sheiko
Ubi amor ibi fides
- Time of past OR future Camino
- (October 2016) Camino Frances from SJDdP
Hello everyone, so thrilled to find this resource! Please forgive my lengthy first post.
First -- my background is in Art History, studied Christian and Byzantine Art in another life. I love the confluence of Moorish and Christian aesthetics. Currently itching to embark on a different track not only career-wise but also relocating, strengthening my faith, finding my true calling, etc. I had an epiphany during a bout of insomnia that I need to do the Camino de Santiago.
Iām considering going in late November / December but have just started planning. I intend on going solo and naturally nervous about walking alone. Some research eases my worries a bit, and you peregrinos seem to be a warm, lovely bunch!
Second -- I am a mere 100lbs and not necessarily an athletic person. More bookish. I get lost easily. I have done day-hikes up the AT and some wall climbing but that's about it. I tend to melt in the heat (ugh) and feel most alive during the fall. I have an auto-immune thing that makes me lethargic, so obv doc clearance is in order.
Now the logistics:
Option 1: 12-day trek on the 4th week of November, perhaps the Camino Primitivo since it would be a good way to start the journey, considering I love everything historical and medieval.
Option 2: A month-long trek until before Christmas, which would allow me to do Camino de Portugese ā would love to visit Sintra and Porto along the way.
Option 3: A month on the Camino Frances ā which would address the going solo worries, availability of albergues, conveniences.
Option 4: 10-day max doing shorter route (Finisterre / Ingles) or partial (Leon to SdC / Porto to SdC)
Do you guys think any of these is overly ambitious, given my limitations? Which track would be best? I feel I should do a whole route instead of just portions of the pilgrimage since I donāt know when Iād ever have the chance again. Does it matter in the end if youāve done a section only? Is the experience as life-changing?
And lastly, should/can I get mace spray?
TIA!
First -- my background is in Art History, studied Christian and Byzantine Art in another life. I love the confluence of Moorish and Christian aesthetics. Currently itching to embark on a different track not only career-wise but also relocating, strengthening my faith, finding my true calling, etc. I had an epiphany during a bout of insomnia that I need to do the Camino de Santiago.
Iām considering going in late November / December but have just started planning. I intend on going solo and naturally nervous about walking alone. Some research eases my worries a bit, and you peregrinos seem to be a warm, lovely bunch!
Second -- I am a mere 100lbs and not necessarily an athletic person. More bookish. I get lost easily. I have done day-hikes up the AT and some wall climbing but that's about it. I tend to melt in the heat (ugh) and feel most alive during the fall. I have an auto-immune thing that makes me lethargic, so obv doc clearance is in order.
Now the logistics:
- Winter = snow/colder = heavier gear, boots vs trainers
- Bringing journal/sketchpad = 20% of gear weight recommended, LOL
- I would rather brave a tent outside than get bitten by bed bugs (which means bulkier gear, esp. sleeping bag)
Option 1: 12-day trek on the 4th week of November, perhaps the Camino Primitivo since it would be a good way to start the journey, considering I love everything historical and medieval.
Option 2: A month-long trek until before Christmas, which would allow me to do Camino de Portugese ā would love to visit Sintra and Porto along the way.
Option 3: A month on the Camino Frances ā which would address the going solo worries, availability of albergues, conveniences.
Option 4: 10-day max doing shorter route (Finisterre / Ingles) or partial (Leon to SdC / Porto to SdC)
Do you guys think any of these is overly ambitious, given my limitations? Which track would be best? I feel I should do a whole route instead of just portions of the pilgrimage since I donāt know when Iād ever have the chance again. Does it matter in the end if youāve done a section only? Is the experience as life-changing?
And lastly, should/can I get mace spray?
TIA!