Back on the Camino!

Well folks, it has been just over a year since I returned from my own Camino and now today I am taking 9 friends to Spain to go with them on theirs! They are doing the same 100 miles I did in 2008, the one that got me hooked on this pilgrimage.

We have been training since February. Through the cold of those months and the extreme heat of the summer. Went up the dreaded Power Line to Mt. Alto Road when the trails of Berry were closed due to the tornado the last of April. They stayed closed until August. But we kept right on going and developed even closer friendships along with the miles. This is a wonderful group and I am proud of them. I am also happy to be able to introduce them to Spain and the Camino.

We will be gone from today, October 9th, until October 21st. We will begin walking on the 11th and will finish walking on the 19th. The first day will only be 3 or 4 miles because we are doing a tour of Leon before we start. But the next day is around 14 and it keeps to that high number for several days. There are a couple of days of only 9 miles. Then we will arrive in Santaigo de Compostela and see the field of stars that are over that magical place.

Don't know how often I will get to update this but will when I can.

Buen Camino,
Marie

Walking in the Florida sun

I am at SeaGrove in Florida, outside of Destin. This is an annual trip I make each August withjust Paige and the 3 boys. Harper, the oldest, is 13 1/2 and we have been doing this since he was about 17 months old. It is delightful.

Paige and I have been struggling through the heat and humidity for the past 3 mornings. Started off the first morning at 9:30. Bad mistake. When we finished at 11:00 I was about to throw up. Next day started at 9:00. Better but not good. This morning we started at 8:10 and walked 4 miles and it was great. Had so much water that it was sloshing in my stomach but it kept me going. Tomorrow we will do it again, by 8:00, and go further. SURELY Spain won't be this hot!

Hiking in Iceland!

I am excited because I will really be testing my knee and walking ability in the next 12 days as I leave tomorrow to take a group of 9 to Iceland. This trip has been a neightmare to plan because we had to do everything around the volcano but it will be worth it.

I will do some good walking, hopefully, but will use my 2 hiking poles the whole time. I have 10 weeks until I begin my Camino so it is time now to start working harder now that my knee seems to be well or almost well.