Gratitude

This is my first post. I walked the entire CF in Sept. 2009 all the way to Finisterre. I had the most amazing, joyful and memorable journey with no physical issues. Even though I started on my own, my Camino Family grew enormously. I shared so much laughter and lots of hugs with my "family" along the way. After much thought, I have decided to walk the CF again starting on May 7 from SJPDP. I have been an avid reader of this Forum for the past 5 months and have learned so much. Just the other day while doing a 25 kms. training walk, I was overcome with so much gratitude for my good fortune in being able to do the Camino again and for all the wonderful and helpful ideas that many Forum members have given me. So, this is to give thanks for the ideas that will help me this time. Even though I walked my first Camino in traditional Keen hiking boots, after reading about trail runners and doing lots of research on wearing trail runners without Goretex, I have been training with Hoka Speedgoat trail runners and I love them. So, I have decided to step outside of my box and walk the Camino with my Hokas...they are just right for my feet. I learned about the French Rail Strike on this Forum and luckily for me the day that I take the train is a non strike day. I learned about the Camino de Invierno and I hope to meet a fellow pilgrim who will want to walk with me on the Invierno from Ponferrada. I learned about rain skirts and I made my own nylon rain skirt and waterproofed it for less than $10.00 and it will be just right for any rainy days and it fits into a tiny pouch, must less weight than my waterproof pants. I learned about Gregorian Chants and will take the bus from Burgos to Santo Domingo de Silos. I have purchased some self-winding velcro so that I can secure my backpack to a chair or post while I go inside a cafe. I learned about Castile liquid soap and will use this terrific, all purpose soap. I have sprayed my backpack, my sleeping bag and my pillow case with Permethrin. I didn't have bed bug problems on my first Camino without Permethrin but I decided to minimize risks this time. In case this helps some pilgrims, I have found using the Rest Step really helpful when walking up steep inclines. There are good demos of the Rest Step on You Tube.

Once again thank you to everyone who contributed their suggestions and ideas. My Camino butterfiles are quite active these days. Buen Camino to all.