As I type this blog it is 5.30am and only 24 hours before we leave for our second adventure on the Camino Frances route. I know it’s a cliche but Rachel and I sat and watched The Way yet again last night to get us in the mood (not that we need any more encouragement as we are both rather excited!).
Julie made me chuckle
Julie made me chuckle last night as we were sending each other messages on Facebook to go through our packing list. We certainly have completely different priorities when it comes to what we are taking on the Camino. She has a bikini and I have a mini printer! My pack weighs about 14llbs at the moment, so I was at a quandary whether to take my boot dryers with me, so I asked Julie’s opinion. Knowing that it will be late October / early November and the chance of getting wet feet is highly likely, this is how the conversation went..
Me: Looks like it will be wet and warm. Should I take my boot dryers? They are a bit heavy.
Julie: If you can carry them take them, you’ll never get to use them otherwise !! On the other hand, I bet very few people have boot dryers and still manage the Camino regardless!!
She certainly knows how to put things into perspective!
My final thoughts before we set sail
This time round I intend to enjoy the actual journey. There is an old saying “it’s about the journey, not the destination” and that is so true. The great thing about walking the Camino in stages is that you have time to reflect on the previous adventure, which just makes the next adventure more pleasurable. How am I going to enjoy the journey more?
- Stop looking at my watch and panicking about free beds! There was always room at the inn. If not, there will be another hostel!
- Spend more time talking to people along the way
- Take more photos and videos
- Explore the churches and the villages more than I did previously. I did not really take time out to stop and absorb my surroundings as much as I could have last time. I have downloaded an app called OSMAnd Maps which links to Wikipedia listings via geolocation. So each time I pass a church or significant monument or town, I simply click on the app and I can read the history.
Beun Camino my friend.
Buen Camino, amigas! My best wishes to Julie, Rachel & you, Julia. Anything you need to know, feel free to ask. Remember, we’ve been there!!!
P.S.: I’m with Julie about a boot dryer (btw, I’ve never seen one of them, so I would never ever think about carrying it to the Camino). If boots get wet, stop until they dry! ;O)
[Newspaper sheets inside may be a solution…]
So you don’t think I should take my boot dryers? The are not heavy and they will make my feet toasty warm and dry. I was just thinking that it would be wetter in October than June (when we went last time).
Have fun, don’t take the boot dryers I doubt if you will use them and Julie don’t take the bikini it won’t be that warm in late October.
x
Boot dryers have been removed!
Jane – did you take your poles on the airplane in your rucksack?