My old pair of Salomon walking shoes are not yet completely worn out but I bought this new pair of Merrells so that I can test them before starting my grand walk in the spring.

Last year towards the end of my 1600km Camino de Santiago walk I got blisters and black toenails from walking in wet shoes. Fortunately my feet have fully recovered. This new pair of shoes boasts being waterproof and no doubt the reason why they cost 150€ whereas I got my last Salomons for 80€. I also chose this particular Merrell model because they weigh in at a very light 707grams and are supple. I prefer the feeling of having a light and flexible shoe as opposed to the more robust and durable models. On the 1st of March 2023 I will be officially pensionised. To begin a new era I plan to walk. For starters, leave from Mont Saint Michel off the coast of Normandy and follow the Customs Officers’ Path (GR  34) to Saint Nazaire in Brittany, a distance of 2090kms.  A slow travel journey through areas of exquisite natural beauty. Sounds great don’t you think? Right now still dressed in my pajamas in a comfy warm room it is easy and fun to dream up such a wonderful adventure and I wonder if I am biting off more than I can chew. Along the well trodden Camino routes there many hostels which cater for pilgrims, cheap accommodation with dormitories and communal kitchens are plentiful. No need to carry any camping gear or even a sleeping bag. If I want to complete that tiny 2000km section along the French coast on a budget of 15€ per day I will need to carry a tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag. It would also be really nice to have a stove to cook and brew a cup of coffee in the morning and to take along a camera to document my journey. Compared to the contents of my backpack last year, I am really apprehensive about carrying all that extra stuff. I am quite set on going on this walk and determined to make a go of it. Having started the dreaming phase, all I have to do now is get out of my pajamas, take a few steps in my new shoes to generate a feeling that in some small way the adventure has already begun. Next consideration is what kind of a tent I plan to use.