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  1. Rick Chollett

    What exercises to do to strengthen lower back?

    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.
  2. Rick Chollett

    How the Camino can change your life: Personal experiences and expectations

    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...
  3. Rick Chollett

    How the Camino can change your life: Personal experiences and expectations

    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...
  4. Rick Chollett

    How the Camino can change your life: Personal experiences and expectations

    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!)...
  5. Rick Chollett

    Are you planning your (next) camino? Well, I am

    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.
  6. Rick Chollett

    Hands up! Where are forum members from?

    TEXAS!
  7. Rick Chollett

    Just how difficult is the Camino Norte ?

    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...
  8. Rick Chollett

    To Orisson or not to Orisson

    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!
  9. Rick Chollett

    Paris to St. Jean Transportation

    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.
  10. Rick Chollett

    Fast and Furious or Slow and Steady?

    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...
  11. Rick Chollett

    What made you pick your 2nd or next camino choice?

    My second is coming up in April 2024! A friend (from Brazil) whom I met on my first wants to walk the del Norte so she's meeting me in Spain to begin!
  12. Rick Chollett

    A young girl gave me a euro

    Many cathedrals allow you to light a candle for someone and ask a donation in return. I'd donate it and light one for her.
  13. Rick Chollett

    Anyone "Gut Train" with Kimchi/Sauerkraut pre-Camino?

    I've never heard of "gut training" but I make my own sauerkraut and it is amazing!
  14. Rick Chollett

    Honoring the Memory of a Loved One: Walking the Camino

    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.
  15. Rick Chollett

    The Camino Isn’t A Pilgrimage Anymore

    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.
  16. Rick Chollett

    Is it okay to want to walk the Frances alone?

    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!
  17. Rick Chollett

    What I Learned from Walking Alone

    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.
  18. Rick Chollett

    COVID US citizens made it into Spain with CDC Cards!

    What about those who enter Spain from France by walking from SJPP? Is there anyone checking documentation?
  19. IMG_20180512_160559.jpg

    IMG_20180512_160559.jpg

    I want to go back!
  20. Rick Chollett

    How many pairs of shoes did you go through?

    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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