March 2012 - Planning

Just looking out there on the horizon, the first thing is to get started on the Spanish Language ... CDs and tapes from the Leominster Public Library with plenty of commute time in the car.  Right now:  Parle francais, mais no hablo Castillano!  At least right now.   Let's see how this goes!

One of the lessons we have come across is that one planning the Camino must carry a load weight of not more than 10% of ones body weight.  That will mean, something on my back of no more than 15.0 - 15.5 lbs. and that includes the water and food I carry for the day as well ... everything!

Rather than do this all at once next year, I will gradually make the purchases I need.  I have some items already - a suitable t-shirt and a pair of Railrider's Adventure Pants.  Perfect - a good start.

First stop:  Back to the Railrider's catalog.  ultra-light, quick-dry shorts and a long sleeved shirt that will meet the same criteria.

But I also have to think about socks, a hat, t-shirts, a poncho, and hiking shoes.  Waterproof and nothing made of cotton.  Looking for quick-drying clothing and, of course, ultra-light.

Jack found that one needs a wide brimmed hat (360 degrees), and he had one that his son Kevin didn't want.  It was fashioned by Tilley of Canada perfect.  And so that was the next purchase I would make.

New Tilley Hat - Tags Attached

 And so it would go for the next several months....

Lots of talk on the phone, skype contacts, and emails.  The Camino Forum and American's on The Camino provide a wide range of topics and information.  Facebook (and I am sure Twitter) have a presence too ... continual chatter and information.  We checked it all, taking mental notes and some written ones.  After all ... many of the contributors have actually completed the Camino.  They probably know what's really out there.

In short, the questions seem to be two in broad scope.  Essentially, "What to take?" and "What travel arrangements should I make?"  The chosen starting point would be St. Jean Pied du Port, France situated just north of the Pyrenees in SW France.  But, travel accommodations are not easy.

Jack's daughter, Meghan, who had seen the movie The Way returning home from a school trip to Africa, did the travel research for us. The best option seemed to be as follows:  fly to Paris, train to Bayonne, France followed another train to St. Jean Pied du Port.  Returning home would be arranged from Santiago de Compostella by flying first to Madrid and then back home to Logan.

January 2012 - The Beginning

Several years ago, I read one of the many books available about the Camino.  I'm not even sure what drew me to it, but in reading, I thought it might be an adventure for another day.  This year, Jack and Ellen came across the movie The Way, and told Kathy and me that we should go see it.  They were intrigued.

A couple weeks later, it came to a nearby theater in Worcester, and we saw it just after Christmas of last year.  No question, I have to do it.  We couldn't avoid the excitement.

Jack and Ellen are committed and so I too will join them.  The date ... Spring 2013.  Unfortunately, Kathy's knee and ankle will not allow her to go, but in spirit, she will be with me.

I guess that pretty well seals the deal on my retirement.  That will have to happen first.  Ahead of us now for this adventure:  the planning, the gear purchases, the web site reviews, the blogs, the maps, the Spanish language, and the books.  So much to do, so little time.  Let's get this thing started right now.  May 2013 will come quickly.