Peter Camino

Easter Friday - that means I leave for Spain in five weeks and three days. I've been reading an increasing number of books. Slowly I've been becoming familiar with the route and some of the highlights. At the same time, I've been increasing my walking time. One of the books I've been reading is A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino de Santiago, by John Brierley. It's generally regarded as the single most important book to take with you on the walk. It was first published in 2003 and since 2006 has been revised every year (twice in 2017). I've bought the 2019 version, so it's very up-to-date. It's a small book, but packed with fine detail about each stage of the walk, as well as a lot of valuable general advice. Brierley is only slightly sanctimonious, but I suppose when you're so familiar with your subject that's hard to avoid. I've also had to get over my distrust of men with overgrown eyebrows. (I will continue to keep mine cli...

In just over six weeks I leave for Spain. Although I decided to walk the Camino back in July and had the arrangements made and paid for within a few months, it's only now becoming real. I've thought about it on and off through the summer, planned what to take and what to wear, bought shoes, a pack and other equipment, but it was only after I walked the Heaphy Track that the reality of walking day after day for several hours began to impress itself on me.   Last day on the Heaphy Now I've started reading books about the Camino and to make notes in the large diary I've bought myself. Yesterday I trialled using poles in a walk around the Tantragee Saddle loop - a 12km walk from home. I'd thought that I didn't want poles, but I'd give them a chance, convinced that I'd decide they were a nuisance. They weren't - I quite liked them. I don't know how I will react to about seven weeks of travelling alone. I want to clear my brain - to see clear...