
Because it’s there. Why? We get asked that a lot. Why would we want to walk 500 miles across Spain following the Camino de Santiago? In truth, we really don’t have an answer. It kinda beats the hell out of us why we’re taking this on.
Remember George Mallory’s quote, “…because it’s there?” Yeah, it’s kind of like that.

Photo Credit: Dressler/Jones
Questions
The question is always the same, why? The reactions are usually that of a glazed over look of dumbfoundedness (is that a word?) or a look of actual interest followed by the inevitable question and answer period of the program. Where do you start? Where do you end? Where do you sleep? Where do you go to the bathroom and how do you even begin to plan for such a thing? Those are just a few.
If we happen to be in REI asking questions about hiking gear, most REI worker bees already know about the Camino and are excited for us. But if we happen to be at a holiday dinner party and no one has heard of the Camino, well then of course there are a multitude of questions and sometimes that glazed over look of – I can’t even fathom doing such a thing – appears and secretly they’re probably thinking, “They must be out of their minds.”

Photo Credit: Dressler/Jones
It’s All About the Shoes
I recently decided that even though I’ve broken in my new Merrill walking shoes, I’m going to revert to my long-standing relationship with my Keens. But they needed to be refurbished before they walk me 500 miles. We took them to the local shoe repairman and as I explained to him why my Keens needed to carry me 500 miles, that glazed over look began to appear. Once Abi began to explain the Camino though, the glaze disappeared and genuine interest came through. p.s. I can’t wait to get my shoes back. I miss them.

Photo Credit: Dressler/Jones
Because it’s There
So why are we walking? Because it’s there. It’s the ultimate walk, the two of us on the road together, literally. It’s a time for us to gather our thoughts, to talk, to laugh, to cry, to be in awe of where we are. Everyone has their reason; their story. There are those who loudly profess that if one does not chuck all modern technology, does not carry only the barest of necessities and does not only stay at the albergues, then one is not truly a Camino pilgrim. That’s a load of crap in my book and only serves those who judge. I don’t have to be a martyr to discover my own way on the Camino.

Photo Credit: Dressler/Jones
Three Weeks & Counting
Do I have any fears? Yes. I have two. Number 1 is that I’ll step wrong and do something stupid like sprain my ankle or wrack my knee joint. Which lends itself to fear number 2, which is the fear that I won’t finish and I’ll have to write a blog post to tell the world I didn’t make it.
We are three weeks and counting from crossing the pond and we start walking April 12, rain or shine. So what questions do you have for us, we’d really like to know!
I’ve been doing a lot of research on the Camino ,including joining a great group of people who have been on the camino several times. No matter how many times they have been on the Camino from France, they always have a different experience.
The one thing for sure that when I arrive on the Camino in June I too will take a turtles pace.
I wish you a buen camino.
Thank you, Robert. Buen Camino to you. I hope we all find our way on the journey.
This sounds awesome! I really want to do a super-long walk or bike ride someday.

Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted…Where should I go with my free airline points?
We are looking forward to the walk; definitely something out of the box for us and quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Only three weeks to go? How exciting! I can’t wait to follow your walk, will you be able to blog along the way or are you planning to forsake technology and write about your adventure afterwards?

Amy recently posted…How we’ve Survived Travelling as a Couple
We leave in 3 weeks, Amy, but we don’t start our walk until April 12. I will be blogging as we go, I’m afraid my brain won’t remember details and I want to make sure I capture each day in words.
Will you be doing a video diary? Or recording what you see with a normal camera instead? Looking forward to coverage of your hike regardless.

Gran Canaria Local recently posted…CoWorking Canarias
Primarily, we’ll be capturing the walk on our cameras – actually, we’re not carrying cameras, we’ll be using our phones both of which have good cameras. And they are so slim they are super easy to carry while walking. We can also use our phones to take videos, which I’m sure we will do from time to time, but mostly, photos – I believe.
Hi Patti, good idea to trust your old keens to take you all the way and also you are so right that there is no need to be a martyr to discover your own Camino, do it at your own pace and stay at the type of accommodation that suits you best. It will be an amazing experience and I am looking forward to walk it with you through your blog posts.

Gilda Baxter recently posted…A Hen Do After She Said I Do
Thank you, Gilda! We’re so excited to have so many supporters walking with us in spirit!
When you have a vision at the back of your mind, it will come to fruition –

Your vision will carry you to the end, no matter what!
Have a great walk 😀
Linda ~ Journey Jottings recently posted…‘Happy New Year’ from Bonnie Scotland
Thanks for the encouragement Linda! We are super excited and looking forward to the challenge.
Hell, I know why you are walking the Camino. I want to walk it. Don’t know if it will happen though. There are lots of things I want to do—live in England for 6 months, buy a boat and live in it for 6 months while exploring the coast, and on and on the list goes. Some of it I’ve done. Have a wonderful walk, and don’t sprain your ankle.
Thanks Sandy, I know you’ll be with us in spirit and I hope to post, as often as I can, as we walk.
I love that you and Abi live your life. It takes courage to do that. You guys are awesome. The only question I have is are you already considering what your next adventure will be?
Ha! Ha! Too funny, Diane. I’m always thinking about what’s next, but there are no plans in the works. Just lots of talking, talking, talking. Maybe we’ll figure it out while we’re walking, walking, walking.
You two are awe inspiring. You are going to be *wonderful*! Walk with joy, adventure with peace!
Thank you, Neva. We will walk with joy (and maybe a few aches and pains) 😉
I think it is another cool thing you will do in a long list of adventures and challenges you have taken on. Don’t you remember the same looks when you took on Abigail’s B&B? Or you decided to go back to school and not only get your degree but your masters? Or you ran a successful restaurant for years?
You go girl. (And Abi too!)
I do remember, I remember well. We’re going!
I usually don’t even get this question anymore, just a “huh?” look from whomever I’m talking to! Good luck on the trail!

Corinne recently posted…Easter Island World Heritage Site
Ha! Ha! I get those as well, Corinne. Huh?! 😉
It sounds wonderful to me. I hope you don’t have any physical problems, and put the word “fail” out of your head. #1) you can go back another time if you want to to finish. I think quite a few people have to do it in installments because of their work schedules, and #2) you’re not doing this for a grade. Your friends (even the ones you’ve never met IRL) are happy to follow along vicariously for as long as you want to/can do it.

Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…A Visit to Málaga on the Costa del Sol, Spain (Lemonade Edition)
I hear ya, Suzanne. For us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime shot. It’s do or die time, but I have the utmost faith in us and I’ve been told by a friend who successfully made the walk that we will finish because we are prepared and because we’re cognizant of what we’re doing. I’ll take it!
You will NOT have any mishaps and you WILL make it just fine, Patti!! I totally “get it” as to making the Camino journey. Whether it was a mountain in front of me or a story to write…both of which might have been almost insurmountable. I’ve always said, “I want to do that because I believe I can and because I want to!” I’m so excited for you two!! 🙂

Mike recently posted…Bottega Italiana In Seattle, Washington – My First Gelato
Thanks for the encouragement, Mike! I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. The little engine that could! I’ll be the turtle that hiked across Spain. 😉
Leave that fear behind and carry your wonder instead, carefully.

Gaelyn recently posted…A short long walk to the black mountain
I hope to, Gaelyn. I plan to be the turtle who slowly but surely crosses the finish line.
What an exciting, exciting adventure! Can’t wait to follow you on the trail. Will you be able to post updates very often?
Yes, Elaine, I do hope to post updates as often as possible and thanks so much for following.