A few years ago, my friend Minke asked if I wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago with her.  I, of course, said, “Yes!”

The time has come.  We leave TOMORROW to walk the Camino Frances route, 500 miles from Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.  After spending a night in Paris and a couple of days in Saint Jean, we start walking on Monday, April 21.  The first day:  up and over the Pyrenees!

To say I’m excited is an UNDERSTATEMENT.  I am thrilled, eager, and joyful.  I am also a bit anxious and nervous…which is to be expected.

Our plan:  We booked with Camino Ways, so our accommodations, luggage transfers, breakfasts, and most dinners are all pre-arranged.  Our focus will be on putting one foot in front of the other while carrying a daypack with what we need for that day.  Interspersed among our 34 walking days are four rest days.  In Leon, Heather will join us and in Sarria, Kayla and Traci will connect with us. 

My blogging intention:  The purpose of this walk is to immerse myself in the environment, allow my mind to wander and reflect as it so chooses, and enjoy the community on the Camino.  However, I know me.  I know I will want to take photos; I also don’t want to be tied to my camera or to a laptop.  So I will snap photos that interest me with my phone and, on our rest days, perhaps upload them to my blog.  My thought is to minimize technology use by relying on the Relive app to track where I’ve walked while automatically linking my photos to the route itself.  Of course, we shall see!  If and when I post, I will let you know!  🙂

Buen Camino!!!