Vinsman

My Adventures Walking the Camino de Santiago

Archives for March 2013

Dedication

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It occurred to me while I was enjoying a great Easter with my family tonight that in fact I have already witnessed amazing strength and and perseverance.

My mom has always been a very strong person. She never complained about anything, always had a very positive attitude and just did her thing. My brother and I always saw it but frankly just took it for granted. Mom always was busy with a successful career as an interior designer. She traveled the country as we were growing up working with clients, and helping young designers become more successful through a system that she designed. She was very active.

Mom had always been a runner, but one day decided to get serious. She began to train for a marathon and over the next few years ran in and completed several the last in 2008.

Sometime around 2008 or 2009 she began to faint when she stopped running. She was diagnosed with low blood pressure but she still kept going. The challenges continued but my mom always kept a smile on her face and that same big positive attitude. In 2010 her diagnosis was changed to Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). MSA is currently incurable. The disease attacks the autonomic systems of the body. My mom has stayed strong and positive even as this evil disease has continued to attack her body.

Today, she must stay laying down with her feet elevated to keep from passing out. Her voice is now beginning to go, and yet she is still positive with a great attitude.

Today as I sat at our Easter dinner table I realized that my mom was the strongest person that I know. If I can be only half as strong and determined as my mom I should have no problem completing the Camino.

I know you are with me Mom. Love you.

Camino Resources

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Here are some of the great resources that I have accessed or used to prepare for my Camino.

First and most importantly American Pilgrims on the Camino APOC I strongly encourage all Pilgrims to join this amazing organization. The members and volunteers in this organization are simply passionate about all things Camino. You can join a chapter in your local area. Each local chapter offers walks around the area, the opportunity to get together with past and future pilgrims to learn about the Camino, how to prepare, what to take, and probably more importantly what not to take. Once a year the whole group gets together for the annual gathering. This past March it was held in Santa Barbara at Old Mission Santa Barbara. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend. What a great even. A great opportunity learn from so many past pilgrims who attended. Everyone was so open and willing to share any and all information. The class sessions were also great. I came away with some great ideas, and a bunch of new friends.

Camino Adventures web site is another great resource

Camino Santiago is another great site.

Facebook has a group called American Pilgrims On the Camino. Search it out on Facebook.

Lastly there are a great many books, Guidebooks, and maps available on Amazon.com

Buen Camino

Choosing what equipment to use and take

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What I have learned about equipment is that it is all about personal preference. Each pilgrim needs to decide what foot ware they will use, backpack they will carry and what hydration method they will use. It’s all personal but you must own it once you decide.

As a general guideline it is widely accepted that you should try to carry no more than 10% of your body weight. That is easier for me as my weight is up there, but will be a challenge for many.

Footwear is a major decision. There are many choices, boots, shoes, or even hiking sandals. After trying several pairs of boots I settled on Lowa Renegade GTX mid boots. They just felt right and work for me. I will also bring Ecco walking sandals as my second pair of shoes.

As far as packs go I went to REI and got fitted. They were super helpful. In the end though I choose a golite pack that is 50ltrs but only weighs 1lb 14oz saving almost 2lbs over most other packs that I looked at or tried. I loved the Osprey packs but wanted less weight.

For hydration I started with a 3ltr bladder system. For me I decided that it was simply to hard to get the water I wanted out of the tube system. So I now use two 36oz water bottled one in each pouch on the side of my pack. I am able to access them without taking my pack off. This is something you want to check out.

After spending the last six months training with my full pack, waring my boots I am happy with my choices for now.

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