It’s remarkable how when I tell people about my upcoming adventure, that they all seem to have the same questions. So, here are all the answers in one place!

• Who are you going with? Nobody! I am going by myself. Of course, there are hundreds of people from all over the world setting out on this pilgrimage daily, so you are never really alone unless you put your AirPods in and look like you want to be left alone. Being an introvert at heart, I know that there are times when I want to be alone with my thoughts. But, I am excited by the notion of meeting new people and sharing some communal time in the evenings after the day’s hike.
• How long will this take? It varies greatly depending on highly individual factors. Most common is 30-45 days. I plan 50 days, but only 40 days will be actual hiking. I’ve got 2 travels days on each end, and rest/sightseeing days in St. Jean Pied de Port, Estella, Burgos, Leon, O Cebriero, and of course, Santiago de Compostela.
• Is it safe? Absolutely safe. There is very little crime on the Camino. You are safer there than you are vacationing in any major city.
• Are you training for this? Somewhat. Since I am already a hiker, I know that I can easily do 10 miles on a random Saturday, so I am not worried about the daily mileage of 12-15 miles that I will need to do on the Camino. The challenge will be doing that kind of mileage for several days in a row. There’s not really a way to simulate that experience before one starts their Camino. In fact, there is a saying, “Don’t hike your Camino before you hike your Camino”. You build endurance as you go, and you go at your own pace. But, I’ve taken common sense measures such as strength training, getting gel shots in both knees and bringing along elastic knee braces.
• Where will you sleep? The adventage that the Camino has over other long-distance hikes like the Ice Age Trail, Appalachian Trail, etc., is that there is no camping involved!! There are little towns every 3-10 miles. Those towns’ economies are often structured around pilgrims, so there is everything from albergues (similar to a hostel), casa rurales (similar to a B&B), pensiones/hostales (similar to a guesthouse/B&B), and hotels ranging from simple to luxurious.
• What are you bringing with you? My final pared-down assortment of gear weighs in at just over 15 pounds. I will be wearing the same 2 shorts and t-shirts the entire hike, plus a long sleeve shirt and rain poncho. Socks, underwear, and a pair of lightweight sandals to wear when I take my boots off. Essentials like a hat, a roller for sore muscles, water bottle, hiking poles. Charging cords and battery pack for my watch, phone and AirPods. Sunglasses, reading glasses, guidebook, sleeping bag liner, inflatable pillow. Blister kit for the inevitable, including compeeds, bandaids and antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen for sore muscles, sunscreen.

Other questions for me? Comment below!