The first regional chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino was established in the Puget Sound Region in 2010. The Puget Sound chapter ’s goals are:

• To offer opportunities for local pilgrims to gather and hold events related to the Camino.
• To mentor future pilgrims, promote the pilgrimage and American Pilgrims through social gatherings.
• To serve as a venue for hospitalero training in the Pacific Northwest.                                  

We hold quarterly events, walks and potlucks—check the Local and Regional Events page for calendar dates and information. Contact chapter co-chairs Martha Crites or Rebecca Andrews at PugetSoundChapter@americanpilgrims.com for more information or to be added to the chapter e-mail list.

Recent Events

Prof. Green speaking on the Camino from an anthropologist's perspective.

• Camino talk at the Seattle REI Flagship store
On January 21, 120 people came to the Seattle REI to learn about the Camino de Santiago. Many were inspired by the movie, The Way. Presenters Marcia Shaver and Myrna Aavedal did a wonderful job of explaining the many facets of the Camino, from culture to practicalities. They were joined by Rebecca Andrews and Martha Crites for a lively Q&A session afterwards. Tables with pilgrim appropriate gear were hosted by REI staff, Wendy Prohl and with Puget Sound Chapter members, Dick and Jane Carter and Jim Limardi.

Talk: It's Not Just About Spirituality: The Camino to the Academic Eye
On March 16, forty people met to hear James Green, a retired Professor Emeritus from the University of Washington, speak about the Camino from an anthropologist's perspective. He referred to Nancy Frey's book, Pilgrim Stories, and helped elucidate the ideas of communitas and liminality with examples from his own Camino experiences as both a pilgrim and an hospitalero. Questions and answers followed.

.Scheduled Events

• Second Sunday Strolls (ongoing)
Rain or shine, no RSVP needed! If you are interested in walking with fellow pilgrims, consider joining the Puget Sound Pilgrims for Second Sunday Strolls—a walk in the park. This is designed as either a 3 mile or a 6 mile walk from the Ballard Locks to Discovery Park, around the park and back. If you want to walk six miles, we'll meet at 1:00 pm at the entrance to the Ballard (aka Chittenden) Locks, and depart at 1:15 pm for a stroll over to Discovery Park. If you want to walk only three miles, then join us at Discovery Park. We'll arrive at the main visitor center and meet by the drinking fountain at around 1:45 pm. We'll then leave from the visitor center at 2:00 pm on a 3 mile loop.
The pace will be not too fast, not too slow—probably around 2 miles per hour. But slow enough for good conversation!
Second Sunday Stroll dates in 2012 are: January 8, February 12, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11 and December 9.

Second Sunday stroll.

• Saturday, May 19, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
Quarterly event
The Puget Sound Chapter of American Pilgrims is holding a walk and potluck on Saturday, May 19 at 4:00 p.m. We will walk around Green Lake and afterwards, Jim Stelljes, 10-time Camino veteran, will host a wine and tapas potluck at his North Seattle home. Directions will be available at the walk. Meet at the parking area of the Green Lake Small Craft Center (south end of the lake) at

5900 West Green Lake Way N
Seattle, WA 98103

We will walk rain or shine. As on the Camino, introduce yourselves and get to know each other along the way. We always enjoy hearing about people's experiences on the Camino and sharing information with those who hope to walk in the future.

Note: RSVP for this event to PugetSoundChapter@americanpilgrims.com.

Are you interested in learning more about the Camino?
The Puget Sound Camino Mentor Program can pair individuals who have questions about anything from planning to packing with a nearby Camino veteran who can answer questions. Contact PugetSoundChapter@americanpilgrims.com for details. Also you can visit American Pilgrims on the Camino on Facebook for great dialogue, photos and a running commentary about the Camino from like-minded pilgrims.