ANGELA'S CAMINO ADVENTURE: April 2013

On Running

Well, I may have just done my last run for at least a month and a half. It was yet another heavenly experience out in bright spring sunshine, surrounded by gorgeous countryside, with my faithful Talullah dancing beside me. I reflected on how I've run consistently, (sometimes through snowstorms, ice, slush, sleet, extreme heat, horseflies and thunderstorms), from twice to seven times a week for almost three years solid. Running is one of the greatest gifts I've been given, and I am so grateful for my healthy body. Running provides me the opportunity to sort out my thoughts, experience the natural beauty around me, enjoy time with my dog, and celebrate my health. In my 50th year, I feel as strong and healthy as ever, physically and emotionally. I stand humbled and grateful to God for that.

I'll get at least one good hike and another nasty kickbox session in before I go, and that will have to do for my Camino physical training.

On Packing

As for other trip preparations, I think I'm pretty much ready to go. I have finally settled on a really nice backpack (after trying two others) and am committed to wearing my trusty (if not heavy and over-insulated) leather hiking boots. Despite common sense, I will be carrying my overweight, clunky Nikon DSLR camera and a macro zoom lens with me. My luggage will weigh almost a quarter of my body weight... not recommended by most veterans...

Concerns

Truth is, I am somewhat concerned about the physical challenge of the walk. If I didn't have to carry all the weight, I think I'd be fine. But the constant pressure of a heavy, awkward pack against my moving frame is not even comfortable on a short walk. My shoulder blades, hip bones and lower back are bruised from just walking around the block... and my knees and hips don't like the task before them, either. Ah well, if grandmas can do it, so can I! It will be a good test for me to just take it easy and try not to race to the finish line...

Avec Mon Fille

I am very much looking forward to the first part of my journey: travelling around France with my daughter Lindsay. Though we Skype occasionally an
d email often, we haven't seen each other since Christmas. I know she has changed a lot since she left last fall, and I can hardly wait to explore Paris with her and spend many leisurely hours at coffee bars and patisseries catching up and enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes and textures around us. (Though I think she will be embarrassed to be seen with me, given that I have only one change of clothes - and they aren't haute couture...)

Additional Photos

I'm adding a few more photos from a hike a few weekends ago at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Man, I'm sure happy to see the snow gone - I don't even like looking at photos of it!