SuperTrip2 2025

Grounded in our shared gratitude for health, strength, and to support my growing acceptance that work will not come, we are seizing the chance for another walk in 2025. We recognise our privilege and are thrilled to be embarking upon the Camino Frances again, this time at the end of summer and into autumn.

In honour of Carey's 60th, we have planned one of his "bucket list" adventures for 2026: a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2. As we looked at "wrapping" other parts around that trip, it became clear that long-distance walking just isn't a "fit". The crossing requires a completely different kind of packing and luggage. At least, it does, if we want to lean into the experience, which we do. We are also mindful that, at our age, continued health and strength is not guaranteed. My osteoporosis diagnosis earlier this year is a case in point. We are at the "use it or lose it" stage of life.

After Supertrip 2025, I gave finding a new paid position a final "college try", promising to finally listen if the Universe's answer continued to be "no, you're done". Placing myself firmly off the market in the peak recruitment window is a scary, and symbolic act. I want it to be statement of acceptance; a declaration that I can still seek learning, service and purpose outside the employment paradigm. I know it is another mark of our shared privilege and I am grateful (and determined to value every step!).

So, we asked each other, why not do "next year's" camino this year? I did my first camino in September/October 2018. It is very different from a spring experience: weather, flora and the seasonal rhythms of life alter the scenery, the nature of fellow walkers, the sites and services open... The experience of walking toward winter is not the same as that of walking away from it.

So, we fly to London on August 25th. We spend a week in Bethnal Green before flying to Biarritz and traveling to St Jean-Pieds-de-Port on September 3rd. We walk from September 3rd to October 10th and fly from Santiago back to London on October 12th. Finally, we fly back to Calgary on October 20th, after another week in the UK. By "SuperTrip" standards, it's a short one, but we are both thrilled to be taking on the challenge.