After writing him a note to prepare him once again for our journey, I realized that my words might help others to prepare for their own Camino as well. Enjoy!
" Dear son, this is not an easy journey but every step will be worthwhile. We are hiking about 700kms in total. We will average between 20 to 25 kms per day. 11 of those days we will be walking 30kms or more. There are only 2 rest days scheduled at the half way point but we will have three rest days at the very end to celebrate our accomplishments.
Sometimes having expectations can set you up for disappointment but other times having realistic expectations can leave you feeling better prepared for what lies ahead.
Walking on a pilgrimage like this is likely to bring change. Change will come in 3 parts. First part is physical, then mental and finally spiritual. Your body will take a couple of weeks to adjust to your new schedule then it will go into auto-pilot. This will take your focus from your body to your mind. You will find yourself deep in thought for most of your walk and perhaps if you are lucky even have an epiphany. Spiritually, you may feel reconnected to yourself, or your roots or to your faith whatever that may be.
Here is what to expect:
1. Expect pain. Blisters. Cramps. Sore feet. Sore legs and a sore back.
2. Expect rain. It is inevitable. It is springtime.
3. Expect wind and fog. We will be walking most days by the Ocean.
4. Expect some road walking…industrial zones, busy city streets but also forest trails, beach boardwalks, quiet neighbourhoods, and farm lanes. Lots of cobblestone.
5. Expect beautiful sunsets and expect me to attend each and every one.
6. Expect to be woken very early every day. We roll at dawn and the goal is to see every sunrise.
7. Expect to be very tired and very hungry….the moment you stop walking and arrive at your home for the night.
8. Expect to wait until 8pm for dinner….this is the normal dinner time. Expect to eat A LOT of fish, seafood, bread and meat.
9. Expect me to stop in every church and tour every cathedral and to slow us down with kodak moments
10. Expect to make friends but try listening more than talking, you will learn more. Everybody has a story to tell. Be respectful. Some pilgrims are seeking solitude. Some will seek your company. We are all on a path of self-discovery and enlightenment
11. Expect to find peace and mental clarity but be patient, it won’t happen in one day. Don’t give up. Ever. Peace will come.
12. Expect less than perfect beds, small showers, small rooms and stairs to climb after a long day.
13. Expect to lose your way.
14. Expect to find your way.
15. Expect a difficult transition back to reality and working again but know that you will be ok, life is a Camino – continue to apply what you learn on this journey in all areas of your life
16. Expect the Camino to call you back for the rest of your life.
What NOT to expect:
1. Do not expect sympathy. This pilgrimage is a choice. Let it humble you. Treat it with respect and take pride in what you are doing.
2. Do not expect a taxi when you need one, or water when you are thirsty or food when you are hungry BUT have faith the Camino provides. You may not always get what you want but you will always find what you need.
3. Do not expect me to have all the answers all the time. I will walk beside you and I will lead you home again but I too am on my own journey.
4. Do not expect to find all the answers you seek or for all your problems to disappear but be confident that you are on the right path
5. Do not expect everyone to speak english, we may have to do some charades to communicate. Have fun trying, don't let it frustrate you...be creative!
6. Do not expect everything to go as planned. We do have an excellent plan in place but sometimes random events can alter our course and most often the universe is simply redirecting us to where we are meant to be. Be open to change. Be flexible. Adapt.
Bom Caminho"
Let the packing begin!!!
