Hi Candace, from across the stream on PEI!
I am leaving for London in 13 days...13 days!! Ho boy... I will be starting my (first) Camino only about two weeks before you. I'm flying from London to Barritz by Ryan Air, on recommendations from several folks here. The whole flight is costing me about 65CAD; imagine where you'd be able to fly to in Canada for that much. If you are in Moncton, maybe to Dieppe?! lol (The flight was 16 Pounds but I decided to stow my bag instead of take it on board--another 15 Pounds; I don't want to get to the airport to find out I have to pay a lot more money that I wasn't expecting to pay.) I chose to fly for the economy of time and money. Ferry then train was looking very costly.
I don't know if we'll run into each other--I'm starting my walk in 9 October (so maybe we will if I'm a really slow walker or you are a speedy one!) but we certainly will have to get together after we both return home. I can, if I find a place with the internet once I know you have arrived/started, send you some notes along the way, to let you know of places I've stayed at and other information. Notes from home, so to speak!
If you are still looking for gear, I found some great fast dry/technical clothing on sale at Winners and Mark's Work Warehouse. There might still be some there, though it's been a few weeks since I looked. I'm preparing my clothing like I would for a Maritimes autumn: a little bit of this and a little bit of that. And as suggested to you before, I'm taking layers. A technical longjohn shirt that can double as a shirt shirt; wicking long sleeve t-shirt, fleece, really light wind jacket (featherweight and bright orange) and a lightweight but waterproof rain jacket. The bottom part is similar. I'm also taking a small pair of gloves for the potential cold parts. And now, from reading the postings here, I'm also taking some reflective gear: stripes on my pack and some flashing lights like I use on my bike. Oh and good wicking socks. Running compression socks for inner liner socks and wool socks (Smartwool) for the outer. The compression socks have been awesome for keeping my calves happy on my training hikes.
Have fun! Maybe we might just meet up! I have to stop into Can Tire tomorrow to do the once over have-I-forgotten-anything shop! I'm amazed at the number of people who have done the Camino or who are going to do the Camino from our neck of the woods. I've met a few and the conversations with all have been invaluable. Have you been able to find anyone near you to have coffee with?
Hey Jacques.D! There is a good chance we might find each other along the walk! You are not going to be that far behind me; only days!
Cheers from Heather in PEI