Making our way back across Spain – after walking the Camino and visiting Porto – there was only one stop I really wanted to make. And, basically it was for only one reason; to visit La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

By the time we left Prague neither one of us was back up to speed and I was still sporting a hacking bit of a cough, but we carried forward.  It was onward to Bavaria!

Arbeit Macht Frei

Labor Brings Liberty

The Bone Church. With only two days left in Prague it was a choice between Sunday or Monday as to which day we would take a day trip to Kutna Hora.  We decided Sunday was the better choice giving us a just in case day if we didn’t make it.

We walked several miles and climbed 150 stairs (Abi counted) yesterday, in the cold and mist, just so I could show you this view.  Okay, yes, we wanted to see it for ourselves but you get the benefit without the hike.  You’re welcome!

There’s a well-known saying among experienced pilgrims.  The Camino will provide.  But, how does one pack for a long trek such as walking the Camino de Santiago? I suppose when anyone takes on an adventure that most consider a bit out-of-the ordinary, the inevitable questions arise, such as how does one even begin to figure out the logistics and what’s in the pack, Jack?

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

I wonder if there’s a 12-step program for planning addiction.  Hi, my name is Patti.  I’m a planner.  Always have been, always will be. I like the challenge of planning, stretching my organizational skills to the max and putting together all the pieces of the puzzle.

Prague. For whatever reason I just couldn’t hit that “book it” button.  I’d somehow managed to check off the rest of the key nights, you know the ones – gotta be there the night before the flight – nights.  Our upcoming trip is a 4-parter and while I had parts 2, 3, and 4 mapped out I just couldn’t seem to pull it together for part 1.

I don’t know why walking the Camino de Santiago has such a hold on me, but it surely does.  I learned of the Camino through my blogging community and then Abi and I had the opportunity to see the documentary, “Walking the Camino, Six Ways to Santiago” and I left the theater completely inspired and fully committed to walking. If a young woman can push her 3-year-old son in a stroller across the country of Spain, then surely, I can make the walk.

One of my most favorite things to see when we travel across the vast prairies of this country is the mile-long freight trains that often run alongside the highway. I start out trying to count the number of cars but soon give up because I simply can’t keep up.  But if I’m really lucky I’ll hear that long drone – somewhat lonely – call of a train whistle.  There’s just something about it that tugs at my soul; almost makes me want to bum a ride in an empty freight car headed for parts unknown.  Almost.