Through The Pyrenees

It’s a happy day! After two days of hiking we made it over the Pyrenees, completing one of the most difficult legs of the walk. Yesterday was extremely steep and today was less steep, but long. Fourteen miles today and between the two days, at least 1200 meters of elevation. 

Hard work, yet unbelievable. Spectacular views of grass covered mountains, lovely Basque farms, herds of sheep and cows, horses roaming free, and wooded paths. We felt like we were on top of the world! 

We took many little breaks along the way (who’d have thought there’d be a food truck?) but our bodies didn’t feel overly tired, as our minds were  enjoying the view and talking to other pilgrims on our path. 

We had a delicious pilgrim meal at Orrison last night and met many people (lots of Canadians and Ausies). We will do the same tonight. And thenwe’ll crash. An even longer walk tomorrow. Can’t wait!

Finally

Finally! After years of dreaming and months of planning our Camino journey has begun. We are on “Our Way.”

London was lovely. Lots of family time, garden picnics, walking, pubs, museums, and high tea. 

Feeling quite upbeat, we left the Maurers’ home early this morning to board the Euro Star which took us through the Chunnel and into Paris. Then another train to Bayonne where we boarded yet another train. That train took us through picturesque villages to the small town of St Jean Pied de Port in the Basque region of France. 

We’ll spend a day here to enjoy this lovely little Pyrenees town. Thursday morning we’re off. The first leg is quite a climb, but rather short. We’re looking forward to walking through this countryside. 

Less than a month to go

We have continued our training by walking more hills and with backpacks. We had a couple good 16 km 

( 10 miles ) hikes during our recent trip to CA with 

shorter 8-12 km most other days. Training is a little     tougher in the AZ heat but hopefully will be                worthwhile on the warm days on the Camino. 

We think we have all the grear we need ( and             probably more ). In the end, we will make what we     have work. We can get rid of anything we find is not worth carrying or we can buy anything we find we      really need. 

Our flight to London on August 20th is coming           quickly. We will spend 6 days with Casie before we    start our journey by train to St Jean Pied de Port to    start walking the Camino on August 29th. 

All of the things Chuck will be wearing and/or 

carrying. (At least at the beginning) Kathy’s is about    the same amount. When packed the backpack         weighs about 13 lbs without any water bottles which. will add a few lbs. 

 

Chuck’s backpack with patches, poles and scallop    shell. The scallop shell tied on with a spare shoelace.  ( trying to dual purpose as much as possible)was       hand painted by Kathy is the symbol of the Camino. 

Buen Camino

Packing

Part of mentally preparing for our Camino is limiting 

our worldly possessions and vanity. 

Many items are necessary. Two days change of 

clothing, an extra pair of socks, a few first aid items 

(primarily for our feet), a headlamp for early morning walking. 

Some items are personal preference. For instance, 

walking sticks, sleeping sheet vs. sleeping bag, 

sweater, down vest, or wind breaker. 

Other items, however, which are keeping me up at 

night are the items I want to pack which make me feel good about myself. A small curling iron, a dress to 

wear to dinner, some blush. 

Which brings me to my purpose for walking in the 

first place. My initial interest in pursuing this endeavor was adventure. I love to walk and I love the outdoors. What a fabulous way to enjoy both. 

But my goals have developed with time. I continue to want this walking adventure. But I also want to experience personal growth. And one area I can work on is 

worrying about my outward appearance. 

I have six weeks to decide. Do I really need that 

blush, that curling iron, or that dress? Maybe when I begin my Camino I will, but maybe by the time I reach Santiago I will have learned to love myself without all of that !

Two months away

We are about two months away from beginning our   adventure. Starting to train a little harder. Walking     more miles and doing more hill climbing. Also, in our  final stages of acquiring all the required clothing and equipment we think we need and think we can carry. Every thing is a compromise between need and do I want to carry it for 500 miles We are getting very        excited about this trip which we have been talking     about doing for 5 years but now have the time ( since Chuck retired ) to do it the way we want to do it. We will try to keep you up to date on our preparation and our Camino as it progresses.

The route we will take and the end goal.