another seeker

[Andrea Innes-Michailov]

Hell Becci,

I plan to do El Camino alone too, possible next Sept or maybe the spring
'02.  Who knows maybe we'll meet along the way!
Someone mentioned that there is some kind of electronic device which emits a
sound that only dogs hear and that could be protection of some sort.  The
other recommendation was to carry a stick.  My own dogs used to go crazy
when they saw someone walking with sticks so...
The website of the man who recommended the "sonic device" is
www.pilgriminspain.net. He has a great list of things to bring and pretty
much addresses what is most important.  I also thought to take a self
defense class before I go.  I thought it would give me more confidence as
well as ability.  Many people said that the route was safe, and there are
plenty of good pilgrims to keep you company.  I know there are days that I
will want to face the challenge alone (that is one reason I am going, to
face my fear of being alone) so I think safety is at least available in
numbers and also from the sheer nature of the trip, a certain special
protective energy.  Perhaps God will be our protector too!
Andrea

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage [mailto:GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU]On
> Behalf Of Becci Robbins
> Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2002 9:50 AM
> To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
> Subject: another seeker
>
>
> Greetings,
>
> At age 65, my father did the Spanish portion of the Camino last spring.
> Inspired by his stories, I am planning to follow in his footsteps,
> literally, either this spring or fall. I was glad to find this
> listserv, as
> I could use some help planning my trip. I am especially interested in
> hearing from women who have done the pilgrimage alone. While I have done a
> fair amount of solo travelling, I have not done any serious hiking in
> almost 20 years. And while I am comfortable with the country and language
> (I was born in Zaragoza and lived in Spain 15 years), I have some concerns
> about safety (wild dogs, bad weather, unsavory sorts along the way). My
> biggest concern is making it through the mountains.
>
> Any tips you have to offer, or resources you can suggest to make planning
> my trek easier, I would be most grateful. Cheap air fares? Should I pack a
> tent? Do I need stiff boots or more flexible walking shoes? Are
> there cyber
> cafes along the way?
>
> Thanks for any help you can send my way.
>
> Becci
>