3 weeks to go.......

I woke this morning and realized that in 3 weeks time I will be in Spain. The last week has been filled with other things and tasks not related to the Camino. We were blessed/lucky that hurricane Irma change course and stayed away from us. However there was a lot of preparation for the storm and possible evacuation. In the course of that preparation some of my camino items were used to the "emergency kit". Funny how those items can be used many ways. So now that the storm has passed I can put back my camino kit and get back to preparing for the way.

I really do need to have better focus and not let the time slip away with entertaining doubts and uncertainties.

Count down to Fall Camino

Just a quick post to say that as the week starts, so must my preparation for the camino must start. I have been putting things off lately. Well.....I could say other things just took priority, but no this has to be moved to a priority.

Today I did finish a packing list for my daughter Jessie. Jess will be joining me for the first bit of this adventure for a few days.  So that is one packing list down and one to go. I will be revamping my packing list and seeing what I can do without or have to add to.  Once I get that I will post it here. I am aiming to get that down the end of this week.

Started to get more serious on my stretching and strength training as well. More to follow on this as well.

Really I just wanted to let you all know that I am still around and look forward to writing more.

Thank you for reading my ramblings. I appreciate and it helps to keep me going!

Buen Camino!

Camino Oct 2017 - Time to prepare

Life has a funny way of changing on us. This past year I have had a lot of changes come my way. Some of those changes where not what I had hoped for but I am trying my best to see the opportunity for me to find my own path....my own way......on my own.

Since the beginning of 2017 nearly every aspect of my life has changed.  The first bit of the year I spent getting ready to move back to the United States in the spring.  There were of course a few things I had to do first. My sisters visits to Europe, which was wonderful, and then the Camino I did with my sister Donna, where we completed the last 100k and received our compostella.

In May I traveled from Europe back to America for my Grandsons graduation from high school. For his graduation gift we went on a trip just the two of us. Our trip was a seven day cruise to the western caribbean. We had a wonderful time.

I had made arrangements to stay with my daughter Audrey for a bit. Audrey also going through some changes in her life as well, so I came to be of emotional support for her and hope we could help each other through this time.

In June then I found myself looking for a job to help pay my way. I also had decided I would follow my dream of being a Travel Agent and open my own home based business.  So between learning a new job and taking courses for the travel agency and setting up a business, little time was left to write on the blog. Well to be honest...and I am trying to be more honest with myself....I let time slip away and the blog was put on the back burner.

As I worked on the business and thought of what sort of travel I would like to sell I kept coming back to an idea I have had to somehow incorporate the Camino.  An idea I have been working on is of being able to take a group of people on the camino. Perhaps a group of women, but it could be open to anyone. But a group in which we get together prior to the trip and do training walk and share packing tips and such. I am not sure exactly how it should all work just yet but it is a vision I have. Inspired by my own walk.  The more I thought of this the more I thought I need to go back and do the rest of the Camino Frances. After all I have walked from St Jean Pied de Port to Estella and then from Sarria to Santiago de Compestella.  There was talk of doing it in May prior to coming back over but it didn't work out. Then one day I felt the strong feeling I should go ahead and take the time to go in October, for my birthday.  This time I be walking on my own for the most part.

As my life changes and I take the time to do those things that are important to me, I see that writing this blog can help me stay focus and help me deal with the new road and path I find myself on.  It time I make myself a priority in my life. For too long I have put others ahead of myself. Its an odd feeling putting myself first and thinking of what I want.  I also hope that as I prepare for the walk and by doing the walk I find the strength within me to trust myself and accept myself for who I am.

I can see the path right ahead of me.....but I must trust I can make it through the fog.......

Life gets in the way......

MY WAY TO THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO·WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

Life has a way of getting in our way. Daily life, the to do list and the have to do things that make up our day to day existance often takes us away from our dreams and our callings. I know that is what happened for me over this summer. A lot of changes for me, change of residence, of jobs and so on. Events or situations that popped up in my life that had to be taken are of or dealt with. In dealing with these life events, I did not make time for keeping up on things that are truly important to me. Things such as posting to my blog or my Facebook page for the Camino. I realize that I need to make time for those things my heart is calling me to do. After all the life events and such will always be there, the key is to make time for me and my journey.

This picture, which was taken on The Camino Frances route, reminds me not to give up. Not to give up on my journey, my dream, myself. New day, new adventures.......

Next Camino Adventure starts Oct 4.....

Camino 2017- Sarria to Santiago

    This years trip to Spain was once again a wonderful experience.  So much to write about yet at this time that thing called Life has kept me from writing, journaling and blogging. Funny how life can do that.  Soon I will be starting a new chapter in my life and I have been busy preparing for moving back to the States in May.  With most of the packing and work done for that trip I can once again get back to writing about my Camino Experience.  I look forward to reliving it as I write it and share with you pictures of our journey along the way!


Thank you for being patient with me...this site is a work in progress....as I am.

Leaving out to Santiago Tomorrow

The time has come to head out to Munich and then onto Spain! Yeah!

I feel strong and ready for the trip. Still a little apprehensive as to how it will all pan out, but I know the Camino will provide and all will be well once we are there. I look forward to spending Holy Week on the Way!

Hoping to post a bit along the way. If not I will post once we get back.

Buen Camino!

Toiletries 2017

shampoo/conditioner/body wash
toothbrush and toothpaste

deodorant
hand sanitizer
emery board
chaffing stick/oil/cream
comb
baby powder Cotton swaps Glass cleaner Wet wipes Sunscreen

This year I am going to try the 3 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner and body wash.  I am also doing to take body wash with aromatherapy in it for relaxation.

Prayer for the Camino

I came across some prayers for the Camino and thought I would share them with you, one at a time. I thought as I prepare physically and mentally for the journey I should prepare spiritually as well. 

A Pilgrim's Prayer to St. James

This is an ancient prayer that comes at the end of the Pilgrim Mass said along the Camino de

Santiago:

"O God, who brought your servant Abraham out of the land of the Chaldeans, protecting him in

his wanderings, who guided the Hebrew people across the desert, we ask that you watch over us,

your servants, as we walk in the love of your name to Santiago de Compostela.

Be for us our companion on the walk,Our guide at the crossroads,

Our breath in our weariness, Our protection in danger,

Our albergue on the Camino,

Our shade in the heat,

Our light in the darkness,

Our consolation in our discouragements,

And our strength in our intentions.

So that with your guidance we may arrive safe and sound at the end of the Road and enriched

with grace and virtue we return safely to our homes filled with joy.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Apostle Santiago, pray for us.

Santa Maria, pray for us."

Slideshow of My Camino From St Jean Pied de Port to Estella.

First Aid Kit

Here is what is in my first aid kit.

Band-aides/plasters

Antibiotic ointment

Pain Reliever

Benadryl

Imodium

Prescription Medicine
Blister treatment/needle & thread
Moleskin
safety pins
tweezers
Body glide or vaseline
Pepto Bismol
tums-antacid


This is the one place I believe we pack most of our fears in. We fear the pain and the blisters of the walk, and with good reason.  However these items are fairly easy to find along the way. Either in markets or shops. In fact there was even some vending machines outside pharmacies that had all those first aid needs. Pain meds, band-aids, ice packs the works.  So I say yes pack an initial supply but you don't have to over pack.

However the one thing I did not find in the markets was antacid or anything for upset stomach. Especially with my lack of Spanish.  That is why this time I will carry those things with me.

Included also is body glide or vaseline to help with chaffing or blisters.  I have found small plastic bags that work great for putting my medicine in. I put the prescription label on the outside. It is lighter and takes up less space than the whole bottle.

The choice of pain relief is a personal one. One that is anti inflammatory will be of great benefit.  There are also creams that can be used.

All of this packs into the case you see in the bottom right corner and weighs in at about 4 oz.

Packing Our Fears.....or packing list 2017

Often have I read or hear the notion of "packing our fears" when talking about what to take on the Camino.  This year I am revamping my packing list and doing my best not to "pack my fears" but rather to be more realistic and having faith that the Camino shall provide.

I have learned some from my prior two times walking.  The first time I had spent a great deal of time and effort making sure I had what I needed, only to have the pack not arrive for the Camino. That year I saw first hand how "the camino will provide".   The second year I thought I had everything I needed. This time I found what I truly needed and things I forgot to bring and needed. Simple things like Tums antacid.

So this year I will do my updated packing list and post the complete list and also breaking down the individual kits, such as first aid or toiletries, and include photos.

Even though I am only going to a week at a time I think the packing list could be used for longer walks. After all they are plenty of places to restock on supplies.



Packing List 2017


Clothing

    walking shoes/hiking boots
    2 pairs of  trousers or leggings- I use convertible ones            
    1 pair of shorts or skirt for relaxing wear
    2 quick dry shirts-no cotton                                                        
    1 long-sleeve light-weight shirt                            
    3-4 pairs of socks (1 pair to sleep in)
    2 Bras- again quick dry/sport bras                                                 
    2-3 pairs of underwear                                  
     sleep wear- I use shorts & T-shirt                                                    
    1 fleece pullover                              
    1 pair of  gloves                                
     Light-weight rain poncho or water-proof rain jacket
    1 pair of light flip-flops for the shower-optional
    Cap or Sun hat
    Plastic backpack cover
    buff or scarf

Miscellaneous
      Passport

      camino passport

      ID cards
      money
     glasses- sun/reading
     shell
    Ear plugs
     journal & pen
     Small Guidebook -maps
     A few medium-sized safety pins
     flashlight/torch or use phone
   
Electronic Device- these are optional.
      Smartphone
       charger and adapters
       Battery charger
       Fitbit watch and cords
       Kindle with charging cord- for guidebooks
       Noise canceling Ear buds and case -
        Camera or use phone

Toiletries                                                    
    shampoo and conditioner
    body soap                        
    toothpaste and toothbrush
    Sunscreen  lotion (doubles up as moisturizer too)
    Small roll-on deodorant-(buy more as you go)
    Lip-balm
    toilet paper
    Tiny hairbrush or comb
    Towel-quick dry
    Baby wipes/wet ones

First Aid Kit
     Needle and thread
     Band-Aids/Compeed
     Moleskin
    Antiseptic cream
    Vaseline
    Duct-tape or medical tape
    Pain-killers
    personal meds
    Antacids
    Imodium or Pepto bismol

Sleeping bag or sheet/blanket-

Strength Training

While training for walking the Camino most of us will start by walking. Walking is a good place to start, however  it is also important to add strength training.  Well to be honest strength training is important for us just in doing our everyday activities. Especially as we get older we need to keep our muscle mass to continue to be active. When many hear strength training they think weight training and that can be scary for some. However you need not be scared.

Some may wonder why strength training is important or how it will help them. Well for starters if you plan on carrying a pack you will need to have a strong back, strong shoulders and back Not to mention strong legs to carry it all. Part of the training will be to walk with the pack at the weight you intend to carry, however prior to that having a good strong foundation is helpful.

There are many resources on line to help with strength training workouts especially for hiking and backpacking.  Some I have come across are:

http://www.backpacker.com/skills/the-workout-hike-farther-hike-stronger

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/conditioning-backpacking.html

https://www.verywell.com/weight-training-program-for-hiking-and-backpacking-3498750

http://www.bodyresults.com/s2hiking-strength.asp

So for me its time to add some strength training to my workouts. My training has been on again off again over the years, so at least I don't feel like I am starting at square one this time. I was happy with myself when I began my lifting again and found I could lift the same weight as before and in some cases more.  I went to the gym today and did my full body workout. I am sure I will be sore tomorrow, but for now I feel good and strong.  I also walked a bit and rode the bike for 30 minutes.


So all in all a good day!

5 weeks to this years Camino!

Five weeks from today I will head off to Spain to do the last 100km of Camino. So it is time for me to step up my training.

Today I did get out an walked about 8km's. The walk was good. The weather was decent as well. I am feeling more energized. My knees are doing much better today as well. I hate to admit that I was a bit apprehensive of this trip due to my knees giving me so much pain lately.  However now things seem to be getting better a little bit every day.


This week I intend to do more walking and to add some strength training and yoga. I will let you know how it goes.

I am back again....and ready to go!

The winter chill has passed and spring is on it's way, both literally and metaphorically for me.

I knew it had been a long time since I wrote, I just didn't realize it had been that long. Its been a long hard winter. Challenges my family and I have been facing have put my Camino aspirations on hold.
However with the melting of the snow I find myself ready for a new adventure or two.

Let me start off with stating that today, Feb 27, was my first day of training for my next Camino trip. Finally my body is getting better and I am working through the pain. My walk today was a short, sweet and easy one. Just to get back in the game.

In April my sister and I will be going to Spain to do the last 100km during Holy Week. I am really looking forward to it. It will be interesting to see how our trip goes.  This is the first time we have done anything like this together.

So that gives us 6 weeks from today to prepare. Walking today was a great way to jump start my training and it really helped with my mental state as well.

I shall post more frequently again, sharing my training and our adventure.

More soon.

Todays walk was an easy 5km. My knee felt fine walking but is a little stiff tonight.