ensuitepilgrim's Blog

Well, the training walks have been going well; averaged just over 11 minutes per kilometre, on the last two.But need to bear in mind that these are only 6-7 mile long, albeit with rucksack at 10 Kg. On Caminos, we try to keep to 12 minute Kms, which loosely means 3 miles an hour. We have what we call a” bag break”, every hour and a longer break, ideally at a bar, every two hours or so. My fellow Pelegrino,Mac, is forever telling me that break is not a break without a….of some kind.

I have set out my kit, for two weeks now, I shall try to lessen it, however, what do you decide when faced with a choice between two T-Shirts?

With an important event, looming,the Camino for Cancer Fund Raising evening., I have put the finishing touches to the PowerPoint Presentation,designed a quiz and downloaded an eclectic mix of videos and music. Latest flyer went out,yesterday.

I have been more than vexed with the Brexit arguments that abound everywhere,my twin flags are as follows:-

God spare me the ” Little Englanders”. No more politics…..for a moment.I was sent a book containing short reflections on the Camino, thankfully free of sanctimony, I have greatly enjoyed it.

It has been great to spend time, recently with my children and the grandchildren, farm visits and mealtimes…As rbrault wrote in his blog spot” Enjoy the little things,for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things”

Plans are afoot for two holidays in the motorhome, May and July.My greenhouse has been repaired and seedlings are coming along, there and on the laundry room windowsill. I have a lot to plant out, before setting off for Madrid on April,17 th. Also a lawn to scarify and  daughter,Hannah’s new allotment to work on. Which reminds me that”Heaven is under our feet,as well as overturn heads”;Thoreau

Finally, have my last physio session, shortly, trying to shake off a niggly calf problem,I was reminded of a quotation from Kenji Miyuzawa, ” we must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey”; well, Kenji, I shall be embracing Ibruprofen on my next walk.

This was a more relaxing journey, with Tom Henry and Jude. I should not be too surprised if Mac and I don’t  thumb a lift or two, on our Camino! I hope everyone enjoys the Spring and the lighter nights to come.Apologies for my writing this in a rush.

Well, had one of those ” your stats are booming” type messages from WordPress this morning, which, occurring on 1st March and my first walk with fully laden rucksack, as preparation for next month’s Camino, prompted me in to writing this Post.

I shall not try to be too rigorous in relating events ( such as they were ) , too chronologically , but focus on themes of Family, Camino and anything that strikes me, as I go.

Perhaps, most topically, is Cameron’s decision to call a Referendum, in June, on the UK’s place ( or not ), in Europe. I believe it would be disastrous for us, as a liberal democracy to leave Europe; economic reasons apart, it would allow the Tories un restrained abuse of powers, concerning our civil liberties. I have to include a cartoon from The Observer, as it brilliantly captures the Brexit ” raison d’etre”; must omit mention of their back-up crew of Farage and Galloway….GHU. And as for Trump!

No more politics, till the next time. Great distraction and pleasure, in being with the grandchildren, both here and in Berkhamsted. Vickee, who returns to work, later this month , at the end of her maternity leave, bemoaned how quickly Martha was growing and demonstrating her own , endearing personality traits. Who would not miss her?

Lots of great times with her brother, Jude and cousins, Tom and Jake.

Have joined a couple of informative, Facebook groups to do with my old grammar school, St Phillip’s and a Motorhome travel group. A problem I find with these pages and which never ceases to irritate, is sloppy spelling and grammar. I even had a “post” pulled because I pointed out an a use of the apostrophe ….

Found Facebook to be of great help in spreading the word about the fund-raiding evening, I am organising at the Spotted Dog, Alcester St, Digbeth,on Saturday, 9th April; it is for Cancer Research and features a presentation on what a Camino is, or could be, followed by music and chaos!

It has astonished me and also made me envious, of how many motorhomers are over- wintering in Spain & Portugal; Blue skies and sea views. Notwithstanding that, I took St David’s Day as my starting point to take Camino preparation to the next level. I have been walking fairly regularly, including South Africa, since December. But March 1st meant carrying the rucksack , with 10kg weights, for the first time in five months. I  aim to get at least a 100 miles done, albeit in 6 – 8 mile bursts, before we leave for Madrid and Caceres on April 17 th. Feel fine after today’s 7 miles. Am reminded that one of the weights in the rucksack, literally, is a set of Small Dumbbells, still boxed; anyone wanting these? Small donation to my JustGiving Page ! You can still donate and not have them! The total donated so far is £ 536.71 and I am really grateful to everyone for their support, so far; I am aiming for £ 1000.00 by April 9th .

Finally, I received a request from Holy Family Catholic Primary School, ( my last headship ), to take part in their Vocations Week, in June. My vocation as a teacher ; it has got me pondering, I can tell you. Not about taking part, of course, I was flattered and pleased to do that, but recalling those critical decisions , nearly fifty years on…..