Turning on a Dime - or Annie the Opportunist

August 2006 My First Camino

I spent 4th of July at my son's house in Vancouver, Washington. It was CRAZY good!  Those folks in Washington know how to put off a fireworks show! Just those in the neighborhood were as good as any professional show I've seen in my 72 years. 

While visiting with everyone, we were all sharing our upcoming trips. Shane, my son's partner, is going on a backpacking trip to Kurdistan.  John, my son's roommate,  is thinking about some shorter trips in the Gorge. I was sharing my plan to walk the Camino again next summer.

 Just for fun, John and I got online to check out airfares. And up popped a flight with Canada Air round trip to Spain for $575!  What?

We started poking around and I ended up finding a flight for less than $800 round trip in August. By the time I added my chosen seats it was more but dang, that's a good price from the West Coast. PLUS it was on Canada Air, so I wouldn't have to go through some of the East Coast airports or through London Heathrow.  

I said to my son, "This is sooooooo tempting!"

He said, "Mom... just DO it!"

I said, "Really? But I don't really have the cash."

He said, "Sell some things you've been talking about getting rid of and GO!"

I HAVE been planning a big garage sale and I have a lot to sell!

And so I booked my ticket!

I woke up in the middle of the night wondering if I was crazy but by morning, I was happy and excited!

I spent all day yesterday planning my walk and booking the cities I know I'll need to book, as I'm going during a busy time on the Camino. The weather will be warm so I can pack light. My plan is to walk from SJPP as far as I can, half stages, slowly, staying mostly in albergues, and drop down onto the Invierno to finish up. 

However, I know myself and plans can change on a dime!  I've been taking groups for so many years. When I do, it's for the first and last sections of the Camino. I usually go early and walk the middle or a different route, but it's been probably 20 years since I walked straight through - so I'm really looking forward to it. 

Stay tuned if you're interested!

Loving LIFE and loving you!

Annie