Preparation

Since we decided to take this journey over a year ago, we have been doing a great deal of preparation to hopefully increase the probability of a successful endeavor. Getting ready has encompassed not only the obvious physical and practical, but the emotional and mental as well. Sometimes, the effort has seemed all-consuming and the idea of being in the moment of the journey itself in a few days is much anticipated.

I write these preparation notes so not only do we have a record of it for ourselves but also for those who might be considering such a journey themselves.

Physical

Although it would seem that physical training would be of utmost importance, it has really taken a back seat to other preparations. In addition to routine distractions, our training was disrupted when I had surgery the last day of January for a meniscus repair that had been plaguing me for months. Prior to, and for several weeks after, I had serious doubts as to whether I would be able to complete the journey. A return trip to the doctor for a cortisone shot on Monday has helped alleviate those concerns and left me feeling more confident.

For those days when we have managed training hikes, our favorite trail has been the new Badger Mountain Trail. It is 6 miles round trip and probably most resembles what we anticipate finding in Spain. We plan to take a minimum of 40 days to walk the 500 miles which means about 13 miles each day, only twice the distance of our longest training hikes, but hey, who's worried? We will just have to complete our training as we begin our hike.

Logistical and Practical

It has been said that you should not "pack your fears" and we are trying hard not to do that. With the recommendation to carry no more than 10-12% of our body weight, choosing the right equipment has become an all-consuming activity in and of itself. REI must love us, given the number of trips and money spent on the quest for ultralight "everything" - sleeping bags, backpacks, trouser, shirts, underwear, rain gear, headlamps, containers, utensils, etc.

With only a day away from our departure, I finally decided between two backpacks. This does indeed show the "obsessive" side of me and the battle that can sometimes ensue. In this case, it is a battle of backpack weight vs. structure. The Go-Lite weighs just over a pound but is frameless pack which sometimes doesn't keep weight off the shoulders as it should. The other, an Osprey, weights two pounds but has a frame which could make a heavier load feel lighter. I opted for the Osprey, primarily because I like the way it packs better.

Another difficult gear choice for me has been the boots I plan to wear. I bought both Vasquez and Keen boots, each with their advantages. I decided on the Keens, however, primarily because of their added toe room and a little more cushion in the heel. I was also challenged as to which backup shoes to take and just today chose some Ecco sandals, figuring my toes might appreciate the wiggle room!

We plan to be gone for a total of 65 days. As for logistics, we will fly into Paris and spend four days there before we head off to the start of the Camino Frances in St. Jean Pied de Port. We also built an extra 10 days in Portugal that we can use if it turns out we need more than 40 days to complete our journey. We figure slow and easy is sure to finish. Yes, we plan to be turtles.

Mental and Emotional

Preparing mentally and emotionally for such a long distance has probably been the most challenging. As I have been thinking about the possibility of walking much of the trail with knee discomfort, I reflect on my brother who, despite his physical challenges, achieved so much in his 20 years, inspiring all who knew him. Therefore I have decided that I am going to make this journey in honor of him and the impact he had on my life. Hopefully at those time of inevitable discouragement, when I think of my brother, I will get the encouragement I need.

One of the traditions of the pilgrimage is to carry a rock from where you live to deposit at the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). I have chosen a small rock with a fissure shaped like a cross that I discovered on one of our training walks. Fred is carrying a rock from his dad and each of his brother's gravesites which I think is really neat. In addition to my small rock, I am also carrying a small pewter heart like one I gave each of my sisters in memory of our mom.

Another attempted preparation has been to learn Spanish. I was told some time ago by a young person that I was too old to learn a foreign language and despite much determination, I am beginning to think they were at least partially right. After six months of spending significant time on it, while I may know many more words than before, I would most certainly be thrown into a panic to try and converse in Spanish. Oh to have the mind of a young person!

We have read several books written by previous peregrinos (Camino pilgrims) over the past year to provide some insight as to what we might expect in our journey. Blisters, missing toenails nd sore knees were a common theme. Our favorite was "The Way, My Way" by Bill Bennett. We loved the humor he had in challenging situations and also the way he embraced the entire Camino experience.

I have downloaded the daily devotional, "Jesus Calling" of which I have a hard copy that was given to me by a dear dear friend. I hope to continue the daily spiritual guidance it has already provided me.

I am certain there is much more in the way of preparing for this crazy journey but I must call it good, for the moment anyway.

 

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