Leura to Wolli Creek.

On this day 37 years ago I left home. I was 19 and off to see the world. It was a wretch. Home was Hastings in NZ. I was heading to Sydney to stay with my uncle and aunt and cousin. I had a one way ticket. A vague idea I was on my way to the UK after working for a while in Sydney. The emotions of that day are still with me and each time I have returned home to my family the wretchedness of that day has not gone.

Fast forward to today 37 years later a career a husband a house a cat and years of travel dreaming I finally take my first steps on my first overseas journey my first long distance flights and my first Camino.

Over 20 years ago I heard of The Camino. The ancient walking routes in Spain. I read about The Way in a newspaper article, the description by the writer, the image of his arrival in Santiago Spain after walking nearly 800km struck me with such emotion I knew I had to one day walk a Camino.

A Camino is a pilgrimage. My planned one is the Frances from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela – St James in a field of Stars. Pilgrims in early times started a pilgrimage from their front door. So that’s what I did today of course I could only walk to the train station with Ron transporting my bag. Like many a modern pilgrim does.

I made the Waymarker in the pictures, a representation of the ones I will see in Spain. The distance marker is 21617,368 km which is how far I will have traveled when I arrive in Santiago at the Cathedral and resting place of St James. James the Greater and one of Jesus’s 12 apostles.

As I walked to the station in the rain and I took in glimpses of this beautiful land. I didn’t really have time for any contemplation as Ron was parking at the station and awaiting my arrival. It’s about 800m to the station from our house.

As we said our goodbyes the rain really came down and suddenly you’ve done it you have parted from your loved ones your life and you have started. Amazing!

I am staying overnight night near the airport so the train trip gives me time to slowly unwind I am too hyped up to read so I stare out the windows at the rain the mist and mountain views.

A quick change at Sydney’s Central rail station. I am a traveler now not a commuter I feel different I’ve traversed these platforms before but this time it feels different.

I am staying in a hotel I’ve stayed at a few times so I know the route I walk here without a map I know the path to take it’s all familiar. I think of the paths I am about to take all new and unknown. I have to walk through a park it’s full of such Sydneyness, tall gums sheoaks, paperbarks, Moreton Bay Figs, Ibis, dogs and their walkers cyclists and walkers. It’s such a Sydney scene.

Dear friends join me for drinks and dinner, excited conversation travel plans and friendships.

Many messages of safe travel and Buen Camino all making for a wonderful first day on my journey to come.

Distance Walked;

4km

Distance Traveled 100km

Next stop Singapore.