Three months from today I’ll be strapping on my backpack, picking up my hiking poles and beginning the ascent to cross over the Pyrenees from France into Spain.  As I meander through my days, the Camino is never far from my thoughts. My list grows and then shrinks as I think about all the things I may or may not need to take with me for the 40+ days of living out of a backpack.

I’ve read several books written by pilgrims who have made the trek; and they all just make me that much more excited to go. I’m following a forum (created by a former pilgrim who now lives in Santiago) where others who have already walked one or many times – as well as those who are there now –  contribute up-to-date conditions, information and helpful tips. Today a Spanish forum member posted this: “And don’t forget: You really begin your Way as soon as you start thinking about it¡¡¡ (and it’s VERY adictive)”. So VERY true!!  

The Camino Francés is busy this year. Not only is it a Holy Year (postponed from last year because of Covid), there are many people who have waited for covid to wane that are finally going. Being an introvert, that part freaks me out just a little. I’m not big on crowds. But meeting people from all over the world who are there for the common goal of walking the Camino will surely make it interesting and fun. Everyone who’s done a Camino always talks about the people they’ve met.

Taking this trip is ‘up there’ with the most important and transforming things in my life – getting married, having kids, going back to college in my 50s… And time’s not slowing down, so this thing is especially huge.

The butterflies are beginning to flutter…