(this is not my camino packing)
I’m a natural hoarder like my dad.
I feel sad for the waste of disposal.
I’ll admit to having kept a collection of receipts as a child. But as an adult, I’ve never stayed in one place for too long and have spent an unusual proportion of my twenties in “hospital accommodation”, choosing cheaper bricks and mortar in exchange for better city locations. As such I do have less physical possessions than most of my peers. I know one more thing bought is just one more thing carried.
But I always feel that an object in my hand might be useful one day.
And I’m reminded of my mother who would throw out my dad’s possessions without him realising, and that woman who bangs on about the objects that bring you joy*.
But I still loathe the moving/packing/cleaning process. It seems to take me longer than anyone else I know (and I’ve had a fair bit more experience with it).
I move around my flat in ever decreasing circles, until I’m left with the batteries, keys and paperclips.
Some items continue to be “in use” right until the last moment (cutlery – which I only have one set of, cup – ditto). Recognising this to be the case, I often just surrender to other activities (my old friend procrastination back again 😉 !) Today: buying bus tickets, recycling (WORTHY procrastination, ideal), speaking to my mum (ditto the worthy but she also always has good chat, so it’s not such a one sided deal) and writing this post!
My main items (pictured half filling suitcase above) will be stored with friends and my camino gear will, of course, come on my back!
My sketchbook is indulgently large (A4 Leuchtturm 180grms) and I’m taking a few sheets of watercolour paper, my watercolour palette and a pencil case with a couple of pens and pencils (I do mean a couple). So I’ll have to think about how to save weight otherwise. I’d be interested to hear from anyone doing the camino now – in the summer – what do you have on your feet? Are you ever wearing boots? I have a lot of conflict about taking something heavier than my teva sandals…
*I’ve not read this book, but I will, not least because it seems incredibly divisive!
a frontier almanac 
Because I wanted to write while walking the Camino, I carried a laptop and charging cable. Together they weigh nearly two kilos. That meant I had to really pare down everything else. It’s doable. As for boots, shoes, or sandals, it’s a completely personal choice. I have even seen someone hiking in flip-flops. The important things is to practice with your boots, shoes, or sandals before undertaking the Camino.
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Ok, that’s reassuring :-)! Thanks!
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