If you could give just one piece of advice?

[David]

Hi - was wondering ... dark dawn, the tremulous virgin pilgrim, all geared up, and about to take their first step along the way ...

if you could give just one - just one! - piece of advice, what would it be?

For me - tricky .... most likely would be "go slow and easy" (I think that counts as one piece of advice?)

.................. ?

 

[dougfitz]

Everyone walks their own camino.

 

[wayfarer]

Walk without expectations and you won't be disappointed.

 

[Guusje]

Connect with the other pilgrims. At the beginning of my camino I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of pilgrims along the way, but once I opened up they gave me so much (and still give) and they became a big part of my journey.Even in my post camino life (2,5 yrs later now), were still close friends!

 

[Tincatinker]

Slowly pilgrim, Santiago isn't going anywhere

 

[tyrrek]

'Go west, young (wo)man'.

Seriously, though, I guess it would be to live in the moment.

 

[Theatregal]

Be kind. (to yourself included)

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

Trust your self!

 

[piogaw]

Be flexible.

 

[vicrev]

Make sure you have packed your laughing gear !!!.....................Vicrev

 

[Kanga]

I like Rebekah's advice - "When in doubt, a pilgrim walks".

 

[benrie]

"Relationships matter the most so relate, embrace, be vulnerable" you will live to never regret.

 

[Thomas1962]

Go for a walk every morning. There is nothing more to it.

 

[Canucks]

Never ignore a hot spot on your feet.

 

[lynnejohn]

Stop often, take off your boots and socks, and take in your surroundings.

 

[Kitsambler]

Take less. It will be enough. Honest.

 

[Camino Samoset Santiago]

Find your pace it's no race. And have always a eye for the beauty around you.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Stop, Look, and Listen!

 

[mralisn]

Everyone has a story no matter age, gender, national origin. When the situation presents itself, take the time to listen what another wants to share free of judgment, interruption, closed heart. When it's your turn on another day, speak freely to whomever gives you the time to listen in return. Many of us have this gift while we walk which we might not give often at home. Time.

 

[JennyH94]

Take joy in every step.

 

[FatmaG]

Open your eyes. And your heart.

 

[RENSHAW]

if you could give just one - just one! - piece of advice

- WEAR SUNSCREEN! Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! The song by Class of 99 , sorry David , could'nt resist.
To be more serious , Take time to look around you , I even turn around and walk backwards for a few paces , you will be amazed a the views from where you have come from.

 

[tploomis]

Let go of worries about the future -- it will take care of itself.

 

[letendre]

Hi - was wondering ... dark dawn, the tremulous virgin pilgrim, all geared up, and about to take their first step along the way ...

if you could give just one - just one! - piece of advice, what would it be?

For me - tricky .... most likely would be "go slow and easy" (I think that counts as one piece of advice?)

.................. ?

Just one advice? the weight of the back pack
Walk as light as possible

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

I like Rebekah's advice - "When in doubt, a pilgrim walks".

I tried the concept of when in doubt go uphill. The camino will seldom be the path downhill if those two choices are available and you can not see an arrow

 

[peregrino_tom]

Make the time to record your thoughts and feelings each day

 

[Adrian961]

Don't forget you gave the chauffeur the day off.

 

[kogga]

Hi - was wondering ... dark dawn, the tremulous virgin pilgrim, all geared up, and about to take their first step along the way ...

if you could give just one - just one! - piece of advice, what would it be?

For me - tricky .... most likely would be "go slow and easy" (I think that counts as one piece of advice?)

.................. ?

Halo David-greetings from Sunny South Africa - my only piece of advice to you would be.....Enjoy every step you give...the Camino only comes once in your life

Hi - was wondering ... dark dawn, the tremulous virgin pilgrim, all geared up, and about to take their first step along the way ...

if you could give just one - just one! - piece of advice, what would it be?

For me - tricky .... most likely would be "go slow and easy" (I think that counts as one piece of advice?)

.................. ?

Greetings from Sunny South Africa...my advice to you...Enjoy every step you make...the Camino only comes once in your life....remember,when you walk the Camino...the Camino becomes part of your life...you will never forget it....so walk and observe..share with others...BUT ENJOY...keep well and God bless..Johann Pretorius

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hi - was wondering ... dark dawn, the tremulous virgin pilgrim, all geared up, and about to take their first step along the way ...

if you could give just one - just one! - piece of advice, what would it be?

For me - tricky .... most likely would be "go slow and easy" (I think that counts as one piece of advice?)

.................. ?

David - I think you once said, "pilgrims should take half of the stuff in their rucksacks and double the money in their wallets" or words to that effect. I loved it.

 

[caminoforme86]

Don't return home!

 

[William Marques]

David - I think you once said, "pilgrims should take half of the stuff in their rucksacks and double the money in their wallets" or words to that effect. I loved it.

The quote I have is:
When you've decided what things you want to carry along and how much money you'll need, bring half as much stuff and twice as much money. You'll have done yourself proud if you use everything you brought at least once, and if you manage to avoid using all the money.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Don't forget your iPhone.

 

[Canuck]

Don't forget your Electric Coil.

 

[Kennedy1]

Everyone has a story no matter age, gender, national origin. When the situation presents itself, take the time to listen what another wants to share free of judgment, interruption, closed heart. When it's your turn on another day, speak freely to whomever gives you the time to listen in return. Many of us have this gift while we walk which we might not give often at home. Time.

I again agree with what mralisn said 200%. If you go with an open heart you will be rewarded with an amazing journey . The more you share of yourself the more you will get back

 

[t2andreo]

Unless you have ALL the facts do not judge others. Remember, to criticize another is to condemn yourself.

 

[jennysa]

Hi - was wondering ... dark dawn, the tremulous virgin pilgrim, all geared up, and about to take their first step along the way ...

if you could give just one - just one! - piece of advice, what would it be?

For me - tricky .... most likely would be "go slow and easy" (I think that counts as one piece of advice?)

.................. ?

Rather than taking a pair of flipflops, carry a pair of walking sandals that you can walk in should you get blisters or have problems with your boots/shoes . Last year my expensive trail shoes gave me enormous problems, even though I had worn them in, and I eventually managed to buy a pair of sandals in Leon to walk in. This year I developed blisters 115 kms before Santiago, so I walked into Santiago in my sandals.

 

[Al the optimist]

Give everyone you meet a present - smile!

 

[k1ypp]

Like many others have already said, "go slowly." Jane and I took 43 days, and looking back, we should have taken 60 or more. Stop to smell the roses, sample the fruit growing wild. Sit and watch the water fowl, the fish, the squirrels. Enjoy the company of the other pilgrims, and don't let language be a barrier. Smiles, winks-of-the-eye, music and laughter have no particular language. Go slowly, and all of this and more will happen. I've also hiked the entire (3000 km) Appalachian Trail, and I willingly admit to enjoy hiking the 800 km of the Camino every bit as much.

I think many of the sentiments I mention here come out in Jane's book: Women of the Way: Embracing the Camino. The women we met along the Way were fantastic and gave me a whole new perspective on hiking and long distance travel. They were from all over the world, but we shared this common bond of the Camino and it was so liberating. Travel slowly and absorb what the Camino and your other pilgrims have to offer. Just remember, it is a two-way street and sharing goes both ways. Have a fantastic journey and do report back here!

 

[Carol06]

Live for the moment. Do not predict and plan. Everything will be provided.

 

[Kathy F.]

Love all these responses!!
My advice, which came from this Forum, ". . . Start out like an old man, so you can finish like a young man." It totally works.

 

[wawpdx]

It's not a race. Make the decision for yourself whether it is more important to you to arrive in Santiago, this time, or is it more important to you to walk each step, however far you can go, in the time you have.

 

[pep7702]

The guidance you seek is not forthcoming. The question you bring will not be answered. The change you seek will not happen. But the Camino will provide much richer, more important, much simpler answers to more important questions. Listen for them.

 

[freescot]

Speak to strangers.

 

[Reineclaude]

Rest! And listen to your body..

 

[lynnejohn]

David - Allow me to interject for just a moment. If I were you, my heart would be full of all of the pilgrims who care about you and are providing you with their BEST advice. I am so pleased, as you are one of the gentle voices that guide us on this forum.
Go well and safely, David.

 

[nreyn12]

Keep your backpack as light as possible. It helps to prevent injury and it makes the walk that much more enjoyable.

 

[peregrina2000]

Even when you are walking in 8 hours of cold rain, remember that "A bad day on the camino is better than a good day at the office" (thanks to Kelly, whom I haven't seen much on the forum lately).

 

[Tumbleweed]

Be grateful. Be grateful that all you have to do is get up and walk. Be grateful that you will make new friends. Be grateful that you have been given the gift of the Camino. Be grateful (fill in the blank)___________________.

 

[LTfit]

Speak to strangers.

...for they may be angels in disguise.
Or may not, but do it anyway.

 

[Tonm]

Take timely breaks, do not stay in albergues in the big towns or classical resting places, but stop earlier or after the big towns. Use merino wool socks and do not wash them. The most important tip: enjoy it, always.

 

[Joni40]

take care of your feet as much as possible. I ended up carrying my boots and wearing my trainers-- tennis shoes. I walked in May and June of this year. Go slowly and take as many days as possible. Take lots of pictures. Keep a diary, I took an ipad mini, which worked out great. Love yourself and listen to your body.

 

[TheTinkerBell]

Don't forget your earplugs!

 

[David]

David - Allow me to interject for just a moment. If I were you, my heart would be full of all of the pilgrims who care about you and are providing you with their BEST advice. I am so pleased, as you are one of the gentle voices that guide us on this forum.
Go well and safely, David.

Sweet LynneJohn, kind LynneJohn - it isn't me, it isn't about me - it is a hypothetical pilgrim to whom one can offer just one piece of advice

(lot of squeezing extra advice into the sentences I see!!! - I am loving all the responses!)

 

[dougfitz]

(lot of squeezing extra advice into the sentences I see!!! - I am loving all the responses!)

Counting has never been a pilgrim's strong point!

 

[pilgrim b]

It has taken me some time to get to this post David, I walk and read rather slowly you see , but at this very moment, as we all continue on our personal pilgrimages: I have to say many angels have given some excellent advice to anyone with the open heart to listen! Some practical some Spiritual and some brought a smile , I for one am so very grateful to this Camino forum it always provides.

 

[gerardcarey]

Careful with what you pick up behind the blackberry bushes.
Regds
Gerard

 

[Jnlee99]

Open mind

 

[Monya]

Careful with what you pick up behind the blackberry bushes.
Regds
Gerard

Oh. My. Word! I was like: blackberry bushes? Yay! No wait, what??

 

[Pieces]

Don't worry, everything will be excactly as it is supposed to be

 

[FatmaG]

Don't worry, everything will be excactly as it is supposed to be

Oh Pieces, this makes me think of:
"Dont' worry, nothing will be exactely as it is supposed to be - but all will be fine."

 

[wayfarer]

Careful with what you pick up behind the blackberry bushes.
Regds
Gerard

 

[pilgrim b]

wayfarer and gerard I think we are talking Buffs again aren't we?

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Don't forget your iPhone.

Don't bring your iPhone . Smile

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Speak to strangers.

Always told not to talk to strangers !!

 

[JohnMcM]

A smile means the same in any language, share yours always.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

On day 8 the novelty wears off. Then you may (or may not) have to dig deep, I did.

 

[bimblingalong]

Love, love , LOVE yer feet like never before.......raise 'em up, massage ' em regularly, let 'em breathe, dip in the sea/ river whenever you can, walk barefoot after the day be done, attend to any problems, sing them to sleep, paint nails with pretty colour, show gratitude for their sheer fabulousness!!, allow others to also LOVE yer feet.....this is their time to shine....;-))

 

[wayfarer]

I agree with all of the above...... except maybe "paint nails with pretty colour"

 

[RENSHAW]

Don't bring your iPhone . Smile

Well , 11 years ago on my first camino , all the bars and some albergues had coin operated internet and there were internet cafes as well. Now with the Advent of WiFi , all those services are falling away. You need a Wi Fi phone more than ever now.
Back to Brother David's Thread .................. Cycling shorts to stop chaffing ....an awsome tip for those that have not walked such great distances.

 

[pilgrim b]

Well , 11 years ago on my first camino , all the bars and some albergues had coin operated internet and there were internet cafes as well. Now with the Advent of WiFi , all those services are falling away. You need a Wi Fi phone more than ever now.
Back to Brother David's Thread .................. Cycling shorts to stop chaffing ....an awsome tip for those that have not walked such great distances.

This is too much my mind is boggled painted nails and Lycra !! But I suppose its OK for Christmas Vicrev will love this he loves chaffing.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Probably similar to the advice given to me as a new mother (many years ago)
Listen to all the advice from everyone and then decide what is right for you and your (replace the word baby) time on the Camino

 

[gerardcarey]

wayfarer and gerard I think we are talking Buffs again aren't we?

On no! The word that must not be spoken.

 

[bimblingalong]

I agree with all of the above...... except maybe "paint nails with pretty colour"

...just helped to cover a few "blemishes", even managed to persuade a few fellow walkers to join in a purple nail celebration( both male & female!!) ...all a wee bit silly, but fun none the less ;-))

 

[Sraaen]

If you can swing the extra time, start in Dax or St. Palais in the Pyranees-Atlantique. It's a beautiful approach to the Pyranees and the St Palais to SJPdP takes you through where the Tours, Le Puy and Vezelay meet just outside of Ostabat.

 

[Gailsie]

Turn around once in awhile to see how far you come and appreciate what is behind you. I read it before my Camino Frances and remember several times looking back in wonder at how far I had come.