One week and counting... "Where will you sleep?" I am asked.

I worked my last shift at the hospital yesterday. I am now officially unemployed. I have been aware of, and interested in walking the Camino for five or so years. Many people walk only a portion of its great length or walk different sections over several years to complete the distance but for anyone wanting to walk 800 kms, a period of time amounting to longer than most peoples' work vacation is required. That is why the Camino adventure became a retirement goal for me. "Who are you going with?" and "Where will you sleep?" I am asked...... I am going alone. I am not meeting up with a group. I will get myself to St. Jean Pied de Port and strap on my backpack and start to walk. Some people join a tour group with a paid leader and they walk, cycle, or ride in coach buses. Their luggage is moved for them to their next hotel. But many, many people are walking... for personal or religious enlightenment, as a historical and cultural journey, for the physical challenge. Many are touched by its powerful spirituality. I will sleep in pilgrim hostels with potentially 2 - 100 snoring, wheezing sleepers per room. The first record of travellers on the Camino was in the ninth century, so there have been many years to build up infrastructure. Refugios and albergues (pilgrim hostels) pepper the route every 5 - 20 kms and food and water are frequently available. If I sound like I have half a clue to what it will be like, it is only because I have talked to a few people who have walked the path in the last few years and read some fascinating personal book accounts. In one week, you will hear it from this horse's mouth! I am really excited!