I have all my tickets and am ready to go in 2 weeks. My first camino and first walk through. I am so excited and scared to death LOLThe Class of .. threads were started back in when 2007 Arn had the bright idea of creating a topic for all those planning to go in 2008. His post:
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2013?
Buen Camino
Arn
I am going to retire and start walking in September 2013. By then, I hope to have a walking trailer that I can pile high with heavy equipment!
Hi - I will arrive in SJPdP on 18th September, ready to start my own Camino Frances the following day. I plan on taking it relatively easy along the way, with a few side excursions (perhaps a bus ride from Burgos to Madrid to visit the Prado) and perhaps a couple of rest/sightseeing days, finishing in Fisterra and then back to SdC in time for All Saints Festival on 1 November.
Have read a lot on the forum, taken lots of mental notes, refined my packing list (thank you all for a lot of very useful tips and advice) ... and now starting to get both a little nervous and excited. I look forward to meeting many fellow Forum members and pilgrims along the way, and sharing in the Pilgrim spirit.
Regards, Brett
Tauranga, New Zealand
Hi,Hi I'm planning to make my camino I would like in the fall of 2013 from Le-Puy to Santiago de Compostela I have nothing decided yet, I would like to know the experts advise.
Saludos
Hi
I'm Filomena & I'm new, finally after bugging Ivar for days my luddite self is now able to post. I'm an oldish (62) neewbie, wanting to walk in 2012 but considering the training required it probably won't be till 2013, since, tho not overweight, I am not fit. I live in the coastal area of Louisiana where the highest point is an alligator's back. I have an incline treadmill & there is a local backpack group that I can train with. It's my desire to do the Camno Norte, since my Mama was born near the Besaya river. I'd like to go there first to put flowers on Abuelo's grave & find all of the family places, then head to Santillana del Mar.
I'm honored to be posting (that's if I did this right) after?on? Falcon, I've read all of your posts & would love for you to do a pamphlet on feet: Vaseline/silicone, 2-3? Socks/compeed/medipore/vigilon/talc/no talc/mastisol/scaraway??? Then maybe consider the sensitive places on arms & legs? I consider you to be the 'source' But I shall try not to sound very stalker..this is an amazing site, but mind-numbing in it's complexity. Mil gracias
Mena
http://www.trace63.wordpress.com/Hi everyone
I am planning on walking in September-October 2013. Even now, it is hard to think about much else, every spare minute is spent reading and researching and just 'thinking' about the possibilities. At this point, I'm aiming to leave SJPP somewhere around mid-September and to take my time. As a 'just turned 60 Aussie' pilgrim, I will be walking alone and am looking forward to discovering what the Camino holds for me and to meeting others who are journeying at that time. Thank you to everyone for sharing their wisdom, what a treasure trove this site is!
cheers Jen
PS any advice keenly accepted
Hello Karen,
Welcome to the Forum!
You will find much helpful information here as you plan your Camino. Past pilgrims who are Forum members are always eager to share their experiences and advice.
September and October are wonderful months to walk the Camino. However you must be prepared for varied weather. Nights can be chilly or cold and freezing rain or even snow might occur. Be prepared!
Since the crowds of summer are past you will find the welcome at those albergues which are open to be most sincere. By mid October not all albergues will be open but the hospitaleros usually know who is on the next stage. Most will either be heated or have blankets.
Good luck with your training. Remember that the most common Camino injury is the result of trying to walk too far too quickly carrying too much! Started walking slowly and very easy for the first week. Daily distances cited in the guidebooks are not sacred; do not attempt 40 km the first day! Easy does it.
Happy planning and Buen Camino!
Margaret
Hello,
I have been reading this forum for quite a few months and have finally decided to introduce myself. Many thanks to all who have posted, especially those who don't know why they are doing this, don't feel fit/young enough to do this and have some serious reservations about how they will be doing this! I know exactly how you feel! You have no idea how much your postings have helped me.
I will be flying (standby) into Paris from the US on the 16th of September and will be starting my camino from Pamplona within the next few days. I am still researching my options on how to actually get to my Camino starting spot. My plan is to spend a day or two in Pamplona to get things organized and settled and than set off to Santiago and on to Finisterre/Muxia. I am both excited and scared as I am a 50ish female walking solo and have never done anything like this before. Other than the first few days, I don't plan to book anything further because I think I am a slow walker (or as I like to think, a dawdling observer) and overwhelmed with the amount of information available. My intention is to take my time and let my intuition and my body be my guides as to when and where to stop - that and a copy of the Brierley guide and insightful info from this forum; I will not be doing the set stages.
If the people on this forum are any indication of the people I will meet on the trail - I look forward to getting there as soon as possible. Many thanks to all who ask and answer questions with so much insight and respect for their fellow pilgrims.
In Appreciation,
Chris
Silvia,
How excited you must be as soon you begin your camino!
Remember your path will be made by your feet; there is no single way.
We pilgrims may share our journeys, hopes and fears, but in no sense do we move as a single force! Each of us creates a particular pattern moving along. Thus the Camino is composed of all these pilgrims' patterns; the multitude of these individual units across time and space together form the whole.
"For it matters not how small the beginning may seem to be: what is once well done is done forever..." , Henry David Thoreau, 1849
Buen Camino,
Margaret Meredith
Buen Camino Chris!!!Hello,
I have been reading this forum for quite a few months and have finally decided to introduce myself. Many thanks to all who have posted, especially those who don't know why they are doing this, don't feel fit/young enough to do this and have some serious reservations about how they will be doing this! I know exactly how you feel! You have no idea how much your postings have helped me.
I will be flying (standby) into Paris from the US on the 16th of September and will be starting my camino from Pamplona within the next few days. I am still researching my options on how to actually get to my Camino starting spot. My plan is to spend a day or two in Pamplona to get things organized and settled and than set off to Santiago and on to Finisterre/Muxia. I am both excited and scared as I am a 50ish female walking solo and have never done anything like this before. Other than the first few days, I don't plan to book anything further because I think I am a slow walker (or as I like to think, a dawdling observer) and overwhelmed with the amount of information available. My intention is to take my time and let my intuition and my body be my guides as to when and where to stop - that and a copy of the Brierley guide and insightful info from this forum; I will not be doing the set stages.
If the people on this forum are any indication of the people I will meet on the trail - I look forward to getting there as soon as possible. Many thanks to all who ask and answer questions with so much insight and respect for their fellow pilgrims.
In Appreciation,
Chris
Buen Camino!!Leaving today for Madrid from San Francisco, California. Arriving Pamplona Sept 5th. I'm going to skip the Pyrenees and spend two days in Pamplona instead. Looking forward to the adventure. Focusing on the positive. Hoping for good weather.
Burn Camino KathyKathy from Vancouver.
My room mate and I are starting from Irun on the 21st of September, walking the Camino del Norte.
I only have 3 weeks, by my room mate Joan is walking the entire way!
Kathy
I have just completed Sarria to Santiago August 13. Can I be a member of the Class of 2013. I love the CaminoThe Class of .. threads were started back in when 2007 Arn had the bright idea of creating a topic for all those planning to go in 2008. His post:
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2013?
Buen Camino
Arn
I am going to retire and start walking in September 2013. By then, I hope to have a walking trailer that I can pile high with heavy equipment!
Buen Camino!!Hello, I am Ketil (41) from Norway, waldorf teacher, walking my first camino from SJPP November 3. I am very grateful for this forum, read it every day. Why the Camino? I really don't know. I have a strange and growing longing for this walk, something I really have to do, even though few understand it, not even those close to me. Is it common this urge, and what is it? I was actually first inspired by this medieaval Norwegian song, about Charlemagnes knight Roland as you know was killed in Roncevalles, according to the tale. I'm in bad shape. Hope my feet will hold, hope the way to change my life in some way I don't know yet, hope to be of help to someone along the road, hope to allow myself to be helped, and hope to heal the wounds after a recent loss. I will try to do it "unplugged", longing for a break from my iphone, inspired by some of the posters here. Best wishes to all of you out there walking, and thanks to you past pilgrims for sharing.
Hello, I'm Geneviève, from Montréal Québec. I have just returned from my first Camino. I walked from SJPdP to Santiago from May 14 to June 18. I am now a Camino addict and have already started planning my 2013 Camino. I am lucky that I can accumulate some paid hours that are added to my yearly 20 days of vacation; by 2013 I will have more than 6 weeks to do the camino.
Some people may think "She's still on a high from her last Camino. Give her a few months and she'll stop thinking about doing it again". By putting my name in the Class of 2013, I am making a promise to myself to do this again.
The only decision i have to make now is: Should I go in May-June again or late September-October?
Hello Lisa. I am also thinking about going thru Madrid R/T from JFK next May when I do my Camino. We do not hear of too many ppl going thru Madrid. Usually thru Paris. Buen Camino and thx for sharing.So like I said above, I went in late April via Madrid, Pamplona and on up to SJPP, then walked back thru Pamplona to Santiago (arrived June 4th), flew back thru Madrid. Next year I am considering going in the fall, via Paris. I'm wondering about the bed bugs and rain in the fall, anyone know?
Enjoy your Camino and Buen Camino.Hello everyone!
I'm from Latvia, and I believe many latvians have already walked the camino - two in particular (www.santjagocels.lv) have inspired me to walk too. I guess my motivation is a bit of everything - spiritual, tiredness of routine, longing for adventure, and, besides, I really love outdoor trips. So I'll see where Camino takes me. I'm leaving today early and will start from Burgos on Sunday, 6th of October, which seems very appropriate. Feeling very calm, focused and on a verge of great adventure!
I have been reading this forum for some time now, writing down useful tips (especially regarding packing things) and just soaking up others' experience, and wanted to thank each and every one on this forum for their contribution!
Buen Camino!
Buen Camino!!!Hello all. i start my first camino in Saint Jean either Thursday or Friday depending on how my transportation from Arkansas goes. buen camino - lorenzo
Travel lightHi I'm planning to make my camino I would like in the fall of 2013 from Le-Puy to Santiago de Compostela I have nothing decided yet, I would like to know the experts advise.
Saludos
Madrid was interesting since I had never been there. Customs was a breeze! I jumped on a bus which took me to the downtown train station. From there I walked 2 1/2 blocks to an early check in at AC (Marriott) . Decided to try to stay up all day since I didn't feel jet lagged. Went out walking for miles and ended up taking a double decker bus tour and hitting Sophia Reina Art Museum, then Tapas at a place in the same block. I ended up sitting by some Canadians which was fun since I hadn't really talked to anyone all day due to my lack of Spanish language. The next morning I walked to the train station and rode up to Pamplona. I walked around and explored town then met my ride, Ivar, of Corazon Pura Casa Rural. He drove me to Viskarret where he and his girlfriend Barbara run Corazon Pura. I had a twin bed in a double twin room and did not end up sharing it with anyone. There were 3 Dutch couples staying in other rooms (they had already been walking the Camino) and it was fun because almost everyone spoke English. Barbara is a good cook, too, and provided both dinner and breakfast the next morning which were included in the room charge. (there was really no place else to eat). Ivar drove me on over to SJPP the next morning and dropped me off not far from my alburgue Esprit de Chemin where I shared a room with 3 others, a lady from South Africa, a man from Canada, and another man from Ireland. We had a wonderful dinner with the rest of the pilgrims staying there. It was a good way to start my Camino, actually having a few faces I would run into again weeks later. The next morning I hiked up to Refuge Orisson and stayed there in a coed room of 8, and met a few more nice pilgrims. Some I would never see again, but certainly won't forget.Hello Lisa. I am also thinking about going thru Madrid R/T from JFK next May when I do my Camino. We do not hear of too many ppl going thru Madrid. Usually thru Paris. Buen Camino and thx for sharing.
Ed
Hello Lisa (Shout it out), This is excellent information!!! Thank you! I like the idea of staying a night in Madrid, Viskarret and then SGPdP. Lets me just kind of slide into the Camino without rushing into it. You have a great plan. And yes, I plan to arrive about end of May to start at SJPdP and go all the way to Lands end. Thank you again.Madrid was interesting since I had never been there. Customs was a breeze! I jumped on a bus which took me to the downtown train station. From there I walked 2 1/2 blocks to an early check in at AC (Marriott) . Decided to try to stay up all day since I didn't feel jet lagged. Went out walking for miles and ended up taking a double decker bus tour and hitting Sophia Reina Art Museum, then Tapas at a place in the same block. I ended up sitting by some Canadians which was fun since I hadn't really talked to anyone all day due to my lack of Spanish language. The next morning I walked to the train station and rode up to Pamplona. I walked around and explored town then met my ride, Ivar, of Corazon Pura Casa Rural. He drove me to Viskarret where he and his girlfriend Barbara run Corazon Pura. I had a twin bed in a double twin room and did not end up sharing it with anyone. There were 3 Dutch couples staying in other rooms (they had already been walking the Camino) and it was fun because almost everyone spoke English. Barbara is a good cook, too, and provided both dinner and breakfast the next morning which were included in the room charge. (there was really no place else to eat). Ivar drove me on over to SJPP the next morning and dropped me off not far from my alburgue Esprit de Chemin where I shared a room with 3 others, a lady from South Africa, a man from Canada, and another man from Ireland. We had a wonderful dinner with the rest of the pilgrims staying there. It was a good way to start my Camino, actually having a few faces I would run into again weeks later. The next morning I hiked up to Refuge Orisson and stayed there in a coed room of 8, and met a few more nice pilgrims. Some I would never see again, but certainly won't forget.
I'm giving you all these details because it was a bit of a puzzle figuring out how to get to SJPP from Madrid. The cab quote from Pamplona to SJPP was much more than I wanted to pay, so I felt very fortunate to have found Ivar online just a week before I arrived. I also felt that the transition from the Marriott to a Casa Rural, to an Alburgue was a smooth way to go, with little culture shock. I'm assuming that you are going in 2014?
Hello all
I leave in 6 days from UK on 02/11 and shall arrive in SJPP on 03/11 to depart following morning.
Hoping to reach at least Santiago and if all holds up/together, onwards to Finisterre
Feeling excited, light (no burdens), humble, and embarrassed that it's taken me until now to do this wonderful journey
Hello all
I leave in 6 days from UK on 02/11 and shall arrive in SJPP on 03/11 to depart following morning.
Hoping to reach at least Santiago and if all holds up/together, onwards to Finisterre
Feeling excited, light (no burdens), humble, and embarrassed that it's taken me until now to do this wonderful journey
HiHello all
I leave in 6 days from UK on 02/11 and shall arrive in SJPP on 03/11 to depart following morning.
Hoping to reach at least Santiago and if all holds up/together, onwards to Finisterre
Feeling excited, light (no burdens), humble, and embarrassed that it's taken me until now to do this wonderful journey
btw... I am leaving Canada on Oct 31, but arriving in Madrid on Nov.1. I will then take a bus from the airport to Pamplona (Conda Buses). I am staying one night in Pamplona. The following day, Nov.2, I am taking the only bus that day at 14h00 to SSPDP. So spending a night there, I can start my Camino the following morning, Nov. 3!! I too am excited, but also scared, anxious, emotional, ... full bag of different emotions! That's what make it so special I guess! Leaving my precious 10-year old at home for more thatn 30 days is certainly not easy (first time I'll be away from him more thatn a couple of days!)....
Questions - I know I saw this somewhere but now I can't remember where :
1) I have a Canada Pilgrim's Credencial that has been issued here in Quebec for me. Do I still need to go to the Pilgrim's office at SJPDP? Should I anyway (Get registered, get the "shell", documentation...??);
2) Morning I start my Camino, is there a tradition to go to a Pilgrim's mass first? What is the time in the morning for this? Or is it the evening before?
Thanks so much for any info on this. I appreciate it in advance.
Daniel
btw... I am leaving Canada on Oct 31, but arriving in Madrid on Nov.1. I will then take a bus from the airport to Pamplona (Conda Buses). I am staying one night in Pamplona. The following day, Nov.2, I am taking the only bus that day at 14h00 to SSPDP. So spending a night there, I can start my Camino the following morning, Nov. 3!! I too am excited, but also scared, anxious, emotional, ... full bag of different emotions! That's what make it so special I guess! Leaving my precious 10-year old at home for more thatn 30 days is certainly not easy (first time I'll be away from him more thatn a couple of days!)....
Questions - I know I saw this somewhere but now I can't remember where :
1) I have a Canada Pilgrim's Credencial that has been issued here in Quebec for me. Do I still need to go to the Pilgrim's office at SJPDP? Should I anyway (Get registered, get the "shell", documentation...??);
2) Morning I start my Camino, is there a tradition to go to a Pilgrim's mass first? What is the time in the morning for this? Or is it the evening before?
Thanks so much for any info on this. I appreciate it in advance.
Daniel
Help, I've just returned from my Camino one month ago and the Camino blues have just set in. I'm having a rough time adjusting. Any suggestions please....
Plan another, which I'm presently doing and getting very excited to do in the late spring. Buen camino!!Help, I've just returned from my Camino one month ago and the Camino blues have just set in. I'm having a rough time adjusting. Any suggestions please....
Hi! My name's Lara and I'm from Italy.
I live in Bellaria, a small city near Rimini (that is a small city on the north-eastern coast, too ).
I did the Camino from the 8th of October to the 6th of November 2013 and it was my first time.
I think there will be other opportunities to do it again! Buen Camino!
Hi! My name's Lara and I'm from Italy.
I live in Bellaria, a small city near Rimini (that is a small city on the north-eastern coast, too ).
I did the Camino from the 8th of October to the 6th of November 2013 and it was my first time.
I think there will be other opportunities to do it again! Buen Camino!
Beautiful pics!Here are two photos of my stop there!! View attachment 7637View attachment 7638
Ah, If life only was that simple.............Go back?
I remember that I hoped that the day I'd have spent in Astorga would have been sunny. (Please, correct me if my English is wrong!)
And it was.
Great Pic Pablo!!!!! Happy Belated.....Great trip; delighted I did it. Met many very special friends and I miss them all! Had my birthday on the trail. Friends gave me balloons and when we stopped for coffee everybody in the shop sang "Happy Birthday!" Wonderful memories. Made Santiago the next day and cried in the church. Pablo