Heading in the right direction.

Small steps at first and the 'gotta get planning' is happening.

I've been planning work for 2012 and as the diary has been filling up, it's definitely been time to look at dates so those have been shared with Teresa and I have emailed Ann at http://www.worldwalks.com

We're hoping to cover two sections in 2012 so we can get to the French/Spanish border and would like to start the first one in mid/late April. Not sure as yet if the seasons have started then. Fingers crossed as getting the time in May is going to be difficult. Will keep you posted

Balance paid

The balance of the trip is paid and Chris, Teresa and I talked about this walking adventure as we made our way along the Grand Union Canal yesterday. Little did we know as we walked, that the weather in the UK is currently better than that of the southern part of France and Spain where the Camino goes. I've told Ann from World Walks to please get things sorted for June 23rd.

It feels good to be this close as now we can get excited. Really looking forward to showing Chris around Conques, such a pretty place.

Only taxis to sort now.

If you having nothing to tie you to the UK or wherever you may be when you read this...and if you enjoy walking, you may want to set up a business getting walkers back and forth to their walks on the Camino. Again we face a taxi bill of about 120 euros to get from Cahors back to Rodez. At least this time it's split 3 ways!!

Bus, not sure, taxi???

At the moment all is organised except getting from Cahors at the end of the walk back to Rodez for the flight.

Now, I've been told that there's one bus at 3.00 so if we get that, the flight is long gone especially as it takes over 2 hours!! Teresa has been given so other information, although as I write, I'm not sure what. Fingers crossed.

I've been told that we need to go the night before but of course we can't and I suppose had we known this, we could have booked an extra day but too late now as RyanAir will charge us a fortune to change names and flight times - learning for the next time.

There's always a taxi, isn't there? Have the feeling that this one might prove even more expensive than the £120 we paid the last time but perhaps we can book in advance and at least it's between 3. Ever hopeful.

Will call Ann at World Walks and see if she can help.

Frustration.

World Walks -  http://www.worldwalks.com/france.aspx have confirmed dates etc and deposit is paid but both Teresa and I are finding organising the travel a nightmare and it's amazing how quickly you forget as Teresa has just reminded me that this is exactly what happened last time.

The trip on Eurostar to Paris is fine but getting South to our destination takes both a long time and is very expensive and at the moment the timetables we want aren't up. The other option is flying to Rodez which is what we did last time and it's looking likely again, just need to see if we can get a train from Cahors to Rodez!!

Teresa and I have both spent hours online so now it's time for the human touch and I'm off To Rail Europe in town tomorrow to see if I can sort this - fingers crossed, please.

We're off

Just had confirmation from the wonderful Ann at World Walks that she has our dates booked and the accommodation for the first night booked. Looks as if that lovely little hotel in Conques will have the pleasure of our company again.

Deposit to pay and then we'll get the confirmation of the rest as it happens.

Feel really excited.

This view is taken of the Abbey of St Foy from just outside our hotel and from our room last time we had a view of the Abbey Towers.

Very busy on the Spanish side

Been talking to Anne at World Walks to see how soon we need to book and she tells me that we're lucky we're not trying to do the Spanish sections at present as they are really busy especially in the last two weeks in May.

This is good to know for the future so if you're thinking of walking this amazing path, do take this on board. As it's a Holy Year this year, it may be busier than normal.

She also mentioned that the sections closer to the Pyrenees also need to be booked early as there isn't that much accommodation. This will come all to soon Teresa - exciting isn't it.

Was good to talk to Anne again and she remembered me - is that good or bad? Good I think as I was able to give feedback on hotels and help her correct some wrong mileage info. Feedback is so important.

If you are thinking of doing this walk from the UK, I very much recommend Pilgrim Routes - http://www.pilgrimroutes.com/ also known as http://www.worldwalks.com

Back on the Camino - June 2010?

Getting very excited as I start to plan the 3rd part of the Camino. Heading off in June this time so that in itself will be an experience and hope that there will be 4 of us going too.

This time we revisit Conques and start from there with the knowledge that it's a little down hill into the valley and then a slog up to the chapel where we can ring the bell - looking forward to that.

Looking forward too to some wonderful warm and sunny weather to get those legs tanned.

Teresa and I had such a great experience with World Walks that we plan to use them again.

Keep posted to see how we're progressing with the plans.