Messy? No, I am not talking about garbage on the trail. The mess has been my state of mind as I live the self-inflicted stress of trying to get my act together for my upcoming Camino trip. What will be the joy of seeing the plans for the trip coming together, is, still at the moment, a tangle of decisions that are shredding away at my apparent, fragile, peace of mind. But, but, dear readers, I can see a light appearing over the mountain.
What I am I am fretting over is my trip to the Camino to be a volunteer hospitalaria at the CanFranc albergue, or pilgrims’ hostel, on the Camino Argonés. This route comes over the Pyrenes from France east of the main route the Camino Francés. (It is actually more French than the Camino Francés, but who are we to quibble with medieval name selection?) I also wish, in the great tradition of the hospitalarios and hospitalarias, to walk at least some of the way to my albergue.
I need to decide how many days of walking, starting where, the route, possible detours, where to spend the nights. The route should be obvious, just follow the Camino. But whoa there! Not so simple. CanFranc is just over the Somport Pass, the direction you would come to reach Santiago de Compostela. But in April, the pass can be snowed in and that way is not recommended. (Especially not for this solo aging pilgrim.).
I can come in from the Spanish side, which I will do. However, just to tickle my walking grey cells, it means walking the Camino backwards, I think the term is in reverse. Of course, all the guides and signs work from the other way.
I had planned to walk from Pamplona, a good transportation hub. (not so much on the days they chase the bulls!) However seeing the distance, close to 200 kilometres, I felt that was too far and too many days. I decided that if I could take a bus cross country to join the Camino Argonès that would be a plan. And we are in Europe, with great bus service. How civilized. That part of the trail (as with most of the Camino) is rich in history and sights to be seen which means I can indulge my passion for detours.
What really helped me sort myself out was wonderful advice and support from previous CanFranc volunteers. I have been able to connect with these generous and helpful people. I have received and continue to receive advice and information. The Camino community are such lovely and caring people. So with all this help and support, I am beginning to get it together.
And this afternoon, I found myself at MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op). I got a top and pants (trousers, slacks). Of course, my worldly goods will be on my back. Clothes have to be practical, light, warm and cool, wick, fast drying and smart! Restaurant and trail-ready. The first time I was preparing for the Camino (back in 2005) I would make Sunday afternoon visits to MEC and stand in meditation, gazing at the gear. Sort of became a Camino temple.