Leaving for the Camino

Well folks the time has finally come! I cannot believe it after all of this time.

Having read a lot of advice on here from experienced and inexperienced / worried/ stressed/ anxious new pilgrims and shared fears along with them, it is now my time to 'suck it and see'.

I have read John Brierley's guide book, along with Hape Kerkeling and Sylvia Nilson's books giving much valued advice about how to walk YOUR Camino.

Everything has been digitally weighed and items discarded to get my pack weight down to something comfortable and manageable. A spare pair of boots has been bought and broken in for the Camino (Merrels) but I am not convinced that they are more suitable or better than my German Lowa boots that I have had for over ten years and which I trust completely.

Since last September I have increased my fitness and stamina; bought better equipment, waterproof, breathable, lightweight etc I have walked longer distances with a rucksack and the weight getting heavier as I have got used to it.

Air plane tickets have been bought; departure and return. Same with coach tickets. Passport checked, medical insurance purchased. Ryanair's terms and conditions read and re-read also their check in procedure. Their boarding pass has also been printed. Foreign currency has been bought.

Apart from a few self doubts and plagued with cracked heels, I am ready to go. The rucksack sits there with passport and Tilley hat plus a few snacks for my journey. Neighbours have been informed that i'm off and a key has been left with family. Email addresses and telephone numbers have been checked. Even my limited Spanish has been brushed up again.

I have just one PROBLEM. I cannot find my front door key so that I can get out of the house and start my Camino!

Happy bag rustling.
Charlie

Hello Colin and Tia,

Thanks for your advice. It is much appreciated. I would just like to say that i am definately off on my Camino within the next hour. Everything is packed, weighed and counted. Still above the limit i wanted.

Now it is just a strange feeling of the unknown and 'not quite sure if i'm doing the right thing'.

I would really like to say that this has been a fabulous forum with some terrific people who have been kind enough with their advice, jokes and sense of humour.

I do hope that i meet people like yourselves whilst i am on my journey and i hope that i do not let you down and that i will eventually get to Santiago (God willing).
With best regards to you all
Charlie