We have dates set! I leave September 4th, travel to Roncesvalles on the 5th, and began my camino from the French border on the 6th. Avis arrives October 6th and I pick her up in Madrid. Then back to the Camino in Sarria, then on to Santiago de Compostela, Finisterrra, and if we have time, on to Avila to say howdy to Santa Teresa and San Juan de la Cruz (St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross).

I am furiously culling items from my backpack to reduce weight. I've ditched my fitted bedbug sheet, my Ezbit stove, an extra pair of socks, my freeze dried food. I am torn about whether to leave my journal and my Brierly's guide book. Maybe my blog posts and pictures can serve as my journal. But I need something besides my Kindle on which to jot my random thoughts and impressions. Like Scarlett, I'll think about that tomorrow.