Buen Camino

Well it's very nearly time to once again waltz our matildas and set off for adventures new.

We decided last year before we set out to the Trang Islands that this would be the year that we did the Camino de Santiago. A pilgrimage of sorts. Not for any particular religious reason but maybe one of self awareness. They say the Camino can be whatever you want it to be. We don't know what we want it to be but to be honest it sounds good fun and a very long walk in the sunshine. I don't know if either of us will have an epiphany on the journey but I do know we will have a great time. The weather bodes well and the long range forecast looks promising. Average temperatures in the low 20,s and short periods of cloud and showers. We have our waterproofs just in case the God's, whoever and whatever they are, take Umbridge to us treading the way of St. James. 

Long distance walking is a new thing for us so we don't really know what to expect but we are fit, enthusiastic and up for the challenge. I suppose that's all you need really. I do know that our walk will involve meeting some amazing people and that's always the best part of travelling. It will be interesting to hear their stories. Pilgrim to pilgrim so to speak.

Tomorrow we fly to Porto for a couple of nights before setting off on our little bimble. It should take around 15 days to reach Santiago de Compestela if everything goes to plan and we can avoid illness or injury. 

As mentioned before, for personal reasons, we have started a just giving page to try and raise a few bob for Prostate Cancer research whilst we struggle along the Camino . We have been touched and humbled by the donations so far. We initially set a target of £150 but that was achieved within a couple of days so we increased it to £500. That has now been reached and we are so grateful. If it increases more whilst we are walking then that would be amazing. Every little helps to fight this hidden disease that kills far too many men far too early. We have also been humbled by the many stories we have been told by people we know and dont know who are secretly fighting this horrible condition. Men don't talk and because this illness affects the naughty bits men talk even less. So many men ignore this treatable condition and if our wee bimble raises awareness  so just one life is saved then the Camino will have served its purpose for us.

Right enough of that!

Bags packed. Passports ready. Crispy excited. Adventures await......

The route. 300km including the little diversions I have in mind.

3 weeks kit. 

Crispys little Matilda. All good to go

Bare and Crispy signing off. The Hovel. Blighty.