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We must be almost exactly the same age, Doug. I've been slowing down for 5 years now and on quite a few Caminos I've had to accept that I couldn't make it all the way. I go back later and do a bit more. Today I've finished one I started last March in Terradillos, gave up in Ponferrada and again...
I always find that I start having reasons for postponing or not starting. Always. They become more persuasive the closer my starting date is. In the end I just go. Yes the others are right: a few steps on the Camino and you know that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
Buen Camino.
Great post. In this forum you will come across, "You must do your own Camino" but your post also confirms for me that we can share so much as well and that, in particular, we can share in our Camino experiences "That the love of God seeks us in every situation and seeks the good in us." Thank you.
I'd go fot the Via de la Plata. It is a different Camino experience. I live in Extremadura, an outstanding region of history, beauty and unspoiled nature. It was my first Camino.
Danelio, the boatman on the Camino between Rome and Santiago, has been ferrying pilgrims up and down the River Po on the Via Francigena, for many years now. His records show a steady rise in the popularity of this ancient pilgrim path. Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury took such a crossing...
In Spain the Veterinarios also do pest control. I have had vets in to treat my woodworm, presumably putting them down humanely. They were very helpful on the Camino del Norte with bed bugs, have experience of eradicating them and I, like you, found pharmacies clueless.
My first Camino was the Via de La Plata - from Seville. I had no idea what it would involve when I started and thought I would never manage a back-pack. This beautiful route is now well served with albergues and is not too busy. You would certainly meet people in May. It follows the Roman...
Last month on the Camino Francés I heard quite a few solo pilgrims singing Taizè chants. Indeed after a stay in the parish albergue in Villamayor de Monjardin which offers a cosy, atmospheric night prayers, I had the Taizè chant, "Laudate Omnes Gentes" going through my head for days. Maybe...
I think it would be a shame to miss out this delightful song sung by an 87 year old who recalls it from his childhood. He expressed surprise when I wasn't familiar with it - it may be well known, I don't know, but this moment filled me with joy and still does. Just click the you tube on this...
I think that the Via de La Plata is now very well resourced and there are no longer any 37 km days. Each year it is seeing more pilgrims and new albergues have opened in places like Monesterio and Carcaboso. The day via Capara in the north of Extremadura is still long but can be broken by...
I admire your detachment, annelise. I, too, realise the huge inner, mental change in leaving the camera behind, but only recognise this since I am forgetful and sometimes leave it behind. However, for my next camino, at least, I will take it. It is a letting go to work upon. Meanwhile I...
As you will see elsewhere on the forum, many people have a sense of "what now?" after the Camino. Many Europeans I have met have return by rail or road saying flying is just too fast. Others prefer to wind down gently if they have the opportunity because what is certain is that a Camino often...
I knocked off work about 3 o'clock and sat on a sofa until just before 5pm. Then I went outside and discovered a path which leads to many places. It is so wonderful I don't want to leave it but there are sometimes other things to be done. However, I am sure this path is my journey to midnight...
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