I’m a little excited. Actually, I’m not quite sure how I feel. This could be the beginning of something new or, then again, it may not be. I will know in a few weeks when I take my first steps.

It’s no secret that it has become more of a challenge to keep your audience, especially for us bloggers. I have been writing about the Camino de Santiago for nearly 9 years and I have had some highs. I have had some lows too. More and more bloggers are making the switch to podcasting or YouTube to get their message across while hoping they can increase their audience. I’m not going to throw in the towel on this blog though. Far from it.

There are so many opportunities and possibilities now. I just need to gather my thoughts and see what the best plan is. There are so many great podcasts on the Camino de Santiago. Of course, you have Dan Mullins’ own. I was a guest of his in 2017. Then there is Dave Whitson, who I talked to in 2016. Will mine be different? I’m going to talk about what is important to me and put my own mark on it. I can’t see each podcast being more than 30 minutes long and in most episodes I will have someone with me, whether they are a pilgrim or they have a connection with the Camino. I hope anyway.

I have started to gather the equipment. If anyone has any suggestions or would like to have a chat, please message me.

Buen Camino

I have mentioned before that I edit a digital magazine for Camino Society Ireland, Shamrocks and Shells. It gives me great joy giving back to the Camino and it keeps me out trouble! It is published every quarter and the whole aim is to showcase the Society’s events throughout that quarter. We also look to publish pilgrim experiences, book and film reviews and practical information. Anything that a future pilgrim might find useful.

At present, we have the start of growing list of pilgrim stories dating back to 2018 but we are always looking for more. Every pilgrim has a story to tell, no matter where you have walked. If you do plan on writing, your submission will not be published on this blog but on Shamrocks and Shells. If interested, you might send me an email here. Looking forward to hearing from you and Buen Camino!

As I sit and type this evening, I look at the calendar. The days are dropping away. Just 21 days left, 3 weeks. Any organised pilgrim would be packed and ready to go! I’ve a little more to do!

This day 3 weeks from now, I will be sitting in my hostel in Lisbon waiting for the next morning. Or maybe I will be flying around on one of those great trams in the city. Who knows? I will just let the future play out.

I’m very happy with my toe. I’ve been treating it myself for the last week and I go to the podiatrist for (hopefully!) the last time on Tuesday. With the 8th approaching, it feels like everything is falling into place. I must admit it feels strange being without a nail but I guess I just need to be “that” bit extra careful when I’m walking in Portugal.

I am just home from the West of Ireland from a family wedding. Galway is a lovely part of the world but I seem to be out of touch with what’s going on there. It was good to catch up, regardless.

Linda, whom I met in Santiago in May, wrote about her walk to the cathedral this week. You can read it here. It’s always nice to meet someone you know in Santiago, or to walk in with friends.. I still remember the day being hot and going for a celebratory drink after.

More soon! Buen Camino!