OK: I'm out of here...

[alexwalker]

Sitting here, late evening, looking at my backpack. During the last two hours it has sort of come alive again: Now packed with 6.5 kgs. of necessities, + a light fleece sweater and a light jacket that I will have on while leaving this icy Arctic.

Will look at a chalice in Leon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_San_Isidoro

and maybe a detour to a Viking princess south of Burgos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_of_Norway,_Infanta_of_Castile

Tomorrow evening I am in Barcelona, Tuesday I take the train to Burgos (6 hrs), and will stay a night before I start walking, calmly, in my own pace. No return ticket: It ends when it ends, and I'll take it from there. Hope to see some of you folks on the Way.

Once again I shall walk the Way through rural and farm lands, cross the Meseta, enjoy good food and drink, and not pay attention to the outside world of news, TV, or Internet (I may test my iPhone now and then, maybe).

Ivar, it was a splendid idea from this forum to set up a meeting point in SdC: Looking forward to buy you a beer there in the not so distant future.

So, guess I am out of this forum for some time now. CU.

For all of you who are preparing your (first) Camino, I'll say: Have no fear. The Camino will provide, and all will be well. Just take care and use common sense.

Buen Camino!

 

[domigee]

Buen camino Alexwalker Enjoy!

 

[Bernard duffy]

Buen Camino old timer

 

[Dan the Man]

Sitting here, late evening, looking at my backpack. During the last two hours it has sort of come alive again: Now packed with 6.5 kgs. of necessities, + a light fleece sweater and a light jacket that I will have on while leaving this icy Arctic.

Will look at a chalice in Leon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_San_Isidoro

and maybe a detour to a Viking princess south of Burgos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_of_Norway,_Infanta_of_Castile

Tomorrow evening I am in Barcelona, Tuesday I take the train to Burgos (6 hrs), and will stay a night before I start walking, calmly, in my own pace. Hope to see some of you folks on the Way.

Once again I shall walk the Way through rural and farm lands, cross the Meseta, enjoy good food and drink, and not pay attention to the outside world of news, TV, or Internet (I may test my iPhone now and then, maybe).

Ivar, it was a splendid idea from this forum to set up a meeting point in SdC: Looking forward to buy you a beer there in the not so distant future.

So, guess I am out of this forum for some time now. CU.

For all of you who are preparing your (first) Camino, I'll say: Have no fear. The Camino will provide, and all will be well. Just take care and use common sense.

Buen Camino!

BUEN CAMINO Alexwalker!!!!!!

 

[Carlos2015]

Buen Camino!

 

[CaptBuddy]

Oh, how I want to be there.
Buen Viaje, Alex.

 

[pilgrim b]

Take it slowly Alex a moment at a time just live it as it is you lucky guy hope to be on the trail myself soon Buen camino pilgrim friend

 

[ccmranger]

Buen Camino Alexwalker!!

 

[kevhan84]

Buen Camino Alex.

 

[cher99840]

Buen Camino Alex.

 

[William Garza]

May there always be a Road

 

[alexwalker]

All I need for the next month or so is now in my pack. Must hit the bed and get ready for tomorrow: I wish to all of you a quick way to the Way: Nothing better to experience.

May you all soon be walking the path. I am ready for it now. Just some few hours of sleep, and I'm off to it.

May there always be a Road

It is there. Always. It has been there for more than 1000 years. Just go, my friend.

 

[MaidinBham]

Thinking about my very first Camino, last year at about the same time as you alexwalker. So jealous!! No time constraints - even better! Hope you get to walk all the way to Finesteria and then onward and upward to Muxia. A beautiful, peaceful trail along the Atlantic. Happy Trails, and Buen Camino.

 

[colinPeter]

...All I need for the next month or so is now in my pack....

What a wonderful thought.
San Isidoro de León, one of the great visits along the way.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[Thengel1]

Buen Camino, Alex.

I wish I was there more than I know how to express in words.

 

[MichaelB10398]

May the wind be at your back; always envious when I hear of returning to the Way. You will be missed for these few weeks you are on Camino.

 

[mspath]

Alex,

All your 'digital friends' will be with you in spirit.

Carpe Diem and as always Ultreia!

Margaret Meredith

 

[Arn]

Sitting here, late evening, looking at my backpack. During the last two hours it has sort of come alive again: Now packed with 6.5 kgs. of necessities, + a light fleece sweater and a light jacket that I will have on while leaving this icy Arctic.

Will look at a chalice in Leon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_San_Isidoro

and maybe a detour to a Viking princess south of Burgos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_of_Norway,_Infanta_of_Castile

Tomorrow evening I am in Barcelona, Tuesday I take the train to Burgos (6 hrs), and will stay a night before I start walking, calmly, in my own pace. No return ticket: It ends when it ends, and I'll take it from there. Hope to see some of you folks on the Way.

Once again I shall walk the Way through rural and farm lands, cross the Meseta, enjoy good food and drink, and not pay attention to the outside world of news, TV, or Internet (I may test my iPhone now and then, maybe).

Ivar, it was a splendid idea from this forum to set up a meeting point in SdC: Looking forward to buy you a beer there in the not so distant future.

So, guess I am out of this forum for some time now. CU.

For all of you who are preparing your (first) Camino, I'll say: Have no fear. The Camino will provide, and all will be well. Just take care and use common sense.

Buen Camino!

Moratinos today and tomorrow.
Meeting Father Jonathan on 15th in Sarria.

If we can meet it will be my pleasure.
Buen Camino my friend.
Arn

 

[smj6]

Super jealous, AlexWalker. Have a great time and ...May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.....
Buen camino, Suzanne

 

[Jan_89]

Sitting here, late evening, looking at my backpack. During the last two hours it has sort of come alive again: Now packed with 6.5 kgs. of necessities, + a light fleece sweater and a light jacket that I will have on while leaving this icy Arctic.

Will look at a chalice in Leon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_San_Isidoro

and maybe a detour to a Viking princess south of Burgos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_of_Norway,_Infanta_of_Castile

Tomorrow evening I am in Barcelona, Tuesday I take the train to Burgos (6 hrs), and will stay a night before I start walking, calmly, in my own pace. No return ticket: It ends when it ends, and I'll take it from there. Hope to see some of you folks on the Way.

Once again I shall walk the Way through rural and farm lands, cross the Meseta, enjoy good food and drink, and not pay attention to the outside world of news, TV, or Internet (I may test my iPhone now and then, maybe).

Ivar, it was a splendid idea from this forum to set up a meeting point in SdC: Looking forward to buy you a beer there in the not so distant future.

So, guess I am out of this forum for some time now. CU.

For all of you who are preparing your (first) Camino, I'll say: Have no fear. The Camino will provide, and all will be well. Just take care and use common sense.

Buen Camino!

When I read this, I'm totally back on the Camino in my mind and I'm so excited about next Camino, which hope I will walk soon!
Enjoy it, Alexwalker and take care!

 

[norelle]

Ultreia!

In 2 months I'll be in Leon to begin the San Salvador.....and visit San Isidoro.

Enjoy and Buen Camino

 

[NualaOC]

Buen Camino Alex. I bet your post has made a lot of people very jealous this Monday morning

 

[Cailin O Eire]

Have an empowering journey,
Buen Camino

 

[alexwalker]

Thanks for good wishes all. Now shutting down all systems and heading for the airport. Barcelona tonight, here I come.

 

[Justabob]

Unplugging too.....Landing Madrid tomorrow morning

 

[Suzanne S.]

@alexwalker ... Buen Camino!

 

[Cejanus]

Journey well Alex. Perhaps one day our paths will cross. Been camino.

 

[natefaith]

Buen Camino @Justabob and @alexwalker ! Blessings as you walk.
Faith

 

[Al the optimist]

Buen Viaje Alex! Disfruta!

 

[ivar]

Buen Camino! God tur!
Ivar

 

[scruffy1]

Buen Camino from one addict to another. Won't see you this time since I'm starting from Toulouse at the weekend but, there will be plenty of other opportunities I'm sure. Give my best to Christina!

 

[erikpilegrim]

God tur!
Erik

 

[Kialoa3]

Good luck Alex.

 

[indyrem]

Sitting here, late evening, looking at my backpack. During the last two hours it has sort of come alive again: Now packed with 6.5 kgs. of necessities, + a light fleece sweater and a light jacket that I will have on while leaving this icy Arctic.

Will look at a chalice in Leon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_San_Isidoro

and maybe a detour to a Viking princess south of Burgos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_of_Norway,_Infanta_of_Castile

Tomorrow evening I am in Barcelona, Tuesday I take the train to Burgos (6 hrs), and will stay a night before I start walking, calmly, in my own pace. No return ticket: It ends when it ends, and I'll take it from there. Hope to see some of you folks on the Way.

Once again I shall walk the Way through rural and farm lands, cross the Meseta, enjoy good food and drink, and not pay attention to the outside world of news, TV, or Internet (I may test my iPhone now and then, maybe).

Ivar, it was a splendid idea from this forum to set up a meeting point in SdC: Looking forward to buy you a beer there in the not so distant future.

So, guess I am out of this forum for some time now. CU.

For all of you who are preparing your (first) Camino, I'll say: Have no fear. The Camino will provide, and all will be well. Just take care and use common sense.

Buen Camino!

 

[indyrem]

God bless you on your Camino/trips, Alex Walker!

 

[jmcarp]

Buen Camino and vaya con Dios my forum friend!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Have such a wonderful Camino, Alexwalker! Buen, Buen Camino!

 

[Vera]

Hey, I think I met you last year on the Camino, during May? It's funny 'cause it's been a long time since I last checked this forum and it immediately brings back so many memories. I wish I could start walking again as well, on April 27 it will be one year since I left for St. Jean Pied de Port. I can't describe how much I loved it. Have a great one Alex, Buen Camino.

 

[Kev]

Buen Camino.

 

[kevhan84]

12 hours to go then " I'm out of here" fly to Biarritz and on to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to start my first Camino, now the nerves are kicking in... what have I let myself in for
burn Camino to everyone.

 

[Coleen Clark]

I too have decided to walk the Camino, and I have given myself a start time of August 1, 2015. I have just said goodbye to my little sister, who I cared for the last six months while stage 4 gastric cancer slowly took her from me. The funeral is over, the family have all gone back to their lives, and I am left alone. Sure, I can sleep now without waking up every hour to administer morphine and oxycontin, but I have to decide what to do with the rest of my life. My boys are all grown up with families of their own, my grandkids are busy with soccer and debate team and (egad!) boyfriends! I sold my house to travel in an RV. I sold the RV when my sister got sick, so now I have no roots, just a furnished apartment that I will let go when I start my walk. So I must think think think on my walk.... or perhaps I should let go and let the Universe show me what I should do next. I will have no baggage but what I carry, I will be silent and open, I will feel and smell and taste and hear all that I can.

 

[norelle]

I too have decided to walk the Camino, and I have given myself a start time of August 1, 2015. I have just said goodbye to my little sister, who I cared for the last six months while stage 4 gastric cancer slowly took her from me. The funeral is over, the family have all gone back to their lives, and I am left alone. Sure, I can sleep now without waking up every hour to administer morphine and oxycontin, but I have to decide what to do with the rest of my life. My boys are all grown up with families of their own, my grandkids are busy with soccer and debate team and (egad!) boyfriends! I sold my house to travel in an RV. I sold the RV when my sister got sick, so now I have no roots, just a furnished apartment that I will let go when I start my walk. So I must think think think on my walk.... or perhaps I should let go and let the Universe show me what I should do next. I will have no baggage but what I carry, I will be silent and open, I will feel and smell and taste and hear all that I can.

Coleen, On my first camino in 2011 I also felt I had to "think, think, think.."
And that's what I did.......until the day, outside of Leon, between Hospital de Orbigo and Astorga, the beauty of the surroundings, and the fact that I had really found my rhythm of walking, allowed me to just 'be in the moment'. My mind stopped racing and I realised that I could let go of the past. It was a gift of the camino.
It took me many days of walking and thinking to get to that state of mindfulness. You sound like you are already on your way!
buen camino

 

[david g]

Coleen, I have no doubt you'll find what you're looking for. Good luck an Buen Camino.

 

[Dash]

Buen Camino mi amigo

 

[Georgina77]

BUEN CAMINO Alexwalker!!!!!!

BUEN CAMINO Alexwalker

 

[Georgina77]

12 hours to go then " I'm out of here" fly to Biarritz and on to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to start my first Camino, now the nerves are kicking in... what have I let myself in for
burn Camino to everyone.

I think I know how your feeling I leave with my oldest son on our 1st Camino at the end of June and I am feeling those fearful thoughts already .. of what if this and what if that and what on earth am I doing ??? ....especially when I get the are you crazy looks of disapproval from some of my family and friends But at the end of the day I guess it is all part of the Camino trek I am sure you will have a great time Buen Camino

 

[Georgina77]

I too have decided to walk the Camino, and I have given myself a start time of August 1, 2015. I have just said goodbye to my little sister, who I cared for the last six months while stage 4 gastric cancer slowly took her from me. The funeral is over, the family have all gone back to their lives, and I am left alone. Sure, I can sleep now without waking up every hour to administer morphine and oxycontin, but I have to decide what to do with the rest of my life. My boys are all grown up with families of their own, my grandkids are busy with soccer and debate team and (egad!) boyfriends! I sold my house to travel in an RV. I sold the RV when my sister got sick, so now I have no roots, just a furnished apartment that I will let go when I start my walk. So I must think think think on my walk.... or perhaps I should let go and let the Universe show me what I should do next. I will have no baggage but what I carry, I will be silent and open, I will feel and smell and taste and hear all that I can.

Buen Camino

 

[Coleen Clark]

Coleen, I have no doubt you'll find what you're looking for. Good luck an Buen Camino.

Sometimes what you are looking for and what you find are two different things. I hope I am brave enough for what I find, even if it is not what I was looking for.

 

[Bernard duffy]

I too have decided to walk the Camino, and I have given myself a start time of August 1, 2015. I have just said goodbye to my little sister, who I cared for the last six months while stage 4 gastric cancer slowly took her from me. The funeral is over, the family have all gone back to their lives, and I am left alone. Sure, I can sleep now without waking up every hour to administer morphine and oxycontin, but I have to decide what to do with the rest of my life. My boys are all grown up with families of their own, my grandkids are busy with soccer and debate team and (egad!) boyfriends! I sold my house to travel in an RV. I sold the RV when my sister got sick, so now I have no roots, just a furnished apartment that I will let go when I start my walk. So I must think think think on my walk.... or perhaps I should let go and let the Universe show me what I should do next. I will have no baggage but what I carry, I will be silent and open, I will feel and smell and taste and hear all that I can.

I too will walk again in Sept,if our paths should cross we will have a beer in her memory

 

[Coleen Clark]

I too will walk again in Sept,if our paths should cross we will have a beer in her memory

Oh she'd love that! and I would too! I am in training now, I have been walking two miles in the morning and two miles in the evening regularly, but I receive my backpack today from REI and will begin wearing it with the appropriate weight. I took the advice I read on this site and bought good sock liners and merino wool socks. I have a great hat and exceptional lace up Ugg boots that belonged to my sister. What else should I be doing?

 

[s. brown]

I too have decided to walk the Camino, and I have given myself a start time of August 1, 2015. I have just said goodbye to my little sister, who I cared for the last six months while stage 4 gastric cancer slowly took her from me. The funeral is over, the family have all gone back to their lives, and I am left alone. Sure, I can sleep now without waking up every hour to administer morphine and oxycontin, but I have to decide what to do with the rest of my life. My boys are all grown up with families of their own, my grandkids are busy with soccer and debate team and (egad!) boyfriends! I sold my house to travel in an RV. I sold the RV when my sister got sick, so now I have no roots, just a furnished apartment that I will let go when I start my walk. So I must think think think on my walk.... or perhaps I should let go and let the Universe show me what I should do next. I will have no baggage but what I carry, I will be silent and open, I will feel and smell and taste and hear all that I can.

Dear Coleen, I am so sorry to read of your loss. I teared up reading about it. It has been my experience and observation that mourning, and the time that it takes, is really a critical part of life, grief, and recovery. I'm glad to read that you are giving yourself a little bit of time before you start your camino. I believe that is best. Mourn your sister now and then honor her on your walk. Best of luck to you on your camino. The universe may very well have some big and wonderful things planned for you!

 

[david g]

Sometimes what you are looking for and what you find are two different things. I hope I am brave enough for what I find, even if it is not what I was looking for.

You're right Coleen, sometimes we're given things we weren't necessarily looking for, but I think you'll be brave enough to deal with whatever comes your way. You've obviously gone through a lot already and you know that you want to seek out something, whether it be meaning or understanding and are opening yourself up to whatever is to come. That's a brave step right there. And don't worry. Once the Camino has shown you a path, it also shows you how to walk it. Our job, our lesson from the Camino, is to put into action what we've learned.

 

[Urban Trekker]

Happy Trails

 

[Coleen Clark]

Dear Coleen, I am so sorry to read of your loss. I teared up reading about it. It has been my experience and observation that mourning, and the time that it takes, is really a critical part of life, grief, and recovery. I'm glad to read that you are giving yourself a little bit of time before you start your camino. I believe that is best. Mourn your sister now and then honor her on your walk. Best of luck to you on your camino. The universe may very well have some big and wonderful things planned for you!

Thank you S. Brown. The Universe has surprised me all my life. It has been an adventurous roller coaster, but I have survived this far by keeping my hands and feet inside the car during the whole ride. I may have lost a hat and pocket change, but I have kept the attitude of "what's the next ride?" when I pull into the station because I remember the view from the top just before the cars plunge.

 

[Kathy F.]

Sounds like you have no pressing place to go and all the time in the world to get there.
Lovely.
Buen Camino, amigo.

 

[Kathy F.]

Thank you S. Brown. The Universe has surprised me all my life. It has been an adventurous roller coaster, but I have survived this far by keeping my hands and feet inside the car during the whole ride. I may have lost a hat and pocket change, but I have kept the attitude of "what's the next ride?" when I pull into the station because I remember the view from the top just before the cars plunge.

Coleen, the Camino will show you things about yourself, the universe, and things you have no concept of right now. I'm so sorry for your loss - it sounds like all the strings have been cut that may have been holding you down - not that caring for a loved one or having the company of loving family members holds a person down, but, well, hopefully you know what I'm trying to say.

You had an RV, so you clearly already had the spirit of adventure that many here cautiously nibble at - you are starting with a plate full of adventurous spirit! Congratulations!

The Camino won't answer all your questions and the albergues are not gathering places for angels. We all carry more baggage than we realize. You will suffer - physically, mentally, emotionally.

But that's just the pilgrimage taking effect.

I believe you are in for the most wonderful, life changing experience and you can't imagine how joyful you will feel when you reach the end.

Good for you that you've decided to do it! I'm very happy for you.

Buen Camino!
Kathy

PS - I actually did run into a few angels on my CF. No, not "angels," but Angels.

 

[Dan the Man]

Coleen, I am sorry for your loss. I know all too well how consuming caregiving can be. I did it for my dad for 3 years with the final year being palliative care. When it is all done, suddenly you have time you never had before....what do you do with it? I did so much thinking!

I hope your Camino is a fabulous experience. I leave August 23 from SLPDP. I am walking slow, taking my time, stopping to enjoy whatever towns etc I like and enjoy. Who knows if we'll meet?

Keep training, keep smiling, she'll be with you on your journey!
Dan