LauraK
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Leon-Santiago (2004) Roncesvalles-Leon (2006) Camino Frances (2012) Kumano Kodo-Japan (2014) Camino Sanabres/Salamanca-Santiago (March 2015) Camino Del Salvador and Camino Primativo (Oct 2015)
Need some advice/suggestions on my route:
My Experience: I have walked 7 Caminos since 2004. Last time on the Frances was January 2012. Since then have walked part of VDLP, Sanabres, Salvador, Primitivo (2x). Last walk in Early April 2017. So have all my equipment and lots of experience.
My Situation: I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in April 2022. I finished chemotherapy in October 2022 and just received my 3rd PET scan since last October with “no evidence of disease” not remission since those little suckers are hiding out somewhere (cancer cells). I am currently on daily chemo pills and infusions every 6 weeks. I finally felt strong again in late August. I have been taking care of other family members, retired from work and basically have a “power through it” mentality so no real time for reflection on my next phase of life. I decided I was strong enough to do a much needed Camino. I have been walking up to 12 miles… feel I can do much more in a day with rests. I have gone on every previous Camino with no expectations-just cleared my head and started walking. I always got exactly what I needed from each Camino that shaped my life and changed me.
My requirements: since I am anemic and have a low red blood cell count from my medications, I will walk slower than I used to do. I will need rests along the way (5-15 minutes). I would like the option to have shorter days or a rest day since I don’t know how my body will react to multiple days of long distances(I am strong so I do think I will be fine just considering all possibilities). I had planned to do the Frances starting in Leon on October 21. I gave myself 20 walking days… if I’m fast, I will walk on to Finisterre and Muxia (never did this part before). I chose the Frances because there is more infrastructure and I thought it would be fitting since I did this walk on my first Camino in 2004 and this will probably be my last one. I do love the scenery, symbolism and ending in Santiago.
My Dilemma: I will be arriving in Leon next Wednesday with a rest day planned for Thursday. I need to be in Madrid on November 11. After reading all the posts on the number of pilgrims on the Frances, I am not sure I want to walk with a lot of people passing me by and hearing “Buen Camino” every few steps (my walking becomes a quiet meditation) or worry about finding a bed. I will be walking with my pack and have flexibility but don’t want to be in a situation where I have to walk further or take a taxi. Most of my walks have been late late fall or winter with very few people. I like walking alone but do enjoy a shared dinner at night.
Your Recommendations: can you experienced pilgrims provide suggestions on what starting point or different Camino would meet my needs? I will be walking in November so need to know albergues, pension or hotel will be open (planning on staying in albergues). I know I can’t do a difficult Camino like the Primitivo. I appreciate any thoughts, recommendations or advice you can give me. It’s rare for me to ask for help…but I think your sage advice would really help me. I keep telling myself just go and see how it works out but I really need to clear my head and I’m feeling nervous about the crowds I keep reading about. Thank you.
My Experience: I have walked 7 Caminos since 2004. Last time on the Frances was January 2012. Since then have walked part of VDLP, Sanabres, Salvador, Primitivo (2x). Last walk in Early April 2017. So have all my equipment and lots of experience.
My Situation: I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in April 2022. I finished chemotherapy in October 2022 and just received my 3rd PET scan since last October with “no evidence of disease” not remission since those little suckers are hiding out somewhere (cancer cells). I am currently on daily chemo pills and infusions every 6 weeks. I finally felt strong again in late August. I have been taking care of other family members, retired from work and basically have a “power through it” mentality so no real time for reflection on my next phase of life. I decided I was strong enough to do a much needed Camino. I have been walking up to 12 miles… feel I can do much more in a day with rests. I have gone on every previous Camino with no expectations-just cleared my head and started walking. I always got exactly what I needed from each Camino that shaped my life and changed me.
My requirements: since I am anemic and have a low red blood cell count from my medications, I will walk slower than I used to do. I will need rests along the way (5-15 minutes). I would like the option to have shorter days or a rest day since I don’t know how my body will react to multiple days of long distances(I am strong so I do think I will be fine just considering all possibilities). I had planned to do the Frances starting in Leon on October 21. I gave myself 20 walking days… if I’m fast, I will walk on to Finisterre and Muxia (never did this part before). I chose the Frances because there is more infrastructure and I thought it would be fitting since I did this walk on my first Camino in 2004 and this will probably be my last one. I do love the scenery, symbolism and ending in Santiago.
My Dilemma: I will be arriving in Leon next Wednesday with a rest day planned for Thursday. I need to be in Madrid on November 11. After reading all the posts on the number of pilgrims on the Frances, I am not sure I want to walk with a lot of people passing me by and hearing “Buen Camino” every few steps (my walking becomes a quiet meditation) or worry about finding a bed. I will be walking with my pack and have flexibility but don’t want to be in a situation where I have to walk further or take a taxi. Most of my walks have been late late fall or winter with very few people. I like walking alone but do enjoy a shared dinner at night.
Your Recommendations: can you experienced pilgrims provide suggestions on what starting point or different Camino would meet my needs? I will be walking in November so need to know albergues, pension or hotel will be open (planning on staying in albergues). I know I can’t do a difficult Camino like the Primitivo. I appreciate any thoughts, recommendations or advice you can give me. It’s rare for me to ask for help…but I think your sage advice would really help me. I keep telling myself just go and see how it works out but I really need to clear my head and I’m feeling nervous about the crowds I keep reading about. Thank you.