Ian Afloat
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF July 25th 2017 from SJPDP
Result....just scored a flight Santiago to London for £70.
Guess there's no turning back now!
Guess there's no turning back now!
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You're gonna keep walking in May?Home now from Sahagun since 1.5 weeks and ready for new plans. Looking into finishing the Frances from Sahagun to Santiago in May '15 and then start the del Norte in September '15.
Also looking into offering myself as a "starter guide" for the SJPDP to Pamplona stretch for the months in between as I turned out to be quite good at getting people back on their feet/on track during the Pamplona to Sahagun stretch. Still pondering if it will be just as rewarding professionally though.
Hi heidi. when you get to Pamplona call me by phoneThank you for the suggestion -- it sounds wise! I haven't get gotten my copy of Brierley's guide to the Camino (Santa, are you listening??!!) . . . but do you know if directions to CaminoTechnica will be in there? If not, can you supply an address for the place?
With much appreciation,
Heidi
- very bulky and there's good chocolate in Spain for energy. What I do carry are electrolyte tablets, to avoid cramping and to cover the taste of the water that is sometimes a bit off, more so in albergues than in public fountains in my opinion.I’ll be walking starting May 16...
1. Sleeping bag - you don't need a very warm one, make sure it is lightweight. Alternative is a liner. Albergues typically have blankets if you need one. Mind you, in May of 2013 is was really cold and rainy, so much so I had to buy gloves and a sleeping bag ;0)
2. Two L camelback - Just don't fill it up completely, except for those rare spots where there is no water for 10km plus. Water is heavy.
4. Three underwear. - 2 is enough
5. Three running T-shirts (one that I will be using and two extra) - 1 is enough
6. Two running shorts. - 1 is enough
7. One Columbia pants (can be converted to shorts)
8. Four pair of running socks - stick to two pairs of socks, period.
10. One long sleeve lightweight shirt.
11. One Goretex Jacket (I will use it as a poncho).
12. Backpack rain cover.
13. Coyote 80 backpack --- NO!!!! This thing is a beast. It weighs 5 pounds, empty. You don't need something this big.
16. Shower sandals, running shoes, boots: why don't you bring your walking boots (if that is what you like to walk in) OR running shoes (but you'd be better off with trekking shoes), and then a pair of crocs or other type of shoe/sandal you could wear around town in the evenings and into the shower.
22. Body and hair shampoo. - good old water will do.
29. Leatherman. - not needed.
33. Detergent (the pods from tide are great and small) - I also take pods with me, for those days when I find a washing machine and can give my clothes a good wash. But for the rest of the time you will need something else to wash by hand. If you like Tide, have you seen their individual travel sachets? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GCS004/?tag=casaivar02-20
34. Toilet paper and some baby wipes.
35. 15 GU (running gels that I can use to get some energy)
I loved the tide stuff! I will get it, I'm sure it will help a lot. I will stay with the GU because that is what I use in the marathons, it contains a lot of electrolytes and complex carbohydrates that can help me inan emergency. I maked sure everything I got is super light exept for the bag pack because the price was great. Thank you for your advise it was very helpful.- very bulky and there's good chocolate in Spain for energy. What I do carry are electrolyte tablets, to avoid cramping and to cover the taste of the water that is sometimes a bit off, more so in albergues than in public fountains in my opinion.
Missing: some clothes pins for your laundry, a sink stopper for washing basins that often don't have them, a couple of large safety pins in case you need to hang clothes on your backpack for additional drying in the morning, or to keep your pants up if you lose weight along the way ;0) I might also add a light fleece sweater/jacket: it can be cold in the mornings.
... I maked sure everything I got is super light exept for the bag pack because the price was great. ...
it is the 80 L. I know it may be big, but I will be very strict with what I have to carry. I don't think that will be a problem. the camelback I have is a 3 L but I will use only 1 or 2 L of its capacity.If it is really the 80 l backpack I think it is, you will be horribly tempted to fill it up! 80 l is bigger than the backpack I had with me walking 3,300+km last year. For a 'normal' camino ~40 l is plenty. Buen Camino, SY
it is the 80 L. I know it may be big, but I will be very strict with what I have to carry. I don't think that will be a problem. the camelback I have is a 3 L but I will use only 1 or 2 L of its capacity.
I used the back for a short trip, and it was great. I loved the back support and the lumbar support the bring. Hope you have a great camino, I can't wait for mine in May. Thank you for your comment.I'm bringing a 75L backpack too. The great thing about packs like ours is that they're designed to carry lots more weight than we'll have in them so they're very comfortable. I've been training with mine for the last month or so (we leave in just over three weeks!) and it's great!
Ron
Result....just scored a flight Santiago to London for £70.
Guess there's no turning back now!
Hi heidi. when you get to Pamplona call me by phone
I will be happy to assist you in whatever need.
PS. My English is not very good. I have little time learning. Sorry.
Regards
I happily dedicate my 1,000th post on this forum to your packing list - my thoughts in italics:
2. Two L camelback - Unless there are tiny (under1-1,5l), one is enough (also I am not a fan of them anyway) if you need more water on a rare occasion just buy the day before a plastic/PET bottle with water or soda and use that one.
4. Three underwear. - In extremis two would be enough things tend to dry well in May.
5. Three running T-shirts - two
6. Two running shorts - one
11. One Goretex Jacket (I will use it as a poncho). - you can't use a jacket as a poncho as far as I know, poncho goes over you and backpack, jacket over you but 'under' backpack.
13. Coyote 80 backpack - is it this one? http://www.rei.com/product/848264/kelty-coyote-80-pack#tab-specs If yes, an 80l backpack is absolutely overkill for a May Camino Frances!!!
16. Shower sandals, 17. Running shoes, 18. Goretex boots (these are very lightweight. In case is raining a lot I can use them) - Three pairs of shoes are overkill.
21. Deodorant - If you must ...
29. Leatherman. - For what? Take a simple and lighter pocket knife
33. Detergent (the pods from tide are great and small) - Use your body and hair soap for that.
35. 15 GU (running gels that I can use to get some energy) - Buy bananas and dried fruit/nuts locally, max take 2-3 of the GUs for real emergencies.
Buen Camino! SY
The airfare has been purchased, so I must be going. Leaving San Diego on April 5th (Easter Sunday) and flying to Madrid. After an overnight in Madrid I will take the train to Pamplona and then make my way to SJPdP. After much planning I am eager to go. I don't remember when I first heard of the Camino, but I knew that I had to go. The movie The Way just cemented my desire to make the journey. I plan on walking the Valcarlos Route (lower route) as it's description appealed to me I have allowed 39 days to reach Santiago so I won't feel rushed.
Most of my equipment has been purchased and I've started training, walking several days a week with my pack, which I will increase in frequency and distance as my start date gets closer. I think about walking my camino daily, can hardly wait to get started.
Thank you Mercy. I'm writing a blog about my Camino if you care to follow along at www.walkingmycamino.blogspot.com I live in South County and have been walking the trails around here. Are you training? I getting excited about going and a little nervous too.Hi Dgassa, we have plans to leave on May 11-13th, have not bought the airfare yet(but will do the next couple of weeks), we will be leaving from San Diego as well. I know that we won't cross paths, but just wanted to wish you the best for your Camino fellow San Diegan! Hope to read your updates as time gets near or as you start your Camino!
Buen Camino!
Yes i'm training, next month I start hiking at cowles mountain! I'm so excited, not really nervous, I just can't wait! I feel that this pilgrimage is going to bring me clarity, closure and most of all it will bring me closer to my Lord! For sure I will follow your blog! We'll keep in touch and hope that this trip will bring you many blessings and that it will fulfill and exceed your expectations. If you need any help or translations don't hesitate to ask!Thank you Mercy. I'm writing a blog about my Camino if you care to follow along at www.walkingmycamino.blogspot.com I live in South County and have been walking the trails around here. Are you training? I getting excited about going and a little nervous too.
Great attitude! Enjoy El Camino!I am not worried about crowds or business, but I am totally limited to July/August. I am a teacher. I wouldn't mind doing Le Puy, but I'm way nervous doing that alone for my first Camino. If the albergues are busy, at least I know that I won't be walking alone! Haha
Thanks Mikel -- that is a very kind offer! I will keep it in mindHi heidi. when you get to Pamplona call me by phone
I will be happy to assist you in whatever need.
PS. My English is not very good. I have little time learning. Sorry.
Regards
Good morning Dgassa, my husband and I are starting out April 1. You will not be far behind us so we might just see one another. We are not sure about the route either weather permitting. We seem prepared but with all the snow in Ontario our training has been slow. Have a safe trip. Maya and BrunoThank you Mercy. I'm writing a blog about my Camino if you care to follow along at www.walkingmycamino.blogspot.com I live in South County and have been walking the trails around here. Are you training? I getting excited about going and a little nervous too.
Welcome home to our beautiful Church! I would LOVE to start our Camino in Lourdes if it were possible - but not sure I could afford the extra day or 2 required.I'm planning to walk Apr/May 2015. Hopefully from Lourdes, France. I'm just in the beginning stages of planning.
I was born Catholic but my family left the church when I was 8. I converted to Catholicism this past June, and will make my confirmation on Easter of 2014.
I am SO excited to be planning this trip!
Hi Jan...I spent 11months in Hamilton one yearHi Cari,
I'm also from Canada (Hamilton), am flying to Paris on May 9. Will be taking the train to Bayonne on the 10th, staying overight ther, and booked Refuge Orisson for the next night. I'll fly back to Paris from Santiago on June 19. Glad to hook up for the train trip if you also come in on the 10th. If not, it still sounds like our paths might very well cross somewhere along the way. See you on the Camino!
Jan
Hi Cari. I am fr. Beaumont, Alberta . Tickets booked,leaving May 12th to Paris,arrive 13th am, and then train the rest[Q UOTE="DurhamParish, post: 225864, member: 19040"]Good idea. I did that and enjoyed my stay there. Be sure to make a reservation.
I hear one of them is kinda crazyLeaving St Jean on May 10. I am so excited.
Cannot wait to finally see in person my wonderful Camino sisters
Thank you!@WayWalker63 I just can't hit like on your post as it wouldn't do it justice. My heart goes out to you! Buen, healing, Camino! SY
Good morning Dgassa, my husband and I are starting out April 1. You will not be far behind us so we might just see one another. We are not sure about the route either weather permitting. We seem prepared but with all the snow in Ontario our training has been slow. Have a safe trip. Maya and Bruno
My wife and I will be doing the walk from SJPP to Santiago, beginning in August 2015 to kickoff the start of officially being old fogies.
Bon Chemin / Buen Camino
................. I have packed and unpacked my bag so many times I think I have worn out the clothes! I still am not sure if I have to much, too little. I bought a Berghaus 40litre pack but it weighs 1.5kilo's itself. I bought it so I can adapt it to me, any suggestions on this pack or other alternatives?? Loving this adventure
Hi!
My husband and I are planning to walk from SJPP to Santiago and hopefully on to Finistere and Muxia beginng in August, 2015. We are already officially old fogies, whoever. ;-)
Does that mean you are over 100 ?Hi!
My husband and I are planning to walk from SJPP to Santiago and hopefully on to Finistere and Muxia beginng in August, 2015. We are already officially old fogies, whoever. ;-)
Hello Donna W,
Not sure how far your planning has reached. I wondered whether you had considered walking to Muxia and then Finistere. The travelling options back from Finistere are much more frequent than from Muxia. Unless of course you are planning to walk back to SDC too?
Buen Camino
Does that mean you are over 100 ?
I am 67 and I guess it is ego but don't think of people our age as "old fogies". Lol. I think we are more " middle aged" than old. I was an "active child" before they knew what they were, parents just kept me busy and I was happy, in trouble all the time, but happy. Getting old seems very over rated so I don't think I want to do that. Have a great time on your journey. Bien Camino ! StephenHhhmmm......no. Not over 100--although there are some days when I feel that way! I'm 70 and will celebrate my 71st while walking; my husband is a mere 60, but I think he qualifies as an old fogie as well.
I am reading on the forum that the weather is similar to the northern US. I am getting convertible pants so they can be long or short and figure it will be cool at night. If it turns out hot , I will buy what I need as I go. I was in southern Spain in the Rhonda mountains at the end of March a few years ago and it was cool in the evenings and mild during the day. I would rather be warm than cold, I am from the Deep South in the US. StephenHello, I'd like some guidance on average temperatures mid-April to May/early June. Is it shorts weather, or should I be looking at long trousers and long sleeves-type clothing? I picked up average temperatures ranging from highs of 11 - 22 degree C, and lows of 5 - 8 degrees C - which feels pretty cool to me.
Hello FrissGreetings All!
I am walking mid April to mid May 2015 starting in SJPP. I am very excited, yet nervous, about my first solo adventure overseas. Looking forward to gleaning lots of information and tips from this forum. Tentative date is 14 April.
I'm going for the prize of a question that's never been asked before .... Is ginger readily sold along the Camino?
I was calculating my days and to my surprise my wife will meet me in Santiago de Compostela at the end of my camino. This to be honest is fantastic to me because then I will have another goal to get to Santiago. I will have 36 days to complete de Camino Frances so, if I have 32 stages, what else can I do during those extra days? I think that to stay an extra day in a couple of cities during my journey may be a good idea. Does anyone recommend any interesting town or city where I can enjoy an extra day? She will arrive June 20 to Santiago, so I really want to be there at the same time she does, I think it will be great!
Just booked flights to walk July - 1st week of August 2015 I am blessed to be walking with 3 of my children, starting in STJpdp to Santiago - all of us are looking forward to our experience after reading several great booksThe 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:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
I will make a stop in Burgos for an extra day. I am taking your advise. That city has a lot of places to visit. Thank you for your response.I'm doing my first Camino this summer, but I have been researching. There are a few cities it seems like people visit longer than others. I was in Burgos for WYD a few years back, and it was a beautiful city full of friendly people. My suggestion would be to spend a day there.
I was calculating my days and to my surprise my wife will meet me in Santiago de Compostela at the end of my camino. This to be honest is fantastic to me because then I will have another goal to get to Santiago. I will have 36 days to complete de Camino Frances so, if I have 32 stages, what else can I do during those extra days? I think that to stay an extra day in a couple of cities during my journey may be a good idea. Does anyone recommend any interesting town or city where I can enjoy an extra day? She will arrive June 20 to Santiago, so I really want to be there at the same time she does, I think it will be great!
No age limits on the Camino I was told, no one can predict an experience at any age - I was called "elderly" when I mentioned bringing 3 children 22, 20, 16 hahahaha - it's the first time being called that, and it won't be the last...but I'm only 48Hhhmmm......no. Not over 100--although there are some days when I feel that way! I'm 70 and will celebrate my 71st while walking; my husband is a mere 60, but I think he qualifies as an old fogie as well.
Hello Kay, we are just the opposite. Here in Ontario, Canada we are in a deep freeze for awhile now so training outdoors is impossible some days. We are starting April 1 in STJPDP and our present training will hopefully be enough. I am hoping for some warmer weather in Spain but see that it has been snowing and wishing by April some of it will be gone. All the best on your trek, MayaHello Jessalk, I hope I get a chance to meet you along the Camino, you may well pass me as I won't be in a hurry.
It's been difficult to train in our hot summer here in Australia. The weather should get a little cooler from now so I will have to ramp it up. Buen Camino
A Friend and myself will be doing the last stretch..from Leon to Santiago de CompostelaThe 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:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
Hi Jan...I spent 11months in Hamilton one year
So... an update to my original post: Flying into Paris on May 9th and then scooting over to Orly for an afternoon flight to Biarritz and then most likely shuttle to SJPDP. I begin my walk on May 10th (Mothers Day !!) and will be spending the night in Orrison. My original plan was to train, but I have since decided that another 6+hours of sitting will numb my derriere too much and I'd prefer to get into SJPDP at a reasonable hour so I can relax and enjoy the town before my journey starts the following day!
Perhaps we'll meet each other along the way ! I'm sure our paths will cross at some point, but if they don't, Buen Camino !!
Cari
Buz! I hadn't seen you on the forum for a while (maybe we're in different conversations). How is planning going?Thanks for the information. I just booked a bed and ride for the 30th of April.
We've had ideal weather here, but without a car it looks like a fair amount of urban training! Hopefully I'll have enough time to get somewhat physically preparedHello Jessalk, I hope I get a chance to meet you along the Camino, you may well pass me as I won't be in a hurry.
It's been difficult to train in our hot summer here in Australia. The weather should get a little cooler from now so I will have to ramp it up. Buen Camino
You can be ready in that amount of time physically, just train smart and don't try and over do it because you feel you don't have enough time. My biggest concern has been deciding what gear I will need, I am still trying to over think that. You are going to have a great adventure. Bien Camino. StephenJust booked my flight to Biarritz from Dublin April 21st, to start in SJPdP on the 22nd. I've only just decided to walk, I'm a bit nervous having just over 9 weeks to prepare and train-but very excited too!
That's reassuring! And good advice, thanks! I did have a bit of a panic after realizing how few days I have to train. I'm in good shape now, but more for short high intensity, high impact activities-so sort of the opposite of what I need! I did try a 28km walk the other day, just to see what it was like, averaged about 5kph, but no gear, and about died at the end, so I know I'll need to scale it back training wise and go easy so I don't burn out before even getting on the trail! For gear, I hope I'm set. Though I keep thinking of things I "need" and have to resist that temptation. I did a trek in the Simien Mountains last year, which had freezing temps at night/morning to upper 20's most days, so I'm hoping that gear will be good for April/May weather.You can be ready in that amount of time physically, just train smart and don't try and over do it because you feel you don't have enough time. My biggest concern has been deciding what gear I will need, I am still trying to over think that. You are going to have a great adventure. Bien Camino. Stephen
Jessalk, I too am in pretty good shape physically and feel like I should be able to complete with no problem. I swim daily and cycle about three days a week so cardio is fine. I haven't been able to run for a number of years because of knees but have kept legs strong on the bike. My sons who were scouts and eagle scouts talk about how important a strong core is because of the back pack so I am paying attention to that and working on leg strength. I am competitive so have to work on not thinking I have to complete fast. I have set aside about 43 days to walk and hope I will " stop and smell the roses" often on this adventure and not miss important things by going too fast. I had a massage the other day and think I will stop over in some of the bigger towns, stay in a hotel , get a massage and sight see. A rest will probably be good and make the whole trip better. On the reservation issue, I have booked two nights in SJPDP before starting to get the last few things I need from the shops and the information to tell me what route to take, the rest of the time I am going to take my chances on where I will stay. I know this can be a whole different situation for women at times ( no chauvinism intended ). I think some of the experienced ladies in this forum can give you the best advice on what to to there. I envy your start date, I am not very far behind but the days seem to go by sooo slow. Again, have a great adventure. Buen camino. StephenThat's reassuring! And good advice, thanks! I did have a bit of a panic after realizing how few days I have to train. I'm in good shape now, but more for short high intensity, high impact activities-so sort of the opposite of what I need! I did try a 28km walk the other day, just to see what it was like, averaged about 5kph, but no gear, and about died at the end, so I know I'll need to scale it back training wise and go easy so I don't burn out before even getting on the trail! For gear, I hope I'm set. Though I keep thinking of things I "need" and have to resist that temptation. I did a trek in the Simien Mountains last year, which had freezing temps at night/morning to upper 20's most days, so I'm hoping that gear will be good for April/May weather.
A general question for you all, since April sounds like it could still be quite busy. I want to try for SJPdP to Roncesvalles in one go-via whichever route is weather-permitted. And while I've booked in SJPdP I can't decide if I should book in Roncesvalles, I've made a hotel booking, though I think I'd rather stay at the albergue (cost wise particularly) but like the security of having a booked, and quite place to stay that night after what I anticipate to be a rough first day in which I may arrive decently late. I have 48 hours to cancel though, so I have some time to think it over.
Hy , I think its so great to do this with your children , I wish you and your children a Buen Camino, Peter.Just booked flights to walk July - 1st week of August 2015 I am blessed to be walking with 3 of my children, starting in STJpdp to Santiago - all of us are looking forward to our experience after reading several great books
Hy Kay , I start my Camino at the 18th of April in Sjpdp, I walk the first day til the albergue Orisson, because I spend the 17th the hole day in a train to get to Sjpdp. Hope we will meet, I wish you a Buen Camino, Peter.Hello Friss
I am from Noosaville , Qld , Australia. I am starting my Camino Frances on 18th-19th April 2015. Hopefully we will meet up. I will be travelling alone. I leave Paris on the 15th April and will stay over after arriving in Bayonne the same day. Then a train to St Jean and a night or two before starting my journey. Burn Camino
Hi Suzanne. I have been lurking, just reading comments. Can I send you an off line answer?Buz! I hadn't seen you on the forum for a while (maybe we're in different conversations). How is planning going?
I just booked a ride to SJPP for April 30, a bed in SJPP for that night and a bed outside of Roncesvalles for May 1. It's going to be a long walk on May 1! The rest of the time I will be leaving beds up to fate.
Let me know how it goes!
Suzanne
Just booked flights to walk July - 1st week of August 2015 I am blessed to be walking with 3 of my children, starting in STJpdp to Santiago - all of us are looking forward to our experience after reading several great books
Hi Arn,The 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:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
Hello,Hello all,
I'm planning to walk my first Camino (Frances) summer 2015 with hopes of being in Santiago by or before July 25. I'm from Iowa, USA and would like to know if anyone else is looking to go around this time. Would be great to have some amigos before even leaving!
Of course!Hi Suzanne. I have been lurking, just reading comments. Can I send you an off line answer?
A Friend and myself will be doing the last stretch..from Leon to Santiago de Compostela
leaving South Africa 30 th June..returning on 18th July
Hope I come across you Maya, I love Canada, I will keep a lookout for you! Cheers, KayHello Kay, we are just the opposite. Here in Ontario, Canada we are in a deep freeze for awhile now so training outdoors is impossible some days. We are starting April 1 in STJPDP and our present training will hopefully be enough. I am hoping for some warmer weather in Spain but see that it has been snowing and wishing by April some of it will be gone. All the best on your trek, Maya
I am 67 and I guess it is ego but don't think of people our age as "old fogies". Lol. I think we are more " middle aged" than old. I was an "active child" before they knew what they were, parents just kept me busy and I was happy, in trouble all the time, but happy. Getting old seems very over rated so I don't think I want to do that. Have a great time on your journey. Bien Camino ! Stephen
Hey Donna, I am not crazy about labels either. I think seasoned may sound like hanging meat . There is something attractive about aging to me. There is a comfort level and confidence not seen in younger people. I just don't want to give up and accept what doesn't have to be. When I meet St Peter I want to be sliding into home plate saying " what a great ride" not " I wish I had...........". Life is so great and there are many things yet to be shown to me. You sound like you have a great spirit. May this be another great adventure for you and your husband. Buen Camino ! StephenI agree that "...getting old seems very over rated" but the alternative isn't so hot either. Think about that. ;-) Perhaps we should coin a new term for those of us who were and still are "active." Middle aged doesn't really work for me because that would mean I expect to live to be 140. I doubt that will happen. Maybe we can call ourselves "seasoned"...although that sounds more like food. Any thoughts? Maybe something absolutely perfect will come to us during our respective walks on the Camino! Buen Camino! Donna
As am II'm starting from st Jean on 15th April
Hy Tina , sorry to hear about your gathering . I think that it is good for you to set your mind to do something like walking a part of the Camino. I wish you anyway a Buen Camino, Peter.I am thinking of changing my plans a little. Maybe start in Lourdes, then walk to St Jean Pied de Port from there. This way I get a few days to stay in France. I am a French teacher after all. LOL But I think I'm cutting my pilgrimage down to just 3 weeks or so and I'll come back to finish the camino another time. My father passed away a few weeks ago, and I just don't want to be gone for so much of my summer if I take 6 weeks.
Hello Tina, Sorry about your loss. I took care of my parents for the last few years and it has taken the last year or so getting everything settled. The loss is hard but I had time to say good by. Have been thinking about walking the Camino in their honor, they were a wonderful gift to me and always supported me in all my endeavors. I think they are still in my life, but in a different way now. Have a good journey, I think your father will enjoy every step with you. Buen Camino. StephenI am thinking of changing my plans a little. Maybe start in Lourdes, then walk to St Jean Pied de Port from there. This way I get a few days to stay in France. I am a French teacher after all. LOL But I think I'm cutting my pilgrimage down to just 3 weeks or so and I'll come back to finish the camino another time. My father passed away a few weeks ago, and I just don't want to be gone for so much of my summer if I take 6 weeks.
I am thinking of changing my plans a little. Maybe start in Lourdes, then walk to St Jean Pied de Port from there. This way I get a few days to stay in France. I am a French teacher after all. LOL But I think I'm cutting my pilgrimage down to just 3 weeks or so and I'll come back to finish the camino another time. My father passed away a few weeks ago, and I just don't want to be gone for so much of my summer if I take 6 weeks.
I`m starting at the 18th. of April.Maybe we meet along the way.From holland I wish you a Buen Camino,Peter.As am I
My husband and I are also traveling from the US to Madrid and walking the Camino in August-September as a retirement "vision quest" for me, so to speak. My official retirement date is June 30, and I have been having retirement anxiety dreams for months, even though I will continue teaching for a while! Since we decided to do the Camino, though, those anxiety dreams have thankfully subsided to a large degree. I think that's related to not only having something to look forward to but also being part of a larger community of people and doing a pilgrimage that has been in existence for hundreds of years. I'm sure I'll learn many valuable lessons along the way, which is just as important at this stage of my life as it was fifty years ago.I arrive Madrid on the morning of April 14 and will make my way to SJPD by the end of the day if it all works. Just recently retired and went from very busy to not so much. Important for me to have something to look forward to I've found over these last months and the Camino (amongst other reasons) is now that for me. Pretty organized I think and I can't wait to start....
Donna, I retired last May after working 46 years. I was a workaholic and a normal week was 60-80 hours a week most of my life. I feared that I couldn't make it not working. Retirement has been the greatest thing that has happened to me. I now have time to do ( maybe allow myself ) all the things I enjoy so much. I love being active, spending time with my children, grandchildren and friends. I can have dreams and make them a reality. Hopefully I am a little smarter and don't have to do everything the hard way now and most of all I don't have to buy into being old and accepting life as such. This is a wonderful next phase in what can be a great life for me. You seem to have a partner to share things with, this is probably the greatest gift. You are opening the door to the greatest phase of your life. Bien Camino, He will show you all the best routes in life when you are open. StephenMy husband and I are also traveling from the US to Madrid and walking the Camino in August-September as a retirement "vision quest" for me, so to speak. My official retirement date is June 30, and I have been having retirement anxiety dreams for months, even though I will continue teaching for a while! Since we decided to do the Camino, though, those anxiety dreams have thankfully subsided to a large degree. I think that's related to not only having something to look forward to but also being part of a larger community of people and doing a pilgrimage that has been in existence for hundreds of years. I'm sure I'll learn many valuable lessons along the way, which is just as important at this stage of my life as it was fifty years ago.
Yes, I agree. I would have appreciated the Camino in a different way say, 10 years ago, but I'm not sure it would have had the scope and richness or, anticipation that I feel now. Looking back over the last months, I now know how work defined me and all the space in my life it occupied. All this unoccupied space is a bit frightening and at the same time seductive in a way to discover what's next. I'm finding that these thoughts aren't just my own but are shared by most of the people I talk to who've recently retired. Fun to think about the Camino in this way....about meeting new people....about getting lost...maybe a bit scared and having to figure things out on the spot and to do this not in our 20's but in our 60's!My husband and I are also traveling from the US to Madrid and walking the Camino in August-September as a retirement "vision quest" for me, so to speak. My official retirement date is June 30, and I have been having retirement anxiety dreams for months, even though I will continue teaching for a while! Since we decided to do the Camino, though, those anxiety dreams have thankfully subsided to a large degree. I think that's related to not only having something to look forward to but also being part of a larger community of people and doing a pilgrimage that has been in existence for hundreds of years. I'm sure I'll learn many valuable lessons along the way, which is just as important at this stage of my life as it was fifty years ago.
Donna, I too will be retiring this year, probably the end of August. I will start walking around the middle of September. I have lots of anxiety around retirement and walking the Camino. I'm not going to let that stop me though.My husband and I are also traveling from the US to Madrid and walking the Camino in August-September as a retirement "vision quest" for me, so to speak. My official retirement date is June 30, and I have been having retirement anxiety dreams for months, even though I will continue teaching for a while! Since we decided to do the Camino, though, those anxiety dreams have thankfully subsided to a large degree. I think that's related to not only having something to look forward to but also being part of a larger community of people and doing a pilgrimage that has been in existence for hundreds of years. I'm sure I'll learn many valuable lessons along the way, which is just as important at this stage of my life as it was fifty years ago.
Hello Friss
I am from Noosaville , Qld , Australia. I am starting my Camino Frances on 18th-19th April 2015. Hopefully we will meet up. I will be travelling alone. I leave Paris on the 15th April and will stay over after arriving in Bayonne the same day. Then a train to St Jean and a night or two before starting my journey. Burn Camino
Hello Friss,Well, darn! My plans have recently changed and I will now be starting early September. I would have loved to meet up with you. Let me know how your walk goes. I have friends that live in Sydney and hopefully one day soon will get to visit them. Buen Camino!
I hope I can live life like you when I grow up.hi everyone from a fabulous sunny day in Cape Town ... I did my first Camino May - July 2014 followed by 8 weeks of lying about on beaches in Greece, France, Portugal (I had to recover ) ... I honestly never thought I'd have the need to go back for a re-do ... and I've done nothing but think about the Camino since - I set off for my re-do from SJPdP on 16 May 2015 - am now counting the days .. 90 ... ohhh perhaps I need to actually get a spot of training in!!
The 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:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn