This is my first post of 2022, a first of many, I hope. I hope you all had a good break and enjoyed the New Year. To be quite honest, I have never been fond of New Year’s Eve. Are we celebrating the passage of time or are we looking forward to something unknown? TS Elliot once said, “Every moment is a fresh beginning”. We shouldn’t put so much energy into one night but try to better ourselves each day. Regardless, we are in 2022 and I can’t but feel hopeful.
It has been a month since I returned home from my Camino and I have reluctantly returned to the swing of things. I was very grateful to have the chance to go and I met so many good people. I felt on a high when I returned. I felt free and even though it was... Continue Reading →
With every day that goes by, we seem to be hearing more and more good pieces of news. Two vaccines have been approved and many countries are tentatively relaxing their restrictions for Christmas. Spain has brought about a host of changes before the Christmas season. This YouTube channel is recommended if you want to be... Continue Reading →
I am delighted to have sent my first newsletter to my small but proud band of readers this morning. This newsletter is sent at the end of each month. I have written it with a personal touch, something that has been lacking in my general posts on the blog. If you wish to receive these... Continue Reading →
At the start of this Covid crisis, I promised myself I would write more. This hasn't been going to plan exactly. I have tried and I usually have an idea or two to put into a post each week. This week I have nothing. It's just a shame I wasn't in Spain this year -... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
If you are thinking of walking one of the many Caminos de Santiago this year, now would be a good time to get your kit and bits and pieces in check. As Roy Keane once said "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail" and I would agree with him to a extent. Even I, after my... Continue Reading →
I'm not one for countdowns (ok..I am!) but it is just under 3 months before I wander to the south of Ireland and start the Kerry Camino. This is a relatively short trail compared to the ones I am used to in Spain and Portugal but the thought of just walking with a pack is... Continue Reading →
I'm lucky my family appreciates that I enjoy wandering through Spain, Portugal and indeed Ireland with a backpack on my back. Santa (or my family, you decide) has been to the Smith household and he certainly is a pilgrim at heart. I have a number of walks planned for 2020 and these few gifts really... Continue Reading →
I need to buy a new pair of shoes soon as my current pair are a little run down. I embark on the Kerry Camino in May. And there is no better place for hiking shoes/boots than the Great Outdoors on Dublin's George's Street. I usually buy shoes at the start of the year and... Continue Reading →
Clearskies Camino 