We compiled our lists of necessities based on good advice from the books we had read. We won’t have to carry tents, sleeping bags, or cooking utensils so that will certainly lighten our load. Peregrinos (pilgrims) typically stay in albergues, rustic shelters with bunkbeds in large shared rooms. And the Camino travels through small villages, farmland, and cities, so we will be able to shop and pack what food we need for the day.
Guidebooks suggest carrying only 10% of your body weight, pack included. That means we can include only clothes, rain gear, tiny or inflatable pillows, a journal, camera, books, technology (Ipads and cell phones), and personal toiletries.
A comfortable backpack is a basic necessity and the hardest purchase to make. The pack must rest on the hips to support the weight of its contents, and choosing just the right one requires trying on pack after pack and making multiple adjustments. Another difficult decision is walking shoes or boots that can handle cobblestone, gravel, and hot city asphalt streets. The right choice is critical. For clothing we have to plan for the heat of day and the cool, possibly cold, of the night. To accommodate the ranges of temperature, we will be bringing clothing we can layer. The Eastern Mountain Sports stores in Concord and Manchester were our biggest suppliers of these necessities. Their knowledgeable and helpful staff counseled us well and made difficult decisions seem easier.
Books are heavy, so each one would have to be chosen with acute discretion. A Pilgrim Guide to the Camino de Santiago by John Brierley is a must for both of us, plus a slim volume of carefully selected verses from A Course in Miracles for Judi. A borrowed IPAD mini for Judi and a borrowed Ipad for Barb will provide us with access to email, maps, and a built-in camera. We’ll both carry refurbished Iphones, and Judi will bring her regular digital camera as a backup. (Huge thanks go to Barb’s son Chuck for his generosity and expertise with all tech issues.)
Today we’re about a week and a half from the start of the trip, and Judi will be off to California tomorrow to attend her daughter’s wedding. She’s spent a summer chock full of adventures to begin her retirement. So packing and unpacking are progressing apace, and the excitement level is escalating for your two peregrinas who are eager to be their way!
Hi Judi (and Barb). Thank you for including me. I just finished reading all your pre-journey posts and am so looking forward to reading your future posts and traveling this journey with the two of you.
You two are amazing! I am so happy for you to be making this wonderful journey together. I look forward to following your adventures! Peace and much love- Meg
This sounds like a wonderful adventure and it will be fun to follow along with your journey!
Aunt Judi, please give my love to Jessica and family when you visit and send them a warm congratulations from Nick, Layla and I. 💜
We are so excited to be taking this journey with you.! Thanks for including our family. Praying for your safe travels and can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
As they say, way cool! (a bit of a pun there…)
Safe travels, and have an awesome adventure! Thanks for taking me along!
Wow Judi its that time already!how exciting. I look forward to following you on your adventure.
Peace and love always
Betsy
So exciting! Thank you for the opportunity to follow your journey.
The time is finally here! I am excited for the two of you. Can’t wait to read about all of your adventures!! This will be such a spiritual journey. I wish you safe travels! Love, Kim
So looking forward to “walking” the Camino with you. Thanks for making this possible through your blog.
Looking forward to seeing your journey take place. May the force be with you!
Not the usual retirement activity — yet, knowing Barbara, not unexpected! We wish you both safe and joyous travels.
Que tengan un buen viaje!
I just finished reading all your posts!! I can’t believe your journey will begin in a matter of days!! This is so exciting and what an experience! Looking forward to traveling along side you both!! Thanks!! Safe travels!!
WOW- such an exciting adventure awaits! Wishing you strength, peace, fun, and many blessings along the way! We will be following you with every post!
Love, Sarah, Sam, Hailey, and Hannah
I am thrilled to be able to follow your adventures on this blog. Godspeed, Barb and Judi!
We will be following you and wishing you the best experiences. You are two gutsy ladies. So proud of you.
Love. Susan
I’m so grateful & excited to be part of your pilgrimage & so looking forward to reading & seeing your story unfold.
Be well, be safe.
Much love from the other Barbara
I can’t believe you are off and running, well actually walking😄 You’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. Have a wonderful enlightening spiritual experience to last you a life time. I’m looking forward to the postings you and your friend Barb will write. Take care, Judi and Barb
I was following you, Judi Majnun, on Instagram all this time, with nary a picture or comment to be seen. So glad you posted the link to your blog in your Christmas newsletter, and glad to know that you’re back safely. I love happy endings!