next big thing?

I'm wondering where adventuring will take me next. But I have an  adventurous life, perhaps a micro adventurous life, most days I do novel things, mostly related to building fitness. But last year's Camino taught me that getting in a grind for a month or more, doing one thing everyday for an extended period has significance beyond daily life. You achieve something that makes you go wow and takes you to a new level in life. A packaged travel deal experience is glossy and artificially positive. Many people enjoy that form of travel, but the fact that you leave as the next batch of holiday makers arrive and it costs a fortune, really make the experience very hollow. Lacking depth of experience and personal meaning. I now know that suffering is important. 

On the other end of the scale is super adventurous travel. Again, this can be canned adventure, like a 7 day hike to Everest Base Camp, or even to the top of Everest. But, with respect and although these outings are mega achievements, they are still packaged deals. 

Well, so is "the Camino" I can hear the Critique shout. But I argue, not really the way I walked the Camino. Firstly, I booked my own flights, I walked between three different Caminos, had no prebooked lodging (except for my first night which I never used), travelled light and solo and walked around 1200 kilometres. No-one I know did "the Camino" the way I did. Its not an Everest, but it was arduous, totally out of my comfort zone and deeply rewarding. 

So thats a massive tick off the very short list of things l wanted to do. But, the quest had a significant spiritual elements, namely the resolution of past traumas and clarifying my personal spirituality. These things gave me great motivation to move me out the door. 

Now I feel, I want to do something big and arduous. Yes, I see a long sea voyage on my path, but for now I want to take on a cycling adventure. I just need a particular route or destination that grabs me by the soul enough to make the grind worthwhile.  

Well, thats what my head is telling me repeatedly. And, I did have a mould that needed filling with molten metal when I set out for the Camino. But in remembering the special moments I had on the Camino, there were many that I hadn't planned upon. So perhaps l need to trust  the adventure. Put my self out there and let the good times roll. 

I find myself looking contentedly back upon the grind of my Camino. Each day on repeat of waking early, ensuring I left nothing behind as l headed out to make miles towards my goal. Each day featured simple meals, church visits and innumerable recitals of the rosary. Yes, there were people, wonderful cathedrals and world class historical sites, but my buzz came from the simplicity and arduous nature of that grinding daily routine.

But see, the trick is that the particular kind of grind develops in response to the conditions. I'm thinking the one can't really plan the details of the grind in advance, but may be you can. Regardless of whether I walk, jog, cycle or sail, everyday I will need the basics (water, food, shelter, basic kit and a sense of safety) in place to allow me to move towards my goal. So perhaps I only need to establish a route or destination, gather a basic kit, and begin; get into the grind.