5 days to go and a new backpack!

I got a bit of a shock earlier this past week. I went for a walk with the pack fully loaded with what I had planned to take and realized that there was no way I could do this trip if I didn't do something about the backpack . It was so uncomfortable that after 4kms, I had to turn around and come home. I had taken the pack out many times but never as full as this time. The backpack itself is just too big volume wise and as a result, moved around too much while I walked. So I went out to my favourite store (Mountain Equipment Coop) and spent about an hour and a half trying on backpacks. They were great there. They not only helped me find the right backpack, they also showed me how to pack it correctly.
I took the new backpack out on Thursday with the same stuff I had in the other one on Monday and the difference was amazing...not even comparable. The only downside is that it is pretty much full so I may have to downsize a bit.
As far as the beginning of this adventure being only 5 days away now, I am feeling amazingly calm about it. In fact, I am actually getting excited about it.
And soon dear readers, you will hopefully get to read about something a bit more exciting than my decision to buy a new backpack on this blog!

I found something today that I wanted to share...

I was reading my usual Camino de Santiago de Compostela forum today when I came across a YouTube link that someone had added for the rest of us followers to read. It struck me as something I had to share with the folks that are following my blog. Here's the link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDOTJHbwRj4 . The reason I am recommending this short video is that after you watch it, you may have a better idea of why I am doing this pilgrimage. It actually does a better job of answering the "why" question than I have ever been able to. As well, if you want to get an advance preview of some of the things I will probably be seeing, check out some of the other YouTube videos that are on the same YouTube page after you have watched this one. Enjoy!
And yes, it's only 16 days to go!

Wow, only 1 month to go...

It is hard to believe that it I leave for Europe 1 month from today. I am actually having trouble typing the word "month". Each time I try, my fingers automatically add an "s" to the end of it but no, it's only 1 month to go...crap, did it again!

The past couple of days have been kinda strange, especially yesterday. I actually had a few panic attacks. I don't think it was about any concern regarding the physical side of the trip that was bothering me but more the part about being away, out of my comfort zone for 45 days...alone. Chances are I won't be alone for very long as I already know from the Camino forum I follow that there are several people starting the same day/same place as me. I guess it's mostly about being out of my comfort zone...strange country, strange language, strange food and aside from a few yellow arrows or shells, not having a clue where the hell I am going!

No doubt there will be a few more (OK, probably several more) moments of doubt over the next month...hey, I finally typed it without the "s"....guess that's progress eh!