Lam Unfiltered

Apologies in advance for referencing my solo trip so often, but it was a necessary [incredible!] experience - and the first time I have been alone in a very long time . Solo travel is a massive experience. When I spoke to friends and co-workers about my plans, most assumed I would be traveling with my partner, and when they found out I was going to Portugal alone, they assumed I would be traveling with an organized group, which I was not. Reactions varied from horror to dreamy envy. My actual trip was the opposite of organized, which was difficult for this Librarian type A Virgo. My gear I planned to death, watching YouTube videos from August until March preparing my supplies lists and shadowing other people on their journeys. I decided early on that the more popular French Way, across the north of Spain would be too long and has become busy crowded. I was walking for isolation and quiet, and didn't want to worry about finding an Albergue with space every night, plus that Camino

I am obsessed with two of my toenails; two tiny fatalities from my trek through Portugal and Spain in April. It was my 5 th day walking the Camino Portuguese, and I had to climb a small mountain, really only a hill at 505 metres, but for me it was a mountain. It was raining, and the water coursed down the rocky path I was attempting to climb. My waterproof hiking boots were proving to be not-waterproof.   The path was steep, and I had to move from rock to rock, my heart was pounding with exertion and I felt absolute despair, wondering if my heart would stop and that I would be found soggy and dead, lying in a puddle. I remember thinking that if I died how traumatizing that would be for my family - so I kept on climbing, rock to rock, through the water. My guidebook described the climb as lovely one, and not too difficult. I found it hellish – and I was angry every step. I was angry at my body, for not being young and pliable, and as strong has it had been 20 years – 15 years

Testing. In April I flew to Portugal and walked the Camino from Porto to Santiago Spain. While I walked I thought of all the changes I needed to make in my life - because we all eventually run out of time. Changes in my home, changes in my habits, changes in my focus. Now I hike after work at least 3 times a week. I walk to the trails near my home - and do a fast 6km up and down hills and steps, through the forest and then the park. All the while I am planning, thinking, pondering. Today is my first day here at Lam Unfiltered. This is my beginning.