Sydney Camino Walk

On Saturday 9 December there was a 7km fundraising walk organised in our hometown of Sydney to raise money for our project. Our amazing friend Felicity had the initial idea and worked so hard to make it all happen. Unfortunately because of the extreme heat in Sydney, the walk had to be cancelled (twice!) because of the national park closures, but people could still gather for a delicious Spanish BBQ which was organised by the Chinese Christian Church in Milsons Point. A total of AUD $17,182 was raised for our project and we are so incredibly thankful and blessed by everyone’s support!!

Rental possibility

The owners of the farmhouse in Güeñes that we were interested in buying are still unsure about whether or not they will put the house back on the market. In the meantime we have seen a great commercial space possibly to rent in Zalla. It was previously used as a dance studio and has two large open spaces (130m square each) and men’s and women’s bathrooms and showers. It is in the centre of Zalla in the main square, just 50 metres from the Camino Olvidado. It’s an ideal location and would be great for a pilgrim guesthouse (albergue), for church on Sundays and a place to run community activities. It can be rented for €1,000 a month for a minimum of one year with an option to buy the space afterwards for €240,000 which is a serious possibility. Though it doesn’t have the rustic beauty, space and land of the old farmhouse, it is has the advantage of being functional immediately with no major renovations needed and well-located. It would also be half the price of the farmhouse plus renovations. Please pray with us as we consider this option.

Pilgrim season!

This summer it’s been great to meet lots of pilgrims passing through Zalla and Güeñes on the Camino Olvidado. We can’t offer them a place to stay but we offer them our Camino Antiguo stamp for their passports, have a chat, and wish them well on their way.

We’ve also been getting great responses from our online surveys posted up along the Camino and here’s what we’ve discovered:

☝️42% of people walk the Camino for spiritual reasons
🌏They’re from all over the world, most far flung would be South Korea and Australia but also lots of locals from Bilbao and other parts of Spain
🚺🚹Equal parts men and women walk, mostly between the ages of 35-54.
🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️Most pilgrims are experienced and have walked other Caminos
🏠They can’t stay in Güeñes the official first stop on the Camino Olvidado because there isn’t an albergue – which is why we need one!!!

“Have you found a building yet?”

That is the big question. Since June 2022 we’ve had our eye on a wonderful property in Güeñes, however there’s just one catch: it’s not available right now.

See recent news for more up-to-date information

Over the years, we’ve seen over 30 properties in our search for a building, and this one is the most suitable for our needs at a good price. Read full history of the project here.

It is a 200 year old traditional Basque farmhouse just outside the main town of Guenes, situated on 9,500m2 of flat land. It is easily accessible and the best thing is that it’s right along the Camino Olvidado. It has a large outhouse called a txoko. The farmhouse is two storeys with a third storey attic which can be converted into a living space. It is approx 110m2. It was on the market for €230,000 which is an excellent price for the size and location. However, the house is in disrepair and would need a complete interior renovation which could cost up to €170,000.

When we first saw the building, we could see so much potential and it was perhaps the first time we had all agreed on a building we liked and that ticked all the boxes. A few months later, it was taken off the market. The owner told us that the property is an inheritance owned by a group of siblings, and since one family member disagreed with the conditions of the sale, they would not go ahead. As a family they are still working out an agreement.

We’re still talking to the owner and he is very aware of our interest. Please pray with us that it become available again!

If it does, God-willing we will have enough donations to buy the property.

Unfortunately we are not eligible to take out a loan with a local bank and so will be depending on raising the full amount or possible interest-free loans from Christian donors.