Thoughts from a long ago Christmas

[Bumpa]

Every year at this time I am drawn through the mists of time to a very meaningful moment in my life. Long ago, and I mean long ago, I was a young single constable in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). I was alone on patrol on Christmas eve. This was a regular occurrence for those of us who were single so families could be at home preparing for the visit from ole Saint Nick. There was no one else out and about and I felt that I could be the only person in the universe. A universe which presented to me a remarkably clear sky with thousands of bright stars. I suspect it was because of the clear sky or some other atmospheric phenomenon but I was hearing radio transmissions from ordinarily impossible distances. I still felt alone and lonely.

At the stroke of midnight, I heard the loud "bing bong" of the communications network repeater system kicking in. Then a voice said: "this is XJE 49 Saskatoon with a special broadcast, Merry Christmas everyone" Within moments the air was filled with: "This car 515 from Craik Highway patrol, merry Christmas" and then this car 423 Tisdale detachment" and "this is car 727 Cut Knife detachment" and so on for approx. 10 minutes. I was separated from these people by many kilometers but it was shockingly clear that I was not alone. I was part of something bigger with a sense of camaraderie that was heart warming and very touching. We were all a group of strangers linked by a common bond.

In essence, is this not what draws us back to return Caminos. A sense of camaraderie with others, strangers but with a common bond or purpose, ready to talk and to share. For those of us brave enough to share damage done by the stressors of life's demands, we need to know that we are not alone. There are people throughout our lives to talk to. There are vivid memories of times and people that rest just below the surface that when visited bring peace and understanding.

One final point was that at the end of all of kindred messages, came a voice from some wag, I never did know the joker, who said " This is Kenji Sukomoto from radio Japan. A Merry Christmas to all from an old "Mountie" and a "young walker". At 81, I feel that I have at least one more Camino in me.

 

[OzAnnie]

Merry Christmas to all and to you Bumpa / from an old Ozzie spending Christmas with family in USA - that’s a really wonderful memory.

At 81, I feel that I have at least one more Camino in me.

I think you do — go for it. Buen camino

 

[peregrina2000]

At 81, I feel that I have at least one more Camino in me.

With an emphasis on the “at least….”

 

[Bumpa]

With an emphasis on the “at least….”

I like your attitude. Often as we age, the problem is with our brain and not out body

 

[Bumpa]

Merry Christmas to all and to you Bumpa / from an old Ozzie spending Christmas with family in USA - that’s a really wonderful memory.

I think you do — go for it. Buen camino

Being able to move is the secret to a successful and healthy old age.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Every year at this time I am drawn through the mists of time to a very meaningful moment in my life. Long ago, and I mean long ago, I was a young single constable in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). I was alone on patrol on Christmas eve. This was a regular occurrence for those of us who were single so families could be at home preparing for the visit from ole Saint Nick. There was no one else out and about and I felt that I could be the only person in the universe. A universe which presented to me a remarkably clear sky with thousands of bright stars. I suspect it was because of the clear sky or some other atmospheric phenomenon but I was hearing radio transmissions from ordinarily impossible distances. I still felt alone and lonely.

At the stroke of midnight, I heard the loud "bing bong" of the communications network repeater system kicking in. Then a voice said: "this is XJE 49 Saskatoon with a special broadcast, Merry Christmas everyone" Within moments the air was filled with: "This car 515 from Craik Highway patrol, merry Christmas" and then this car 423 Tisdale detachment" and "this is car 727 Cut Knife detachment" and so on for approx. 10 minutes. I was separated from these people by many kilometers but it was shockingly clear that I was not alone. I was part of something bigger with a sense of camaraderie that was heart warming and very touching. We were all a group of strangers linked by a common bond.

In essence, is this not what draws us back to return Caminos. A sense of camaraderie with others, strangers but with a common bond or purpose, ready to talk and to share. For those of us brave enough to share damage done by the stressors of life's demands, we need to know that we are not alone. There are people throughout our lives to talk to. There are vivid memories of times and people that rest just below the surface that when visited bring peace and understanding.

One final point was that at the end of all of kindred messages, came a voice from some wag, I never did know the joker, who said " This is Kenji Sukomoto from radio Japan. A Merry Christmas to all from an old "Mountie" and a "young walker". At 81, I feel that I have at least one more Camino in me.

G'Day @Bumpa , I join my Ozzie Mate in wishing you, your immediate and extended families a very happy and holy christmas. Hopefully 2025 will bring peace to all the World. Cheers

 

[Bumpa]

G'Day @Bumpa , I join my Ozzie Mate in wishing you, your immediate and extended families a very happy and holy christmas. Hopefully 2025 will bring peace to all the World. Cheers

G'day Mike. Many thanks for the best wishes and right back at ya

 

[natefaith]

What a wonderful story, Bumpa! You describe it so vividly, we're all right there with you. Thanks for sharing and for the reminder that we're not alone.

Hope you do walk at least one more time. Would be great to see you again in SdC.

 

[VNwalking]

Wonderful.
Merry Christmas from a younger-but-not-much peregrina! May we all be able to walk caminos into impossibility old age.

 

[Dani7]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful Xmas eve story. Many people are alone at this time of year and so an extra hug, a smile when you go out, kindness and respect to the many people in the service industry who make our daily lives easier, a compassionate ear to listen, a helping hand and gratitude…this is the heart of community. Walking a camino for me felt like I was part of this large movement of kindred spirits.

You most definitely will have another camino to do… Merry Xmas.

 

[isobelmtl]

Every year at this time I am drawn through the mists of time to a very meaningful moment in my life. Long ago, and I mean long ago, I was a young single constable in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). I was alone on patrol on Christmas eve. This was a regular occurrence for those of us who were single so families could be at home preparing for the visit from ole Saint Nick. There was no one else out and about and I felt that I could be the only person in the universe. A universe which presented to me a remarkably clear sky with thousands of bright stars. I suspect it was because of the clear sky or some other atmospheric phenomenon but I was hearing radio transmissions from ordinarily impossible distances. I still felt alone and lonely.

At the stroke of midnight, I heard the loud "bing bong" of the communications network repeater system kicking in. Then a voice said: "this is XJE 49 Saskatoon with a special broadcast, Merry Christmas everyone" Within moments the air was filled with: "This car 515 from Craik Highway patrol, merry Christmas" and then this car 423 Tisdale detachment" and "this is car 727 Cut Knife detachment" and so on for approx. 10 minutes. I was separated from these people by many kilometers but it was shockingly clear that I was not alone. I was part of something bigger with a sense of camaraderie that was heart warming and very touching. We were all a group of strangers linked by a common bond.

In essence, is this not what draws us back to return Caminos. A sense of camaraderie with others, strangers but with a common bond or purpose, ready to talk and to share. For those of us brave enough to share damage done by the stressors of life's demands, we need to know that we are not alone. There are people throughout our lives to talk to. There are vivid memories of times and people that rest just below the surface that when visited bring peace and understanding.

One final point was that at the end of all of kindred messages, came a voice from some wag, I never did know the joker, who said " This is Kenji Sukomoto from radio Japan. A Merry Christmas to all from an old "Mountie" and a "young walker". At 81, I feel that I have at least one more Camino in me.

What a lovely story! I’m 77 and I’d better have another one in me because I’m committed to the Camino Invierno in 2025! Have a wonderful holiday season from one Canadian to another!

 

[josephmcclain]

Every year at this time I am drawn through the mists of time to a very meaningful moment in my life. Long ago, and I mean long ago, I was a young single constable in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). I was alone on patrol on Christmas eve. This was a regular occurrence for those of us who were single so families could be at home preparing for the visit from ole Saint Nick. There was no one else out and about and I felt that I could be the only person in the universe. A universe which presented to me a remarkably clear sky with thousands of bright stars. I suspect it was because of the clear sky or some other atmospheric phenomenon but I was hearing radio transmissions from ordinarily impossible distances. I still felt alone and lonely.

At the stroke of midnight, I heard the loud "bing bong" of the communications network repeater system kicking in. Then a voice said: "this is XJE 49 Saskatoon with a special broadcast, Merry Christmas everyone" Within moments the air was filled with: "This car 515 from Craik Highway patrol, merry Christmas" and then this car 423 Tisdale detachment" and "this is car 727 Cut Knife detachment" and so on for approx. 10 minutes. I was separated from these people by many kilometers but it was shockingly clear that I was not alone. I was part of something bigger with a sense of camaraderie that was heart warming and very touching. We were all a group of strangers linked by a common bond.

In essence, is this not what draws us back to return Caminos. A sense of camaraderie with others, strangers but with a common bond or purpose, ready to talk and to share. For those of us brave enough to share damage done by the stressors of life's demands, we need to know that we are not alone. There are people throughout our lives to talk to. There are vivid memories of times and people that rest just below the surface that when visited bring peace and understanding.

One final point was that at the end of all of kindred messages, came a voice from some wag, I never did know the joker, who said " This is Kenji Sukomoto from radio Japan. A Merry Christmas to all from an old "Mountie" and a "young walker". At 81, I feel that I have at least one more Camino in me.

Love your story! Thanks so much. It is great hearing from another 81-year older guy that you believe you have one more camino in you. I do, too! In my seventies I walked both the Francés and the Primitivo and next May I am hoping it will be from Le Puy to Cahors. One more!!!