DAVE: We are five weeks from the journey. I'm getting my training walks on Molokai while Jim is hiking in Seattle. Molokai is a great place for training. The old volcano of Molokai's eastern interior reminds me of the Pyrenees from Saint Jean. The elevation change on Molokai from sea level to the top of the mountain is about 3,500 feet, which is similar to the elevation change we'll endure on the first day out from Saint Jean. Walking from end to end of Molokai is a distance of about 60 miles so I can get all the distance and elevation training I want. And yes, the scenery is fantastic. You also can't get lost on our tiny island! For my training walks, I try to get some distance walks in (8 miles or so) as well as some with elevation each time I go out. I try to walk about two to three times a week. My new Merrell shoes are fully broken in and they feel good. No issues there. At this time, I have my backpack packed (with the exception of my sleeping bag, toiletries, and iPad). My pack weighs 14.5 pounds. With luck, it'll weigh under 18 pounds when the journey starts. We'll see.
I've begun training with my pack to get used to the weight. The last time I had my pack on was during my Camino experience in 2014. Putting it on this year was like being re-acquainted with an old friend and walking with him (one friend, however, that is hanging from your back and shoulders!). I prefer to do my training walks in the afternoons from 4:00 to 7:15) when it's still a bit hot on Molokai. I remember some very hot days on the Camino last year so getting used to walking with a full pack in the sun is good.
From my talks with Jim, he's is hiking away in Seattle. Jim is a hiking machine and is ready to go. I'm looking forward to linking up with him on September 4th. Our flight from Seattle to Madrid is scheduled for September 7th. We arrive at Saint Jean Pied de Port on September 10th, after train and bus rides from Madrid. We start our Camino on the morning of September 11th and with luck will walk into Santiago on the morning of October 15th. I have my fingers crossed that the weather will be clear on that first day to allow us to walk the mountain route out of Saint Jean. I was fortunate to walk that mountain route last year and the route was breathtaking. Exhausting but breathtaking!
As we progress along the Camino, Jim and I will post updates so you can follow along with us. I'll post again before we leave with more details of our trip. Until then, Buen Camino!
Dave and Jim (2014)
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