The University of Wisconsin – Marathon County Office of Continuing Education is offering an educational lecture by Bill Bertram on his amazing experience walking the El Camino in Portugal.

his lecture is followed by an authentic, catered Portuguese meal, on Friday, March 16, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the UW Marathon County, Center for Civic Engagement. Reservation deadline of March 9, 2018. For more information or help in registering, please call the Office of Continuing Education at 715-261-6294.

In October of 2017, Bill Bertram ventured on a personal journey of discovery and pilgrimage on the El Camino de Santiago, in Portugal. Bill followed in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims that have made this same walk from starting points throughout Europe since the middle ages. Pilgrims have been seeking salvation and inspiration at the tomb of Saint James the Apostle in Santiago, Spain in ancient and modern times. The pilgrimage site is the most visited site in Christendom today with over 250,000 people walking the El Camino or “The Way.” The walking journey started in the hamlet of Vila Nova De Cervetra in Northwest Portugal and ended 128 miles and eight days later at the pilgrims mass at the Cathedral de Santiago in Northwest Spain.

hat started out as a “Bucket List” adventure ended with personal reflections and inspirations from the pilgrims one meets along the way!

Bill Bertram has been a traveler most of his life, always wondering what was over the next hill. As an avid reader of European history, he had the pleasure of living in Holland for three years and had maintained a home there until the summer of 2017. He has traveled to 61 countries and six continents. What makes traveling so special to him is the people and friendships that you develop along the way. The bread you break and the wine you share with new friends!

Prior to retiring in 2016, Bill was the Business Leader for Marathon Electric/Regal Beloit in Wausau and the Managing Director for Regal Europe. Today, he consults with Regal businesses around the world and spends time planning the next hike, adventure or trip!

This event includes lecture and catered meal by Rockman’s Catering at $35/person. Reservation deadline of March 9, 2018. For more information or help in registering, please call the
Office of Continuing Education at 715-261-6294.