Took the plunge

johnnyman · Apr 13, 2011

OK, folks, I'm officially headed to Camino. Nervously pulled the trigger last nite on my plane ticket. Arriving in Madrid on June 9, catching a bus to Pamplona, where I'll spend the night. Then, a day of rest and relaxation, sightseeing and spend another night before heading out Saturday morning. Amazing to think I'm actually doing this ...

lynnejohn · Apr 13, 2011

Amazing indeed, johnnyman!!

You will never regret this decision. Earlier you said you wanted a new life. Well you don't exactly get a new life after having walked the camino, but you don't return to your life as the same person. You will look at your life through new eyes; with new priorities.

We will be thinking of you as you begin your journey, and hope you keep in touch and let us know how you're getting on.

Go well and safely!! Buen camino!

newfydog · Apr 13, 2011

Be sure to stop by the Hemmingway statue in Pamplona. He would approve of heading out on an adventure.

johnnyman · Apr 13, 2011

newfydog said:
Be sure to stop by the Hemmingway statue in Pamplona. He would approve of heading out on an adventure.

This will probably be my first stop! "The Sun Also Rises" and "Old Man by the Sea" are two of my all-time favorites ...

Rebekah Scott · Apr 15, 2011

and stop by The Peaceable when you come through Moratinos (after Carrion de los Condes.) We specialize in animals... including scaredy-cats!

You are in for a great adventure.
Rebekah

johnnyman · Apr 18, 2011

Rebekah, I would love to stop by your place. In fact, I'll make a note of it right now ... maybe by the time I get there, I'll be a recovering fraidy-cat!

Deleted member 3000 · Apr 18, 2011

After the rave review in Rebekah's post on the new albergue

Re: new albergue in Moratinos!

Post by Rebekah Scott on 16 Apr 2011, 11:16
The Hospital San Bruno pilgrim albergue (and Italian restaurant) is, as of today, OPEN!

The first pilgrim is a smiling blonde Americana from Oregon, who said it is the nicest place she´s stayed since she started in Burgos. (it pays to show up when everything is brand new!)

you may be very conflicted as you hit Moratinos!!!

mosesmew · Apr 18, 2011

Johnnyman, Good for you!! If we wait for "fear" to abade, we'll never hear our Souls call us . It's too easy to find a Million reasons why not. Jump in with heart open and eyes closed,(well for a brief moment) :wink: Best wishes for a Wonderful Camino! Nancy

Arn · Apr 18, 2011

Johnnyman,

Moving forward...a step at a time!

Make sure you stop by and see Reb. To this day I regret not making that one stop in particular.

Buen Camino,

Arn

methodist.pilgrim.98 · Apr 18, 2011

Johnnyman.

remember this:

on the bad days you will be able to say to yourself, it's all the fault of those people on the forum who talked me into this.

on the good days you will say to yourself, there I told you you had the courage to do it. :lol:

The Camino is an experience that you carry with you all your life and into eternity.

Br. David · Apr 19, 2011

You good man! you are braver than you think you are - very few men are brave enough to be honest about their fears.

And you have the love of your daughter with you all the way.

you'll love it!!!!

johnnyman · Apr 20, 2011

Thanks again, y'all. (I threw in the Texas "y'all" on purpose :wink: ). It's apparent from this forum that I'm going to meet some wonderful folks out there. Seven weeks to go!

Br. David · Apr 20, 2011

and - along the way - (in a John Wayne voice) why doncha step down outa that fancy foreign backpack rig ya seemed to be strapped into and help yourself to a cup of coffee ...... Pilgrim .. :wink: