After thinking about this for a while, joining the Denver Chapter of the American Pilgrims on various local get together walks, and looking at each other with that look, we have officially begun our Camino. By that I mean, we have purchased our airline tickets! Now the questions begin. Or do they? Now the ‘flow’ begins….. We have decided together that we would like to be open to where and how this amazing journey will take us. We are blessed to be able to have almost two months duration in which to experience the Way of St. James. We are not planning on taking that long but we are happy to have the luxury of time if we need it.
For friends and family who are not familiar, the Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage walk that stretches across northern Spain from St. Jean Pied de Port in France allllll the way to Santiago nearly 500 miles. This walk has been popularized in recent years by the movie The Way, starring Martin Sheen and his son in real life Emilio Estevez. I highly recommend viewing this movie for a depiction of what might be expected.
We are avid hikers and walkers so we will be in somewhat good shape but we have never attempted to walk 15 or more miles in one day…well at least I (Cayce) haven’t. I am anxious, nervous but more and more excited! There are villages, towns and cities along the way with all levels of accommodations and restaurants that leave other packing, such as tents, cooking utensils, and food as an option only. We are currently getting our kit together (our backpacks) which hopefully will not weigh more than 10% of our body weight. On our local hikes we are scrutinizing our shoes and socks, wondering if they will be the right thing for this arduous walk. In addition, to get ready, we will also be attending a potluck with the Denver Chapter at the end of the month to talk to other potential, planned and returned pilgrims who will no doubt fuel our excitement and answer our unending questions.
You guys rock. I've always wanted to do that hike. A friend in Conifer is doing it in 3 weeks. She should be back by august. You might like to chat with her!
ReplyDeleteHi Bobbe, it was great seeing you guys last night even though I couldn't hear a damn thing over the music! :) You should do the hike. You'd be surprised at how many women do it alone. We've met so many cool people from Denver at the American Pilgrims group and a few of them women going solo. (that is if John is not down). Would love to talk to your friend.
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