The weather was not cooperative today so I had to make a change in my plans. Since the house was clean, I couldn't make any excuses for not working on my short and long term goals. In an earlier post,
Changes I am Making, I listed some of the things I was implementing this year. I am very proud that I have been vigilant in not throwing away any food waste. Also all of the water barrels that I have looked at with the built in planters have not been affordable. I came across a lot of do it yourself plans on the internet for making my own barrel that I think are doable. The problem with these are that they are less attractive than the others. My options will be to either paint the barrel, plant flowers or bushes in front of it, put it in a less visible location, or use a planted trellis to screen it. Any suggestions?
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| Pune, India 2011 |
My goal for next summer is a return trip to India. I had to cancel this year because I felt that I needed to spend the money on home repairs instead (the joys of home ownership.) My hope is to see the Northeastern side of the country this time. I wouldn't mind going into Nepal too.
One of my long term goals is for me to walk the El Camino de Santiago in Spain. Three of my family members have already completed this pilgrimage. I am planning this trip for September 2015. Originally I was thinking July, but I have been warned that it is very HOT and crowded during that time. Three years gives me plenty of time to prepare for the approx 6 week journey. I am not planning to use any of the bus or other transportation services during the trip except for the obvious flight to get there. I need to invest in a few small things before going like a light weight sleeping bag and some good shoes. Have you completed this trek? Do you have any advice for me?
Camino Tips:
ReplyDeleteSunblock is critical. A sun-protective hat also. The right hiking boots and socks are crucial, as is the right backpack (carry no more than 10% of your weight). Walking sticks (or "trekking poles") are helpful, as they take some of the weight and long-term wear off your knees. . To minimize weight, only one basic change of lightweight clothes that wash and dry easily (not cotton), plus one warm sweatshirt. Lightweight sandals or shower-shoes for the end of the day (you have to give your feet a break from hiking shoes). Rain protection is tough: a poncho that goes over both you and your pack is good (google Altus poncho) but is sweaty. Cheap plastic ponchos just don't work. Rain jacket along with a backpack cover doesn't quite do the job either, as rain gets in through the uncovered part of your pack (the part against your back. Experiment with this on rainy days at home before going. Plan for drenching rain at some point in the walk.
TRAIN!
That's all I can think of for now, but you know where we are!
P.S.: You might find this website helpful:
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/