off i go!

Seventeen years ago, I shaved my hair into a mohawk, dyed it seven colors, and walked alone on the Camino de Santiago, 500 miles across Spain. When I arrived at the sea, I stripped off my clothes and jumped into the Atlantic Ocean in my birthday suit to celebrate turning 33. Doing the Camino was joyful and empowering, one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

A year ago, I decided I would return to the Camino in celebration of my 50th birthday; I declared to my lumpy self, “I want to meet my 50 year old self and be proud of her.” In preparation, I’ve been taking better care of my body. I am much fitter and stronger than I was a year ago. And that healthy feeling is its own reward, but now I get to go to Spain, too!

I’m ready—I think. My hair is mohawk-ish again and is some kind of pink-orange color that doesn’t occur in nature (though this time there is some gray, too!). I’m ready to stroll slowly among the fields of poppies and savor each step despite the inevitable blisters. This time I even have some friends joining me a few places along The Way.

I hope to swim in the Atlantic again in my birthday suit Maybe I’ll make it all the way to the sea. Maybe I won’t. But I only get to turn 50 once, and I plan to do it with enthusiasm!

I’m thrilled and intimidated all at once. Truly: one step at a time . . .