To be ‘stuck’ in Spain—what a gift. I was always appreciative of the kindness of Spaniards in sharing the Camino with me. I was a guest and never forgot it.
Perhaps once rested, you will feel less a prisoner. Enjoy Gaudi’s masterpieces.
Never ran into any over five Caminos. Good pilgrim etiquette helps with prevention like never placing back packs or anything that’s been sitting on the ground on beds.
Hi Mike,
We live near Ephrata and previously in Chester County. We’ve taken the Philly-Madrid and JFK-Madrid multiple times. Frankly the Philly connection was best. I’d do that route given the options.
Best of luck and Buen Camino.
Advice all good. Although I have generally walked with my husband, I have walked many days alone on the CF, CP and VDLP. Always followed my gut, did not take the less traveled routes but noted with both CP and VDLP, were very few walkers due to time of year (late Nov CP; early March VDLP). I...
I'm well over 60. Walked my first Camino (CF) at 65 in 2017 and three additional full CF plus CP and part of VDLP over a three year period until pandemic grounded us. My husband is in his mid 70s and has walked nine times since he was 65--his last Camino was at 72. We are daily walkers at home...
Feet do swell when putting in long days and miles. Check your socks--seams can be an issue. I had best luck with Oboz boots (4 CF and 1 CP later) and Darn Tough socks. Also untied boots and elevated my feet on breaks, took off sweaty socks and put new ones on. mid-day (never in cafes). If I knew...
We always book SJPDP and in Santiago. In between, always around Easter as Semana Santa is a favorite walking time for Spaniards. There are many times we take our chances and are usually ok with finding a bed. As we’ve added more Caminos (14 between my husband and me) and years, a private room...
I walked my first Camino in 2017 in honor of my mother who lost her unexpected and short battle with an incurable brain tumor in 2016. I experienced a range of emotions as I walked the Camino and navigated my own path through the grief.
There are days when you curse and celebrate the walk the...
Walking my fifth Camino (CF) now. One on the CP and the other four the CF. Also did two weeks on the VDLP earlier this year. This current one, the CF, is my husband’s ninth. We’ve used Brierley ‘s book as a guide. We’ve never signed on with any company. We walk and book as needed. Or, if feeling...
Hotel Simon was very comfortable and reasonable. The staff was especially helpful. They kindly called a private hostel for me as I was struggling with translation. The breakfast buffet was a great way to start the first day’s walk.
I’m using the Silver Way Platinum app and Gerald Kelly’s latest...
I am on the VDLP now with my husband. Started in Sevilla on the 6th. Today it is a beautiful day in El Real de la Jara. The flowers, oaks, herbs, wildlife and domestic &farm animals on the many private lands the Camino passes were spectacular. The weather is excellent. Only one rainy day so far...
Not closures for lodging but I’d book ahead over the holiday weekend. Markets and some cafes will close. It’s a huge walking time for Spanish, then it quiets down.
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