Things have not slowed down, so I’ve had to rush things together in the middle of a typical busy summertime. I don’t love that, and my anxiety definitely doesn’t love that. But things are coming together. I think I’ve officially finished packing. Sure, things might change in small ways before I fly out, but I could leave right now and have everything I need.

The list…

• REI 40 liter backpack
• REI backpack rain cover
• Brooks Divide trail runner shoes 
• Havaiana Flip flops
• Black Diamond trekking poles
• Camelbak water bottle
• Platypus foldable water bottle
• Costco down throw blanket
• Lightweight blow up pillow (splurge item)
• REI rain jacket
• Lightweight hoody jacket
• 2 pairs of yoga pants
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• 1 skirt
• 3 pairs of Darn Tough wool running socks
• 2 quick dry shirts 
• 1 quick dry long sleeve shirt
• 1 tank top
• Ball cap
• Lightweight poncho
• 3-4 pairs of undies
• Backpacking quick dry towel
• Toiletries including mini shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
• Fingernail clippers
• Fingernail polish (splurge item)
• A few bandaids 
• Advil, Advil PM, Vitamins
• Mini toilet paper roll
• Two needles with thread
• One safety pin
• Extra chapstick
• Mini sunscreen/face lotion
• iPhone
• Garmin watch
• Small charger for iPhone
• Charging cables for iPhone, Garmin watch and battery charger
• 2 International adapter plugs 
• USB charger plug with two USB ports (charge two things at once)
• Camino Frances guidebook
• Camino Credencial
• Small carabiner to hang things from backpack
• Mini roll of duct tape
• Clothes line with clips for drying clothes
• 1-2 Reusable shopping bags (for storing clothes)
• 2 organization compartments to separate belongings in pack
• Cotopaxi fanny pack
• Small wallet for credit cards/ID
• Passport
• Buff scarf
• Sounders FC Scarf (splurge item)
• Snacks and energy chews to get me started
• Scallop shell
  

One of the new items I picked up from a local sock shop the other day is two new pairs of socks. That’s one thing I buy new every time. There’s something that feels so great about putting on a new pair of socks. And Darn Tough has been a darn good brand for me. Smartwool is also great, but this time I’ll only have Darn Tough socks with me.

About a week before the new socks arrived, my new credencial arrived. Looking forward to putting some new memories down via stamps in that when I start walking.

My pack this time will be the same REI pack I used on the Primitivo last year. It’s a bit bigger than most would need, but it’s perfect and very comfortable for me. I also love the bright colors I wear between the pack and my fanny pack.

It’s one week out from starting my walk today. I know I’m not in the best shape for this one, but like my dad said when I left for my first walk, was just to put one foot in front of the other. And that’s just what I’ll do.