Camino to Go*

Last weekend I mentioned the sudden overwhelming urge to go walk el Camino de Santiago. I haven't said much about it since, but...

It looks like it's going to be a go! I'm planning for August/September (or Sept/Oct) next year, and this afternoon sat down with my travel agent to plot routes and prices (fly in to Paris, fly out from one of 4 options, which I'll finalize closer to the time - the rest of the travel by train and foot). I've been garnering advice from a good friend who has done it, from an online pilgrim's forum, and from the local Confraternity of St James in South Africa. I've slowly but surely been planting the idea in my kid's head of two months without me - and we're working on upping his education as to what a washing machine and can opener can accomplish! :)

Yes, age 14 is young to be given 2 months of responsibility. Yet I can remember being that age, and being responsible enough to be left in charge on numerous occasions. I was cooking meals, cleaning house, doing many things that he will be required to do. Granted - he has a steep learning curve ahead, as he hasn't done much up to now... but we'll sort him out.

I can't take him with me - it will defeat the purpose of this journey. I've shown him the route on Google Earth and he's sufficiently intimidated by the length and the landscape that he'll be glad not to have to walk it. He can do his own journey at his own time - perhaps starting with the 6 months in Australia I hope he'll take when he's 15 or 16.

But there's still a lot of planning, saving and organizing to do before I can walk the Camino. I can't just up and go. There's some big financial stuff to be sorted first, as well as making sure those I leave behind (pets, kid) are cared for sufficiently. If something should happen to me (perish the thought) I need to know the entire system will not just collapse....

OK, that may be thinking pessimistically, but I do know I need to ensure the loose ends are at least within tying distance.

Main thing is, after today's check with the travel folk, I think it's going to work out. I can stick it up there as a goal, and not just a wish.

And no, I still don't know why I have to do it - I may only know once it's done, or I may never know. It's just something I have to do.

* Camino means "way" - so I guess this could actually be titled "Way to Go!" :)