Somerset West-based organisation for supporting people with disabilities, Senecio, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with “A Pilgrimage Of Hope” from Saturday September 22 to Friday October 5. covering 261km from Robertson to Agulhas in 14 days, in celebration of this milestone.
Annatjie van Niekerk, one of their founders, will be leading the pilgrimage, alongside Marie Voster.
Annatjie and Marie started Senecio in 2008, with one goal in mind – supporting people with disabilities, and that’s exactly what they did.
The route:
Day 1: Robertson – McGregor (20km) Easy
Day 2: McGregor – Die Galg (16km) Intermediate
Day 3: Die Galg – Greyton (14km) Hard
Day 4: Greyton – Kruising (23km) Intermediate
Day 5: Kruising – Wolfkraal (12km) Easy
Day 6: Wolfkraal – Tussenbeide (20km) Intermediate
Day 7: Tussenbeide – Volmoed (25km) Intermediate
Day 8: Volmoed – Hermanus (8km) Intermediate
Day 9: Hermanus – Wortelgat (5km) Easy
Day 10: Wortelgat – Gansbaai (22km) Intermediate
Day 11: Gansbaai – Baardskeerdersbos (25km) Hard
Day 12: Baardskeerdersbos – Elim (18km) Intermediate
Day 13: Elim – Springfield (28km) Hard
Day 14: Springfield – Agulhas (25km) Hard
Let’s all walk the talk with Annatjie…
Q : What is the longest walk you’ve done before?
A : The Primitivo – one of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimages in Spain (324km).
Q : Where will you be staying over on the pilgrimage?
A : In different lodgings – guesthouses, backpackers, in a barn on a farm, in private homes.
Q : What will you be eating on the pilgrimage?
A : We will only be carrying day packs – so during the day it will be crackers, fruit and nuts, but in the evenings we will eat a proper plate of food. Some of the lodgings include supper and breakfast but often we will have to eat what we can buy en-route.
Q : Do you need to be active and fit to join the pilgrimage?
A : Yes, we walk an average of 20km per day for 14 days. However, if you choose to only join us for a day, you can choose a day which is less strenuous.
Q : Will the pilgrimage costs be for my own account?
A : Yes, all monies raised will be for Senecio and not to cover our costs. We tried to keep costs as low as possible. The average cost is R200 per person per night.
Q: If I’d like to join the team, who should I contact?
A : Me, on anna@senecio.org.za If you want me to book accommodation, please contact me as soon as possible. You are also welcome to arrange your own accommodation.
Q : Can I join the pilgrimage for one day only?
A: Yes, take a look at our programme and pick a day> https://www.facebook.com/events/2076088985964130/
If you’d like to show your support and hike along a day or two, contact Annatjie on anna@senecio.org.za Alternatively you can send her a message of encouragement or contribute financially > https://www.givengain.com/ap/walkthetalk/
