From Appalachian Trail to El Camino de Santiago

[Bill Walker]

In 2005, I hiked the 2,180 mile Appalachian Trail, despite never having spent the night outside beforehand. I lost 33 pounds (I am 7 feet tall, 2.10 meters).
In 2009, I hiked the 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail. I lost 43 pounds this time. Trying to choose between these two fabulous national scenic trails would be like trying to choose between two children. Impossible. Fortunately, it's not necessary either.
In 2010 I walked El camino de Santiago. While it certainly wasn't as grueling of a struggle as the two previous trails, it was nonetheless more demanding than expected. Alot of the older pilgrims earned my respect, because of the tremendous efforts they made to make it all the way to Santiago. This medieval road is only going to become even more popular. It represents a new way to travel.

Skywalker--Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail, Indigo Publishing, 2008
--Highs and lows on the Pacific Crest Trail, Create Space, 2010

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I cannot resist asking how a tall person survives in many of the very short spaces -- beds, doorways, showers, etc. -- along the Camino. I was amazed initially how short many are in Spain. A Spaniard blamed it on Franco and poor nutrition under him. I was not convinced, though. Anyway, how did you cope?

 

[Caminando]

In 2005, I hiked the 2,180 mile Appalachian Trail, despite never having spent the night outside beforehand. I lost 33 pounds (I am 7 feet tall, 2.10 meters).
In 2009, I hiked the 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail. I lost 43 pounds this time. Trying to choose between these two fabulous national scenic trails would be like trying to choose between two children. Impossible. Fortunately, it's not necessary either.
In 2010 I walked El camino de Santiago. While it certainly wasn't as grueling of a struggle as the two previous trails, it was nonetheless more demanding than expected. Alot of the older pilgrims earned my respect, because of the tremendous efforts they made to make it all the way to Santiago. This medieval road is only going to become even more popular. It represents a new way to travel.

Skywalker--Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail, Indigo Publishing, 2008
--Highs and lows on the Pacific Crest Trail, Create Space, 2010

Hi B
Thanks for your words on these trails, which not everyone on this side of the Atlantic is aware of. Which camino did you walk? There are many, as you know.

I wonder in what way do you find that the camino which you did "represents a new way to travel" ? The comparison would be interesting.

 

[CaminoJohn]

Hi Bill,
I live in New Mexico and have walked the camino frances twice. Last year I was camping here when suddenly two women appeared hiking the Continental Trail from Mexico to Canada. They had already done the AT and PCT!!! I was amazed. We sat and shared dinner and beer (I was car camping and had plenty to share) and we swapped stories of blisters and gear. Me telling them all about the camino and they telling me of all the trails. It was a lovely evening. We still keep in touch and I am glad that you thought the camino was challenging as I want them to try it!
John

 

[sillydoll]

Some people who have done the AT are disappointed at how 'urban' much of the Camino is but
whereas the AT (and other similar trails) were plannedto to avoid villages and towns, the Camino trail was devised in such a way for pilgrims to reach the safety of a town or monastery at the end of each day's march.