Less than twenty four hours to go.

30thApril.
You will be pleased to see that Jane does actually have a sister called Charlotte, I came down to Sussex yesterday from Sheffield to do our final prep and then to set off tomorrow for the Camino. I am so excited and have been for weeks, it all feels more real now. we have finished packing and weighing our rucksacks and have managed minimal but sensible gear for all weathers. From the weather sites we will be needing our wet weather stuff from the start. It was Jane's idea to do the Camino and I am so glad she did as I am looking forward to spending time with her walking, talking or not, eating and drinking and (singing) we will come back to the singing. We have both got new boots and are now trying not to obsess too much about them, we are carrying a small pharmacy of blister prevention and treatments.  I will write more when we are on the Way.

Jane: We have both received good luck cards from many people.  Thank you all of you for kind thoughts -- it will buoy us up no end (and now we cannot slope off to the Costa del Sol and pick up an allover tan without you all wanting to know how we managed that in walking gear and backpacks!)

Photo below is of the entire content of my backpack. (this doesn't include all the stuff I shall have draped around my person!)  The pack will weigh in (with 1/2 litre of water) at 21lbs.

And (believe it or not!!!! photo number two is Charlotte's!)

Next blog from The Camino Way!!!!!!!!!

New Boots

19 April 2013
I have just bought some new boots - Meindle Women's Matrai -- having got into a complete funk over the fit and suitability of my old boots.

I know it's daft to get new boots just ahead of leaving for the trip - may live to regret it.

The odd lacing on the right boot is following a UTube tip I picked up for people with broad feet (untested as yet).

I think I have now worked out how to pinpoint the photo I want to upload, so slowly getting there!

Still in Training - The Dales Way - April 2013

12 April 2013
Well, we now have 90 miles of Dales Way under our belts, about 45 of those carrying nearly a full Camino-weight pack!

The walk was brilliant! Amazingly cold weather, loads of wind, beautiful views, and NO rain!

We did cheat in that H had arranged a baggage carrying service so we were able to pack loads,of luxuries and we could gradually increase the weight in the packs over the six  days.

Things we learnt:
1.  Walking with a heavy pack is a killer on the feet; you get more blisters and aches than you would normally.  it has taken a week for my feet to feel normal again. The solution to this is that we shall only walk 12 miles a day for the first two weeks and then see if we have adapted.

2.  Practise using your "she-wee" before you start walking (blokes - you don't need to know, nor do those not yet of age, nor women of a delicate disposition).  It's something to do with getting the right positioning on your under-carriage, but carry a spare set of trousers just in case!

3.  We will definitely use our walking poles - an absolute godsend.

4.  New- born lambs in plastic raincoats are awfully sweet.

5.  It easier to get over stiles if the snow drift is piled high on both sides.

Things we have yet to learn:
1. Can we manage 500 miles; will the feet/hips/knees cope?

2. Are we planning on carrying too much or just enough?

3. Will our light-weight water-proofs be sufficient?

4.  Why are we doing this?!

Anyway -- two weeks and four days to go before we fly out on 1st May

PS Despite there being two photos in this posting, I still cannot fathom how to choose photos from the camera - This was potluck. I try one more time before we go.