Chapter Happenings – Winter 2026
Following are highlights from just a few of the nearly 60 American Pilgrims chapters across the country. Learn more about our chapters and visit the events calendar for the latest on what our chapters are up to.
Puget Sound Chapter Walks the New 75 Mile Olmsted Loop
by Martha Crites | Puget Sound Chapter
Have you ever wished there was a Camino in your area? Last year, the Puget Sound Chapter discovered the Mountaineers in Seattle, WA, had mapped a circuit through the city’s beautiful Olmsted parks. The walks are six-mile sections from the city’s north to the south. By the time Puget Sound pilgrims walked the sections from the Ballard Locks, down Lake Washington in 2024, the Mountaineers had mapped new sections leading north along Puget Sound. Chapter pilgrims enjoyed camaraderie as they walked some of their neighborhoods and through hidden gems. The group held their final walk on a section of the loop in late December, with volunteers stepping up to lead walks on new sections in 2026.
West Michigan Chapter Inaugural Hike
by Will Oechsler | West Michigan Chapter
The newly chartered West Michigan Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino held its inaugural hike on November 28 at Seidman Park in Ada, Michigan.
Moon Over Albuquerque
by Paula Steele | Albuquerque Chapter
The Albuquerque Chapter enjoyed a walk through Oso Grande Park under a full moon on September 9.
3rd Sunday Tertulia
by Christine Petty | Colorado Front Range Chapter
The Colorado Front Range Chapter held its November 2025 Third Sunday Tertulia at Ultreia at Denver’s Union Station, bringing new and experienced pilgrims to talk about the Camino and share food and wine.
Holiday Party Closes Out a Great Year for the North Texas Chapter
by Kiki Lawson | North Texas Chapter
The North Texas Chapter capped off a great year of its highest-ever chapter event participation with a holiday party on December 7. Chapter coordinator John Venuto and his wife Allison, an American Pilgrims board member, graciously opened their home to more than 50 members, where the group enjoyed a two-mile hike followed by a potluck. We have lots of fun events planned for 2026, so if you’re in the North Texas area, come join us!
Lots of Good News from Portlandia!
by Cindy Kleinegger | Portlandia Chapter
The Portlandia Chapter now has not one, but two Camino book club groups! This is possible thanks to the commitment of two incredible chapter volunteers, Roger Mason and Julie Pietila, who are providing a new way to help keep the Camino spirit alive in Portlandia. Roger coordinates Book Club South and Julie coordinates Book Club Norte. Each hosted organizational meetings in September and book discussions in November, with plans to continue gathering every other month.
David Olmos has also stepped up as a new chapter co-coordinator, helping to ensure a bright future for the Portlandia Chapter. David replaces Cindy Kleinegger, who completed her term as co-coordinator in January.
Coordinators hosted a chili supper on November 2 for the chapter’s annual volunteer appreciation event for those who gave their time over the past year to make chapter events possible. Among those recognized was Rachel Ganzon, a valued volunteer and former chapter coordinator, who for two years has also served on the American Pilgrims board and was recently named board chair. We’re so proud of our Rachel!
The chapter held its final two hikes of 2025 on September 21 and October 19. Throughout 2025, the chapter hosted 429 pilgrim hikers and bestowed 82 shells and blessings.
