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I have a herniated disc and when I walked the Frances my back did not give me any problems at all. When I told my doctor about it he said that carrying a pack and walking were great for my back.
I believe the "bad" memories make us appreciate how we've improved our life situation. I also have some bad ones from other trips when I was with my alcoholic spouse. Travelling solo is (for me at least) very liberating. I love being able to not plan everything and consult with someone who...
After SJPP to Sarria I did get annoyed at first by the increase in crowds. But I came to the conclusion that many have that we all walk our own walk and that I shouldn't be upset with those whose life situation is different from my own. Some can only get time off work to walk the Sarria part. I...
I walked with the goal of leaving a token on the altar in Santiago that belonged to my daughter who passed away. I wasn't sure what "to expect" from a Camino. I watched the movie The Way before going. My biggest expectations were beautiful scenery and to lose some weight (both were destined!)...
I walked the Frances years ago and have wanted to go back ever since. This April I will walk the del Norte with a friend I met on the Frances and one of my brothers.
I'll be 59 this year and will be walking del Norte next April with my brother (64) and a friend from Brazil (29). My strategy is to go slow and enjoy the walk. I walked the Frances a few years ago and feel like I walked too fast and didn't enjoy it as much as I could have. So I will have to do...
I believe it's best to make a reservation at Orisson if you want to stay there. I was very lucky that a bed opened (cancellation) and it was without a doubt the best stay I had on the entire Camino!
Rome2Rio site will give you several options. I use it often when I'm in Europe. IF you arrive in SJPP late at night it will be difficult to find lodging as everything closes early. I had to sleep in the campground with a blanket and tarp and it was quite cold in April when I went.
When I started I was all about going "fast and furious" until I finally realized that it wasn't enjoyable. I still had the military mindset of "get there fast" in my head. I hard a talk with myself and said, "Hey, why are you in a hurry?" Then I decided that going slower was best for me as I...
I walked it in 2018 for my daughter who passed away in 2015. I carried a token of hers and left it on the altar. I too lit candles along the Way and when I was in Rome.
It's what you make of it. For me it was a healing and closure type walk that was religious in context. I walked from SJPP to Santiago to place a memento on the altar from my youngest daughter that had passed away. For some it's a cheap hike. For others it's just something to do.
I went by myself when I did it. And you are never truly alone unless you make an effort to do so. There are so many others walking as well. As for anything "wrong" with it; absolutely not!
I walked "alone" in 2018 after my divorce (29 years married). I got in touch with myself and met so many people. I am very comfortable being alone but still enjoy time with the kids and grandchildren. But I cherish my alone time and self reflection.
I bought a pair of hiking shoes from Walmart prior to my Camino. I broke them in over a month and a half in Croatia, Rome and France. They survived the entire walk and I finally threw them away a few months after I returned home as the soles were beginning to split. And they only cost me $21!
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