Preparation

'Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.' - Marcus Aurelius

So I've spent the first part of the day playing chess in the morning, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 1 win.

The winning was of course the hard part, against a much more experienced opponent, I was locked in a zone of concentration that made me forget all of that which was going on around me. It was a difficult game in the fact that I was playing a much more experienced player, he made one false move and it proved to be his undoing.

Consequently I lost the next round in 10 minutes because I allowed my concentration to falter, but I am learning.

Prepping for the Journey.

As for preparation everything has gone well, everything is ready from a basic standpoint. Now the hard part, will be getting from Santiago to Oviedo. I will be travelling by rail and from there will spend the night in a hostel before starting out in the morning on my trek. The anxiety is incredible, but I know once I am there I will do just fine. As the quote above states, starting the task is half of the actual effort.

I will need to purchase walking poles, as the airport doesn't allow them as baggage, but I'm sure I can either pick some up in Santiago or Oviedo. I will also pick up sunscreen in Spain.

My Kit.

1 guide book & pilgrims certificate

2 pairs of wool merino socks.

4 pairs of interior socks.

1 pair of hiking boots

1 first aid kit & sewing kit

1 spork

1 action camera

1 camcorder

2 pairs of lightweight convertible trousers

2 lightweight internal shirts

1 bandana & 1 shemagh

1 pair of sunglasses

1 long sleeved shirt

1 lightweight fleece hoody

1 t shirt & pair of lightweight shorts

1 wide brimmed hat & 1 baseball cap

1 lightweight raincoat

1 rain poncho

1 sleeping bag & liner with a travel pillow, sleeping mask & 2 pairs of earplugs

1 washing line with 2 bottles of detergent

1 canteen cup

1 flash light

2 charger batteries

1 water bottle & 1 camel back

1 journal

1 travel towel & travel toiletries & brush & comb

2 rechargeable bicycle lights

Special thanks again to my patrons Brendan Mills, Renee Rushbrook & Carlos Ara.

Sam.