I could say "ditto" to everything you posted Mary (except I will be going by myself) but I, too, thought the closer it got the less anxiety and certainly not any fear would be hanging around. Not so. I have nearly drove myself crazy this past week and a half. There is just this certain part of me that will not "settle down"!! Sorta like a bad two year old!
Good thing I have learned not to talk endlessly about it unless asked, or I would be driving everyone else around me bonkers. Of course now that I am leaving Sunday lots of people are asking about it, so I am talking more with them on the topic.
I am also extremely grateful for all the help. I can tell you I highly doubt this would even be happening for me without this forum. It's interesting when something is so intimidating and the thought of it is so overwhelming but yet when others do it and then turn around and offer encouragement to those of us who haven't done it - it makes the "thing" that seemed SO impossible...quite possible!!
I have loved going on my hikes and when people stop me and ask me what I am training for and I tell them - I always throw a story or two of different experiences from some of the people on this forum to let them know people from all over do this walk, but my FAVORITE one to share is Movin' Maggie's ....walking into Santiago on her 80th birthday. I never get tired of seeing people's faces when I share that one!!
Hah! Epic.
Buen Camino Mary...I'll be ahead of you by a few days - I'll let you know how "the road is up ahead!" hahaha