From Linda:

A few notes now on my fashion planning for the Camino.   First, it might be hard to tell in the picture that Mike posted of our gear, but my gray and purple backpack is (well, was) complemented nicely by my (once) lovely  lavender  hiking boots.   The boots now covered in a layer of fine brown dirt, remnants of our earlier training hikes,  have  taken on  the strange color of spoiled eggplant.   This is not the look I was going for.   Knowing what I know now, I most likely would have changed my wardrobe color scheme (yes, that would be my one pair of pants, pair of capris, one short sleeved shirt and two long, plus long johns) from black, gray, and lavender to a limited range of earth tones all in varying degrees of brown.

Alas too late to change direction now, so I will just go with the dust covered hues of what I’ve got.  I will, however, confess this.  I only disclose what comes next because, while words can work magic the photos won’t lie, and sooner or later, you may see me in a dress.   Yes.    I have included a dress and blouse (9 oz.) and a pair of target sandals (10 oz) adding over a pound to my  already heavier than recommended pack.   This makes my next dilemma that much more perplexing.   On my bed sits a skort.   A skort seems to me a very practical item able to go from day to evening quite nicely.  However, with a pack that is already on the heavy side, my guide book suggests I ask myself, ‘is that 5.5 ounce skort, truly essential?‘   I know what my Camino experienced friend MJ would tell me, which is exactly why I’m not calling her for advice.   If you don’t want to hear the answer, don’t ask the question.   I’ll let the photos tell the rest of the story.

Like Mike, I am anxious to get started!