Back to the Caminho da Fe

In 2011, Tony Portera , Jarom Thurston and I became the first individuals to run Brazil's Caminho da Fe,or The Path of Faith. Beginning in Cravinhos and ending in Aparecida, the journey was roughly 345 miles in 7d14h. Along the way we participated and competed in the Brazil 135. No one has ever attempted to run the Brazil 135 as well as cross the entire Path of Faith. We became the first trio to do so, and it was a life changing journey. Our pilgrimage ended at the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida. The history behind the statue and shrine is pure inspiration and a beautiful story of faith. If you are interested in learning more, here are a couple of links.

Caminho da Fe, Sao Carlos is the start this year

http://www.marypages.com/LadyAparecida.htm


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_the_National_Shrine_of_Our_Lady_of_Aparecida


The Path of Faith was originally comprised of three main branches -  the West branch, the North branch and Northwest branch which unite to form one single route. The Path is marked with yellow signals and arrows pointing Pilgrims in the right direction. Pilgrims are given the option to take longest route from one of the three "branch" cities or the ability to  start anywhere along the Path that they choose. The Path crosses fields, woods, and mountains, affording the Pilgrims a unique experience; one of introspection, contact with nature, and healthy exertion. It traditionally takes 17 to 20 days to complete the longest route on foot, given that the pilgrim walks between 20 and 30 kilometers a day (about 12-19 miles). Cyclists have completed the path in roughly 8 to 10 days. Similar to the Camino de Santiago, Caminho da Fé offers a credencial, or pilgrim's passport, which is stamped along the way and exchanged for a certificado at the basilica. The Path is magical. From each Posada along the way,offering lodging to weary travelers, to the Brazilian people as a whole, who champion each pilgrim by offering food and drink, this is certainly much more than a "bucket list" item..... it is a transformational experience.

Crendencial or Pilgrim's passport

 



Tony, Jarom and I 2011 finishing Brazil 135

 

 

Our Lady of Aparecida

 

http://www.caminhodafe.com.br/eprincipal.html


On January 16, 2013 Tony Portera and I will, for the second time,  be embarking on this path. This time, our journey will be from Sao Carlos to Aparecida, approximately 351miles over 6 days. As before, we will both be competing in the Brazil 135 along the way. Here is our schedule:

Jan. 16:  67.1 miles from São Carlos to Tambaú

 

Jan. 17:  66.3 miles from Tambaú to Aguas Da Prata

Jan. 18:  71.5 miles of the Brazil 135

Jan. 19:  63.5 miles of the Brazil 135 to Paraisópolis

Jan. 20:  38.5 miles from Paraisópolis to Campos do Jordáo

 

Jan. 21:  44.8 miles from Campos do Jordáo to Aparecida

This will be a far more ambitious undertaking than our last effort. It is more miles over a shorter time frame. I have said before that Brazil has uphills, downhills and flat hills, thus  making 60+ miles a day very taxing, to say the least. Also, our crossing is in January, which is not only summer but is also the rainy season in Brazil. This provides its own potential complications including significant rain and  very high humidity. We will be running this Path not only as individuals, but in the spirit of the ultra community; one that has afforded us unbreakable bonds and extended family. Our Pilgrimage is also  in support of our i2P and CAF families.  If you are not familiar with those great non-profits, please check them out. You will be inspired and called to action by what they are up to. As always, I am being prepared and trained both physically and mentally for this journey by my good brother and i2P founder Ray Zahab.


Facebook friends can follow our journey here:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/359242620828154/