Last trip I didn’t do a 3-Days Out post. This time, there’s so much that needs to be done at almost the last moment I thought it might be an idea to document it.
- I’ve booked the last possible COVID-19 test at the local Walgreens tomorrow afternoon so that it’s within the 48-hour window but not at the last minute. I need to present a negative test in order to enter Portugal, though I’ll only be there for 3 hours while in transit.
- Then I need to check-in for my flight, followed by the final steps in setting up my QR code for Spain. I have to give Spain credit for taking the pandemic seriously enough to set up a system to track people in transit so that if there’s another outbreak in a certain region, travelers can be contacted and told to get tested or wait in-place.
- I’ve packed and re-packed my bag a couple times. I feel comfortable with what I’m taking and, in the last pack, unloaded a few ounces of misc. items that are probably overkill. Even a few extra ounces can make a difference. I found a large super-lightweight mesh shopping bag which will serve as my carry-on. I’ve decided to wear my sandals (for quick processing through security, where I’ll need to take off my shoes) and carry on my boots with me. I hope my pack arrives on schedule but – God forbid – if I have to set out with just my carry-on, I want to make sure it includes my boots and a few other bare-bones essentials.
- Over a month ago I’d been trying to do the math to figure out when I needed to get my haircut so I’d be presentable for then-planned work meetings, but not too far out that I’d be completely shaggy again for my hike. It occurred to me that I only ever think about haircuts when I’m already feeling a bit shaggy – so I booked an appointment then and another for tomorrow (the last my stylist had available prior to her own vacation), so it won’t be driving me nuts while I walk.
- Early this morning I took out the calendar and, again, counted my hiking days. I’m proposing 15 – 16 days from Sahagun to Santiago. Then 3 days to the sea. Then what?! I was thinking I’d walk back to Santiago – but that cuts my time short in Finisterre and would make me rush to get back to Madrid in time for my flight. After all those days enjoying a relaxing pace – why would I want to stress myself out again at the last minute? But, who says I need to walk back to Santiago? I got online and found a simple solution – cabs are available from Finisterre to travel the 50 miles to Santiago and then an express train to Madrid. All-in the travel time would be under six hours. Much better. Taking those instructions with me. And the new timing allows me to take a rest day or two in Santiago, as well.
- While online, I checked again for a pre-booked train option from Madrid to Sahagun. The rail system has finally opened up the pre-booked tickets. If I land in Madrid at about 10 AM on Sunday, I’ll have five hours there prior to the departure time for my train. Only first class was available for the first train and I got a cheaper, lower-class option for the second train. If all goes according to plans, I’ll be in Sahagun just prior to 5 PM. Perfect. I did have a near-miss on this detail though. I selected what I thought was a Sunday afternoon ticket. Just prior to hitting the “purchase” option, I saw that the first day of the week (on the European calendar) is actually Monday. (!!) So, I backed up and fixed it for a Sunday afternoon departure. Phew!
- I’ve been working to streamline everything I’m doing at work and everything I need to hand over to co-workers. You might be able to tell from my blog that I don’t mind writing and try to be specific. So, I’ve been sending detailed instructions for everything that I know will need to be done while I’m away. There’s always the wildcard of the things that I don’t know about that are last-minute, but, fortunately, I work with some amazing people and I have no doubt they’ll be able to handle any last-minute requests. Just to be on the safe side, we have a call scheduled to walk through the details and answer any questions.
- The cupboards and freezer here are pretty well-stocked. I’m going to make a couple small pans of enchiladas and throw them in the freezer for my son to cook up as a treat while I’m gone. And the day before I leave, I’ll braise a chuck roast and cook it in the Dutch oven for us so he has leftover roast to start his weekend. Everything else is already done and he’s pretty good about being self-sufficient.
I can still hardly believe that I’m leaving in three days. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to since July 4, 2018 when I returned from my first walk. All the prep work is worth it. And, I’m so looking forward to picking up my pack on Monday morning and heading out of the alburge onto the trail. The next adventure on my Camino awaits! Thank you for joining me!
More later…