And I’m Off Again {#Camino2017}

Last Updated on August 30, 2017 by lydiaf1963

I’m getting ready for my second camino. I’ll be leaving sometime this week. I’m not sure when because I’m waiting for the weather forecast to firm up. I don’t mind walking in a little rain, but thunderstorms are another matter!

This year I’m laid back compared to the excitement/anxiety of last year’s trip. For one thing, I already have my equipment and only had to replace or upgrade a few things. For another, I plan to stretch a 2 or 3 day walk into four or five, covering about 70 km…that’s less than 10 miles a day on average. I may add another day, I’m not sure yet. My idea was to start in Burgos, which I can reach by train and walk to Frómista, where I started from last year and which has train service back to Valladolid.

Along the way I’ll cross the Pisuerga, the same river which flows through Valladolid, and walk along a different section of the Canal de Castilla. Valladolid was once a destination on the canal, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, and now used mostly for irrigation and recreation. I’m enjoying the connections.

The only preparation I’ve done is to put on my hiking boots and go on a couple longer hikes to make sure my equipment functions as it should. I don’t anticipate any problems since I will be walking shorter distances.

This summer has been cooler than last year so my plan (and we all know about the best laid plans) is to avoid rushing out of the albergue before dawn like I did on my first Camino. I can have a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenery. I love the open spaces and high sky of the Meseta and I’m looking forward to the relative silence of the road.

For those of you who are curious, here are a couple videos which demonstrate what I’ve chosen to carry with me this year.

Assuming I have internet access look for regular updates on Life Beyond the Kitchen’s Facebook Page and my Instagram. I might dabble in making a video from the road, but no promises I’ll upload anything!

Walking alone last year was liberating. I wonder what lessons the Camino will teach me this year?