Along with the physical training you need to go on camino there is also mental training or mental preparation.

While practicing with full packs and longer distances there is a surge of confidence followed by a bit of fear or apprehension. Your positive inner voice says, “you’ve got this!” Followed by the judge inside your head saying, “what are you thinking?”

It’s so important to listen to your body. Take breaks often. For us shorter breaks more often carries us through the challenge of walking all day.

Another way to prepare is to talk with others. If you have certain fears express them and let others help you. (This works in every day life as well.)

If you don’t have anyone to talk with let me know…this is what I do!!

We didn’t walk today took a full rest day with family fun. And there was a terrific thunderstorm!!!

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One of the first things I learned and continued to learn when I went on pilgrimage is things are temporary. Sometimes you have to let go of something you brought. This may happen by losing it or simply deciding it’s no longer useful and is extra weight and space, which for a hiker is very important.

Another important letting go is preconceptions. The idea that a pilgrimage or the camino has to happen a certain way. people will tell you what to do, what to expect, how a proper camino or pilgrimage should look. You may have some of your own. One of the most exciting and liberating aspects of a camino is letting it happen.

This of course doesn’t mean you don’t plan. But don’t be so stuck to the plan that you can’t feel the camino spirit and experience camino magic.

Embracing the moment is so important and sometimes that means letting go.

On 31 August we will start on our fourth Camino. This time from Porto to Santiago de Compostela (SdC) I’ve never been to Portugal and neither of us has walked this particular Camino. The excitement is palatable.

We have worked on our training and feel pretty good about our strength and stamina.

Last week we went to the Ardennes for a 16 km hike. I remarked that this was kind of hard, to which Noël said I’m not finding it that way. In fact I think it’s easy. 😳🙄

He did admit later that the AllTrails app said it was heavy. Guess what. “I think it’s easy” has become a catch phrase. 😂😂😂

Well the last hill up he carried my pack. But thankfully there was a picnic table at the top. I was able to take a drink of coke and vomit. 🤮Sorry for the graphics. But that made all the difference.

We will carry our packs again tomorrow for a very short 10 km hike before having lunch with family.

Buen Camino

Oh and 1 October the big news will be revealed!!

COVID has wreaked havoc on so many lives. I’m grateful for vaccines. I can’t imagine how we would feel if we hadn’t been vaccinated.

Today my son William and Lindsay’s fiancé tested positive for COVID as well. The wedding is postponed. Lindsay and her dad tested negative. Thank goodness.

The cake is on ice. The cake lady brought Lindsay a treat and flowers since they had to postpone. The wedding will happen but not today. Everything had to shift. Are we sad? Yes. Are we disappointed? Yes.

Lindsay got to spend time with her dad and brother. And got her hair done. We hiked the West Highland Way. And Mitchell and Lindsay will get married…just not today, but soon.

I hope you are able to shift with confidence and grace with whatever doesn’t work the way you planned. ❤️