Furious planning

It is exactly a month before I fly to Madrid to start the Via de la Plata from Seville to Santiago and then on to Finisterre. I have not done a lot of planning, or training for that matter, but suddenly today it dawned on me that I'd better get my act together if I want a buen camino.

So, this morning I set off with my backpack and walking poles on an eight km walk. My backpack is not new, but has served me well and still gives me wings every time I use it. I don't even know what size it is (now that is shabby for a hiker), but it feels like I was born with it on my back. My walk was great and the new poles are fantastic. Not quite sure how I managed without them. The pack and contents weighed about 8kg and I hardly felt the weight.

I also realised with a shock that the visa requirements are quite onerous and I'd better make sure that I get it right first time. Made appointment (check!)

Wanted to book hotels in Madrid and Seville, airport transfer and train from Madrid to Seville through the travel agent that did my airline ticket and travel insurance, only to find that it is much much cheaper doing it online! Fellow peregrina and friend, Janine and I will finalise this on Friday (another check!)

Washed sleeping bag and inner (another check!)

Starting to feel as though I will really get to Spain;-)_