The Long Way
Jonathan & Kellie's 500 mile hike across Spain. The Camino de Santiago 2013. We've added some links above so you can follow our journey however you would like.
I can’t sleep, the Camino is calling.
(Jonathan) I feel like a little kid this morning, which is probably good as I’ll need the energy. If you were like me every year on the night before school started up again, I would be restless, hardly able to sleep. The night before all my clothes would be laid out and my mind would build with excitement…so many unknowns, so many possibilities! Last night has been exactly like that. My clothes are laid out waiting to jump into and hustle off to the airport and carry us away to unknown experiences. Kel and I always have avoided in the past when we take trips saying to each other that “this is a trip of a lifetime.” That just sounds so final and limiting. I think though that this qualifies in many ways. Neither of us have taken on a journey of this length, with this level of endurance, and this many unknowns. I’m excited!
Already this past week has been full of last minute preparations and activity. The biggest: My son graduated from high school. So proud! He continues to grow into an amazing young man. This moment makes me officially old. It also makes me realize that there is never enough time to do all the things we want with the people we love…which is cliche perhaps, but the truthfulness of it just weighs on me as I see him take this step in life. It also helps me worry less about the 50 days unplugged from work, since it reminds me that the only big regrets in life are not taking time.
Well, I’ve fiddled as long and quietly as I can… I think I’ll wake Kel a few hours early so we can get started! On second thought…maybe that’s not the best way to treat a woman you plan to walk 500 miles with? Ok. Coffee. Let me start coffee, she can never sleep through the scent of freshly brewing coffee.
(Jonathan) I just discovered that the end of our Camino coincides with the festival of San Fermin in Pamplona…better known as the “Running with the Bulls.”
So…made a quick change of flights, booked a hotel and booked a balcony to watch from the first day. Now spending time studying technique for my run the second day of the festival. I just need to find a pair of white pants, and red sashes…the required garb.
I think I should suggest a change in the traditional garb. Instead of the white pants, they should wear brown… You know, just in case I SH!@T myself.
Is this a bad idea? Hiking 500 miles to end the last half-mile running from angry bulls?!
Click the link to see the video!
(kel) At least I know how to make up for my mistake. Cheers!
So this is how it begins...
Jonathan (at airport): Excuse me Mrs. Gate Agent, the computer isn't finding my flight can you help?
Gate Agent: Sure no problem. Where are you headed?
Jonathan: Phoenix to KC..1:30.
Gate Agent: (typing furiously) Um, you don't have a flight from Phoenix!
Jonathan: (looking at Kel) What??
Kellie: (looking at Jonathan) What??
Gate Agent: Nope. You booked it backwards. You have a flight from KC to Phoenix!
Oh boy! This is going to be an adventure : ) rebooked on a late flight via San Diego.
Jonathan: (looking at Kel) Let's go get a beer.
Kel: (laughing) I can't believe I did that! Deal. Let's drink.
Jonathan: I think you might have been when you booked these:)
Everyone’s scared, Kellie.
Few carry on.
Keep calm,
The Universe
tut.com note from the Universe in my morning email…hmmm???
(Kel) A day of pampering was for sure in order as I prep for the trip- yoga, steam room, thai stretching massage, mani & pedi (no callus removal though to keep my feet good & tough)…all an awesome treat! Ahhhh, nice!
I spent many hours at The Boulders Gym & Spa training for the trip with Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Cardio & Weights. The photo will help me to pay homage to where my training started & the support of everyone there helping me get ready.
The temp was 100 down in the Scottsdale Valley- yikes! It was only 91 at the house up the mountain, so quite a difference. I soaked it in to remember the heat for the cold & rain that I am hearing we will be facing on the walk. I do love my sunshine!
I finished packing last night & the good news is that it all fits. The not so good news is that it is 33 lbs without water…uh oh. I am only supposed to carry 15- 20 pushing it. Looks like the Hotel Les Pyrannes in St Jean will be the deposit of some items??? Or Jonathan’s pack will gain a few? He!
On a different note, I was totally overwhelmed with the support & love from friends & family today. I almost didn’t post the blog link on FB, but am glad that I did. Thank you for the many love notes, texts, comments & likes- I can’t tell you what it means to me & I am super appreciative!
I am off to get Jonathan at the airport with butterflies in my tummy. It is the last time we are apart before heading out. Whew! I am sure we will enjoy every moment of our familiar belongings for one last day.
It’s easy to be righteous. What’s harder is to let people be in their own place on their own path in their own problems. To observe, not in a scrutinizing or judgmental way, but in an observant and curious way, the kind where your silence might actually be more useful than your advice.
From a traveller on the Camino
I found it very liberating when I fully understood that I was not in control. After further contemplation, I discovered that I never had been in control! Ah, expectations vs. reality; isn’t it great? Let yourself have fun!
A traveller on the Camino
Yikes! What have we done?
(Jonathan) As the day of our departure gets closer its easy to start questioning if we are ready, have we thought of everything? The mind can flood itself with doubts alongside the excitement!
I’m traveling on business these last couple of days and when I spoke to Kel this morning I could tell she was a bit overwhelmed with the enormity of her plans. Very emotional.
So let me give a glimpse into one of the reasons I adore her. Rather than simmer in her worrisome thoughts she told me she’d write herself an affirmation to read to reset herself when the road gets tough. A bit later she emailed it to me. I share it here:
(Kellie)
“I knew this journey would be a challenge, but have prepared my body, mind and soul for it. My body is strong, healthy, and fit. I can push it to limits that I have never done before and that is why I am doing this. I am following a path that few have done. The physical & mental accomplishment of each moment of this trip is awesome. It is about the journey and enjoying the unexpected. I want push myself and I can handle it. I am positive, upbeat, energetic, fun, and youthful. I love that life has surprises. These experiences cannot be planned and I will grow from each new challenge that the day brings. I embrace the elements even if they make me uncomfortable. I embrace situations even if they make me uncomfortable. I embrace this entire journey even if it makes me uncomfortable. I can handle anything. I adapt with open arms to every day, hour, minute and mile. I accept my beauty in my natural state even if I don’t feel like I am beautiful at the moment. I laugh a lot because it reminds me that my days are numbered and someday I will look back on this journey and smile. I am choosing to live my life to the fullest. I am grateful to be sharing this moment with my soul mate who supports and believes in me. I am kind, loving, patient, and fortunate to be in this moment with Jonathan. My thoughts and words reflect that love for him and peace in my soul with all that he is. I am at one with my surroundings and in tune with my inner self more than ever. I am loved and supported by my family and friends, those I am about to meet, and even those I will never meet. People are genuine, caring and kind as are you towards others. Positive energy towards others brings positive energy back to me. Share my smile. This journey will make me a better person towards others but moreso to myself. I am really proud of myself for setting this idea in motion and having the courage to actually do it. This will be added to the many memorable experiences in the amazing life that I have chosen to live. My only focus is a choice. A choice to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the journey. That is it. Enjoy the journey.”
Amazing! Right?! Made me feel stronger and ready to tackle the Camino.
Can’t imagine walking this with anyone else. Gotta love her!
I’m sure she’ll pull this affirmation out and read it when she is wet, cold, sore bones and having the time of her life.
Test run in the bag. 1.2 lbs…empty that is;)
