[Gocamino] preparations for June

[Glenn]

Lori,
I used to go on annual solitary retreats to a nice area in North Carolina. 
These retreats lasted from 2 to 4 weeks, and I would journal, walk a lot in 
beautiful natural settings, and read a lot.  My wife, who works in a small 
bookstore, always sent a box of books she thought were interesting with me. 
In 2003 one of those books was Coehlo's  book about the Pilgrimage.  I had 
never heard of it, but it was fascinating.  Within the next few weeks, I saw 
several mentions of the Camino.  Finally, when I returned home, I picked up 
a Sunday New York Times, something I never did, and went through it that 
afternoon.  What did I find?  I found a 2 page article on the Camino!  This 
seemed to me to be such a clear message that I should do it, that I was 
obsessed by it for the two years it took me to actually go.  I previously 
had never even wanted to visit Spain, and knew no Spanish.  My first Camino 
in 2005 far exceeded my expectations.  Since that time I have dreamt about 
Spain regularly, and I now have a passion for learning Spanish.  Why this 
is, I do not know, and I cannot adequately describe the intensity of my 
feelings toward the Camino.  This May I will return.  It is a magical place, 
and you will meet incredible people along the way.

On the practical side...wow you really think you can get your pack weight to 
10 pounds?  Great if you can, the less the better.  I was way way too heavy 
two years ago and had to mail about 10 pounds to myself  from Pamplona to 
Santiago.  I tried to prepare for every possible contingency, and soon found 
out how foolish that was.    I only took a liter bottle and it was adequate. 
People I heard of that had the camel packs had some difficulty with them.  I 
just kept my journal in a freezer bag to protect it from rain.  I had a 
digital recorder, but didn't really use it or need it.  My digital camera 
was an asset though. I would recommend having your boots a bit larger than 
normal as your feet tend to swell a bit walking all day.

Good Luck,
Glenn


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lori Volding" <lvolding at hotmail.com>
To: <gocamino at oakapple.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 10:32 PM
Subject: [Gocamino] preparations for June


> Happy Spring everyone,
>
> My plans are coming together for my first pilgrimage. I found great 
> targhee
> Keen mid boots that are working wonderfully as I train (sizes run short),
> and my Osprey pack seems to be the right fit.
>
> I am now concerned about the weight of water. I am hopeful to carry no 
> more
> than 10 pounds. After discussions with some help at REI and another great
> outdoor gear store, the idea of a 2 liter hydration pack, and one 25 oz
> camelbak water bottle was suggested. Any thoughts?
>
> Also I wish to record my experience in some manner. A waterproof journal 
> or
> a mini digital recorder has been suggested. Again wt of course is a 
> factor.
> This certainly may just come down to personal preference. If the recorder 
> is
> encouraged, any specific types suggested?
>
> Lastly, I would like to share a very interesting session I just 
> experienced
> with a spiritual energy healer whom I find practices with professionalism
> and grace. After sharing my trip destination, I was informed that I had 
> been
> there at one time in a past life; there was more insight shared as
> well...very enlightening. Has anyone else received such info prior to 
> their
> trip, or experienced such connections during their pilgrimage?
>
> Thanks in advance for your input.
>
> Peace be with you all,
> Lori
>
> _________________________________________________________________
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>


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