I am leaving for Ireland tomorrow, May 13th. The distances we will have to walk each day make me a little nervous. On the Camino I could decide each day how far to go depending on how I felt. Although I did a 20 mile (32 km) day, I averaged about 10 miles (16 km) per day. In Ireland our bed and breakfasts are set so we have to walk the distance and will be averaging about 13.5 miles (21.7km) per day. Well, I still believe that each moment is a unrepeatable miracle so step by step we will do this.
I thought I would let you know a bit about how I have been training.
- Weekly hikes with Trails Club of Oregon of about 4 – 6 miles each.
- Weekly hikes with Cascade Prime Timers (mostly in Forest Park) of about 4.5 miles each.
- Several days on the treadmill averaging 3 – 6 miles each.
- About 7 hikes with my friend, Ann Pickar. Thank you, Ann, for helping me train. We walked between 9 and 13 miles each time. Some of them were:
- Multnomah Falls – almost to Larch Mountain – Waheenah Falls and back
- Dry Creek Falls to Herman Creek
- Wilson River
- Banks/Vernonia Trail
- Upper and Lower Sandy River Trail
- Eagle Creek
- Upper McCord Creek Falls, Elowaa Falls – Eagle Creek and back
I didn’t take many photos on these hikes, but here are a few from the last one.
I love Oregon. We have so many beautiful places to hike. I know Ireland will be fantastic and I am looking so forward to walking with my friend, Mary Riverstone Williams, who I met walking from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre and Muxia in October of 2015. We had such a wonderful time on the last leg of my Camino and I know our time in Ireland will be rewarding. Walking in Ireland will also give me the opportunity to quietly process and grieve for the loss of my brother, Bob. My walking the Camino Frances taught me the healing power of quietly walking step by step.
We will be walking 6 days on the Kerry Way, 8 days on the Dingle Way, 8 days on the West of Ireland Walk including a trip to the Aran Isle, and 6 days on the Burren Way. I hope you enjoy following me on my new adventure.
May 12, 2015 at 11:10 pm
Good luck Nancy!! I’m sure you’ll enjoy Ireland but the wether is not going to be the same jaja!!
Sorry about your brother…take care!!
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May 13, 2015 at 1:09 am
Hi Curly, have a wonderful trip!
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May 13, 2015 at 1:41 am
Good luck, Nancy. Can’t wait to meet up with you at long last! Praying for fine weather for you. The sun is out today, BTW. Walk well and enjoy. x
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May 13, 2015 at 5:03 am
I’m not sure what I am supposed to say since”Buen Camino” has been taken, and “Happy Trails” doesn’t seem to fit the bill. I’m interested in seeing how the “experience” compares with the Camino. Look forward to your posts.
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May 13, 2015 at 5:33 am
Godspeed. I hope you have a wonderful time.
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May 13, 2015 at 6:54 am
Bon Voyage, Nancy! Ireland is such a beautiful country and I can’t imagine a more personal way to process grief. Our lives are so fragile, in the greater context, so do what seems right for you. Safe travels, Glenda
Sent from my iPad
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May 13, 2015 at 7:28 am
Have a safe, wonderful, magical and spiritual walk. Go well.
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May 13, 2015 at 8:02 am
Happy walking, nancy! I am looking forward to your posts!
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May 13, 2015 at 8:54 am
Gee Nancy. I know your brother has been a worry and that his death in some way was not totally unexpected, but still hard. So sorry.
Walk well.
Gretchen
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May 13, 2015 at 9:26 am
So sorry to heat that your brother died. Hugs. You will have a fabulous time. I loved the Dingle Peninsula and my trip to the Aran Island was very memorable. So much rock. So much rock. One big rock. Can’t imagine living there. Stpe lively and have a great trip.
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May 13, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Thank you for sharing your adventures, Nancy! And may you find comfort in your walks and in nature.
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May 13, 2015 at 4:08 pm
Nancy, Bon Vovage, one step at the time is all we can do –
Had to return from my Europe trip due to a broken arm –
Gudrun
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May 13, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Have a great time, youngin’. I know you’re not much of a bar hound, but at least once take a sip or two of a Guinness — it’s THE Irish thing to do. Or, if you want to be a bit more fruity, sip a hard cider. The ciders in Ireland are quite refreshing after a long day on the trail. Be safe and have fun!
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May 13, 2015 at 8:46 pm
Sending you the best wishes for happy travels.
You are my best friend. Be safe. Tonya
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May 13, 2015 at 9:41 pm
Good luck!! I hope you have a great time!!💗
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May 18, 2015 at 9:24 am
I am already enjoying your comments for the day. I enjoyed reading and following you on the previous trip.
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