Getting ready

Trip Start May 14, 2008
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Trip End May 30, 2008


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Flag of Canada  , British Columbia,
Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Once upon a time, many moons ago, in a land far, far away (well, sometimes West Vancouver seems far from North Vancouver).....I had a conversation with a friend of mine, Nancy Farran. She expressed her dream to me, which was to hike the pilgrim trail called the Camino de Santiago, in Spain. This is a "trail" that officially starts in the French Pyrenees and crosses northern Spain for, oh, 500 miles or so, ending in an ancient city called Santiago de Compostela. This city is supposedly where St. James the apostle is buried. Well, I quickly volunteered to escort her on her journey, and when I told Jim he said "Well, I'm coming too!" So here we are, 8 days before departure, getting ready to leave our kids alone for the first time in their wee lives (agh!). Also joining us are our friends John & Julia Parker (Shawnigan Lake), Brad Spring (Oakville, Ontario), Lynn Carrow Rose (West Vancouver) & Sandi Heath (Vancouver).

Before you get all impressed, thinking that we're doing the entire 500 miles, we're not. We decided to do the last 8 days' worth, which will take us from Ponferrada to Santiago - over mountains, through valleys, meandering through small villages and farming communities...respectably staying in converted farm houses and B&B's along the way. We even have a support vehicle to carry our gear! Thousands of pilgrims who do this pilgrimage stay in 'refugios' or 'albergues' (picture masses of people in a room full of bunkbeds, with limited washroom facilities - no thank you). Our group of eight fortunately agreed that we deserve to treat ourselves to some of the comforts of home, and a good nights' sleep certainly ranks up there!

Legend says that if you carry a rock from home, filling it with your troubles and your dreams, and then toss it into the sea at the end of the trail, your troubles will be over and your dreams will come true. Or something like that. Does the fact that my group is 'only' doing the last 120 miles mean, maybe, that only some of our dreams will come true? I guess we'd better choose carefully. In any case, it will be an adventure on foot, filled with long conversations, beautiful scenery and perhaps some insight into the spiritual world. And hopefully, no blisters. Or rain. Well, a bit of rain would be okay....

Nancy has given me permission to share her blog with you as well - maybe, between us, you'll be able to feel like you're doing the trek from the comfort of your own home?! Here's her link (you may need to cut and paste it):
http://www.travelblog.org/fred.php?id=273470

So, off we go! Adios!
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Comments

hockey55
hockey55 on May 8, 2008 at 02:41AM

Getting Set.......
Next will be...going and gone. A great story and wonderful beginning to an awesome trip. Can hardly wait to see all the pictures and hear all your adventures you had every day. I am so jealous!
Have fun, be careful....and remember to stretch and drink lots of water.
I will miss you,
Laney

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