2022 Holy Year Camino Is HAPPENING!

Some of you will remember that Joe and I were on the Via de la Plata in 2020 when COVID hit full force and we had to scramble to get out of Spain and get back home.

We then had to delay our 2021 Holy Year Camino because of Covid, but thanks to the Pope, 2022 will also be designated a Holy Year. Many of the pilgrims who signed up for our 2021 walk stayed with us and will walk in 2022. 

It is now February 14 - and I'm getting more and more excited every day!  It will be so GOOD to be back on the Camino. After almost two years stuck in a casa, I have cabin fever and I'm ready to walk!

I have noticed my stamina has suffered since my surgery, which is crazy, but I'm not too worried. I'm getting short walks in when my mother is napping (for those who don't follow me, my mom is on hospice and I'm caring for her). Most of the time I can only get in 3-4 kilometers. But that's better than nothing.  So here is my plan...

Joe and I will leave on April 12 and fly to Barcelona. We will spend Holy Week exploring Manresa and Montserrat. That is a lot of walking!

Then we will take a train to Zaragoza for a two-night visit. That will give us more all-day walking, just exploring and being tourists. Don't discount that. If you're on your feet walking, you're exercising!

Then another bus/train to Canfranc where we will once again begin a trek down the Aragones route. I've walked this route several times and I feel it is a great way to train for the Camino. We will break the earlier stages up, and gradually increase our distances, walking as close to Pamplona as we can get before time runs out. 

We meet up with our Spring group in Pamplona on April 28. We will spend two days in Pamplona, then taxi to SJPP where we begin our Holy Year Camino. I'm praying for great weather and a good time!

Some have asked me what I'll do about mom. I have a cousin who has agreed to come for a month to stay with mom. We also have hospice, who will increase their visits as necessary. The last two weeks, my son will stay with mom. Depending on how things look, I may have to say my goodbyes before setting out. If you know my story, you will know why I feel that's ok. We have gotten closer the past few months, which has been a blessing. However, I will not fly home if mom decides to transition before my trip is over. She and I, together, have made her arrangements. All will be well.

I admit to being a bit torn, but only for a moment. And then I realize that after two years of caretaking all by myself, I need this. I have not had the time to recover from my own health issues and I'm praying this Camino will be healing for me.

For all you caretakers out there, you forever have my respect. 

It's a hell of a hard job. 

Take time for yourself. 
It's ok.

See you on the trail!

Buen Camino -

Annie

Trekking Poles - Should you take them?

 Some people really enjoy and get a benefit from using trekking poles. There are several places on the Camino where trekking poles or at least a walking stick are not only helpful, but encouraged for safety.  But the questions is, should you bring yours with you, or just buy them there?

I've done both.

Here are the positives and negatives in my experience.

Taking your own poles POSITIVES:
1. They're yours and you're used to using them.
2. Perhaps they're "special" like Pacer Poles.
3. You already have them, so don't have to spend more cash.

Taking your own poles NEGATIVES:

1. You can carry them on the plane GOING to Spain. However you will NOT be allowed to carry them on the plane leaving Spain. It doesn't matter if they fold up in your pack. They will be confiscated. If you want to bring them home, they must be in checked baggage. They will not be allowed on the plane. 

2. Expensive poles can be stolen on the Camino. If you are staying in municipal albergues, many will insist you leave your poles in a barrel or bin and NOT take them into your sleeping space. This is a problem for me. My pacer poles cost a lot of money and I have heard of poles being stolen several times. I'm not willing to take that risk.

3. You don't need them all the time and may get tired carrying them.

4. Pilgrims often forget them at bars and rest stops.
*****

Buying trekking poles there POSITIVES:

1. They're easy to find and inexpensive.
2. You're supporting the local economy
3. They're just as good as your expensive poles
4. Less stress about them being stolen

Buying trekking poles there NEGATIVES:
1. You spend 20-40 Euros
*****

Wooden Walking Sticks POSITIVES
1) Cheap. Under €10
2) Just as good as trekking poles for the short time you need them
3) Easy to replace if you lose them
4) Nobody is going to steal them
5) You can buy them in all sizes, so buy TWO if you need two sticks.

Wooden Walking Sticks NEGATIVES
1) None

I haven't taken my own poles in years. I simply purchase a wooden pole on the street in SJPP and use it. If I lose it, so what? I just buy another. Many of my clients simply purchase trekking poles there too. Less stress and easy peasy.