Celebrations at Santiago

Monday, April 5, 2010

Preparations


Hello Everyone!

There are just four weeks left before my Camino Frances walk begins. Already the response to my request for sponsorship for the Cork & Kenya-based charity, Friends of Londiani has been huge, and I am tremendously heartened and encouraged by all of this. Thank you all so much for your great generosity. If anyone else would like to sponsor me just click on http://www.mycharity.ie/event/360k_walk/

Training is beginning, and I hope to build up to a couple of hours per day, though from previous hikes I know there is nothing to beat the actual daily effort on the path, and somehow one seems to get strength to complete the course. The fact that so many other walkers, many of whom are covering far greater distances, are there to give encouragement and support is a great and magical part of the Camino experience.

I have bought the excellent book of route maps produced by John Brierley and have planned my daily mileage, generally covering between 15 - 22 km per day. I will keep my backpack down to the usual 7kg - which is pretty restricting for a three-week hike, but when it has got to be carried for several hours every day, every gramme counts. All the hostels have excellent washing facilities, and hopefully there will be sunshine to dry the smalls!


I will endeavour to keep you all posted on my route as I walk, with visits to internet cafes and libraries every few days to upload photos and updates - blister reports and general Camino gossip. It will be lovely to be able to communicate in this way - and at least you will know that I haven't done a bunk with the money!

1 comment:

  1. go for it - well done. Will look forward to following your travel. Will also show my 5th years who have studied the art and architecture of the 11th century Romanesque pilgrimage routes in France.

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