All set for Camino.... Leave tonight.... Terrified and excited in equal measure.

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-

mspath

Veteran Member
Nov 25, 2009
11,251
48,905
France
allmycaminos.blogspot.fr
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Jenn,

Remember
"Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much...."
Ralph Waldo Emerson,
"Country Life", 1858

Have a wonder-filled time, and,
in the truest sense, Ultreia!

Margaret Meredith
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Jul 18, 2014
13,983
57,978
Time of past OR future Camino
Yearly and Various 2014-2019
Via Monastica 2022
Jean,
I second Mspath's very wise answer...yes, indeed!
You'll probably be surprised at how well you do. In 2014 a friend and I did as a first Camino Leon to SdC in about 2 weeks; we had a blast and walked the entire way. We have at least 15 years on you and didn't do much if anything in the way of training.
Slowly slowly step by step and you'll get there. It's amazing, really, but it's no more scary than that simple step by step by step. And you know how to do that! Focus on being present for each moment and listening to what the body needs...and the goal arrives quite magically.
From Astorga to Santiago is a beautiful part of the Camino...and you won't be short of smiling faces for company.
You'll be right...buen camino and ultreia!
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
What a wonderful quote Margaret, I think I might just have all those things in abundance. Thank you for all your support, each and every response and new post on here, whether it to point me in the right direction, encourage, inform, humour me or kick my butt, has been much appreciated. (A month ago the plan was to set off with a tour group, I'm so glad you all talked me out of it, particularly you NidaRosa :) step, step, step......
 

DanielH

Active Member
Aug 15, 2015
184
628
Dallas, Texas U.S.A.
Time of past OR future Camino
September 2015 (SJPP to Burgos)
September 2016 (Burgos to Villafranca del Bierzo)
May 2017 (Villafranca del Bierzo to Santiago de Compostela)
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia
You will do great. Buen Camino to you Jenn
 

trevorcc

Active Member
May 26, 2013
587
1,085
74
Melbourne, Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
SJPD to Santiago 2013,2014, Camino de Levante Sept. 2016, Frances March 2018, planning 2020
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia
Buen Camino just one step at a time and be warned it is addictive.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Oct 8, 2012
2,980
6,282
Illawarra Region NSW Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
cycled from Pamplona Sep 2015;Frances, walked from St Jean May/June 2017. Plans to walk Porto 2020
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino. The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday. Please say hello :) Jenn from Australia
G'day Jenn - you will get lots of hugs and smiles. As you are starting from Astorga your first day will involve are fairly tiring climb so take in slow and steady - remember to drink lots of water - maybe 2 litrs and to stop (say) every hour for 10 mins and 20 mins/30 mins after 3 hours. If Rabanal is your destination then I recommend the Gaucelmo Albergue - its run by the Confraternity of St James (a UK group) many of their hospitaleros are from Australia/US/Canada as well as UK. Oh do you have your stone (from home) for the Cruz de Ferro?? Buen Camino.
 
Oct 8, 2012
2,980
6,282
Illawarra Region NSW Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
cycled from Pamplona Sep 2015;Frances, walked from St Jean May/June 2017. Plans to walk Porto 2020
Hi Jenn - one small comment - you have posted this on the "bike/cycling" section of the Camino. But not to worry - we know what you meant.

Edit: moved by Moderator
 
Last edited by a moderator:
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc

Walli Walker

Active Member
Sep 1, 2014
295
513
Sunshine Coast, Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
Many. First 2009 and still going.
What a wonderful quote Margaret, I think I might just have all those things in abundance. Thank you for all your support, each and every response and new post on here, whether it to point me in the right direction, encourage, inform, humour me or kick my butt, has been much appreciated. (A month ago the plan was to set off with a tour group, I'm so glad you all talked me out of it, particularly you NidaRosa :) step, step, step......

Only this morning I had a lovely message from a dear friend who has just walked from St. Jean to Santiago. She, too, was going to go with a tour group and I (gently) talked her out of it. She was so thankful.
Buen Camino, Jenn.
 

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
G'day Jenn - you will get lots of hugs and smiles. As you are starting from Astorga your first day will involve are fairly tiring climb so take in slow and steady - remember to drink lots of water - maybe 2 litrs and to stop (say) every hour for 10 mins and 20 mins/30 mins after 3 hours. If Rabanal is your destination then I recommend the Gaucelmo Albergue - its run by the Confraternity of St James (a UK group) many of their hospitaleros are from Australia/US/Canada as well as UK. Oh do you have your stone (from home) for the Cruz de Ferro?? Buen Camino.
Thank you I have the first few nights booked :)
 
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Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!

GettingThere

Veteran Member
Oct 29, 2013
887
2,591
New Zealand
Time of past OR future Camino
Roncesvalles-SdC Apr-Jun 2015
Roncesvalles-Sarria Sep-Oct 2017
C. Frances sections Apr-Jun 2019
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia

Buen Camino, Jenn! Best wishes from across the Ditch - have a wonderful time. Walking from Astorga you have a beautiful stretch of the Camino ahead - take it easy as others have said, and breathe!
 

Kez

New Member
Feb 8, 2016
15
18
Time of past OR future Camino
Leaving late August, flying into Barcelona, long held dream to walk Camino SJPP to Santiago! Piecing together plans-so excited/slightly terrified
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia
Good on you Jen, safe travels, buen Camino I leave Aug 20, slightly terrified but also super excited Kez
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Good on you Jen, safe travels, buen Camino I leave Aug 20, slightly terrified but also super excited Kez
You will find out everything you need to know on here Kez but yes terrified is exactly how I'm feeling, more about the transit than anything else. But I feel that I'll be fine once I'm walking. It's been a longgg day waiting for a midnight flight, I can't tell you how many times I have repacked
 

Wokabaut_Meri

somewhere along the Way
Jan 1, 2015
1,003
2,993
South Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Francés 2015
Pilgrims Way 2018
Via Francigena #1 Canterbury-Dover 2018
You will find out everything you need to know on here Kez but yes terrified is exactly how I'm feeling, more about the transit than anything else. But I feel that I'll be fine once I'm walking. It's been a longgg day waiting for a midnight flight, I can't tell you how many times I have repacked
Which airport are you transiting through and how long do you have?
 
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Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Which airport are you transiting through and how long do you have?
Melb- KL-Dubai-Madrid, then crash overnight and bus to Astorga. I'm exhausted just thinking about the next 24 hours of transit. I'm there for 22 days so will go to the coast after Santiago.
Yes warrandyte is stunning, I'm proud to call it home. And plenty of hills for Camino training. :)
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.

Wokabaut_Meri

somewhere along the Way
Jan 1, 2015
1,003
2,993
South Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Francés 2015
Pilgrims Way 2018
Via Francigena #1 Canterbury-Dover 2018
Melb- KL-Dubai-Madrid, then crash overnight and bus to Astorga. I'm exhausted just thinking about the next 24 hours of transit. I'm there for 22 days so will go to the coast after Santiago.
Yes warrandyte is stunning, I'm proud to call it home. And plenty of hills for Camino training. :)

Night flights out of Australia are good if you can sleep some of the way. Just R-E-L-A-X, you'll be fine.

Have done lots of walking in the Yarra Ranges too - extraordinarily beautiful country.
 
Last edited:

Olivares

Veteran Member
Jul 12, 2011
888
1,412
USA
Time of past OR future Camino
May 1997 (Leon to Santiago); Sections Camino Frances: May 2011, May 2012, May 2013, October 2013, June-July 2014 (Sahagun to Santiago).
Jenn-- an hour before I started walking from SJPDP I started crying like a baby, scared to death. Much like you, never walked more than 5 miles, used to creature comforts, about to turn 50. I pushed myself out of the door...and within 30 minutes found myself on the road making friends with a lovely Mother-Daughter team from Denver (CO). Within 7-8 hours I arrived to Roncesvalles on a day that became one of the best days of my life. Imagine that....a day that started with me crying.

Your Camino is on the other side of fear...go get it!! :) Buen Camino!!
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-

LauraK

Active Member
Feb 13, 2006
314
741
Dallas, Texas, USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Leon-Santiago (2004) Roncesvalles-Leon (2006) Camino Frances (2012) Kumano Kodo-Japan (2014) Camino Sanabres/Salamanca-Santiago (March 2015) Camino Del Salvador and Camino Primativo (Oct 2015)
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia

Jenn: I have been helping a friend prepare for her camino. She is starting from Astorga on Friday as well! It is her first time in Europe, first time hiking and she is nervous. She will arrive in Astoga at the Hotel Gaudi at 5:30 pm on Thursday and plans to start walking around 7-7:30 am Friday. Her name is Teresa and she is petite with brown hair -wearing an REI backpack. I hope you meet!
 
Mar 15, 2016
67
178
Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances 2014, Frances 2015, Frances 2016, Frances 2018, Frances & Accessible 2019
Jen
G'day from the Blue Mountains. We are jealous and excited for you. You will have a life changing experience and will learn a lot about yourself.
It may help to know that if you are scared or anxious, that is great and remember, everyone else is.
We found we cried and laughed, shed kilos (twice at a post office), learnt how to live more simply and loved the decluttering aspect for the first time in our lives that leaves more room for a filling of the soul if appropriate to you.
It seemed to work for us that the first third was for the body and we got fitter, the second for the mind and we settled down and the third was for the soul...it was hard and we had to listen to our bodies and stop and sort out issues such as hotspots as soon as they started.
Everyone we know had a "breakdown" where things got too much and we had a "why are we doing" this moment and pushing through that with fantastic help and love from like minded, mixed nationality, brother and sister pilgrims forged us a little more in the fire of the walk.
You will make some friends you will keep for the rest of your life!
It was good to always keep our main goal in mind but be flexible in our thinking and we accepted that if we had to send our packs ahead or take a bus etc, we would - that was a comfort and we never actually needed it.
There are many Aussies on the Way now, several from our group up here.
Buen Camino mate!
 
A guide to speaking Spanish on the Camino - enrich your pilgrim experience.

movinmaggie

Veteran Member
Jan 6, 2015
1,624
2,439
Victoria, BC Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
2015
Jen
G'day from the Blue Mountains. We are jealous and excited for you. You will have a life changing experience and will learn a lot about yourself.
It may help to know that if you are scared or anxious, that is great and remember, everyone else is.
We found we cried and laughed, shed kilos (twice at a post office), learnt how to live more simply and loved the decluttering aspect for the first time in our lives that leaves more room for a filling of the soul if appropriate to you.
It seemed to work for us that the first third was for the body and we got fitter, the second for the mind and we settled down and the third was for the soul...it was hard and we had to listen to our bodies and stop and sort out issues such as hotspots as soon as they started.
Everyone we know had a "breakdown" where things got too much and we had a "why are we doing" this moment and pushing through that with fantastic help and love from like minded, mixed nationality, brother and sister pilgrims forged us a little more in the fire of the walk.
You will make some friends you will keep for the rest of your life!
It was good to always keep our main goal in mind but be flexible in our thinking and we accepted that if we had to send our packs ahead or take a bus etc, we would - that was a comfort and we never actually needed it.
There are many Aussies on the Way now, several from our group up here.
Buen Camino mate!
Wonderful post Blaster……beautifully put - and will be an inspiration for others. Maggie
 

trevorcc

Active Member
May 26, 2013
587
1,085
74
Melbourne, Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
SJPD to Santiago 2013,2014, Camino de Levante Sept. 2016, Frances March 2018, planning 2020
Melb- KL-Dubai-Madrid, then crash overnight and bus to Astorga. I'm exhausted just thinking about the next 24 hours of transit. I'm there for 22 days so will go to the coast after Santiago.
Yes warrandyte is stunning, I'm proud to call it home. And plenty of hills for Camino training. :)
WoW Jen thats a trip and a half my previous was Melbourne to KL then Paris and a train down to St Jean, this trip Melb - Hong Kong- Madrid and train to Valencia (or plane) and then 3 months hoping to do the Levante and Protugesse. I am so excited for you even though this is my third trip (I told you it was addictive) I still fill nervous, scared , excited like the little boy waiting on Christmas night. Well I know you will have a great trip and your family will be so sick about hearing all about it day after day after day........BUEN CAMINO
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Jenn-- an hour before I started walking from SJPDP I started crying like a baby, scared to death. Much like you, never walked more than 5 miles, used to creature comforts, about to turn 50. I pushed myself out of the door...and within 30 minutes found myself on the road making friends with a lovely Mother-Daughter team from Denver (CO). Within 7-8 hours I arrived to Roncesvalles on a day that became one of the best days of my life. Imagine that....a day that started with me crying.

Your Camino is on the other side of fear...go get it!! :) Buen Camino!!
Awww thank you so much, that's great encouragement, I do imagine this challenge will have emotional sections. I was nearly in tears even as my daughter dropped me at the airport. It's such a long trip. I'm only a third the way there. Looking forward to letting go
 

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Jen
G'day from the Blue Mountains. We are jealous and excited for you. You will have a life changing experience and will learn a lot about yourself.
It may help to know that if you are scared or anxious, that is great and remember, everyone else is.
We found we cried and laughed, shed kilos (twice at a post office), learnt how to live more simply and loved the decluttering aspect for the first time in our lives that leaves more room for a filling of the soul if appropriate to you.
It seemed to work for us that the first third was for the body and we got fitter, the second for the mind and we settled down and the third was for the soul...it was hard and we had to listen to our bodies and stop and sort out issues such as hotspots as soon as they started.
Everyone we know had a "breakdown" where things got too much and we had a "why are we doing" this moment and pushing through that with fantastic help and love from like minded, mixed nationality, brother and sister pilgrims forged us a little more in the fire of the walk.
You will make some friends you will keep for the rest of your life!
It was good to always keep our main goal in mind but be flexible in our thinking and we accepted that if we had to send our packs ahead or take a bus etc, we would - that was a comfort and we never actually needed it.
There are many Aussies on the Way now, several from our group up here.
Buen Camino mate!

That is great to know. I survived a brain aneurysm in January so when people ask why I am doing this, my answer is "because I can." :)
 
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Jenn: I have been helping a friend prepare for her camino. She is starting from Astorga on Friday as well! It is her first time in Europe, first time hiking and she is nervous. She will arrive in Astoga at the Hotel Gaudi at 5:30 pm on Thursday and plans to start walking around 7-7:30 am Friday. Her name is Teresa and she is petite with brown hair -wearing an REI backpack. I hope you meet!
Oh my god I'm staying there too tomorrow night!! I will be thrilled to meet her, please fb Jenn Daverington -:)
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Jenn: I have been helping a friend prepare for her camino. She is starting from Astorga on Friday as well! It is her first time in Europe, first time hiking and she is nervous. She will arrive in Astoga at the Hotel Gaudi at 5:30 pm on Thursday and plans to start walking around 7-7:30 am Friday. Her name is Teresa and she is petite with brown hair -wearing an REI backpack. I hope you meet!
Oh I'll miss her im there Friday at 2.30, walking Sat morn, what country is she from? We may still meet up somewhere :)
 

Larazet

Active Member
Jul 9, 2012
191
184
Gers SW France
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances "2013" had to stop half way due to tendonitis ... Continuing May 2014..postponed to 2015. SdC to Muxia 2016.
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia
Go to the amazing chocolate shop - buy a big bar and take some with you! Very envious of you - wish I could do it all again....have a wonderful time. Ultreia
 
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Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-

LauraK

Active Member
Feb 13, 2006
314
741
Dallas, Texas, USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Leon-Santiago (2004) Roncesvalles-Leon (2006) Camino Frances (2012) Kumano Kodo-Japan (2014) Camino Sanabres/Salamanca-Santiago (March 2015) Camino Del Salvador and Camino Primativo (Oct 2015)
Oh I'll miss her im there Friday at 2.30, walking Sat morn, what country is she from? We may still meet up somewhere :)

Teresa is from Dallas, Texas. I know she arrived safe so hopefully you met her.
 
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LauraK

Active Member
Feb 13, 2006
314
741
Dallas, Texas, USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Leon-Santiago (2004) Roncesvalles-Leon (2006) Camino Frances (2012) Kumano Kodo-Japan (2014) Camino Sanabres/Salamanca-Santiago (March 2015) Camino Del Salvador and Camino Primativo (Oct 2015)
Getting to the start line is the hardest part. After that all you have to do is put one foot
in front of the other.

Buen Camino

So true! Those are the exact words I texted to my friend as she boarded her plane!
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

Rod Murray

Active Member
Mar 28, 2016
145
160
67
Near Toronto, Canada
murraycamino.wordpress.com
Time of past OR future Camino
2016 CF 2019 PC
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia
If it's any inspiration, my wife and I are mid way on our Camino from Ponferrada to SdC and are amazed at the number of young women traveling on their own on the Camino (many Aussies I might add).
Burn Camino!
 
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1brackenbury

New Member
Jul 23, 2012
1
2
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia
hi jenn I am a 73 man, who did it last year and one thing is sure you will never forget the people you meet and the places your travel will take you. I was worried but within two hours all my anxt went and I had the most wonderful experience . I envy you as you have no idea what to expect ,but you will not be disappointed . have a great Camino . oh lucky you. djb
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
hi jenn I am a 73 man, who did it last year and one thing is sure you will never forget the people you meet and the places your travel will take you. I was worried but within two hours all my anxt went and I had the most wonderful experience . I envy you as you have no idea what to expect ,but you will not be disappointed . have a great Camino . oh lucky you. djb
I am having such a wonderful time and can't quite believe the coincidences of the interactions of people o am
Meeting along the way. I feel safe, nurtured and excited. Thank you all for your encouragement. I am sipping Albariño to celebrate my first day and am feeling extremely excited and peaceful. Camino is performing it's magic under mild but sunny skies ❤️
 

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
Such a small world,
My new friend Cathy from
USA also met Teresa at the airport but is a day ahead of us. I believe she didn't enjoy the hills to el Acebo so catching taxi to Sarria tomorrow. We will probably miss her now.

No one is alone on the Camino. ❤️
 
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Teadrinker41

New Member
Nov 21, 2015
3
6
Time of past OR future Camino
camino France's may/June (2015)
Norte August (2016)
And my last job today other than finalising my pack, is to collect a little rock from my Yarra river in warrandyte. Oh and to work out my phone plan. :)
Oh Jen. You are from my neck of the woods. I live in Ringwood!! I walked the CF last year. Have a wonderful time, you will not be sorry you 'unjoined' the tour group. Keep us updated on the forum. Buen Camino
 

Julie shead

New Member
May 9, 2016
3
1
Time of past OR future Camino
May (2015) may (2016)
Jean,
I second Mspath's very wise answer...yes, indeed!
You'll probably be surprised at how well you do. In 2014 a friend and I did as a first Camino Leon to SdC in about 2 weeks; we had a blast and walked the entire way. We have at least 15 years on you and didn't do much if anything in the way of training.
Slowly slowly step by step and you'll get there. It's amazing, really, but it's no more scary than that simple step by step by step. And you know how to do that! Focus on being present for each moment and listening to what the body needs...and the goal arrives quite magically.
From Astorga to Santiago is a beautiful part of the Camino...and you won't be short of smiling faces for company.
You'll be right...buen camino and ultreia!
We also walked from Astoria last year and it is beautiful. Do make the detour to samos and stay in the beautiful monastery there but just be aware that we did.my see too many people on that dtrrtvh and it was through A lot of quiet forests and deserted villages so best to hitch up with someone for this stretch. Burn camino
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Oct 8, 2012
2,980
6,282
Illawarra Region NSW Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
cycled from Pamplona Sep 2015;Frances, walked from St Jean May/June 2017. Plans to walk Porto 2020
Such a small world, My new friend Cathy from USA also met Teresa at the airport but is a day ahead of us. I believe she didn't enjoy the hills to el Acebo so catching taxi to Sarria tomorrow. We will probably miss her now. No one is alone on the Camino. ❤️
Its unfortunate that Teresa "didn't enjoy the hills" - meeting the challenge of the Galician Hills is one of the hallmarks of the Camino. Just take it slow and steady (especially those "down-slopes") - it's not a race. If you need a day off - take it; if you find a town you like - stop and smell the roses (stay there that night). Our learned colleague David (he of first aid fame) recommends having not plans for your Camino - other than for the first two/three days. (But that's just him). Its now Sunday night in Oz (raining on the coast south of Sydney) so you might have past the Cruz this day. The view back to the east over Astorga is impressive!! Buen Camino
 
D

Deleted member 56069

Guest
Firstly thank you Ivar and the wonderful members of this site for your passionate advice and guidance during my one month (only!) preparation for the Camino.

The day has come. I'm all set for my 24 hour flight tonight, and having last minute jitters about the craziness for a single woman in her 40's who has never been to Europe, never hiked for more than a few hours (though avid daily walker) to leave her teenagers, creature comforts and job behind for a few weeks, feeling that she MUST walk the Camino. I hope to see some reassuring smiling faces out there, commencing from Astorga on Friday.

Please say hello :)

Jenn from Australia

Jenn, as I write this you now have a few days of walking under your belt now.
It all works out doesn't it? On my first Camino in 2014 my wife and I were not entirely sure what we were getting ourselves into, but we quickly fell in love with Spain, it's culture and the joy of meeting fellow pilgrims.
In 2014 we did Ponferrada to Santiago, 2015, Burgos to Ponferrada and this year St. Jean to Burgos and then we bussed to Sarria and did the last 115 kilometers into Santiago again but with different overnights then in 2014 when we did this section.
2017 will be the Portuguese route from Porto to Santiago and then to Muxia.
Camino's can be highly addictive!
Hope things are going well for you and this experience has exceeded your expectations.
 

Jenn

Member
May 12, 2016
68
112
Time of past OR future Camino
First time planning
I did it!! Walking 'my Camino' has possibly been the most enriching experience of my life (other than having children.) Astorga to Santaigo was a great distance for me and my Camino family grew from day one, I actually felt like Dorothy on the yellow brick road, nurtured by all her new friends with big hearts and clever brains. (Lol) Not once did I actually open the Brierley guide, im ashamed to say, because I felt so supported.... A mixture of albergues and hotels, having my pack transported worked for my spine, and every day was more spectacular and more energised than the last. Was worried I'd be 'over thinking' but it all just unfolded so naturally, there was nothing to worry about. Got a few customary blisters on the last few days, perhaps due to complacency and running out of tape, but nothing could distract from the high of this wondrous spiritual journey. I thank all those who have walked before who have shared their advice and I now will do exactly that by spreading the passion. <3
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
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Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

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