This week has been filled with last-minute preparations, mainly trips to Target where I just walk around and leave with one thing, like a travel sized tube of toothpaste, as well as a blitz of sporting goods stores that included two different EMS stores, Dick's Sporting Goods, and the grand opening of LLBean at the Danbury Mall. I've been preparing for this trip mentally since I was in Santiago last year for World Youth Day, and actually and tangibly since January when we, in a fit of psychosis, purchased the plane tickets that sealed the deal. As my friends know, I like to research, plan, read, and make lists, especially when it coems to a big trip. I picked up on my Grandpa's love for creating itineraries and I've had a document on my computer called Camino2012 where I sketched out the potential itinerary with excitement. And let me tell you, it's a pretty awesome itinerary.
But the thing about the Camino is that all my planning and itineraries and research really can't do much for me once I start walking. I have the "recommended" guidebook and I've made the best decisions I can in regards to my gear (and some not so good decisions- ie. the Martin Backpacker Guitar that may or may not actually make it onto the plane), but from what I've read, heard, and from what I anticipate, the Camino is about simplifying life, focusing on the moment, reflecting interiorly, away from the distractions of the world. I am looking forward to that so much, and I hope that I will be able to "turn off" my tendency to worry and plan and make adjustments and try to turn everything that I do into a youth group meeting. As I said in my previous post, the Polish Walking Pilgrimage really influenced my desire and my decision to walk the Camino. I love the simplicity of living in the moment, walking and talking and enjoying my surroundings, and fully appreciating a good night's sleep, even if it's not in ideal conditions at all. All of my expectations aside, God has called me to this, and He's going to get me through it!
I haven't successfully walked any part of the Camino, but I thought I would post my packing list in case anyone is interested in what I'm bringing. I based this on blogs, posts, and books that I've read and I think it's pretty solid. The philosophy behind packing is supposed to be as light as possible, ideally 10% of your body weight. That is not happening here, but I did my best.
Backpack
Gregory Jade Women's 34L (includes
raincover)- 2lb 12 oz
You want your backpack to be as light as possible but to have an internal frame. It should also fit your torso, especially with the hip belt in the right position. The weight is supposed to be carried on your hips, not your shoulders. I looked specifically for Gregory because they have packs that are for a woman's torso and in different sizes. The size should be between 30-50. I wanted it to be smaller so I would be forced to pack lightly.
Clothing
1 pair zip pants (PrAna Monarch)
1 pair hiking shorts (PrAna Bliss)
1 skirt for the evenings (Royal Robbin’s Discovery Skirt)
2 Technical Shirts (Techwick- EMS)
1 shirt to wear at night (LLBean)
3 pairs wool socks (Smartwool)
2 sports bras
3 pairs underwear (ExOfficio)
1 pair Salomon trail runners
1 light zip up
1 Marmot Pre-cip rain jacket
1 pair Teva sandals
Hat
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Toiletry
bag
Glasses & Case
Contact
Lenses, case, solution
Sun screen
Lush solid shampoo (Lasts 60-70 washes!)
Mr. Bronner's Magic All
Purpose Castille soap (for body & clothes)
Razor
Chapstick
Tooth
brush, tooth paste, floss
Hiking
towel
Nail
clipper
Tweezers
Comb
& hair ties
Bodyglide
(prevents blisters)
Deodorant
First
aid kit- neosporin, bandaids, gauze, medical tape, ace bandage
Ibuprofen (to reduce swelling & help with pain)
“Products”
Other
Essentials
Passport, emergency contact info
Silk
sleep sack
Head
lamp
Ecobag
(recyclable shopping bag)
Ziplock
bag for credentia
Moneybelt
for cash, passport, IDs
Brierley
Guidebook
Ear
plugs
Safety
pins to hang clothes
Waterbottle
& Platypus hydration system
Trekking poles (We'll see how this turns out. Apparently when used properly the trekking poles can reduce wear/tear & pain on ankles and knees by a lot, which will be important)
Miscellaneous
Journal
& Pen
Guitar & Pick (Martin Backpacker Travel Guitar)
Camera/charger/adaptor
 |
| Not me, but pretty close. |
In addition to carefully crafting my packing list, I've been doing a series of training walks. We did a few hikes throughout the months leading up to this, and for the past three weeks I've been walking 7 miles a day, first without my backpack, then with my pack loaded as best as I could, and then through the woods on "hilly" terrain. As I've been told, nothing can really prepare you for the Camino, and there is a big difference between 7 miles on flat ground in Trumbull, Connecticut, and 17 miles in the Pyrenees. At least I was able to test out my pack, shoes, and socks, as well as look incredibly cool while testing out my trekking poles. Thank God for YouTube and their helpful How-To videos. Mysteriously, my computer is refusing to connect to the Internet so I'm finishing this quickly on my phone. Hopefully, the next time I post, I'll be in Spain and there really will be no turning back. Pray for me! I will be praying for you!
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