The Original Way

 The Way Of St. James, The Original Way-Camino Primitivo

This is the first video, which happens to be in English, that actually depicts the walk that we will do next year.  I am glad that I was able to find this video because many people have asked what it is that we are doing.  Difficult to explain in a few words and when I do they compare it to El Camino Frances which has built notoriety with the movie The Way here in the US.  Not the same route but in the same spirit and the same goal, to make it to Santiago de Compostela and enjoy the beautiful country side and food along the way.  Anyway, to further promote my lovely Asturias I am adding this link- www.whereisasturias.com which will help to satisfy anyone's curiosity.  I hope you like it.

From Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela

Hot night (run)

Wow.  I had forgotten what it's like to run when it warms up.  Mind you, we have yet to reach "scorching earth" temperatures but it is about 85F at 8:30pm.  Nevertheless it felt great to get out and stretch my legs. 

Maybe that's what calls me to walk el Camino.  I have always enjoyed travelling and the "street life" that you do in Europe.  I think that it is much more enjoyable, for me, to walk to a destination in a city than it is to be obligated to drive.  I love San Antonio, but like many American cities it is just not designed for walking.  I think that you miss out on the experience of your surroundings when you have to drive.  When you walk that slower pace allows you to better take in the smells, sights, and sounds as you make your way on foot.  Much more aware of what's around you.  Ultimately that is what I want to experience in our upcoming Camino. I want to feel the world around me instead of the daily drone-like existence that modern life can often become. Who knows what I'll experience as we walk but I can't wait for us to go.

Gear shake down and training walk. San Antonio, Texas.

Nice little trek with the new Columbia  pants and ex-officio undies.  No problems in that regard.  I had a combination of three miles on pavement (not thrilled about this) and three miles of nature trails in Eisenhower park by Camp Bullis.  Temperature was about 60F so it was pleasant.  I am trying to mimic what El Camino is like so this would be about half a day's walk on a light day and about a third on a long day.  The trick is to be able to do this on day after day.  Yikes!!!  Still, short of illness nothing can keep me from doing it.  Can't wait.  Also, it looks like I am able to complete three miles per hour at a comfortable pace.  Today I walked two hours.  Feeling great.  Still using my running shoes but I am very close to buying my new set of shoes.  I'll post a picture as soon as I get them.

Surprise in the mail.

I just picked up the mail and in the mailbox was a small package.  Apparently it was sent from my work.  That baffled me.  It makes no sense to get a package from work while they could just give it to me on Monday.  Somehow I have just received a vieira (pilgrim's shell).  Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago will wear a shell on their backpack to signify that they are doing el Camino and are on their pilgrimage.  Originally you would receive your shell when you completed you trek and were walking back home.  Also, the way markers along the way will have a yellow arrow painted or a pilgrim's shell which point the way along the route.    
This also came with a small pack of wild flower seeds to plant along the way.  It has a stamp on it from the Society of Pilgrim Friars from the UK and www.PilgrimSupplies.org .  To say that I was totally surprised is an understatement.  Whoever was kind enough to send me this, thank you.  I am very moved.  Buen Camino, peregrino.

Spring weather is here...

As usual in south Texas the weather has turned from mild Winter to Summer.  We officially hit 95 yesterday.  No Spring.  Dang.  It does make me wanna go trekking so this weekend I will get my pack pack filled, pack some food and water, and I will hit the trail.  Time to put the legs to the test.

Now I will try with photos attached...

It looks like this works flawlessly so I'll add photos.  Here are a couple of pics of the backpack I bought for El Camino and the shoes I am considering.  JN

Trying to post from phone via email

After searching for awhile I've figured out how to post blog entries from my phone and gmail account.  This will be perfect for our Camino next year in May 2014.  I'll take my phone, maybe get a sim card in Spain, if I can get Verizon to unlock my phone, and take pictures and post.  If the sim card is not an option then I will use any free Wi-Fi to post but make daily entries along the way.  I'm going to experiment here at home while I prepare for my trip.  Here goes my first test.  JN