Thoughts on leaving for a second Camino

We got our packs loaded last night and ran through the checklists again to make sure we had everything and had taken care of all the home to-do items before leaving for Spain. It is morning now and I am drinking my cup of coffee from the mug covered with the sellos from my first Camino with Caroline back in 2008. This mug in one way holds all the memories of the past and the hopes for our next adventure.
I have thought alot about how a second pilgrimage is going to be different from a first. Much of the trip will be new experiences, but some will be walking again in the footsteps of our trip before and yet it will all be new for David. If I compare him to Caroline, I realize he is much more prepared for this. Maybe not physically, but he knows now what the walking is like, what a refugio is, and he has seen The Way and other documentaries enough to have a good familiarity with the expectations and trials he is likely to find.
On my account, I have tried to learn from our first pilgrimage to take the time up front to get rest and to not make too many plans.
Also the second Camino with a second child is going to build a relationship that I cherish more than anything. We are so lucky to get this chance to spend time with our kids and share in something that will have an impact on their lives for the future.
I am older, tired-er, but hopefully wiser than last time. This cup of coffee is kind of a symbol of the second Camino for me; held in the expectations of my first trip is a warm, fresh experience to be enjoyed.
Please pray for us.

Packing and Repacking

All this has got to fit in the packs?

Well, the basement is cluttered with all our gear to be taken and not taken. We have reviewed everything, weighed everything, washed everything, and tested most everything to make sure it will work well. Our packs weigh about 13 pounds without water. This seems like a good weight that will allow us to walk easier and not struggle, given the distances we are covering.

The final few preparations are pretty much done. Now to just get to Europe...

A word of thanks to all those that have wished us good luck. We will pray for you along the Way.

-Len

Below is my gearlist:

Packing gear (backpack, etc.)

Backpack Osprey Tallon 23L

Water bottle holder

Sea to Summit large stuff sack

Sea to Summit medium stuff sack

Fanny pack

Eagle Creek Undercover Moneybelt

Water bottle, Powerade 1 l Guide Gear (40º)

Rain gear

Altus Atmospheric

OR running Jacket

Short gaiters

Clothes

Baseball hat

TNF pullover

Blue Tshirt

Brook Grey SS T-shirt

LS shirt, polyester orange marathon

Underpants (3 pair)

Zip-off pants (2 pair)

Bandanas (2)

Running shorts for sleeping Grey REI

Socks, Liner (3)

Socks, REI 1/4 (3)

Footwear

Obooes shoes

Skechers slippers

Smartfeet Insoles

Hygiene & wash

Eagle Creek Kit bag

REI pack Towel

Soap/clotheswash

Deo stick/roll-on

Toothbrush with cap for head

Toothpaste

Soapdish (Muni)

Comb

Contacts/liquid

Eyeglasses

Eyeglass case

Shaving cream

Razor

Rubber drain plug

Elastic clothesline

Clothes pin clips

Toiletpaper/tissues in packs

Lip Balm

Deet

Washrags Disposable

Medicine/dressings

Immodium AD Anti-Diarrhea Loperamide HCl(2 mg)

Benedryl

Creme for feet, etc. (Caswell Massey)

Band aids

Advil Anti Inflamatory/Pain Ibuprofen (600mg) Ibuprofena; Nurofen

Albuterol

Nail clippers

Compeed

Sunscreen, 30 ml soft tube

Wool thread for blisters

Pro Glide

Papers

Brierley Guide

Journal Moleskine

Book

Pen

Passport

Health insurance

Drivers license

Visa card

Wallet

Cash

Coin purse

Spanish mass parts card

Credencial

Zip-lock for papers

Other

Sunglass straps

Eyeguards for sleeping

Ear plugs

Sun glasses

Sunglasses case

Swiss knife w/corkscrew & scissors (will buy in St Jean)

Rosary

Watch

Repair kit

Diaper pins

Duct tape

Pebble for Cruz de Ferro

Electronics

Canon Powershot A-800

MicroSDHC card, 32 GB class 6+

Extra AA batteries

iPhone

Case

Headphones

USB Charger

Converter plug

Charger cable

Extra SDHC card, 32 GB class 10

Reader for SD cards

zip locks for storage

Headlamp

Food & drink

Trail food

Water, 1 l This is based on the packing spreadsheet provided at the Camino de Santiago Forum. You can find it here. -Len

A Blessing from Father Dye and our last (first) practice hike

This weekend has been filled with final preparations for our trip next week to Saint Jean and the beginning of our pilgrimage. On Sunday, we received our first blessing from Father Dye at our home parish of Mary Our Queen. Fr. Dye, who recently had returned from his own Camino, was very enthusiastic about our going and asked that we pray for the parish when we arrive in Santiago.

Today, we went into the north Georgia mountains for a short hike to test our packs and shoes. Caroline and Irene joined us for a walk along the Amicalola River. Except for the spring rain shower everything went well and we met our friends the Priedes for a fantastic BBQ lunch. The rest of this week will be spent with final details till we pack up and head to the airport.