Very good idea to take a rest day. My leg needed it, and I had some planning to figure out.
Nice lazy Sunday. Croissants and newspapers in the garden sunshine. Big lunch with Emma, Colin, Wilf and Sophie.
Emma went up across the hill to ride with Becca, and I set to planning my last 9 days of this adventure.
Some of your questions and my answers:
Q: Are you going to finish the English leg of the Camino on this trip?
A : I hope so. I have planned out a schedule that, if my leg cooperates, will get me finished in Southampton on the 22nd. Tomorrow will be the longest, most challenging day, and on it hinges the rest of the plan. More on that as it unfolds.
Q: Will you cross the channel and walk to Santiago?
A: Not on this trip. It would require more time than I have, and way too much mileage. I'm hoping that Emma and I can do the Spanish leg together, but the ferry routes are far from the old pilgrim routes.
....So, maybe.
Q: Will you go to Santiago at all?
A: Not this time. This has been a painful deliberation. I wanted to be there to see Marise as she finishes, but there are many logistical and emotional hurdles in the way. Ultimately, she and her Camino family should enjoy their entry on their own terms. I'll get there eventually, and we will come back together somewhere soon.
Today I made my final plans. Monday through Wednesday I'll try to walk Reading to Preston Candover. 33.5 miles.
Thursday I'll leave Emma and Colin (on their way to vacation) and walk a short day into Winchester. From there it's 18 miles to Southampton cathedral. 2 easy days. I've booked an Airbnb in the historic center of Winchester and can use the train system to get to and from my daily start/stop points. Heidi has already introduced me to a friend of hers who lives close to where I'm staying.
Sunday I travel to Madrid to spend two nights with Henrietta, a great friend of Emma's. Airport hotel on the 25th, flying home on the 26th.
5 days at home, then on my way to DC and west to launch the next career.
So grateful for these many gifts.
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