I carried my clothes, sleep sack, towel, first aid kit, two liters of water, snacks, and a few personal essentials - my pack weighed in at 12.1 lbs. I know there were a few items missing from the ultimate pack, but I was pretty impressed at the weight. I am hoping to keep it under 15 for the actual Camino.
Day 1 was so incredibly beautiful, the beach was so clean, serene and the trail easy going. I hardly felt the weight at all along the 14 miles. Granted there was lots of stopping points and much friendly chatter, but that is easily duplicated on the Camino.
Day 2 was filled with more obstacles, less serenity and I felt weighted down. Our mileage was less, probably 12, but they were hard miles. My feet and legs were good, but my back and shoulders hurt! I am seriously considering the ultralight packs at this point.
Day 3, I gave up some weight as we had our "Sherpa" arrive with a car and goodies for the night of camping. I carried only the water, snacks, towel, sleep sack and the few personal essentials. Leaving the clothes behind I probably shaved 5 pounds from the pack. But, I could still feel the weight on my shoulders dragging me down.
The problem I'm having with the ultralight weight packs is that they tend to be less structured and less supportive. I can get a good pack at just under 2 lbs, but my Gregory is a little over 3... I don't know if a pound or a pound and a half is worth the extra money for a new pack. I think I should stick with my current equipment and just do it. Maybe a good shoulder and back workout will strengthen those muscles and get them ready.
It is less than two months away and time to get the rest of my life in order. Most of my paperwork has been settled and the passport and alien registration card are all up to date. There are a few financials still being considered, especially in regards to my car. I have to decide if keeping it garaged (which means its age can catch up to its high mileage) or selling it now will make the most sense in value. Still shedding the excess of stuff: too many clothes, too many pieces of furniture, too many memories attached to knickknacks... too many things. Thank goodness for Craig's List!
I must say, I am beginning to enjoy the feeling of not buying things anymore and in having more experiences. Its been a hard transition, and it still pains me to sell or give some things away. But spending Easter with the grand baby and sharing time instead of things, felt really good.
That is something I want to hold on to and I hope to teach Elijah.
Day 1 was so incredibly beautiful, the beach was so clean, serene and the trail easy going. I hardly felt the weight at all along the 14 miles. Granted there was lots of stopping points and much friendly chatter, but that is easily duplicated on the Camino.
Day 2 was filled with more obstacles, less serenity and I felt weighted down. Our mileage was less, probably 12, but they were hard miles. My feet and legs were good, but my back and shoulders hurt! I am seriously considering the ultralight packs at this point.
Day 3, I gave up some weight as we had our "Sherpa" arrive with a car and goodies for the night of camping. I carried only the water, snacks, towel, sleep sack and the few personal essentials. Leaving the clothes behind I probably shaved 5 pounds from the pack. But, I could still feel the weight on my shoulders dragging me down.
It is less than two months away and time to get the rest of my life in order. Most of my paperwork has been settled and the passport and alien registration card are all up to date. There are a few financials still being considered, especially in regards to my car. I have to decide if keeping it garaged (which means its age can catch up to its high mileage) or selling it now will make the most sense in value. Still shedding the excess of stuff: too many clothes, too many pieces of furniture, too many memories attached to knickknacks... too many things. Thank goodness for Craig's List!
I must say, I am beginning to enjoy the feeling of not buying things anymore and in having more experiences. Its been a hard transition, and it still pains me to sell or give some things away. But spending Easter with the grand baby and sharing time instead of things, felt really good.
That is something I want to hold on to and I hope to teach Elijah.
