Camino de Santiago - On My Way

I'm on my way ! First I'll fly to London for a couple of days before flying to Biarritz, France. Once in France I'll take a short train ride to St. Jean Pied de Port where I'll start. After a night in St. Jean I'll begin the walk. I've been debating what to take and not to take. Due to frequent hostels and albergues along the camino it's possible to walk the entire camino with very little. I've decided to stick with my traditional way of doing things so my pack will be a little heavier than it really needs to be. I'll be carrying the basic necessities as well as a lightweight tent and basic minimal camping gear. This will allow for ultimate flexibility. I'll mostly stay at albergues. Recent reports of bed bugs at some of the albergues gives me more incentive to carry a tent. Some albergues allow camping. For those who don't know, albergues are essentially the same as a hostel but many are designated for pilgrims only.

I have everything up to arriving in St. Jean planned but once I start walking I'll just let the experience happen. Mentally I'm anxious and ready to get on with it. I'm really looking forward to walking. My only concern right now is some discomfort in my right hip and low back. I've been dealing with a running injury for over a year and a half that's been causing problems of varying degrees. A recent MRI revealed nothing serious but I do have some bursitis in my right hip. It doesn't seem to bother me much at all when I walk but if I run, sit or stand still for long periods it can act up. I'm hoping this will not be an issue and that it will just kind of work itself out on the trip. While hiking in Colorado a month ago I had no problems at all. Perhaps I'll absorb some of the healing powers of the Camino !.... But first... It's off to London..... Cheerio !

An Appalachian Trail Story

Chuck From Pennsylvania




So, There I was. Neels Gap, Georgia. It was a chilly spring day in 1985 and the previous night was windy and cold. I hadn't slept much. I was 3 days and 30 miles into a 2,138 mile hike that would take me all the way up the Appalachian Mountain range to Mt Katahdin, Maine. Yes, It was a bit ambitious for a 19 year old with little experience and the reality of it all was just starting to set in. The Georgia hills were not particularly friendly and my 50+ pound Kelty external frame pack was quite a burden. I was having my doubts.

As I sat at Neels Gap my doubts began to deepen. I started to question why I was really doing the hike ? How was I going to handle five months of carrying a heavy pack while dealing with all sorts of weather, etc. etc. Did I really want to hike all the way to Maine ? I began to sink into a heavily negative state of mind. I knew I could leave the hike at Neels Gap but if I continued it would be another week before I'd be able to easily drop out. But, why would I want to stop hiking now ? The internal debate continued as I fought with the inner demons of self doubt. Looking back, I think I was just a little scared.

This went on for awhile until I looked up and saw a wild looking character walking towards me. It was a tall man with a large mustache and big pack but what I noticed most was his hiking staff that had to be around seven feet tall. It was decorated with feathers and raccoon tails. He was very charismatic, full of enthusiasm, and hiking to Maine ! There were already a couple of hikers following him and I immediately decided I needed to follow as well. Amazing how quickly things can change.

His name was Chuck and he was from Pennsylvania. He Immediately welcomed me as a hiking partner and was a great guy to talk to. I noticed that the hike was not going particularly smooth for him but each day it got a little easier for both of us as we adjusted and settled into a routine. A week after meeting at Neels Gap we arrived in North Carolina and the Nantahala Outdoor center along with a few other hikers. Nantahala was my first resupply stop and first real brush with civilization since Neels Gap. At that point I decided that the hiking life just might be right for me so I continued. The next week took me through the Smokey mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. By time I passed through the Smokies there was no way in the world anyone was ever going to get me off the trail before I reached Maine. Wow ! What a difference! I totally fell in love with hiking the Appalachian Trail. On September, 4, a little over five months after starting in Georgia I climbed Mt. Katahdin, Maine. I had continued to see Chuck off and on during the first 3 months but then I began to hike a little faster. He reached Katahdin around the middle of September. To this very day hiking the A.T. is one of the greatest experiences of my life and it still affects me.

I learned many, many, many, valuable lessons while hiking. I learned how sometimes a chance meeting can change the entire direction of ones life. I learned to be leery of the demons of doubt. I learned that, more often than not, time is needed to adjust to things that are new. I find that the 2 week rule often applies. Generally 2 weeks is enough time to decided whether or not a new interest or venture is right or wrong for me.... Most of all I learned to be open to life's experiences and to always look up to see whats around. Needless to say, I often have to remind myself of these things...

Camino de Santiago

I leave to walk the Camino de Santiago in a week. Currently I'm rounding up my gear, tying up loose ends etc. etc.. The route starts from St Jean Pied de Port which is located on the French/Spanish border and then heads 500 miles across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. I'm planning to walk for five weeks. After arriving in Santiago I will likely continue another 50 miles to Fisterre located by the Atlantic Ocean...

What is the Camino ? The Camino is an ancient Pilgrimage route that is well over 1,000 years old. The purpose of the Pilgrimage is to visit the site where St. James, one of Jesus original 12 disciples, is buried. St. James was beheaded by Harad Agrippa in Jerusalem during 44 A.D. His remains were then carried by a group of his followers to a place that is now known as Santiago de Compostela and buried there. The first recorded Pilgrimage took place around the the 8th or 9th century. By the 12th century large masses of people were making the journey. During medieval times Pilgrims faced many dangers as the Christians battled the Moors. The Spanish and French set up a route that provided some safety. Lodging was established specifically for Pilgrims and the Templar Knights patrolled the Camino to protect all those who made the Journey.

There are actually several different Camino routes that start all over Europe. The most well known, and what I consider to be the classic route, is the Camino Frances. That is what I'll be doing. I'll be taking the foot route which is a combination of trails, paths, and secondary roads. I'll spend a great deal of time in the countryside but I'll also pass through numerous villages and a few small cities..

At first I was attracted to the Camino because I like to hike and walk but now the forthcoming adventure is taking on more of a spiritual meaning for me. Legend states that by completing the Pilgrimage one is completely cleared of all prior sins. Others report of great healings, new beginnings, etc. etc...

......Busyness......

My life oscillates between periods of busyness and a more lackadaisical pace. I don't consider myself a lazy person but there are times when I could definitely be more productive.. But then again, maybe not. I think everyone is wired differently and perhaps it's the more relaxed periods of my life that allow me to recharge for the next venture. I've known seemingly well adjusted people who thrive on the pressures of a fast paced all consuming occupation while others crash and burn under the same load. For me I can go like a mad dog for only so long before I need to put on the brakes, slow down and relax. I need adequate time to just look around, think and dream....

As a traveler, something I've noticed about the American culture is a tendency towards the excessive. Especially when it comes to busyness. I once attended a church sermon entitled, “The Demon of Busyness” and it addressed this very issue. Busyness can totally consume an individual. For some individuals busyness provides an element of comfort. For others its a place to hide. A life full of busy tasks can shape, create and define a persons identity. All said, some may be happy and content with that but I fear others lose sight of who they really are and miss out on more than they can imagine.

Non of us really know how much time we have and all we really have is now. There's great satisfaction that comes out of achieving time consuming goals requiring busyness, however, I find it can also be disorienting. I can remember periods of my life where I was consumed with busyness for months on end. After awhile, when things slowed down I'd feel kind of lost. Such a strange feeling. It would then take awhile to readjust and get reacquainted with who I really am.. As with a lot of things it's all about balance. I just try not to allow myself to get lost in the realm of busyness...

Thinker - Musician - Songwriter - Songs

A great struggle in my life has been an ongoing personal battle with my creative self. As a thinker I'm afraid I spend too much time on left brain activities. I also have a tendency to be my own worst critic and am quite good at stifling myself in the middle of a creative project. I often feel as though I'm not living up to my potential by not being creative. At times it really bothers me....

My primary creative outlet is songwriting. I've been playing guitar regularly for over 25 years and occasionally I'll write a song. I'm self taught and have no interest in playing other artists material. Everything I do musically is original. I find it quite easy to start writing a new song but for whatever reason few songs get finished. In 2003 I kind of got my act together, finished a few songs , and scheduled a couple of quick low budget studio sessions. What I came up with was a collection of 9 tunes. Due to my vagabond lifestyle I named the project, “Slave To Freedom”... I then sent a couple of songs to friends, burned a CD or two and mailed a couple to a songwriting contest and that was it. The other day I decided to dust of the melodies and make them available to whoever might like them. Just click on the link, listen, and feel free to download... I hope you like it...... Cheers.....Click Here for My Music: http://www.myspace.com/toddgilbreath

Glaveston Island

I like the Ocean. The closest Ocean access to Houston is Galveston Island. I can make it from my home to the Galveston in less than an hour. Sometimes I'll zip down there and go for a walkabout. I took theses photos while walking around Galveston yesterday.

Just a little history.... Cabeza De Vaca was shipwrecked on Galveston in 1528 and thats where he began his exploration down to Mexico as we know it. At that time the only inhabitants were indians. Around 1816 pirates started living on the Island. Jean Lafitte was the ring leader until the 1820's when the US Navy pushed him out. Apparently Jean left some buried treasure, also known as Booty, on the Island that's never been found. Around the mid 1830's Galveston became an official city and things took off. By the late 1800's over 35,000 people lived on the Island. Galveston became one of the largest ports for cotton and the center of Texas commerce. In 1900 the deadliest Hurricane in United States history rolled right over the Island killing between 6,000 and 8,000 people. Most of the island was completely destroyed. During the early 1900's the city's grade was raised 17 feet and a sea wall was built to prevent such a catastrophe in the future. Slowly Galveston rebuilt....

I guess I have some roots in Galveston. My mother lived there as a little girl growing up in the 1940's while her father worked at the Todd Shipyard dry docks.... Galveston has always been a popular vacation spot for Texans but it seems to be getting more popular. More and more cruises depart out of Galveston and developers and investors keep cleaning things up. The beaches are a lot nicer than they use to be. Galveston is no Hawaii but it does posses its own character and charm... I quite like it there....

The Thinker on "Should"

Today I pondered the difficulty of “Should”. I sometimes find myself getting hung up on the “Shoulds”. Especially when my inner critic chimes in. “I should be doing this or I should be doing that”. Hey, I'm a responsible person. What's the big issue? Well, it is an issue.... The “Shoulds” are one thing when I'm trying to get from point A to point B and need to get things done in order to arrive at a desired destination. Its another thing when the “Shoulds” become unnecessary pressures based on outside influences. I believe there is a certain amount of “Should” programming that's been ingrained in my psyche as I've grown up. It's originated from family, friends, media, etc. and has told me what I “Should” do, "Should" not do and “Should” be. Fortunately, for better or worse, I have disobeyed many “Shoulds” throughout my lifetime. Nonetheless, “Should” is an obstacle in the myriad of who I am. As a thinker I'll often venture through the realm of the psyche and sift through the many self imposed entanglements and road blocks created by “Should”. The truth is, "Shoulds" can profoundly influence and direct a persons life. The question is this: Just what "Shoulds" should I be listening to ?

La Vida Social en Houston !

Rare Art - Profound Statement "Valhalla"

Valhallites !

Ralph ! At the Helm !

Valhalla Bartender
Chris the Brit & Simon the Simon

Es mas caliente que el demonio in Tejas ! Therefore I drink !... Plenty of water, carrot juice, and a few crevezas. Right now I'm just kind of cruising along looking foraward to my up coming trip to Spain. In the meantime I'm enjoying a bit of social life here in Houston... Last Friday I met a bunch of people from the running club (BCCR) for happy hour at the Black Lab Pub. While catching up with me mates at the pub I was quizzed by the ladies who inquired why I don't have a girlfriend. My response was, "I don't know, you tell me ?". They then asked me if I would like to join them for girls night out sometime ? I took this as a compliment. I mean, how many straight guys get invited to girls night out ???? Wait a minute !.... I hope they don't think I'm ~*^%@#??><@# !.................

Yesterday was the Texans first pre season football game. I showed up early with a couple of buddies to drink beer at a hot blacktop parking lot with temps close to a 100 degres. Never mind the high humidity. Fortunately we had the shade of a tent canopy and plenty of food and drink. After 4 hours of that we walked into Reliant Stadium and were hit by an amazing effect, Air conditioning ! Wow ! It was incredible.... Oh yeah, The Texans won...

As usual I'm a Wednesday night regular at Valhalla. It's a quaint little hidden pub on the Rice University Campus that offers high quality beer at a very low price..

Tropical Storm & Trivia !

Yesterday was a rainy day. Tropical Storm EDOUARD rolled right over Houston. We saw heavy rain with some pretty good wind gusts but nothing major. As one person put it, "I guess they're naming Thunder Storms now ?". Well, actually there was a little bit of excitement later in the afternoon as a large portion of a Pecan tree fell between the garage apartment where I live and the house in front of it. It was quite impressive. My first reaction was Cool ! My second reaction was Wow ! That's a big piece of tree ! My third reaction was,"Damn ! I'm glad nobody got hurt !". The tree portion fell about as perfectly as it could between the house and Garage. The house sustained a little bit of cosmetic roof damage but not much. Everything else is fine.

By evening the the storm had pretty much moved out so Tuesday night Trivia was still on. There's a group of us from my running club, The Bayou City Road Runners, that meet weekly at the Harp Pub for Trivia. The club tradition was started by a world renowned Scrabble Genius (no joke) Avi who happens to be a member of the running club. Avi abandoned us all one day and now resides in the foreign country of Louisiana but his legacy lives on weekly at trivia. Occasionally he still appears out of nowhere and then mysteriously disappears again.

The format is teams of 5, 4 sets of 10 questions, and 5 bonus questions. The questions are based on just about anything. World events, pop culture, geography etc. etc... The whole deal takes about 2 - 2 1/2 hours and the top 3 teams place. First gets Money (all participants contribute $3 which goes towards the winnings), 2nd and 3rd get schwag (beer glasses etc.). I'm not for certain but on average there's probably 15-20 teams.

The big problem with trivia at the Harp is that very few stupid people hang out there. It's a smart bar comprised of professionals, nerds and a few runners.... There are a few people on the running club who are quite good at trivia. I've been lucky enough to be teamed up with them on a couple of occasions, however, I quickly developed the reputation for being remarkably convincing when I really didn't know what I was talking about thus I got the boot. That was with team "Valhalla". I then decided to form another faction known as "The Bayou City Thinking Society". After a couple of sub par performances a fellow teammate, Lara, suggested a name change with, "The Short Bus Society". Seemed fitting for the time so that's our current team name.

I have learned many valuable life lessons playing trivia..... 1 - When I don't know what I'm talking about its best to keep my mouth shut. By doing so, people will assume I'm smarter than I really am.... 2 - One or Two beers increase mental function. Anymore than that hampers thought processes. This is often realized in the results of the final bonus round.... 3 - Just because I'm absolutely sure I'm right doesn't always mean I am right. This is a very important fact. On several occasions I was positively 100% sure I was correct only to find out I wasn't. This realization threw me into an retrospect introspect of, "How many times in life did I think I was right when I was wrong ???"..... 4 - I need not take trivia too serious ! After all, its more than likely just a bunch of useless information taking up wayyy too much space in the brain..... Most importantly its all about hanging out with friends and having a good time.

Last nights team was a Combo 5. Three from "Short Bus" and two from "Valhalla".

Photo Above - L to R.... Matt - University Professor - Math wiz ; Kathy - Phd research Biologist ; Me at Center; Penny - Stock Broker; Jeff - Financial dude for Qwest. Yes, Matt and Kathy are "Team Valhalla" members....

Back In Houston

Well, I'm back in Houston but not before more fun and games with my 7 year old nephew Max (see photo). As you can see, even though he's my sisters son, the nut does not fall too far from the tree. So far we share the same running form and "hang loose" hand sign (as seen in photo). The similarities are frightening...

I had a safe drive back from Denver and arrived last night. I made the drive in a little over 16 hours. Houston is currently in the upper 90's with high humidity and little wind.

I'll now spend my time rounding up a few shekels and prepare to hike the 500 mile Camino de Santiago across Northern Spain. I leave for Spain at the end of August via London. I'll start walking around September 4. Interestingly, the 4th is the same day I finished the Appalachian Trail in 1985. The journey continues...........