3 days to go!

[andywild]

Hi all, just a quickie,
I set off from Villafranca del Bierzo on Sunday with a plan to walk 9 shorter days.. there's a very strong chance I won't be getting anywhere near Santiago. This will be the first time I've walked and not ended at the cathedral and it just feels kind of... Odd? I'm not sure if I'm even walking a Camino or just going for a walk on a Camino route? I guess it doesn't really matter but just wondered if anyone else has had similar feelings?
Hugs
Andy x

 

[Bradypus]

The only time I've set off on a Camino in Spain knowing that my journey would end short of Santiago was when walking the Mozarabe from Malaga to Melide. I had already walked the VdlP so I had covered the route north from Melide already. That journey did have a different feel to it and I occasionally felt myself a bit of a fraud when asked if I was a pilgrim to Santiago. I think you are not alone in your feelings.

 

[FLEUR]

Our Camino Frances started in 2012 and was walked in stages each year until we completed in 2016. Each time we returned we were older and a little wiser.
It was a question of time / holiday limits.

 

[NomadBoomer]

Hi all, just a quickie,
I set off from Villafranca del Bierzo on Sunday with a plan to walk 9 shorter days.. there's a very strong chance I won't be getting anywhere near Santiago. This will be the first time I've walked and not ended at the cathedral and it just feels kind of... Odd? I'm not sure if I'm even walking a Camino or just going for a walk on a Camino route? I guess it doesn't really matter but just wondered if anyone else has had similar feelings?
Hugs
Andy x

Thanks for the post. Yeah I agree. I start in Sjpdp next month,but this time I can only spare around 21 days walking, with traveling from Australia and spending time with family in the UK.
Previously I have felt ít was important to me, to walk every step carrying my pack from my start to Santiago. This was my pilgrimage then. This time as I am finishing early as my friends walk on. I was thinking that this meant I could to do whatever I wanted as I wasn't doing a full Camino.
Your question about doing a walk on the Camino vs doing a Camino walk resonates with me and I'm going to think about that. My sense is that your intentions are the key. An open mindful walker for the last100km will gain more than a closed rigid 900km walker

 

[Leemac40]

I walked the Primitivo between COVID lockdowns and planned to finish in Lugo due to health issues, as I had arrived in Santiago before I didn't think it mattered. I felt I had somehow let myself down and did best myself up a bit about it, however afterthought allowed me to realise this was my Camino and all the experiences, friends and serenity I gained along the way were more important than walking into Santiago! I am starting my Camino again in 5 weeks, again won't be arriving into Santiago due to time constraints but plan to embrace every second of my experience with no judgement! Buen Camino for Sunday

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes, I have sometimes wondered if when I am walking, but not intending to end in Santiago eventually whether I am a pilgrim or just a hiker. I think it has to do with the feel of your walk and perhaps purpose? When I use a credential and stay in albergues I usually think of myself as a pilgrim. If I am in hotels, it is more difficult for me to feel the mindset.

 

[C clearly]

I don't make it to Santiago every year, but I still consider that I am en route to there. When someone asks if I'm going to Santiago, I answer "yes, but not this year."