Planning one trip can be a little stressful. Planning a year of trips might just drive me crazy.
In the first six months of this trip, I’ve slept on 23 different surfaces – air mattresses, couches, futons and beds of all sizes – in seven different states. I’ve stayed in the homes of nine friends I knew before I left on my travels, five friends I met while at the Folk School, two family members, and three couchsurfing hosts.
But that’s nothing compared to what I’ll be doing starting on May 10th. I’ll spend each night of the next forty in a different bed, in a country whose language I don’t (yet) know. I’ll get up each morning, pull on my pack, and walk between 12 and 15 miles to the next bed, which I won’t crawl into until I’ve washed the clothes I’ve worn that day (because when you’re only carrying two outfits with you, this is what you need to do).
Sometimes I wonder, “Who does these things?!” But, a quick Google search reminds me that millions have done this already, and millions more have done crazier things that walk to a new bed each night.
This post is just to say it’s official. I booked my flight to Spain. On May 10th, after flying to Biarritz, France I’ll take a bus to the Bayonne train station, then a train to St. Jean Pied-de-Port. From there, I’ll start my Camino. And, if all goes well, I’ll walk into Santiago de Compostela on June 19 and arrive back in the States on June 20. Then, I imagine I’ll sleep for a few days. In a bed. Any bed. At that point, I won’t care where.
RenaissanceRebecca 
WOW! I feel like a kindergartner with my 12 beds for last year… you go girl!
12 is certainly admirable, Jane! (My 23 might be going a little overboard.)
Rebecca, I so admire you. I wish I’d had the courage at your age to do what you are doing. You are an inspiration to us all.
Thanks, Terri. Having people like you to encourage me along certainly helps!
Wow, that is quite the undertaking…….I too admire your courage and love of adventure. I didn’t have the opportunity or even the idea that such a thing could be done when I was young, but I have seen through my younger, more adventurous son how embracing these things can add such richness and meaning and perspective to your life….
Good for you! I’ll be eagerly looking forward to following your journey…..
XOXO
Thanks, Linda. And kudos to you for supporting your son in his adventures. I know my life can stress my parents out sometimes. I’m lucky they’re so understanding (or at least try to be!).
How exciting that the Camino is becoming more real for you. Remember that you walk for all of us and that you will not be alone.
Thank you, Linda.
Wishing you the best, my friend – and admiring your sense of adventure, dedication and, most important, guts. I’ll be thinking of you. Think of me – I’m graduating in May!
Congrats on finishing the degree!!! Looking forward to seeing you again sometime in my travels:)