- Backpack packed
- Bumbag loaded
- Lovely long hot shower taken (a treat even at home because we are very water conscious here)
- Hair straightened from its natural curly frizz
- Teeth electrically cleaned and water jetted until danger of what little enamel remains being washed down the plug hole
- Toenails polished in pretty pink as my only vanity
- Dog cuddled to near strangulation
During the last few days I have been treated to my ‘last supper’ with lovely friends and walked my farewell hike in our beautiful mountains with great walking chums.
I have caught up with latest episodes of ‘The Good Wife’ and downloaded a multitude of podcasts.
I decided at the last minute to check my backpack as hold luggage. Although I know it is an acceptable size for Ryanair carry on, I have my walking poles packed and was not confident that they would get through security. I didn’t want the various straps and belts to get caught in the conveyor belt so spent a good while this morning wrapping it in cling film (which reminded me of my ridiculous antics at Gatwick airport a couple of years ago (you can read just how ridiculous here)
This Camino has given me an unaccountable number of waking hours in they middle of the night, but now the time has come I’m feeling remarkably calm…que sera, sera – particularly as far as the weather is concerned (although the forecast for tomorrow has just changed from lightning storms to light rain – yeah. Maybe the Camino Angels will be on my side again this year?
And now I am sitting in the departure lounge at Malaga airport awaiting my flight to Santander, where I will board a bus for the three hour ride to Irun. I will stay my first night in the municipal albergue (assuming there is a bed available) and I can remind myself of the joys of communal bunking.
Now sitting on the aeroplane I must confess that I almost didn’t make it. All seats were taken in the departure area of gate 30, so I took myself to the adjacent gate and sat there whilst writing the above. I did notice some movement at the distant gate, but as there were still crowds of people waiting, I assumed it was the preferential boarders. It was not until a couple came flying past me at full speed pushing a hysterical toddler in his buggy, closely pursued by a young woman attempting to beat the 200 metre world record that my brain began to click into gear and I swiftly followed them to desk 30 where the ground staff ushered us all through, and even knew my name, so presumably had put out a call that I had not heard. A quick dash along the boarding arm brought us to an abrupt halt at the back of the queue of passengers waiting to board.
Well, the plane landed as scheduled at 16:15. I had a plan (A) and a plan (B), depending on how long the baggage handlers took to deliver my backpack. Plan (A) was my original plan to catch the bus to Irun from the airport at 19:00. This was not an entirely satisfactory plan because it is a three hour journey which should deposit me at Irun bus station at 22:00 – the problem being that the albergue closes its doors at 22:00 and I didn’t fancy spending my first night sleeping in the bus station. Plan (B) only occurred to me yesterday when I thought about looking to see if there was an earlier bus from the city centre. There was. It left at 17:00. But that didn’t leave a lot of room for mishap with the timings. But as it happened plan (B) worked a treat and I am now sitting on the bus looking out at the lush green fields and wooded hills, with a glimpse of the coast every now and then.
I found the donativo albergue easily and I am sharing a two bunk room with two women, a German and Italian. I have also spoken with an three guys, German, Colombian and Mexican. There is a small but well equipped kitchen and some sofas in the office/breakfast area.
Let the camino begin…
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
Ooh I am quite excited at the beginning of your journey. Can’t wait for all the blogs!
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Thanks Janice, I appreciate your support, as always x
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Good luck with your latest Camino. I am full of admiration. Eileen Opie
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Many thanks Eileen.
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Maggie, enjoy your camino and stay safe. You are a brave and determined woman.
I respect your ability to sleep with strangers every night… that is the thing I would most have trouble with. I will look forward to your stories and photos.
Take care my friend.
Love Heather xxx
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Always such a treat to hear from you. I am over for s couple of weeks at the end of June – we have a ‘very big day’. Perhaps we can get together? Xx
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Buen Camino! I’ll be following along.
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Thanks Clare. You must be enjoying your home comforts by now.
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Actually I’ve had some side trips, but will happily be in my own house tonight.
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Away we go Maggie and I’m looking forward to reading all about it. You have gone up even further in my estimation(if that were possible) when I read that you are a fan of The Good Wife!!
I love that series. Travel well and good luck. xx
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Huge fan Mary. I might have to try to watch s couple of episodes whilst I am away or I will miss them until they reach Netflix.
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Good luck Maggie, greetings Hens
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Thanks Hens – it would be easier on a Segway xx
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Hi Maggie – indeed let the Camino begin – enjoy and buen Camino
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Another adventure begins Maggie! You will be someone with few regrets at the end of a life well lived. You will accompany my morning cup of coffee every day – so looking forward to your exploits. Love and good luck to you.
S
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Thanks Sandy.It doesn’t seem long since I was enjoying your blogs about your Camino.
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Here we go. Something nice to look forward to reading. Have a wonderful time. Ultreïa
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Many thanks
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Buen camino! I look forward to reading your camino blog posts once again 🙂
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Thanks Yvonne. I appreciate your support.
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Buen Camino Maggie xx
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I will be waiting patiently each day for your entry, Buen Camino, June
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Hope I don’t disappoint June
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My favourite bed time reading! Let the story begin. Buen viaje.
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Buen Camino, Maggie! I’ll follow your posts for the next 2 weeks, until l depart on my own “completion” Camino on May 3–from Leon to Santiago. Godspeed!
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Buen Camino to you Leona. You must be getting very excited.
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Up to a good start Maggie! So happy for you!
P.S. I am also a big fan for The Good Wife!!
Buen Camino Senorita!
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Buen Camino! A great headstart. May the road unravel as it must. Will travel along vicariously and enjoy your every post. 🎉. 😎
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Bien Camino Maggie ! We wish you well on your journey, take care, have fun and keep safe, all our love Christine & Malcolm xx
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Buen Camino Maggie- I look forward to your posts SO much!
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Good luck & enjoy
Look forward to recieveing your posts
Buen Camino
Barbara&bob😃
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Now that Seeing Clarely has finished her Spanish blog for the year, I will be moving over to reading yours every day! My own adventure starts in just over 2 weeks, when I’ll be doing the first part of the Le Puy Chemin. Can’t wait to set off!
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As always an amusing and informative start to your camino.We are looking forward to those that will follow.We do hope all goes well for you.I add this link to our blog if you ever get time to read some.Best wishes Maggie, Alan and Joan.
http://www.hfnb.co.uk/joal
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Hello Alan and Joan. ,I look forward to reading your blog, but probably not until I return home. Thanks for the link.
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Loved all of this… Buen Camino! Can’t wait to read more 🙂
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Thanks Nadine.
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Buen Camino…and Ogni Etorri a Euskadi!
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I’m finding this language so difficult. I couldn’t even work out which loo to go in yesterday – there were no explanatory pictures, maybe something I need to look up!
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Haha 🙂 Mutil is boy, neskene girl, and I forget women and men right now. I’ve actually been told to just use the women’s if I’m waiting in line for the men’s, but I’m too polite to do that.
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I think I will just stick with asking for ‘servicios’ rather than take a chance of walking into the gents, or a store cupboard!
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Deseo que tengas un buen camino.
Pedro el suizo
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Hola Peter y Muchas gracias
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May the Camino angels walk every step of the way with you 🙂 xxx
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They’ve been with me for the first couple of days – and they are very welcome to remain!
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