I’m finding that preparing for Camino II is like riding a bike. You’ve
already done it, you know that you can do it, so, just get on and start to
peddle. Camino II or, for that matter, any training regime is much simpler the second time around, even if I am a few years older.
My personal schedule has been severely disrupted over the last several
months so, having a bit of my routine back has been a great pleasure. Getting back to the gym for general fitness and getting back to our monthly walks now just feels right. Back and forth on the Katy Trail (KT) is a pleasure even if it’s a bit boring.
While I questioned the fit of my new boots, my Keens from Camino I would not make another trip, even on of 1/3 the length of the Camino Francés, so I
finally decided that I needed to begin breaking in my new boots, also Keens.
They actually feel fine and I look forward to actually getting them dirty, soon, I hope.
While the basics of Camino II are set, I was disappointed that I had to
adapt my schedule but, I’ve come to accept that it is Fate and, I’m not in
control. So, here’s what I know:
May 31st, depart for Madrid.
June 1st, arrive in Madrid and scramble to Ferrol via Santiago.
June 2nd, begin the Camino Inglés.
June 6th, arrive in Santiago.
From there, I must make a decision, all of them sound good but I need to
decide which road I’ll travel. My friend Katja, the Camino Beast, tells me that there’s no hurry and I will decide when I decide. While that’s true, one choice does require some advanced planning.
One choice is to train to León and meet Leo and Chris to walk to Astorga
where Leighton, Renee and Katja will join us.
Another choice would be to fly from Santiago to Madrid and meet L, R & K
and then train up to Astorga to meet Chris.
Another choice and, one that I find appealing is to start walking east,
which for a Pilgrim is very strange. The sun in your face instead of on your back. I think I could possibly make it to Sarria where I could catch a train
to Astorga. Long days but, why not. Something to seriously consider.
Whatever the choice, we will all walk from Astorga to Sarria, some of the
most beautiful country side as you leave the Meseta and begin climbing into the hills of Galicia.
From Sarria, we will all split up. I’ll head to Santiago where I’ll begin my journey home. Chris and her crew will continue to Santiago and then Finisterre/Muxía. Leighton, Renee and Leo may train to Ferrol to do the Inglés and then to Finisterre. Katja, well, who knows which way the wind
will blow my friend. Maybe west to Santiago, maybe north and east to more of the Primativo, possibly to Portugal. She’ll know when she needs to know.
Personally, the randomness is growing on me.
We Vagabonds have no where to go, everything to see but nothing to show, We trod the road in the bright summer sun, the cool of spring or a deep winters snow, Our needs are simple and always benign, taking but little with no baggage in tow.