Are you going to be walking somewhere like that picture in your first post?
If all goes according to plan I won’t just be somewhere LIKE that, I will actually be right there. I will be covering a short stretch that we did on our very first camino, and so I picked a photo we had taken on that section. Yes, right there. Isn’t it beautiful? It feels quite adventurous (and I AM quietly excited), but even though it looks remote, you can see there’s a road right there – it’s Excitement without Danger!
Is this a secret thing you’ve wanted to do for a long time?
Not at all. In fact up until a couple of years ago I would not have ever even considered doing this. A walk with the family, yes by all means, but a walk on my own….anything on my own, actually, it just wasn’t on my radar.
But things change. Seasons turn. The unexpected surprises us.
Aren’t you scared?
This is the biggie question, the one I have been asked most, and I feel very supported by friends and family sharing concern on my behalf…..thank you.
Is there anything I can say that will reassure you?
I DO have a slight sense of trepidation, and I know those butterflies in the stomach will start to flutter. Whether I’m travelling on my own or with kids, I maintain a state of heightened alertness. I think that’s healthy.
I don’t take senseless risks.
I know the route and have it mapped on my phone.
The Spanish police put out an app that allows you immediate access to them, which is reassuring even if you never need to use it.
Each day I will phone ahead to my anticipated accommodation so I know someone will be expecting me.
I carry food and water.
I still don’t like the prospect of dogs off chains, especially since Rob got bitten on our last camino – but now I will carry a small bottle of iodine and of course I’ll have my walking poles.
Something that helped me take my first solo walk was being part of an online camino forum where quite a number of people, including women, and even in their sixties and seventies report about their solo jaunts…and they don’t just survive, but thrive. When you see others doing this, you realise it’s not that uncommon.
And now that I’ve done it once myself (from Madrid to Leon in 2018), I have the confidence that the niggly concerns I started out with that time are not significant enough to prevent another adventure. Besides, I like the growth in freedom and independence that I have experienced.
“So cool, sounds like a lot of fun although, sad you won’t have anyone to go over the memories with (or is that an extroverted perspective on the situation?)”
Insightful question from my eldest daughter. Yes, it’s different to doing something with friends and family. As an introvert, I’m quite looking forward to the opportunity to be alone with the thoughts in my head. As I have done more and more on my own in recent years while the kids have pursued their own interests, I have learnt to allow myself to appreciate what I like even if no-one else is interested. While this can be solitary, it can still be enriching – and often, although it is not shared with family, it is shared with others instead. So on balance, I’m hoping the opportunity cost will end up worth it.
What about the kids?
They can’t wait for me to leave….
They certainly didn’t want to come.
Only two will be homeschooling (what a change from when we walked the first time and all eight were at home!) Those two will be working on some projects while I’m gone and will send me progress reports to check. I am confident in their abilities to manage this – and along with the other three-who-still-live-at-home, who will be working and/or at university, they’ll be cooking dinner each night and doing the housework (possibly the day before I return).
What about Rob?
He’s a hero.
It was his idea.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
solowalk 2024 