Thanks to Ivar and elves

[gertw]

My bags are packed and I start travelling today. I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to everybody who so generously contribute their knowledge and time to educate us newbies. I've been a lurker and frequent reader of probably all the posts in the last year.

My decisions based on some of the more discussed threads.

• I have a spreadsheet where every item is weighed and contemplated. My pack weighs less than 20% of body weight even though I take a digital SRL and laptop for photography.
• I am taking a light rain jacket but intend to acquire a poncho if it seems that there is going to be a long stretch of rainy days.
• I've got a Nexus 6P with Google FI which also works in Europe with no roaming or additional charges.
• I have both hiking shoes and keen sandals in which I can hike / leisure in. My other insurance against blisters is a pair of women's panty hose. It forms an extra layer if some chafing occurs.
• I have both a sleeping sheet and ultra lightweight sleeping bag.
• I listened through a set of learning Spanish CD's bit it seems the words go into the one ear and out the other and doesn't "stick". Ah well - I will have to do with hand gestures and Afrikaans my native tongue.

I have two projects for the Camino (I'm an engineer, can't help it).

1. I am carrying a small red moped with me which I intend to place in every photo I take. It helps me to challenge me creatively. If you see me along the way, I would love to take your photo with it. I am somewhat introverted and I find it intimidating approaching people and asking for anything.
2. I have given each of my closest friends and family a small stone which I intend to carry on the journey. every day I intend to random select a stone from a bag and dedicate that day in contemplation for that person and the message they gave me. When I started my spiritual preparation, I realized that the connection with the people you love is the most import part of your life and trumps anything else.

Thanks again!
Bien Camino

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Buen Camino @gertw!

Impressed with your packing and so looking forward to all the photos featuring your red moped (you did have me there for a while!).

The Camino is very kind to us introverts. Ensuring that you make the space you need to regenerate is sometimes the biggest challenge but, hey, you seem to thrive on those.

Go well.

 

[William Marques]

Buen Camino

 

[Juanajoanna]

Please post some of your photos here.

 

[smj6]

Buen Camino @gertw. Look forward to hearing of your experiences/ thoughts & seeing some of your (red moped) photos.
Suzanne