Packing

The scales are looking good. My tried and tested old camino backpack weighs 6.5 lbs, under 3kg, and contains all my needs for 10 days on the road : essential laundry will happen every few days,  and hopefully my rain gear stowed at the bottom won't get much use. It would be tempting fate to hike without it,  even though the forecast looks pretty settled :weather in Galicia,  like Ireland,  can be unpredictable,  so best to expect some heavy showers. 

Donations are pouring in and we are amazed and delighted. Targets continue to climb,  and hopefully our performance en route won't let you down! 

 

Were expecting Dublin Airport to be nice and quiet on Wednesday at lunchtime : we will report from Santiago that evening, before heading to Valenca on Thursday morning to begin the hike 

 

Buen camino y muchas gracias! 

 

New boots for old

 There is just a week to go to our departure, and the excitement is mounting!  Today I decided to replace my less than waterproof "summer" footwear with a brand new pair of Berghaus Supalite leather boots - the latest, lighter version of the models that had served me very well for the past 6 years on several caminos, but sadly breathed their last (and lost their souls!) earlier this year on a tough descent from Montgo mountain near Xavia, Alicante, Spain.  An extravagance perhaps, but these should last me for many more kilometers, and need just a little settling in before setting off.  

There has been an amazing response to the fundraising appeal for Breakthrough Cancer Research,  and the tally is over 1,500 euros.  A heartfelt thanks to all who have subscribed or pledged, offered us encouragement and support - we will keep you all in our hearts during the hike.  Donations may be made here

Packing continues, and as mentioned previously, the key is to stay light.  We will report on our final weight tallies in my next post.  

Trust

Only a week into our appeal and already we have surpassed our original target. We are really grateful for all the support, and spurred on to repay your trust. We so appreciate the many messages of encouragement received which will buoy us up when the miles begin to tell. The recent Irish heatwave has provided good training ground for early-September weather in northern Spain, and made it easy to get out and walk - but we will miss our daily swims which help us keep cool: we won't be near the coast, but hope to take a trip to Muxia from Santiago, and perhaps walk the last part of the Camino Fisterre (or Finistere).

We are beginning to assemble clothes and meds and test out our boots, shoes and backpacks. We will stay ultra light as usual, to make the uphill sections easier. Only two weeks to go and the excitement is mounting!

Fundraising page

Our fundraising page is now up and running and you can keep abreast of donations here Hopefully our training will keep us fit and well until the walk starts on September 1. Weather will probably be fairly hot so our packs will not need to be too heavy - plenty of sunscreen most important! Picture shows us without our loads, but we promise they will be attached throughout! Thanks so much for your continuing support!