Chapter 1

Edinburgh – Saint Jean Pied-de-Port

Kari, Ali, Jenny

‘I am typing one fingered on my phone and feel jittery with excitement and nerves. For the last time in a while I am tucked up in a bed with sheets and a duvet. From here on it will be sleeping bags on bunk beds and sharing dorms with dozens of others. I am 46 and I have never spent more than a couple of nights away from my family. I am not really cut out for this. I have never done anything brave, or impressive. I have lived a safe life and taken no chances. I don’t know that I can really articulate why I’m here, but I do know that I have felt the tug of the Camino and that it feels right to be here. Maybe my colleagues were right. Maybe I have lost the plot.’