St Jean Pied du Port.

Logan Airport

At Logan trying to figure out what in my pack weighs so much. Found two Cliff bars that I will have to eat some clothesline that will go in the trash, and I will not take the whole roll of TP. Hopefully I will need to wear the fleece. Other than that I will have to suck it up and carry the load. 

Eight more sleeps!

Dedication

I dedicate my camino to my dear friend (and mentor) Beth---an extraordinary educator who is an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know her.  She is enthusiastic, energetic and shows us what it truly means to live and love life.   She meets challenges head on and without complaint.   As I am walking The Way to St. James, I will hold her near to my heart, hoping she can feel a bit of the camino through me.

Preparing for Day One

So, I've decided to only hike only five miles the first day rather than kill myself for eight to nine hours trying to get to Roncevalles.  I've made a reservation at this wonderful spot.... actually, a little hostel right near here run by the same people as this one.
http://www.refuge-orisson.com/

This is the map of what most pilgrims tackle the first day through the Pyrenees.  From what I hear, the Route Napoleon is eight miles up and eight miles down.  It is said to be the toughest day of the camino for a few reasons: not being used to carrying a pack, the steepness of the hike in both directions, and the length of the day (at least eight hours).

The Route

This is the Camino Frances, which I will be walking beginning September 14.  Rather than end in Santiago de Compostela, I will walk on to Finisterre--the end of the world.  From there I hope to have time to get to Muxia before catching a train back to Santiago, then to Madrid, and fly home on the 24th of October.