I’m not quite sure how the Camino found me. I remember watching the movie The Way that starred Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, real life father and son playing Father and Son, and their journey on the El Camino de Santiago – an 800 km walk across the top of Spain. It was a great movie.

I must admit, at first walking the Camino was Hubby’s idea. For his Significant Milestone. And I was only lukewarmly enthused when I realised it wasn’t a casual stroll between Tapas Bars but more like a serious hike that you needed to prepare for. I encouraged Hubby to do it with the promise that I would meet him at the end, but he never pursued it.

But clearly the idea – or the Call of the Camino – germinated in my head. A seed of “How good would it be to just live out of a pack and go for a walk!” began to take hold. We watched more Camino movies and documentaries. We met people who had done it, or were about to. I was inspired.

Well my Significant Milestone was fast approaching and I was determined to make it a Spectacular Year. So…here I am. With a 35litre Pack (that weighs around 7.5kg fully loaded!) and the Ugliest Shoes in the World. I am about to embark on my biggest adventure yet – the 800km Camino Frances.

Have I done enough training? Well, honestly, probably not. Physically I have done some long walks (25km, some less) but never consecutive days and never with a pack. Mentally I am only now beginning to realise the enormity of what I have committed to do.

I have done my research though, and humbly thank all the contributors to Camino Forums that have answered my often inane questions. The Spirit of the Camino, I have discovered, begins long before you take your first step.

I hope you’ll enjoy sharing the journey with me.