First timer.

[Terry Howell]

First time pilgrim first time writing.

I will be doing the CF from SJPDP, August 17th
A bit nervous I must admit.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi Terry, and welcome to this Forum.

Nothing to be nervous about, though being nervous is perfectly respectable and common to most of us. I still get nervous in the run-up to the next one. Had a full blown panic attack at Paddington on my first venture. Got lost in StJdP, had to sit and reconsider at Arneguy and arrived in Valcarlos in a muck-sweat. Where a very friendly barman called the Hospitalera to get the access code for the Albergue, poured me a beer and told me I would be fine. He was right, I was.

And as a by-the-by at that time I was a veteran long-distance hiker, trekker and familiar with Spain since the 1960's.

There's something about the camino that gets under your skin. Hey, if you weren't nervous I would suggest that you haven't thought about this enough yet

Buen camino peregrino

 

[Mike Savage]

Welcome Terry, of course you are nervous; it is your first Camino, there are so many unknowns, and you want everything to go well. Rest assured this is normal and shows that walking the Camino is important to you and has some meaning for you. Enjoy the feeling and the experience. Many thousands walk each year and many thousands survive it and I would guess most of those look back at it as a positive experience. Many people enjoy it so much that they end up going back and walking again.

I wish you safe travels and Buen Camino!

 

[forrestroze]

Hi Terry - I just finished the CF yesterday (still in Santiago right now)! Nerves are definitely to be expected at first, but don't worry, you'll get into the routine, you'll realize you really can do it, and you will meet some wonderful people. Your nerves will happily be replaced by talking with your new Camino friends about all types of foot issues. Have fun and buen Camino!

 

[Phil W]

First time pilgrim first time writing.

I will be doing the CF from SJPDP, August 17th
A bit nervous I must admit.

Hi Terry, I felt the same way last year. Was wondering if this was the right thing to do. My experience tells me that it was the right thing to do. Was it hard? Yes. The kindness of other pilgrims, Hospitaleros, and the Spanish people was phenomenal. I liked it so much that my wife and I are planning to return in December.
Phil

 

[HedaP]

Scary fun! It's my motto. Best way to start.

 

[Terry Howell]

Scary fun! It's my motto. Best way to start.

 

[Terry Howell]

Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement. I hope to give a positive report by the end September, of my great Camino experiences.

 

[steve 217]

Hi Terry
I remember being completely terrified the night before setting off to such an extent i didnt sleep a wink and was relieved to set off ,
Go with it all will work out in the long run , enjoy yourself open yourself to everything the Camino offers .
Buen camino