I'm on my way ...

[LeslieC]

And yes, for those who immediately thought of The Proclaimers:

Tickets booked: all being well I'll arrive in Spain on 25 August next year and, depending on the jetlag, should start walking from Santo Domingo a day or two later. (Credencial also ordered - thanks, Ivar.)

Brief back story, for those who missed it when I joined the forum: my first attempt in 2001 was curtailed by a dodgy knee. I made it (just) to Santo Domingo from SJPP, hence the decision to start from there this time. It's a slight mission to get there, but I think I have a cunning plan involving a bus from Burgos.

I know a lot more than I did back then; I'll be much better prepared, with a more suitable (and much lighter) pack and a much better fitness level despite the intervening years. The knee is behaving, even following some very long practice days. Footwear is proving a problem, but I'm hoping to try out some Topos in the next week or two. Finding something suitable in my size is a problem in New Zealand. I resorted to importing some US size 15 Merrels; they're nice boots with plenty of length but start to squash my little toes after 10km or so. Annoying (and expensive), particularly as I always thought I was one of those high arch/narrow foot types. Best to figure that out now, I guess.

So now the countdown really begins. I look forward to seeing some of you in August/September next year. Ultreia!

 

[bestfootforward]

Hello Leslie! The next 9 months will pass by at warp speed. Happy planning and here's to a smooth, wonderful, and injury-free adventure for you - all the way to SdC. Buen Camino!

 

[CTLawGal]

Love your determination to get back! Respect! It will be amazing! Buen Camino!

 

[David Tallan]

See, now if you would just start a little further back, we could make another Proclaimers reference that often comes up in terms of the Camino Frances. At least, I would....

 

[LeslieC]

'I would walk 500 km' still works ...

 

[Rita Flower]

Finding something suitable in my size is a problem in New Zealand. I resorted to importing some US size 15 Merrels; they're nice boots with plenty of length but start to squash my little toes after 10km or so. Annoying (and expensive), particularly as I always thought I was one of those high arch/narrow foot types. Best to figure that out now, I guess.

Are you getting the Merrills in a wide fit? If not, that may do the trick (PS Love my Merrills)

 

[LeslieC]

It's a matter of availability, @Rita Flower. Even the US site I got them from didn't seem to have size 15 in wide. But the hunt is on!