A quiet weekend and a glass of red .......

Only 10 days to go and I am starting to think " hell I am actually walking again". I must be out of my mind as it gets no easier as I get a year older each walk.

A few months ago this walk was decided over a quiet weekend and a glass of red wine or two. I was not planning on a long walk this year but my circumstances changed and I became a FIFO grandmother flitting between Cairns and Brisbane.

I knew I would not have the time to organise this walk like I have done with the others. I had shoulder surgery early in the year and now problems had risen again so was not sure about carrying a backpack. This is where painkillers appear each morning. I did not want to carry a backpack like I carried for 8 weeks through France and England and back then my pack was light, only 2 sets of clothes - it was so nice to arrive home to a new clean set after the Via Francigena walk.

I googled and to my surprise the Portuguese Coastal Camino appeared and I decided then and there that was where I would walk.

A few differences this time. The company I chose to organise the walk for me also offered a carry  service and I thought "what the heck, I am not carrying a full pack this time. I will walk as  a pilgrim but I will cheat a little". It is a short walk and I want to enjoy it, I want to go away with a clear head and it will remain this way until I return. Problems remain at home. I have raised the promised amount for Cancer Queensland.

I have everything sort of packed at home as I am currently in the north and not due to arrive home until the day before I fly. What I forget I will go without, I will survive.

My training this time has been a little sparse but guess my body will get into the swing of it once I start. More short walks this year. The first day is always the worst and the hardest. A piece of cake as I have done it before and survived to tell the tale. I have a bed each night, someone to deliver my main backpack each morning and a map/book to give me directions so I am organised - I think. What else do I need ….

Walking can be an addiction, but at least it's a healthy one. I may have retired but my dreams have not.