Diane Bergmann
When we think about what makes a pilgrimage truly meaningful, it’s not just the landscape or the destination—it’s the people who walk alongside you. For the upcoming Portuguese Coastal Camino tour, we’re thrilled to have Fred and Shirley leading the way. I connected with Fred & Shirley to get a glimpse of their hearts, their experiences, and what travelers can expect on this transformative journey.
Diane: Can you tell us a little about your own journey with the Camino—what first drew you to it?
Fred: I am an introvert and am drawn to silence and contemplation. I thought walking the Camino would benefit me personally, and also in my work as a pastor. We were planning a Camino tour and then COVID hit. We finally walked the trail in September 2024, leading a TourMagination group.
Shirley: (In addition to Fred’s answerJ) And I’m an extrovert and enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their journeys.
Diane: What is a favorite memory from one of your previous Camino experiences?
Shirley: Just one? When I walked into a small beautiful old church for a pilgrim passport stamp, there was a group of youth travelers sitting in the pews and they were singing Allelu. It was heartwarming.
Diane: How do you create a supportive and meaningful experience for travelers of all levels?
Shirley: We stress each day at the start, as a group, that this Camino is not a race—it’s a journey, and we’re all on our own journeys, physically and spiritually. At the end of the day, we offer the option for those who want to share insights to gather as a group.
Diane: What roles do reflection and storytelling play in your daily Camino walks?
Fred: I send out a series of devotionals for each day before the walk begins. Last time I included Van Gogh's Good Samaritan painting as a visual guide. In the morning, one of us prays for the day. In the evening, after supper, we go around a circle sharing a story from the day. You can choose not to say anything.
Diane: What are some of the hidden gems along the path that you think travelers will love?
Shirley: It’s so important to ‘stop and smell the roses’ as they say. It’s interesting how many of us on the Camino at the end of the day saw things or experienced something that others missed. You’ll marvel at the age and structures of churches, farmhouses, towns, including cobblestone roads, and sometimes walking near the coast. The cafés on the way are a great place to meet new people.
Diane: What do you hope each participant takes away from this pilgrimage experience?
Fred: I hope that the walk would slow down your life, and by walking you would notice things in nature that you have not seen before. Stop for coffee or tea, walk into a small church, stop at a bridge, look at the sky and enjoy your walking step by step.
Diane: Can you share a story of a moment on the Camino that surprised or delighted you?
Fred: Our guide told our group on the first morning that we should not try to walk together as a group. This will frustrate the fast walkers and will make the slow walkers feel bad. It was great advice, and we found our own pace often walking with each other on different days.
Diane: If someone has never done a pilgrimage before, what encouragement would you give them?
Shirley: This Camino is good for the first time traveler. Whether you prefer to walk alone or with others, it’ll be an experience you won’t forget. And don’t worry about age, we’ve walked with pilgrims over 80.
Fred and Shirley bring more than experience—they bring heart. Their warmth, storytelling, and thoughtful reflections guide every step, helping travelers transform a walk into a pilgrimage. Whether you’re drawn to the breathtaking coastline, the rich history, or the chance for personal reflection, this Camino tour offers a journey that lingers long after you return home.
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What do 2024 TourMagination Camino travelers have to say about their experience with Fred & Shirley?
“Our Camino experience was amazing from beginning to end. Thank you TourMagination and Fred and Shirley for taking care of every detail so that our focus could be on the journey versus on the logistics.”
—Randy & Karen
“I had to be persuaded to sign up for the Camino walk, but I am so glad I did. The time walking provided an opportunity to clear my mind of daily worries and think about what’s really important to living a meaningful life. It was such a positive experience, that I hope to do another walk with TourMagination sometime.”
—JB
