So..We are doing a MASSIVE TRIP…A 6 year dream. Leo and I are walking the Camino in Spain. Doing the traditional French Way. 480 to 500 miles from the French side of the Pyrenees mountains almost to the opposite coast. Who knows, we may make it to the coast.
This site trip from June 12th to July 26th is a massive dream that is about to happen. This is a pilgrimage route that has been active since the 11th and 12th century. We will walk 12 to 17 miles a day for 36 days, staying is hostels (bunk bed accomadations) with people from all over the world doing this path. Evening dinners with the same folks. Sometimes walking alone, sometimes with international friends along the way. We will pass a small Spanish town ever 3 to 5 miles. Our pack has tomorrows clothes, an ability to do sink laundry, toiletries, journals, and watercolor/sketchbooks.
The first third is physically Hard, the second third mentally tough, and in theory the third third is an acceptance of both. I am excited to do this with Leo. We are going to learn who we are and what we are made of. Both working on decisions about what we want to be when we grow up.
AND A BIG DIGITAL, WORK, SCHOOL, BREAK
This will be the most time I have taken off since I started working at 13.
Maybe I will be a few pounds lighter at the end. I certainly hope to unfrazzle myself, and have a plan for my last 10-15 work years and clarity on my art life. I know a simple life, outside, with amazing people from all over the world will be a significant recharge.
Have we trained enough, yes and absolutely no. I hear you saying … James you are awful at directions…the path is marked and Leo has his Mom’s sense of direction.
How much does your pack weigh. You try to stay under 10% of our body weight. at 280 that leave me a lot of range. mine is around 20lb and Leos all be around 16lb.
Why the hell are your doing this. Well, my Dad and I took a trip to Biloxi to see my best friend after basic training. We both remember that trip fondly and time well spent before I flew the nest. TThis is that type trip on steriods. A friend and former studio mate took this trip and said, “James you and your warm personality would be in heaven on this trip”. Our Pastor walked this and preached on it to the point I sketched him on a treadmill behind the pulpit. Many Many podcast later I have had the bug for a very long time. I am so appreciative of my son to do this with me. And my Wife to support and do all the work while I am gone.
I plan to do this will Leo, and then again when I retire.
On this page I will share photos, stories, GoPro videos, watercolors. Hoping to spend 20-30 minutes sharing our story.
So so so excited
, nervous, but believe we can do this. We will meet such amazing people.
Check in periodically to see where we are. Buen Camino.
