Chatting with Will over dinner tonight I've come to realise just how much more stuff that I have to sort out. I've thought about a lot of the material stuff that I will be carrying with me but in my creative spiritual mind it's 'just a few bits and bobs and not that much' though thinking in a practical way.. I need a whole lot more.
I've approached this in a relaxed low stress way, buying things when I think of them, and thinking that I can buy things on the road. Though there are a few essentials that I will have to get right before I go. The first major one is.. thirst, water, I am going to have to consume a good number of litres a day and to do that I will have to carry it in a practical way and have access to clean drinking water along my path.
I'm thinking he's also right with my shoe selection, bulky boots may not be up for the job, lightweight more comfortable and breathable boot-wear may be needed.
I've bought a kindle and a battery charger for storing all my leisure and travel books. The battery on the kindle alone lasts for roughly 4 weeks with half hour usage a day, and the charger should charge it two or three times before I have to find a mains supply.
Other items include; detailed maps through the countryside, a handy swiss army knife, a travel bag, anti-chafing gear, cooking stuff, sun protection, clothing, vocab books, personal safety gear for valuables, first aid kit, insect repellent, fire material, day bags, dirty bags, socks, warm clothing, swimwear, day wear, tent.. and that's not even including leisure items.
What I'm saying is; that is a big list of stuff to take, and that is a lot of stuff to carry.
I guess only time will tell with how essential half of these items are going to be, though it is better to be prepared for the worst.. plus it'll get me extra fit quicker by carrying a heavier load.
It's odd I sometimes feel I have begun already, though I feel this is because mentally I am ready to leave.. physically and spiritually it wont truly begin until I'm on the road in Spain, feeling the solid path beneath my feet, breathing in the heavy fresh air when I can see my destination rising slowly over the horizon.
This trip wasn't meant to be easy, I am enjoying these challenges, though I can feel it's inevitable presence looming ahead ready to really test my limits.
Ciao for now,
DR
~
If for company you find a wise and prudent friend who leads a good life, you should, overcoming all impediments, keep his company joyously and mindfully.
If for company you cannot find a wise and prudent friend who leads a good life, then, like a king who leaves behind a conquered kingdom, or like a lone elephant in the elephant forest, you should go your way alone.
