Prologue

 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_St._James

Sure - the idea came while watching the movie "The Way". Sometime late last summer, or early fall.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441912/

It seemed like something that realistically could be done. It's not like hiking the Appalachian Trail, or single hand (solo) sailing the Atlantic. Both nearly impossible for me at this point in life. "The Way" seems like a reasonable challenge, an appropriate adventure - if properly planned and the body willing.

The first step was to approach Jane. As I am sure you'd suspect, she took awhile to thaw to the idea. And she's not going to warm. But I am the first to admit - I am a very lucky man to have such a wonderful woman in my life. We have this notion of independence in our marriage, but it's an appearance. We will miss each other.

I have recounted to a few of you - Janie has been very patient and affectionate as the departure date (Monday the 3rd) approaches. It's nice. At night she comes to me and gives me a big hug. "I am going to miss you".

"I'm going to miss you too".

"Do you think you're going to meet a strange exotic woman there?"

"Maybe."

"Would you go running off with her and start a new life?"

"I don't think so.  uuuhh..... Wait a minute - you mean someone like Penelope Cruz?"

Then another night, "Are you going to be OK? What if something happens to you. You're hurt, or you ... die?"

"Janie - if you had the choice - either I run off with a Spanish actress, or get hurt and die, which would you choose?"

She's still thinking on a very slow death.

In time, Jane has come to acquiesce. She will still worry. She's a good woman. And she might become a bit lonely. But, believe me, within 2 days of my return, she'll be asking about my next trip.

 Until my return, dear friends, please give Jane a call now and then.

People seem a bit surprised. "Who are you going with?"

"By myself."

I did invite my good friend, Robbie, from UConn. For professional reasons he had to decline.

But this is a long 5 week trip. At times it will be grueling. There are many unknowns and situational decisions will be made reading the conditions at the moment. It's not about fun. It's a test.

"But why are you doing it? Are you searching for ... God? Your soul? Meaning?"

So Dear Intrepid Reader (IR) - I will attempt to answer all your questions, and more, in the FAQ section of this blog.

Please don't hesitate to ask - I will try to post Q and A - and update the FAQ as time and technology allow.

Until then - Thanks for your interest. Please check back from time to time.