SPEAKER_02:Thank you, Lee. It's lovely to be here and happy new year to you and to all your listeners as well.
SPEAKER_00:You and I did a little more in-depth interview. And for everybody, if you haven't heard or watched that interview, it's episode number 120. I'll have a link in the show notes to that interview. Could you just give us kind of a highlight of how it started and why you're doing it? Why are we having this global Camino when, well, we talked earlier, when a lot of the world is in winter. So talk to us about how it started and how we got over 1,200 people will be joining the Tasmanian pilgrims this coming weekend.
SPEAKER_02:Okay, thanks. So it actually started with um we have an annual Tasmanian Camino that happens this coming weekend in January, and we uh had run it for a few years just with Tasmanian pilgrims, where we walk through the beautiful Hewan Valley down here to the Church of St. James, which is built in a Spanish style, hence the connection to the Camino. And we were gearing up for our, I think it was the 2021 uh Tasmanian pilgrimage, and then of course that terrible thing called COVID hit. So we couldn't gather um to walk in person in Tasmania. So I came up with this crazy idea of um organizing an online event. Um first year it was called the Virtual Camino, and now it's the global camino, where I invited people to walk where they lived in the world and to share their photos and um share who they are and to share actually peace and solidarity and the Camino spirit across the world via a Facebook event. So that's how it started. And during that first year, people were walking in um they were in isolation, so there were some people who could only walk five kilometres radius around their homes, but um people in the northern hemisphere braved the elements and walked with us, and so now we're in our sixth year, and what has happened since COVID's lifted is the global pilgrims walk alongside our Tasmanian pilgrims. So this year, next weekend, we'll have about 165 pilgrims walking in person in Tasmania, and we will post our photos of our Tasmanian pilgrimage to the global event, and then as you said, we've got over 1,200 pilgrims from over 40 countries who will walk where they live and share their photos with us.
SPEAKER_00:Amazing. Six years, and it is really a popular event. People really look forward to doing this. I wonder if you could talk a little bit about, you know, why would you suggest that someone join this global event?
SPEAKER_02:Uh well, it's interesting because when I first put it out there, I didn't think many people would join. Um I think if you love the Camino, if you're planning a Camino this year and uh haven't started training yet, it can be a good training platform for you. I'm aware that a number of people, um, it's actually they call it their first Camino. If they haven't done another Camino, it's a great way to start because it's only two days. Uh, it's free. You don't have to fly to Spain or uh France or Portugal to do the Camino. You can do it by walking out the front door of your house. Uh, and you don't have to walk very far. We had one 92, oh no, I think she was a 95-year-old lady who walked 500 meters with her walker with another global pilgrim to share the Camino spirit. So I actually think it's a great opportunity for everyone. Um, there's no limits on um who and there's no real rules either. So it's very um open and we try to be welcoming of all. So I just think it's a great thing to do to start the new year off right and to um share the Camino spirit.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I totally agree. The Tassie Camino, how many miles will or kilometers will you be? You're walking Saturday and Sunday, right?
SPEAKER_02:So Saturday we walk about 15 kilometers, and Sunday we are, we've just extended the route on Sunday, so I think it's about 18 kilometers. So if you want to walk in, you know, the exact same number, you can, and that's what some global pilgrims do. But others, uh, depending on where they live and the weather and the time they have, we're just happy for anyone to just step out and even just walk around the block and share their photos.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, well, I think it's such a great opportunity, like you were saying, you know, for someone who's never walked a Camino, it's a great opportunity to have your first Camino experience with this huge global family. So before you even step foot in Spain, you already have a Camino family by walking this Camino. And then also, I think for me personally, with walking, it's going to be a really great time to reignite my Camino spirit and to think about my past Caminos, the people that I've walked with, and to begin to set my intentions for this year's upcoming Caminos that I'm going to walk. So I'm super excited about doing this with you. I think it's just such a great idea. And, you know, I think for those of us that are in colder climates, it really comes at a great time because it's the start of the year, New Year's resolutions, and um, you know, a lot of those New Year's resolutions kind of are all done and broken by the weekend of January 11th and 12th. But this is your chance to start anew and to really get out there and start your walking, maybe test your gear as well.
SPEAKER_02:And I like the fact, oh sorry, Lee, I like the fact that you um said you can reflect on your Camino experiences because for me, when I walk the global, I invite my Camino family from all over the world to walk where they live and I reconnect with them. So um that's why I encourage global pilgrims to do as well. You may not necessarily get to walk with your global family again in person, but through the global Camino, you can reconnect with them and um reignite and share your stories of your past Caminos.
SPEAKER_00:Oh, that's such a great idea. And and also seeing the photos, I remember last year's photos. Well, there's one guy that always walks, I think, somewhere in Canada, and that the photos are always just so snowy and icy, but he gets out there, man, and faces the elements, which again, you don't have to do everyone. You can just, you know, go to a mall, you can walk in your house, you know, do what keeps you safe and what's right for you. But uh, it's so much fun looking at the photos. What's been one of your favorite memories that uh people have posted over the years?
SPEAKER_02:Uh, I actually think you're right. You were talking about Robert Bart there from um Canada. He and his son walk every year. Um, I think my favorite memories are kind of from the really brave pilgrims in the Northern Hemisphere. Um walking in minus 35 degrees and still, you know, getting out and braving the elements. Um, you guys are the you guys are the bravest global pilgrims, you guys, people in the northern hemisphere. Um, one of my other highlights was the Memphis gang, the group from Memphis who walked um dressed as Elvis a couple of years ago. And they've they've um posted in the group to say they've got more numbers, so they've got to get more little outfits, more sideburns, and glasses. But they're dressing up, so yeah. I I'd encourage people who are joining us if they want to do something a bit wacky like that, that would be fantastic. And share photos. Um, on that note you said about being safe, it was the Memphis pilgrims last year who um there was a terrible storm on the weekend, and that might happen this weekend um in some parts of the world. We actually want our global pilgrims to stay safe. So, what the Memphis guys did last year was they actually just went for a meal together and posted a photo, and they kept interested in the global and participated by um commenting on other people's posts. So you can still participate, even if you can't walk, you can participate by commenting and supporting the other pilgrims and yeah, continuing to offer that buen camino to the different people who are walking all over the world.
SPEAKER_00:Oh, yeah. I that is such a good point because I think, you know, especially for pilgrims that have walked already or have walked several Cinos, you know, part of I think our opportunity, our invitation is to support other pilgrims as we walk. So just being there to support the pilgrims that are walking in Tassie as well as all around the world, that in itself is such a gift that people are bringing to this. Now, we should say it's so easy to sign up. Like you have made this incredibly easy. So go on to Facebook. I will have the link page that you need to go to for the event. And really, what do they have to do? It's so simple.
SPEAKER_02:So they just click like, and um if they do that in the next couple of days, they can introduce themselves in the discussion section, maybe with the photo, and let us know where you're walking. And then over the weekend, they just um when they've done their walk, they can post a photo of um their walk. Maybe if there's a group, a group photo would be great. Um, share where they walked, maybe how many kilometers they walked. The other thing they can do is we'll be having some live stream crosses um during the weekend that they can sign up, sorry, that they can um view. Uh, it will be the times will be in the Australian Eastern summer time, and that will be on the post. So it may be at different times in the morning. So you just have to check your local time, but you can join us for our opening ritual on the Saturday morning, our time. Then in the afternoon, um, I'll be interviewing a couple of girls from Texas who I met on the Camino Frances who are flying all the way from America to Tasmania to walk with me. Oh my gosh. And then on the Sunday, we have a closing ritual at the church, um our St. James Church in Signet, and there will be a Botta fumero even swinging that you'll be able to see. So there are opportunities as well as posting your own photos to connect via some live streams. We'll also have a live cross with my friend Jose in Spain on the Camino as a part of it as well. So, yeah, it's not too difficult, I hope. Um, and we just hope that lots of people will sign up and join us so they can walk with you and I and those other hundreds and hundreds of pilgrims across the world.
SPEAKER_00:Well, Leanne, I think the count right now is somewhere over 1,200 people that have officially registered and said, I'm going. But we know that number is so much higher because of the groups like Memphis and some of the other groups from American Pilgrims on the Camino and other groups just around the world of Camino families that they met on the Camino. So we have no idea actually how high the number is going to get this year. So it's really important that you post your photos so that we can kind of get a little bit of a count, especially if you're in a group. That would be really exciting. What are you looking forward to the most for this weekend, Leanne?
SPEAKER_02:Uh, I'm looking forward to firstly walking um with our Tasmanian pilgrims because I do actually am one of the marshals for our walk, and hopefully the weather will be nice. And the the terrain that we walk across is actually very similar to what you see on the Camino Frances across Spain. So at the moment we've got the hay bales out, and we pass the nice green fields and the rolling hills and the cows and horses and things. So walking in person in Tassie, I'm looking forward to, but also yeah, just connecting with the global pilgrims. It's a big weekend for me because I walk and then I approve posts. So just a little note if you are joining, you um, I'll do my best. I'm actually going to sign up some people in different time zones to help me with that. Um, but yeah, I just think um really getting connect reconnected with the Camino again, both in-person walking, but also connecting with all those other pilgrims across the world. Really looking forward to it and to walking with you too, Lee.
SPEAKER_00:Oh, same. I I can't wait to do it. And I wanted to say that um a big thank you to you because I think um this is you have taken on such a big project with this, and it is something that I think really brings the entire Camino community together at a time when a lot of us aren't traveling to Spain to walk, right? And so it's a wonderful time to get together and to reminisce about our Caminos, to you know, check in with that arrow that's in our heart, that yellow arrow that is just permanently tattooed onto our hearts. And um, I'm just so grateful to you for all that you have done to bring this event to the greater Camino community. So thank you for that. And we are looking forward to seeing your photos.
SPEAKER_02:Uh well, for me, it's just my little way of giving back for all that the Camino has done for me. So since I last spoke to you, I did um complete the Portuguese from Porto to Santiago via the spiritual route, and that was really special. Um, so you you know how much the Camino gives us. So it's my way of giving back. And I want to thank you too, Lee, for all that you do in connecting pilgrims across the world um and and for this opportunity to share about my global like we were talking before. I'm just a little person here in Tasmania who who was touched by the Camino. And if this is my little way of giving back, well, then um it's a real privilege for me to do it and I love it.
SPEAKER_00:Oh, yes. Well, thank you. I feel the same exact way. I just capinch myself with all the experiences that the Camino has brought to me. And the podcast is my gift back to the Camino. And if we inspire one more person to sign up for this weekend to walk with us, then this time has been worth it. If you've already signed up, that you remember to walk because it's this coming weekend. And if you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late. Go on to Facebook right now. Go on, sign up, say you're going, and then just remember to take your photos. So, just a reminder for the dates it's this coming Saturday and Sunday, January 10th and 11th. And we can't wait to see you. So thank you, Leanne. Well, thank you for watching and listening today. I do want to close out the show with some sad news that um has really impacted me, and that is today we're dedicating this show to two pilgrims in our Camino family that we have sadly recently lost. That is Judy Collinary and Ella Neal. It was such an honor to know both of them and to be able to bring their stories to you through the podcast. Um, it chokes me up to think about it. Um, my condolences go out to Judy's husband, to all of her friends and all the pilgrims that she's walked with over the years, and to all of her colleagues at Spanish Steps. Judy, while she had much success in many ways throughout her life, she never lost this really beautiful spirit and passion for the Camino, as well as for just walking. And um, please, please watch her show. I think it's you'll be very inspired by her. And for Ella Neal, uh, my condolences go out to her parents, to Denise and Dennis, her brother Eric, and to everyone that they brought together through the community that they built as Ella was going through this terrible ordeal with a very, very rare form of cancer. Ella was such a courageous, wise, kind, just a beautiful soul. And we lost her at way too young of an age. So please help me honor them. If you haven't watched their episodes, I would really encourage you to watch. Um I've had a lot of feedback about both episodes, and people were really inspired by their stories. And I think after hearing this today, you may be even more inspired. So, you know, that's another thing you could walk this upcoming Camino in honor of someone. And um, you know, as we remember the pilgrims that we've all walked with, it's such a special thing to um form these Camino families and these Camino relationships. So I hope that you will um take a moment to honor their spirit, and um I'll have the episode numbers or the links in the show notes as well. Well, get ready, guys, because this Saturday we will be walking the global Camino with Leanne. And until we see you next pilgrims, please, please, please take good care and let's have some fun this coming weekend. Let's be pilgrims.
SPEAKER_01:Ciao. Last, key necessito, in la videoc, it's dana key. Last, knecessito, in la Vidaya, it's dana key. I am free, free as a bird now with my feathered wings. I am free, free as a bird now with my feathered wings.