Walking Across Italy

Call me crazy, but I’ve decided to attempt another 2-week hike, this time from Porto Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. I’ll be joined by my 2 hiking buddies (Sir Stephen Squire and Juan Pablo Cavelier) as well as an intrepid new recruit ( Joe Blenkinsopp). Our route will take us 253km (157 miles) over 13 days. Averaging 19 km (12 miles) a day. I leave tomorrow, so I have been training almost everyday for the last month. The folks at the Country Club and car dealership down the street have been wondering about the old guy walking with walking sticks around their property. I’m sure its given them all a good laugh.Learning from the past, I decided that I would like to take better care of my feet, this time. So, I’ve bought a new pair of hiking boots. So far, they are much more comfortable than my previous pair, because they are wider. Hopefully this will result in fewer black toenails when I return. Although that look would be appropriate for a goth costume on Halloween! (Old boots on left)

I’ve also purchased a new waterproof jacket with breathable vents. Last year, it only rained one day, but the waterproof suit I was wearing was a hotbox! I was tempted to just take it off and get wet!

Lastly, I am bringing a headlamp this time. On the last hike, we got lost one day and were still walking on an italian road after sundown. Not smart. In fact, stupid! This time I hope to be more prepared… and smarter.

As I lay out all of my worldly possessions for this trip, I am reminded that everything must fit into the backpack. There is no luggage or checked bags. You have to decide, do I need this or don’t I. Adding to the dilemma is the weight of each item. So, soap instead of bottles of shampoo, one universal plug instead of two, and 3 pair of underwear instead of 14. (I’ve gotten really good at washing clothes in a sink.) one thing I won’t skimp on — the Dude Wipes!

Now let’s see if it all fits!