Pilgrimage Packing List

In preparation for this pilgrimage I read a lot of suggested packing lists and asked recent pilgrims for their advice on gear. At the same time, people suggest your pack be limited to 10-15% of your body weight. That's everything you need to live...for a month...in a tiny little bag. While I certainly prioritized those fancy dri-fit shirts and double layered wicking wool socks, here are the notable things on my packing list:

- a 36L backpack (given to me by a dear friend as a approval/birthday/end of internship/burn camino gift)

- well worn Teva sandals (a best friend birthday gift from long ago)

- a seashell necklace (from my mother in law)

- a rosary (passed down from a previous pilgrim)

- a hand-me-down bible with sacred scribbles

- a matching friendship bracelet (made by my daughter with her favorite colors and mine)

- euros (from my parents who wish I didn't have to do crazy stuff like this it get another tattoo, but will make sure I have everything I need for the adventure)

- a journal (from previous pilgrimages to continue the journey)

- a small compass (from my husband-a gift of love and encouragement on a day when I was feeling particularly nervous/defeated/selfish)

These are the things I'll carry with me that will make the journey more than a long walk, more than a test of endurance, more than my own.