Jeff Johnston
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francis (2017)
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I have been in the planning and learning stage here now for a couple months. Have been busy researching equipment and am actually purchasing items now, even though I am not planning to do my Camino until Sept 2017.
However, I am beginning to have a few reservations. I am not so much worrying about meeting my expectations (because up til now I had none). With the intense numbers of pilgrims currently (and not seeming to decrease in quantity) my new found expectations are somewhat frightening:
I am 72 currently (73 at Camino time). I do not travel fast; I love to "smell the roses"; I do not want to race for beds; I do not want to be constantly surrounded by scores of other pilgrims (desire some solitude); I cannot stand being in a que for ever. I cannot do a winter pilgrimage; at my age cold seems really cold.
I would like to meet others, walk with some for hours, move on or fall back, meet others again, etc. This is far more important to me than having constant hoards of folk who are too often in one another's way. I am far from being a wall flower and I do not dislike people. But, too much of anything can make it unpleasant rather than pleasant. I am social, but dislike the madness of masses.
I have read two blogs today where the blogger was leaving the CF after 6-8 days due to the crowding. And am reading numerous posts here about bed shortages, being full by 1400, etc.
Am I being too concerned with the large numbers situation? Should I consider other routes? Or,.......
Buen Camino
One thing to consider is this year the Pope declared a Holy Year of Mercy. The numbers on the camino go up significantly (almost double) during Holy Years. You can expect the numbers to go down next year.
Do you think that's because people want to earn the plenary indulgence or, more touristically, just because they want to enter through the special door?
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.But this Camino will not be the same. I was looking forward to writing about it and having my mother take part as a virtual pilgrim tracking my path through my words and photos. But she suddenly died just three weeks ago. She will be with me in my heart but how I wish she could still be here.
Hope I qualify - 73 at start!
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