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

So with no Camino this year, I am left to read up on the many Irish pilgrim routes and walking paths in Ireland. And there are many. With many of my favourite walking routes within reach from Monday, I have gone all out with a new day-pack, recommended by L over on Somewhereslowly.com. I had been looking for one for some time and the Alpkit Gnarl is just what I was looking for. At 15 litres, it holds enough space for a day’s walk and it has enough space for that water bottle. Now to sew that patch 🙂

With a date set for the Kerry Camino at the end of August, I won’t need a change of gear or a new equipment. The walking in Kerry is not what I am used to so I may change to a mid-ankle boot instead of a shoe for that trip.

With news that all albergues are disposing of blankets once they open, it got me thinking that my Sea to Summit liner just won’t do the job if I plan to keep staying in albergues next April. So I have reverted to my old friend, the sleeping bag..in this case, an Ayacucho Sirius 200. The last time I used one was 2016 when I walked the Camino to Finisterre. I left the bag in Santiago to save on weight returning home. Hopefully, 2022 I can use a liner again?

I pretty much have had the same pack since 2012 when I walked from Leon to Sarria but over the last few years I have made a few changes. Anyway, this list (link below) is where I am at the moment. The advantage of arriving early in St Jean (compared to arriving late in Leon and Logrono) is I can buy a few supplies.

Packing List 2014

Feel free to offer critique, either in the comments or on the spreadsheet.