A Million Steps

[A Good Wander]

A million steps
before the first is taken—
my Camino!

After 15 years of dreaming and, seemingly, a million steps of preparation, I am leaving tomorrow morning to walk the Camino de Santiago! After a day in Paris hanging out with my brother, niece and nephew who happen to be in Europe right now, I'll take a TGV train from Montparnasse to St. Jean Pied de Port on Wedenesday. After picking up my pilgrim passport, I'll start for Orisson at about 2pm.

I can't wait!

As I go, I feel blessed by the many friends and family who have made this trip possible, and especially: an old Camino veteran, who first inspired me to take this pilgrimage many years ago, my wife who gave me her Air Canada credit voucher and said, "This is your Camino flight—stop talking and go already!", my boys who are cheering me on, my employer granting me the time away, all of you on this forum (so incredibly helpful!) and so many others.

I will walk with all of these people in my heart, their presence lightening my steps along the way.

With much love and deep gratitude,
Peter

PS. I've attached my packing picture (11lbs from skin out, yay!) and my journal tracker I created to track daily distances, % walked barefoot (favourite footwear for this hippie ), mood, and weather. Looking forward to documenting each day.

 

[Ekelund]

I'm curious to hear about you walking barefoot.
May you have a wonderful Camino!
Buen Camino to you.

 

[mspath]

I am certain that today you are VERY excited.

Have a wonderful Camino! May all your dreams and planning come true.

As Sir Walter Raleigh wrote in the 16th century in His Pilgrimage

"GIVE me my scallop-shell of quiet,
My staff of faith to walk upon,
My scrip of joy, immortal diet,
My bottle of salvation,
My gown of glory, hope's true guage;
And thus I'll take my pilgrimage...."

Ultreia!

 

[nycwalking]

Buen barefoot camino!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

A million steps
before the first is taken—
my Camino!

After 15 years of dreaming and, seemingly, a million steps of preparation, I am leaving tomorrow morning to walk the Camino de Santiago! After a day in Paris hanging out with my brother, niece and nephew who happen to be in Europe right now, I'll take a TGV train from Montparnasse to St. Jean Pied de Port on Wedenesday. After picking up my pilgrim passport, I'll start for Orisson at about 2pm.

I can't wait!

As I go, I feel blessed by the many friends and family who have made this trip possible, and especially: an old Camino veteran, who first inspired me to take this pilgrimage many years ago, my wife who gave me her Air Canada credit voucher and said, "This is your Camino flight—stop talking and go already!", my boys who are cheering me on, my employer granting me the time away, all of you on this forum (so incredibly helpful!) and so many others.

I will walk with all of these people in my heart, their presence lightening my steps along the way.

With much love and deep gratitude,
Peter

PS. I've attached my packing picture (11lbs from skin out, yay!) and my journal tracker I created to track daily distances, % walked barefoot (favourite footwear for this hippie ), mood, and weather. Looking forward to documenting each day.

I will be 5 days behind you, starting May 7, arriving along the same route as you, also from Canada.

 

[Buz Radican]

Leaving SJPdP Wednesday as well, stopping at Orisson for the night. Hope to meet you.

Buz, An Old Man On The Way

 

[A Good Wander]

I'm curious to hear about you walking barefoot.
May you have a wonderful Camino!
Buen Camino to you.

Thanks @Ekelund!

Yes, barefooting For the last four years I have hiked unshod and love it. It takes time to build up but I find it the most wonderful, sense stimulating, foot strengthening way to walk.

I am confident yet sober about doing this on the Camino and will bring minimalist sandals (Xero clouds) and Merrell trail gloves along as well.

Typically, all natural surfaces are excellent and very feet friendly. Cut gravel is not impossible but certainly less enjoyable.

I know there's precedent for this and I'm inspired by my fellow Canadian Sue Kenney who walked the Camino barefoot and has written about it here and elsewhere.

Stay tuned, I'll post how it's going

Peter

 

[A Good Wander]

I am certain that today you are VERY excited.

Have a wonderful Camino! May all your dreams and planning come true.

As Sir Walter Raleigh wrote in the 16th century in His Pilgrimage

"GIVE me my scallop-shell of quiet,
My staff of faith to walk upon,
My scrip of joy, immortal diet,
My bottle of salvation,
My gown of glory, hope's true guage;
And thus I'll take my pilgrimage...."

Ultreia!

Thanks for the wish and the beautiful poem, @mspath!

 

[A Good Wander]

I will be 5 days behind you, starting May 7, arriving along the same route as you, also from Canada.

Thanks @MichelleElynHogan! Buen Camino! Hope to see you

 

[A Good Wander]

Leaving SJPdP Wednesday as well, stopping at Orisson for the night. Hope to meet you.

Buz, An Old Man On The Way

Excellent, @Buz Radican, see you soon!

 

[Former member 49149]

A million steps
before the first is taken—
my Camino!

After 15 years of dreaming and, seemingly, a million steps of preparation, I am leaving tomorrow morning to walk the Camino de Santiago! After a day in Paris hanging out with my brother, niece and nephew who happen to be in Europe right now, I'll take a TGV train from Montparnasse to St. Jean Pied de Port on Wedenesday. After picking up my pilgrim passport, I'll start for Orisson at about 2pm.

I can't wait!

As I go, I feel blessed by the many friends and family who have made this trip possible, and especially: an old Camino veteran, who first inspired me to take this pilgrimage many years ago, my wife who gave me her Air Canada credit voucher and said, "This is your Camino flight—stop talking and go already!", my boys who are cheering me on, my employer granting me the time away, all of you on this forum (so incredibly helpful!) and so many others.

I will walk with all of these people in my heart, their presence lightening my steps along the way.

With much love and deep gratitude,
Peter

PS. I've attached my packing picture (11lbs from skin out, yay!) and my journal tracker I created to track daily distances, % walked barefoot (favourite footwear for this hippie ), mood, and weather. Looking forward to documenting each day.

Your Camino tracker is certainly a testament to your approach, I am admiring your creativity and attention to detail. Have a wonderful Camino!

 

[volleyjanice]

I will be 5 days behind you, starting May 7, arriving along the same route as you, also from Canada.

What part(s) of Canada are each of you from? (Asked the Victoria, BC gal)

 

[A Good Wander]

What part(s) of Canada are each of you from? (Asked the Victoria, BC gal)

Vancouver. At the airport now, waiting to board!
My son is a student at UVic. Such a beautiful city!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

What part(s) of Canada are each of you from? (Asked the Victoria, BC gal)

I live in Cambridge, ON. Will be leaving on Friday, walking from SJPP on Monday, May 7.

 

[Ian and Helen Miller]

Deseronto, Ontario wishes you Buen Camino Have a wonderful and blessed time.

 

[A Good Wander]

I live in Cambridge, ON. Will be leaving on Friday, walking from SJPP on Monday, May 7.

Maybe I'll see you on the way. In Paris now, will catch the TGV to Bayonne on the morning

 

[VNwalking]

Buen Camino!
However you go. When you go barefoot, no-one can take your shoes by accident.

 

[Former member 49149]

I live in Cambridge, ON. Will be leaving on Friday, walking from SJPP on Monday, May 7.

Michelle, your time has crept up, and now it is almost here! Safe trip across the ocean, and Buen Camino!

 

[volleyjanice]

Vancouver. At the airport now, waiting to board!
My son is a student at UVic. Such a beautiful city!

How exciting! Wishing you happy feet and safe adventures along your way. May you find some hidden gifts as you travel.

 

[volleyjanice]

I live in Cambridge, ON. Will be leaving on Friday, walking from SJPP on Monday, May 7.

Friday! Well you must be at that pre-travel point where your mind is already half way there and you are of no use to anyone. Buen Camino!

 

[lovingkindness]

Bon chemin/Buen camino, Peter. Enjoy your day in Paris!

 

[nickymunch]

I’ve just completed the Camino Frances and I cannot imagine doing barefoot but it’s your Camino so embrace it.... let the daily experience fuel your engine that drives you forward.... but barefoot or not it’ll get under your skin! Buen Camino and love from London !! (Oh I used Solomon GTX) :0)

 

[MarkN]

I live in Cambridge, ON. Will be leaving on Friday, walking from SJPP on Monday, May 7.

Well wishes from Guelph!