One Month to go

 I'm 31 days out from departure after today.  Things are coming into focus.  I actually did a dry run on seeing how things fit into my pack a couple days ago.  Everything fits, with some work.  I'm not taking a sleeping bag, just the liner (what I call my "sleeping baguette").  With the temps I'm seeing there's no need for a sleeping bag.  The baguette worked last time, so I don't anticipate problems this time.

I'm trying to monitor the fire situation in Portugal.  About 10 days ago the Portuguese government issued an order closing forest paths, which parts of the Camino Portuguese use.  Basically you couldn't access forest paths (among other places) through August 7 because of fires and the heat wave.  I haven't seen a lot of chatter or warnings on the Camino Forum bulletin board, which is usually a good source of information.  There's a few local peregrinos walking the Portuguese now, so I'm hoping they'll provide information.  Just like the North Rim here, the situation is dire.  Rain urgently needed, any fire is a disaster.  Just hope the temps moderate before I leave.  Or maybe walking in the heat here in AZ is good training?

I bought Holafly's eSIM card last night to use for data while I'm over there.  $47 for 16 days with (more or less) unlimited data usage.  I can use that for posting notes and photos here.  Switch to my Cox plan for WhatsApp.  I'll try not to make calls while I'm there, just use either Messenger or WhatsApp.

I'm having some chiropractic work done over the next few weeks.  My lower right back has been sore so I wanted to get it checked.  My first appointment on Friday showed my left leg is 1/2" shorter than my right.  No one ever told me!  But then I never checked, either.  So he made some adjustments and put me on a muscle stimulator.  I go three times this coming week, and possibly the same until I leave.  More appointments to start with, then tapering off as I improve.  Makes me really glad I set up pack transport every day!

I've been walking inside Fashion Square the last week.  Walk early in the morning, then go out there once it warms up.  Today I ran into a couple 70ish guys from Fountain Hills who noticed my 2-iron.  Deuce is always a good conversation starter.  I mentioned to them that I'm going over for another Camino.  They at least knew what the Camino was.  It's always fun to stop and chat with someone...just like being on the Camino, you make new friends, if only briefly.

Made a batch of mesquite muffins yesterday morning.  I shared one this morning with one of my friends on the Safeway crew this morning.  I'll take a couple in tomorrow for the office crew in the chiro office...they were fun to chat with on Friday.

Getting deeper into my Camino fog!  Won't be long now!





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