When I was younger
my older brother
would hike long sections
of the Appalachian Trail.

Beforehand,
he would gather supplies
as he made sure
his equipment
was waterproofed
and broken in.

When I go to conferences
I like to prepare
by reading the schedule
the speakers biographies
and finding out anything else I can
about what I am likely to encounter.

When I go on a road trip
I like to gather food for eating
along the way.
I like to map out my route
and make sure I have enough
listening material
for the trip.

I’ve been reading
about the Camino de Santiago
and wonder how people prepare.
Now, there are websites
and travel guides,
but what about centuries ago?

Friday, I will hit the road
I have my books on tape.
I’ve read about the conference.
I need to pack clothes, meds, and food,
and hope the kidney stone
doesn’t act up.

But this is just the physical journey.
What about the spiritual journey?
I hope to discover
something I don’t yet know.
How do we prepare for this
other than getting a scallop shell?