I'm off!

You can see from the previous photo the state of my packing a few days ago. When I finally put everything into my pack, it was clear I had too much stuff. My goal was to have my pack weigh around 16 pounds. It came in at 21.6!! I unpacked everything three times and then finally settled with 16.5, not including water or hiking boots. There wasn't really too much to take out but I reduced the amount of medical supplies and gadgets that I thought I needed. Turns out, one soap will work for everything I need to do: wash clothes, hair and body. I also took the water out of my water bag which made a big difference. I had worked myself into quite a tizzy over this and then went to pack my other bag of "normal" clothes. I chose the smallest carry-on I had and put in a few "luxury" items like shampoo and perfume and left it at that. I will beg, borrow or steal anything else I might need. Chances are, clothes won't fit after 35 days of hiking and walking anyway...unless I do nothing but eat tapas and drink wine! Last minute things to do: write a few emails, phone Robbie, shower, take out garbage, eat, pray that flight gets out of Castlegar and I make all the other connections.
I miss George already, but he was very happy to see Norm when I dropped him off last night.
Next post will come from Liverpool.

Poor George

As you can see from this photo, George is beginning to realize that things are not looking good. First of all, the bed that Sarah has occupied (and let him sleep on) for the past few weeks is now covered with unfamiliar stuff and no Sarah in sight. This alone is disturbing. Then he goes into my room where he sees.......the dreaded suitcase! He knows the jig is up and things are about to change. The good news is, and he doesn't realize this yet, but he will be spending time with two families he adores - Norm and Jeanette McCarvell, and Carrie and Sophie Fitzimons. He will be fine, but I will miss my walking companion terribly. It will be really weird and I know I will be looking for him along the way, in my shadow where he walks to keep out of the sun.

Preparation

As I begin this blog, I am aware that I should have started this weeks ago and, as usual, I am flying by the seat of my hitech-lightweight-quick-dry-walking pants. I am in full swing now, gathering all the bits and pieces that will eventually get stuffed into my pack, fine tuning my list of what is absolutely essential and what can and should be left behind so that my burden will be light.  As I have prepared both mentally and physically for this journey of my self, my soul, my destiny, I consider the many blessings and gifts that surround me. I am turning 50 on October 13th and my plan is to walk into Santiago that day. Please think of me on that day, and know that I will be thinking of you.

It's difficult to imagine being away for three months, and I am in the throes of preparation in the glorious aftermath of Sarah and Rob's beautiful wedding last weekend. I'm tired, I'm excited, I'm scared. But I have faith that it will all unfold as it's meant to and the three months will whiz by and I'll be back before you know it.

The name of my blog refers to a point on the Camino where pilgrims are encouraged to leave behind a stone that they have carried on their journey. Leaving a stone at the cross at Cruce de Ferro is a long tradition, and the size of the mound of stones is an indicator of the extent to which people follow it (I've seen photos). Few seem to know how old the actual iron cross is, but there are hints in the literature that the tradition is ancient. The act prepares the pilgrim for the final phase of the walk -- the joyful approach to Santiago.

My plan is to write as often as I can along the way and keep you updated on my travels. I look forward to reading your posts.