First Camino, SJPP on Aug 10

[Aptrail]

For 20 years I have hoped and planned to do the Caminio. Finally I am. I arrive in SJPP August 10 to celebrate my birthday and retirement (second attempt). I've done some long distance hiking before (Appalachian Trail) and am very much looking forward to the walk in and of itself. Even more so, I am looking forward to the time for reflection and contemplation and I begin to think about transition the next phase of life. It is hard to keep expectations in check, yet I know that is key to walking day by day in the moment. For about 25 years I have been a marathon and ultra runner so one goal is to NOT do go fast and get caught up in the number of kilos per day--rather to savor the time. This forum is great. I remember from my AT hike and across the US bicycle ride that some of the best moments were with the people I met. It seems like the same may be true of the Camino.

 

[SYates]

Buen Camino! Seems to me you are off to a good start and you are right, meeting people from so many different backgrounds and countries is one of the many joys of the Camino, SY

 

[Waka]

Have a wonderful journey. You'll meet some really nice people on the trail.

Buen Camino.

 

[Castilian]

Hi Aptrail! Welcome to the forum!

Enjoy every step and every stop of your camino. And do plenty of stops to enjoy sights, to enjoy the scenary and to avoid the temptation of rushing it.

¡Buen Camino!

 

[Aptrail]

Thanks all.

 

[bunnymac]

For 20 years I have hoped and planned to do the Caminio. Finally I am. I arrive in SJPP August 10 to celebrate my birthday and retirement (second attempt). I've done some long distance hiking before (Appalachian Trail) and am very much looking forward to the walk in and of itself. Even more so, I am looking forward to the time for reflection and contemplation and I begin to think about transition the next phase of life. It is hard to keep expectations in check, yet I know that is key to walking day by day in the moment. For about 25 years I have been a marathon and ultra runner so one goal is to NOT do go fast and get caught up in the number of kilos per day--rather to savor the time. This forum is great. I remember from my AT hike and across the US bicycle ride that some of the best moments were with the people I met. It seems like the same may be true of the Camino.

We might just bump into each other. I'm travelling from SJPP on the 8th with my 2 daughters. We're staying in Orisson and then on to Roncesvalles. We're quite slow moving. You'll probably catch us up. Buen Camino

 

[Aptrail]

Thanks for the note. We will probably meet up in Roncesvalles. Looking forward to it. Have an amazing Camino. Loren

 

[Aptrail]

It is interesting and very helpful to read the posts on the various threads on this forum. Thanks to those who post with so many practical tips, pieces of advice, gear lists, etc. etc. It's Saturday and at work at the college where I am Dean. I have one more week to work. I am having difficulty "living in the moment" because I am excited about the upcoming drive across the US then Camino. The Camino for me is a period of reflection and transition. It is at the nexus between a very full professional life full of over-commitments and whatever will be next fall. And, I know that one secret to it all is being present NOW. That is my hope for the Camino. And, now I get to practice it here and now this week. In spite of my thoughts being so completely about the future, I guess I am missing the point if I am living in the weeks or months to come rather than now. I guess this is a good time to practice living now. Hopefully that is what will happen for a couple of months in Spain.