We are leaving on a jet plane

Here we are at the Brisbane International Airport ready for the next adventure. Neil is still alive and we are still together - some might say a miracle after the last couple of days, I love his organising of our holidays - I don't need to do anything but his overthinking is a little tiring this time.

To be honest I am a little nervous as all reading says that this is quite a bit more difficult than the Camino Frances(which we did in 2015)  but practising what I preach where the mind goes your body will follow.  Are you smiling? Are you breathing? Are you moving with grace? will become my mantra for the next 8 weeks.

To make me even more nervous it has snowed quite heavily yesterday where we are starting on Friday.  Anyway I am smiling, I and breathing, I am moving with grace.

We fly to Paris, overnight at the CDG Ibis Hotel and then catch the train to Le Puy en Velay for a couple of days before starting the Camino Via Podiensis - see below (second bottom trail from right to left - Le Puy en Velay to St Jean Pied de Port.

Packing by Michele

Neil has convinced me that we can travel with just a backpack for 8 weeks - well I am not sure I am convinced but anyway.

First of all I couldn't find my new sleeping bag - someone (not sure who) had filed it away safe - maybe me maybe not. St Anthony's assistance was called upon but as usual he waited until I had completely given up and then showed me where it was.  Where you ask?  In a brown paper carry bag (that it came in) with photos on top??  Anyway found now.

Next drama Neil decides that the backpack is not going under the plane but has to come on board with us - you know that means it has to weigh 7kg right????  Even though I only have 2 of everything plus wet weather gear and toiletries and oils of course I was still over by 1.5kg.  Neil's comment I would have to take something out!!!!  AND I can't possibly need all of those oils.  This is a man that has been married to me for 37 years do they not know anything????

Neil then realised that the walking poles don't fit and had to go in a bag underneath and I was 'allowed' to put some of my stuff in there.  Neil still insisting that I have to carry everything I take.  We are spending 6 days in Paris at the end and my intention was to take another bag with us and then send on to accommodation at the end once we got to Paris.  This is ridiculously expensive. Oh well looks like I will have to shop in Paris.

Anyway, backpacks  packed and  we are not divorced and still going on the 80th birthday adventure.  Wish me luck.

Michele