Archives for April 2014

Happy Easter everyone. Had a great day with my family and extended family today. Now I am at the airport waiting to board my flight to Los Angeles and then on to Paris.
 
 So far so good. I was able to take my walking sticks (walking aids) through TSA security. Next stop will be through security at the international terminal at LAX.
 
 No problem at LAX.
 
 The anxiety of leaving my family is stronger this year. I know all will be well and the Camino will be awesome but it’s a little different.
 
 I am very excited to meet my camino friend Paul in Paris.
 
 Cheers for now
 
 
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Location:Earhart Dr,Sacramento,United States

It is funny how even though I have walked the Camino before it is still a bit stressful to decide what goes and what stays. I have been training with a full pack including about 3 liters of water for the past month or so. When I got back from the Camino last year I unpacked my backpack, washed everything that needed to be washed and then repacked it all. The good news about that is the things I left / donated to the Camino last year did not get repacked. The bad news is that I have added things that I think I will need. Fortunately, not too many.

Yesterday I completely emptied my pack again. I sprayed the pack with premethrin, to help deter bedbugs. I also sprayed my sleeping bag. I was fortunate last year to avoid bed bugs but I really think it might be just the luck of the draw. I then checked to make sure I had all of the toiletries that I would need. It is very minimum fortunately. Checked for clothes anything else I might need. Fortunately, Spain is a beautiful modern country so there is really no problem getting anything that you need along the way.

Last year I took my Ipad and an Ipod touch and a phone. Too much. this year I am taking an Ipad mini and my Spain phone. The Ipad mini will also be my camera, music player if I want, and communication device. I will be able to Skype with my family and also imessage. There is tons of free WiFi on the Camino.

Today I will unpack and repack again just to double check that I have everything. Funny enough I will have too much and will most likely leave things along the way. It is part of learning to let go.

The last preparation that I make is spiritual. Well, not really the last but certainly the most important to me. Last year I began the week after Easter and will again this year. It is such a blessing to be able to go to church all during the lenten season culminating at the Easter vigil and Easter Sunday before walking the Camino.

Tomorrow afternoon I will begin the journey to Saint-Jean-Pied-Du-Port, France. On Tuesday April 22 I will begin the Camino again. 480 miles in about 30 days. I am so excited.