Yesterday was a whirlwind day with travel and arrival in SJPdP. Meet so many friendly people and just had a great time.
Just before bed I heard that my good friend and coworker Ray was in a car accident, luckily he is relatively ok (he had just picked up food, just got into his van, hadn't even buckled in or anything, and WHAM hit from behind by sunshine texting).
Today is a short walking day - 7.2km (4.3 miles), but with 600 meter elevation gain.
Shootouts to ALL the many people who worked with me to help me get ready.
Tina, Lee, and Jasmin: first and foremost the most important people enabling my journey. Even though they don't completely understand the calling, they know for me the calling was a shouting. They accepted and embraced my need to do this and accepted the challenges associated with being without me during this pilgrimage. They really are the most important people in my life and the amount of trust and faith they have in me humbles me and encourages me to be a better person.
My coworkers and employer who are also key to whacking this journey. They are all stepping up and doing extra to handle my absence. So many people came forward to make this happen. My supervisor Matt for not only accepting this, buy for encouraging me. Ray for picking up all the work in my absence and being a great friend.
Extra shoot-out to Arne, who helped me break conventional hiking rules and therefore enabled me to do this.
My friends at the Y, for working with me tirelessly for a year and a half helping me get myself ready for the demands this journey will demand. Thank you Kelly, Chuck, Brock, Mike, and everyone else.
My family, for all their encouragement and support, especially my mom who had been a big fan of my journey since she first heard about it.
My many friends from American Pilgrims on Camino, both experienced and planning. Their friendship and advice has helped a lot.
And everyone else who supported me, if I left anyone out it certainly was not intended! (I am typing this on a phone, so I can't type as fast as I think.)
3 1/2 years in the making, and I'm here. My mom correctly says, it is never too late to chase your dreams - Dream being chased :).
Buen Camino!
Kevin
We know how much you needed to do this and are and have been doing things to allow it to happen for you. It is not easy being without you for the amount of time that you will be away from us, but we are willing to be without you so that you can do this journey. We are very proud of you for going after your "calling." We love and miss you very much.
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