No, we didn't decide to just go to Spain and start walking!

I often tell people that I plan to be spontaneous. So, yep...there has been much planning and preparation. The planning has been much of the fun and we hope the preparation will pay off! Read our blog as we post along "The Way" and I will let you know! We started researching and planning this journey in September of 2014 and started the training process. Mark walked Kate daily, but I don’t exercise at all. So we started walking. First 2 miles, then 4 miles, then 6, 8 and 10. Next, we bought high tech light weight hiking boots. They felt great in REI and then on my first trip out with them, I thought... there is absolutely no way that I will ever be able to hike in these. But that is why the experts advise to break in boots well before you plan to hike. After 100 plus miles in our boots, I can't imagine hiking without them. Love the boots.

Next was research on the different types and sizes of backpacks. We were fitted and bought our packs. We took backpacking classes to learn how to pack and carry them. Mark loaded them with 20 pounds of weight and then we started hiking area trails. Some short and some long walks. After seeing the movie "Wild" we decided we needed to let folks on our local trails know that we were not Hobos. See the movie and you will understand why. Not really, we just didn't want to worry the neighbors.

Next, we started researching the Camino, read everything we could get our hands on, booked hotels and pensions or albergues when a hotel was not available in the smaller towns. Now to just make it to each town as scheduled! I have a wonderful Spanish speaking friend that has helped me book hotels in some of the smaller villages. One hotel has 5 rooms in a town of 1,000 residents.

Mark became my personal trainer and we worked out together. I dropped some pounds. More is definitely needed, but it’s a good start. Our goal is to carry less than 20 pounds each and will be taking only the bare minimum with just a few luxury items. Like a cork screw and silicon wine glasses! I weighed my pack last weekend and was right at 15 pounds. I only have a few more items to buy like a small first aid kit. We have planned for possible cold and rain or even some snow… all the while hoping for sunshine and mild weather. We shall see. However, I have found that walking in about 40-50 degrees is perfect for me. We are walking during the cusp of winter and spring. The Galicia region is often called the Ireland of Spain because of the frequent rain which is why the country side is so green.

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