DISASTER STRIKES!!!

My trusty backpack just died. The back panel cracked and the pack is unusable! I leave tomorrow afternoon and my backpack is toast!

Ok, deep breath. Can’t panic, just focus. Focus.

I have a membership at REI that I haven’t used for years and years, but after a quick trip to Boulder, Colorado and a custom fitting from Eric at REI, I’m all set with a brand new Osprey 24L Women’s Sirius model backpack.

I am SO glad this happened as I was doing my final pack test this morning and not tomorrow or even worse, on the Camino itself! !

The new pack weighs 0.3 pounds more than the old pack, but it includes a rain cover that the Camelback bag didn’t have, so since I don’t have to take a rain poncho now, overall, I’d say the weight difference is a wash.

Grock and I have done the math, and I am well under the recommended 15% of my body weight limit that “experts” recommend you not exceed for your pack/gear. Plenty of wiggle room left for water, snacks, etc.

After much internal debate, I have even decided to take my mini daypack for those times when I want to go shopping or sight-seeing without my full pack – or if (heaven forbid) I should have to send my pack ahead and walk without the extra weight. That happened after I had crippling shin splints on my first Camino, so lesson learned.

Time to panic??!!??

No. It’s not even noon yet and I’ve secured a new bag, made adjustments, added and subtracted gear to fit this new reality, done the math, and I’m back on solid ground. I feel as if I’ve lost a dear friend, but there’s no time to give into the temptation of a pity party. The Camino is calling and it’s time to put this behind me and get on the road.

For the rest of the day, I’m going to hang out with my dog, Rocky, until it’s time to take him to his daycare and boarding facility where he’ll be spoiled by all his doggy friends and his fave staff at Camp BowWow for the next 2 weeks.

Crisis averted. My flight is tomorrow. Ultreia!

Cheers, V-

On an additional, significant personal note: A treasured relative of mine transitions into hospice care this week. Among his siblings, he’s the remaining patriarch and he is beloved. Generations apart, a much younger member of my extended family tribe is celebrating his baptism while I am on the Camino. In celebration and sorrow, I’ll be lighting candles and sending up prayers as I walk the Way.

V-