lawrence graves
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- camino frances (2013)
friends, i recently completed the camino frances going from sjpdp to santiago and i have to say it was an amazing journey. if you are considering going, jump in the pool, is my advice. i have no regrets about my 40 days on the camino but there are some things i would have done differently. first, i would have gotten in better shape physically. i am 66 but in recent years have limited physical activity to a mile and a half walk a day, not near enough. i should have walked 8-10 miles a day with a loaded pack to get in shape, especially my feet. also i think i would have done some weight lifting, not heavy, but enough to build up legs, shoulders, and arms. secondly, and i am embarrassed to admit this, but i should have learned spanish. i spent six weeks in italy and learned enough italian before i went to give me confidence. i should have made the same commitment in spain. thirdly like most peregrinos my back pack had too much stuff. a heavy back pack contributed my feet woes. all of that said, my camino was the most satisfying adventure of my life. the people i met along the way, the wonderful times of solitude i spent, the food and culture of spain, and the religious experience i had made all of the pain worthwhile. one of the things i would do on the camino was get up early and start my walk in the dark, finding the yellow arrows by flashlight, and then walking in the dark with just me and the stars above. incidentally, i lost 25 pounds to boot. buen camino
But seriously, I am so glad that it was a such a good experience for you and that you have gained so much to compensate for what you have lost.
