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The Things That They Carried

The backpack is packed and checked. It weighs 17.2 lbs and will sustain me for the next month. I will carry it from St Jean Pied de Port just across the Pyrenees in France to Santiago in the northwestern corner of Galicia Spain. Contents:
2 shorts
1 long pair of pants
quick dry t-shirt
wool t-shirt
quick dry collared shirt
2 pair Darn Tough wool socks
2 pair quick-dry socks
3 pair REI boxers
one wool long sleeve base-layer
Gortex rain jacket
long fingered gloves
2 cycling caps
wool buff
col'd lizard tights
cut-off scrub shorts
plastic Birkenstocks
hiking poles
various toiletries and personal care items
goPro camera
chargers and cords
iPhone
nail clippers
reflective triangle
headlamp
sleeping bag
dry sack
a few snacks and gifts
a copy of Travels With My Donkey
US Passport
Pilgrim Passport

I'm doing this walk because my wife Amy has wanted to do this for a long time and I'd like to experience it with her. Our daughter Clare will also be with us which is very helpful since she speaks Spanish. I've never been a pilgrim before. I know this will not be easy but that is certainly part of the allure. We will be guided by the millions of footsteps that have trod this path before us.
I'm excited and nervous and all those emotions that usually come before an adventure. I'm looking forward to our first steps and entering the moment. Part of the reason that riders are attracted over and over to the long brevets is the chance to live in the moment. Trust me on this one. No one thinks about work the next week during PBP.

So wish us luck or the traditional Buen Camino!

Not included in my pack is a razor. I removed all hair from my head and face (except eyebrows) this morning. Now for the new crop to come in evenly across the north of Spain.

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Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 20, 2016 at 5:44 PM

    Godspeed John, Amy and, Clare. I wish you easy steps, a light heart, new friendships and, no blisters. My prayers go with you and the pilgrims that you meet along the way. Peace, Jill

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownOctober 20, 2016 at 7:03 PM

    I am just flat out jealous! I want to do this with my oldest, Jake. Take notes!!!! Have fun. Love y'all!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownOctober 21, 2016 at 9:15 AM

    i am sure that is going to help you get up the hills. Did you weigh the whiskers after you shaved them off?

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownOctober 21, 2016 at 11:10 AM

    Yikes! Happy Hiking!

    - Jennifer

    ReplyDelete

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