Hello from Poppy

[VikingQueen]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Poppy and I live on my sailing boat 'Free'. At present I am overwintering in Amsterdam until April when I plan to sail north for Scandinavia. It has always been a dream of mine to sail to Lapland and experience the Northern Lights in solitude.

Another one of my dreams has been to walk the Camino ever since I read Paulo Coelho's book 'The Pilgrimage'. A series of profound experiences have left me questioning my faith, not just in God, but the whole of humanity and my place in it.

I hope to learn from you about all aspects of the Camino, from preparation, to experiences both physical and spiritual. I know it will be tough for me at 55, but I took early retirement to sail and explore the limits of what I can do here on Earth. I take nothing for granted.

My aim is to leave my boat in Northern Sweden in August and aim to begin from Notre Dame in September. After that it depends on a multitude of events, many of which will be beyond my control.

 

[Sagalouts]

Hi Poppy
welcome to the forum, wow sounds like a great journey your embarking on,I wish you all the best and Buen Camino,please if you find the time try and share the journey with us
keep living the dream
Ian

 

[VikingQueen]

Hello Ian,

Thanks for your response!

Yes, I will try to live the dream for what else makes sense? I have always wanted to do this and am delighted to find this website with so many experienced walkers...

You've probably gathered by now if you visited my website that water is my favoured element but the Camino, resonates deep down in my heart.

I bought my boots and rucksack today as I am visiting London. My aim is to break in the boots before next September when I plan to start. It felt as though I had taken the first step on the way, metaphorically speaking!

Poppy

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Poppy, congratulations on living your life!
If you want to tie up at Santander instead, I know a kindly former pilgrim who works at the port.

Reb.

 

[VikingQueen]

Hi Rebekah,

Thanks for that and your kind offer!

I have still a lot to do in Scandinavia yet before I migrate south, but I'll probably end up in the Canaries one day due to the cost of fuel bills in the North.

However, for the next ten years of my life... God willing... I want to walk pilgrimages and meet like minded folk to share stories and experiences. I hope to split up the walking and sailing, but we'll have to wait and see what happens!!!

Poppy

 

[Abbeydore]

Welcome Poppy,
Yes sailing is just wonderful, had nine for seven years & many miles up & down the north-east of england coast, & finally a trip to Brittany & back, now sold. Are we able to see a picture of your ship? Hope you enjoy our forum.
Buen Camino
David

 

[VikingQueen]

Hi David,

Yes if you go to my website http://www.vikingway.wordpress.com

By the way, I'm from South Shields so I know those waters reasonably well.
Thanks for your message and I'm sure I will learn much from the forum, it's very impressive!

Poppy

 

[Abbeydore]

Hi Poppy,
Oh I was sailing from Blyth, Athena, now back in Maldon.
small world.
Shame you are not allowed to burn wood.
David

 

[VikingQueen]

Good lines, David. Very fast and good to windward... yes?

I'm not surprised you miss sailing. 'Free' is a dumpy old thing, but very seaworthy and a half decent sailer too. She looks after me in heavy weather which is important as i am single handed.

I spent a winter on the Hythe in Colchester.

Yes, I miss my wood burner!

Poppy

 

[Abbeydore]

& reaching too, but she didn't enjoy a lumpy sea going to windward. I had such a good time, no complaints, just wonderful memories. Yes lumpy boats are safe, Warmer too! You have had a wonderful time on 'Free' too. Well Done Poppy.
David

 

[VikingQueen]

Thanks David,

and for sharing your memories.

Poppy