I leave for the airport in 1 hour. I keep thinking to myself that I've forgotten to pack something. As you can see, this is minimal packing, even for a minimalist. It reminds me of when I travelled to the US and Canada for over 2 weeks with a 22L backpack (in that case, I really had under-packed).

I start in Madrid, where I will be stocking up on blister-prevention equipment in preparation for walking the Camino Frances starting Tuesday. Based on a legend whereby the tomb of St. James the Apostle was lost for centuries, later found by a shepherd guided by lights, the Camino de Santiago is a network of trails of this historic pilgrimage leading to Santiago de Compostela.

My route is essentially the classic Camino experience, with just enough to qualify for receiving Compostela pilgrim certificate. From Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, in northern Spain, walking 115km over 5 days, staying in hostels (albergues) along the way in the towns leading to Santiago.

Besides walking my families two dogs out in the Peak District, I would not call myself an experienced hiker. And I always end up (unsurprisingly) more tired than they do.

My training for this walk essentially involved walking a bit more than usual around Manchester and doing some light stretching. I am generally quite active, but I am prepared to find the consistent long walks tiring.

Despite the challenge of the walk itself, I think the challenge for me personally will be the fact that I've chosen to walk the busiest section of the Camino. Last year, a total of 530,000 people received the Compostela certificate. Whilst I can be sociable, I definitely need the time to also recharge myself as an introvert. I will be on the lookout for quiet break points along the route, where I can read my book, alongside the inevitable random conversations I'll have with strangers along the way.

In any case, I'm really looking forward to the walk! I'm excited to try the food, experience the potential serenity of a long multi-day hike, and attend a mass in Santiago. I'll take as many photos as I can and I will share them here soon.

Hope you have a great rest of your day, wherever you are.

Guy