We have been preparing for the Camino for around 9 months now with plenty of walking ( something we have no choice but do, if we plan to walk most of the 780 kms across the northern part of Spain!) Having dogs makes it easier, but on some of our longer walks we’ve been concerned of wearing our dogs out and it takes a day or 2 before they are in the mood for another walk! Whilst we would have liked to have done more long distance walking over this time, this hasn’t happened as walking takes a big chunk of time that we don’t readily have available. However, I set a fitness bench mark for the two of us some months ago to complete the 1000 steps twice with our fully loaded backpacks on. The 1000 steps is in the Dandenongs and is now a very popular spot for all people but particularly fitness freaks where people climb some 400+ meters over 1.5km in a beautiful natural bush setting. Today we completed the circuit twice! So as far as I’m concerned, we are fit and ready to go! 4 sleeps to go!