Heading to Seattle in six days then on to Saint Jean Pied de Port

DAVE:  We begin our Camino in less than two weeks.  I can't believe the time has arrived to begin this journey. Since the decision to walk the Camino was made with Jim, the actual date for the beginning always seemed far enough in the future for it to be just an idea, a concept, and certainly not a real thing.  However, at this stage, it is real and it is going to happen very soon.  We will be walking within two weeks.  In fact, in two weeks, we will have crossed the Pyrenees, slept in Roncesvalles, and will be staying in Zubiri for the night.

The pack is packed (and has been re-packed several times as well).  Each time, I try to reduce the weight of my pack.  I had planned on bringing flip-flops for the shower but nixed that to save weight.  Three shorts?  Nope.  Dropping down to two. That 14 ounce guide book I used last year?  Staying home and replaced with an App on my iPad Mini. Total weight so far: about 18.4 pounds.  I remember my pack last year weighed near that as well. I had hoped for under 18 pounds but this will have to do.  Who knows, I may be able to shave off another half a pound before Friday, we'll see.

The anticipation, excitement, (and yes, a little anxiousness) builds as our "launch date" gets closer. On Friday, we travel to Seattle to link up with Jim.  I say "we" because it's not just Jim and me traveling on the Camino, but will include newly made friends from Molokai and Oahu.  A few months ago, a friend mentioned to us about another party from Molokai planning to walk the Camino in the fall of 2015.  Rosie, Wendy, and Robin had learned about the Camino in 2014 and had committed to walk this year.  Jim and I met Rosie earlier in the year and we all decided to make the trek together. Our little island of Molokai, with a population of 7,000 will be well represented on the Camino this year.  I find that amazing.

Over the weekend, we will visit REI for some last minute supplies (who can resist?) before we catch our flight to Madrid on Monday evening.  We finally reach Saint Jean Pied de Port around noon on thursday, September 10th.  We head straight to the Pilgrim Office to get our credencial, check on the weather in the mountains for the next day,  visit the village and meet fellow pilgrims, eat (hmmmm....how do I order in French????.....), get some rest, then wake up the following morning with a 24 kilometer hike over the Pyrenees waiting for all of us.

The first day's walk from Saint Jean Pied de Port in France, over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles in Spain  is your Camino baptism; the first day where your body is put to a severe test.  And on this day, you appreciate the fact you did so many training walks in preparation of this first day. I remember this first day last year.  I remember leaving Saint Jean around 7:30 am and finally arriving in Roncesvalles around 5:00 that afternoon.  I was bone tired.  I remember the amazing vistas with blue skies overhead as I ascended the countryside, the cattle roaming the hills, my severe leg cramps (ugh) near the top of the summit, my first glimpse of Roncesvalles during my late-afternoon descent. I found my bunk and crashed for the entire evening.  This year, will be different.  Jim, Rosie, Wendy, Robin, and I will enjoy it all together.  it was such an amazing first day and one I will never forget.  I cannot wait to do it again this year.

Our journey awaits us just around the corner. Stay tuned.

Buen Camino.