When I finally locked in my trip to Spain, to walk the Camino de Santiago, my friend Cameron Kopf had one of the most enthusiastic responses. He was truly excited for me, and looked forward to following my Facebook posts and subscribing to this blog. Those who knew Cameron know that he could fill a space with his positive vibe. He loved life, and to share his love for it with everyone near and far. I didn’t know Cam all that well, yet we shared a friendship important to us both. We had met in Mexico, where both he and I played French horn in various of the orchestras. I saw him next four years ago when I bumped into him playing a concert with another good hornplaying friend, Susan Vollmer. I was in San Francisco to run the SF Marathon. Sue has been living and working in SF for years. Cam lived up in the mountains somewhere, but remained busy as a freelance horn player and then as leader and tuba player of a mixed ensemble of musicians.

Sadly, Cameron passed away about 10 days before I left for Spain, victim of a massive heart attack. The last thing he had posted on my FB page was something to the effect he believed in a past life I had been a Pilgrim walking the Camino. I thought about Cam and his last comments as yesterday I walked through the pass from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles, through the Pyrenees, especially when I walked past this cross, high in the mountains with swirling fog all around.

Rest in Peace, Cameron. I know you wouldn’t miss my adventure. I’m sure you are along for the walk.