from illinois searching

[realtree71]

I have been thinking about this for some time. Recently something inside of me will not stop telling me to do this. I've been blessed with a good life and plenty of excitement but this fire is raging. I have told my family I will do this upon my retirement in 2 years. So there it is 2 years to train I am pretty fit for my age but I will buildup to this with a long term strategy which will include some long routes in the Smokey mnts and others.

It feels 100% spiritual so how can I not try

Anyway I'm all in from Illinois

 

[gnhale]

I know exactly how you feel. Since learning about this I am going to and most likely in 2014. At least that is what I am telling myself right now. I have a big trip planned next week then I am going to start "emptying myself" of judgement, sorrow, and pain while filling myself with the joy, peace and grace to be a pilgrim on this beautiful ancient route. Peace to you! From Kansas

 

[robertt]

I'd done a lot of wilderness walking, biking, running, canoeing etc. But I always ended up the day in...Aussie wilderness! The great thing about the Camino is that you can rock into a town before sundown. Also, as well as birds and furry things and insects, there are heaps of people - my all time favourite species!

Buen Camino, guys, for whenever

Rob

 

[Rebekah Scott]

You´ve already started on your Camino! Mine began in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, in 1993, and it´s still rolling on. Be sure to stop in and say hello when you pass through Moratinos, Palencia, in 2013!

Rebekah

 

[lizlane]

Ditto from South Carolina! I agree with Rebekkah! You are already on the journey. Mine started on Easter of this year and I don't care if it takes nine years but I will find the way and means. Just remember that backpacking and hiking are not the Camino. People of all ages do this. I started my training now but mainly as a way to keep my sanity because it will be a miracle for me to get the funds I need to go! Walking everywhere with the pack I bought years ago and used only twice is a way for me to stay connected with my call and a way to honor it. Not to mention when the money is there, I will be ready. I don't wait to go on extended hikes in the foothills. I strap my pack on and walk around town a good bit. Walking on roads and paved tracks are part of the journey too, so I get preparation that way. That has prepared me for longer treks through some strenous but close by hikes. My advice is find your pack, get a water resevoir and get moving.

The peace I have found through this has been free. I'm not the same person I was and I haven't left the States. I can't begin to fathom the changes that actually walking the Camino will bring but each step I have taken towards going has already brought changes I didn't expect

 

[Farmer John]

Hi Liz! Maybe you haven't actually begun your Camino in Europe, but you have given some very sage advice to our Illinois pilgrim. If your heart and mind are committed, then you HAVE begun your journey, your Camino. Get out there and WALK.

It's three miles between our home farm and our cattle feedlot and I have begun daily walking to do the feeding chores and visualizing the rural scenes I hope to see in France and Spain a year from right now. I intentionally walk much faster than I anticipate walking there, but the plan is to build strength, stamina, and foot skin like teflon! I have started researching and searching for the right pack, but think that I need to keep reading the forum for a while to narrow down the list.

Kudos to you! Keep the faith. You'll find the funds.

Fellow Pilgrim, Farmer John

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It's three miles between our home farm and our cattle feedlot and I have begun daily walking to do the feeding chores and visualizing the rural scenes I hope to see in France and Spain a year from right now.

Sometimes the Camino becomes a drudge. I used a three-mile training course, so when I had flagging energy, I would overlay that walk on the Camino ahead. "I am at the turn by the river. Ahead is the bridge. etc." Something in the distance would be my imitation river and bridge. It was an exercise that told me that I had done it before and could do it again. Three miles would seem tractable, and would pass comfortably. It was better than an iPod full of music for me!

 

[Farmer John]

Thanks, Falcon! Practically ANYTHING would be better than an iPod full of music for me. I see many of my fellow bikers "plugged in" constantly and it amazes me. There is always something interesting in the present. Six years ago I rode the Lewis and Clark trail from West to East and hundreds of miles of Montana, North and South Dakota can begin to look a lot alike. Seeing the history has to be layered over the present to ward off the drudgery. Need to broaden my historical reference to help with the miles in France and Spain.

Always nice to know you're out there!

FJ

 

[realtree71]

Thankfully im in pretty good shape, not that the camino cares how good you think you are in. I have done amd still do 3-4 , 34-50 milers. The grind of everyday for 30 day i cant grasp but long for it. 10% carry weight puts my pack at 22 lbs. wow not much stuff. Ive been wanting to do this for a long time and no im "officially" on board.

I want to learn how the best way to save your feet is. What socks are people using. Im using light wool and toe sock and have been good on my hikes. My boots are low cut merrell and once broke in i learned to love them.

Im reading as much as i can find.