So many things to consider. Trying to make sure we take all necessities while also ensuring we travel light. Do we book accommodations ahead of time or leave it to chance so that we may have the freedom to choose along the way? How to find the perfect balance?

Time for reflection. In year 2013, when I performed my first Camino, I overloaded my back pack and left accommodations to chance, only searching for a place to stay when I stopped walking for the night.

In year 2018, I did it differently. Packing lighter and pre-booking all accommodations for every night along the way.

This year, I am going to combine both years’ lessons learned. Packing lighter is essential and non negotiable. However, I would like to add the one element which I think will enhance this year’s Camino experience.

I am leaving our accommodations to chance from the town of Labruge (just right after Porto) until the central town of Redondela (where both the coastal and central Camino routes converge becoming one route onward to Santiago). I have no accommodations booked between those two towns.

What this really means is that ‘this Camino’ is free to choose for us for almost half the journey along the way. We will walk until we reach a town or city to stay the night and look for our accommodations then. This will make things interesting. I hope that Karen is up for it. There is a safety caveat though: we can always change our plans at anytime if this does not work for us.

There is an old saying used frequently by many pilgrims on the Camino De Santiago, “The Camino provides”. I am trusting it will do so for us every step of the way. 😊💕

On another note: To all my family and friends, thank you for following this blog and walking this Camino with me. Your presence and prayers will make this long walk extra special. I am positive Karen feels the same way.

I leave you tonight with the following post card reflection.