Advice needed: go now or wait until I have more time?

[Arlene73]

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

[wayfarer]

Seize the moment for we know not what lies ahead. IMO you should walk now, you can always walk again later when you have more time. Whatever you decide have a Buen Camino.

 

[Travellingman]

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time she is a flying.
That same flower which blooms today,
Tomorrow will be dying".
Robert Herrick.

Do it, Arlene; Leon - SdC is a nice 2/3 week walk - then you can do the full route next year.
Leave it, and you'll wish you had gone for it. Just my twopennorth, of course.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

You are being called to go on this journey. Just go. You will not regret it, but if you don't go, you will always regret it!

 

[Arlene73]

Thanks...a bunch of things have come together to make this seem like the right time. I'm a little worried about training time/ breaking in shoes, etc. but I'm definitely inclined to 'seize the day' as you all suggest.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Hi Arlene, I would say go for it, from Leon is it a 2/3 week walk to Santiago. And when you have more time you can come back to the Camino and begin your second journey in Sjpdp. . I wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

now.
3 weeks is more than enough, it's not about walking from France. set shorter stages, specially at the beginning (maybe start at Sahagún, or Burgos), if you think you haven't 'trained enough'. BUEN CAMINO!

 

[jdpiguet]

Thanks...a bunch of things have come together to make this seem like the right time. I'm a little worried about training time/ breaking in shoes, etc. but I'm definitely inclined to 'seize the day' as you all suggest.

Forget the training, get a backpack, put a pair of shoes you feel well in and book your flight!

3 weeks is enough to start slowly, to reach Santiago, may be even a short visit to Muxia...

If you need anything, Leon, Astoria, Ponferada and... have plenty of shops to refurbish your équipement!

As we say in french: when such a good occasion runs around, catch it by the hairs, so it does not go away...

Buen Camino,
Jacques-D.

 

[Bella lime]

Dear Arlene

I am in the same boat. I've been working like crazy and haven't come to a standstill and something just drove me to get a ticket and land in Spain. Now or never. I have 3 weeks and will hopefully start in San Sebastian. I got my shoes a day before flying out. I firmly reckon that one day is now. ( but that is just me.) This will be my first Camino or part of it and I realised when I landed I am doing it for me and to take it at my own pace. I'm nervous although I've travelled a fair bit but this is something I've never done before. I'm not a walker at all!

Have an amazing time and Then Camino!!

Bella

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

[Bella lime]

Dear Arlene

I am in the same boat. I've been working like crazy and haven't come to a standstill and something just drove me to get a ticket and land in Spain. Now or never. I have 3 weeks and will hopefully start in San Sebastian. I got my shoes a day before flying out. I firmly reckon that one day is now. ( but that is just me.) This will be my first Camino or part of it and I realised when I landed I am doing it for me and to take it at my own pace. I'm nervous although I've travelled a fair bit but this is something I've never done before. I'm not a walker at all!

Have an amazing time and Then Camino!!

Bella

Buen Camino

 

[GettingThere]

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Go now, Arlene! You don't have long to prepare but that's fine - just start off slowly with short days and build up from there. If you don't yet have the shoes you want to walk in get them now and break them in as much as possible before you go, and get properly fitted with a good pack. But definitely do it! It will be great if you can go back for a longer Camino next year - but you never know what might happen and if these 3 weeks have just suddenly materialised, I say go with it!

Buen Camino

 

[Arlene73]

@Arlene73

I always think that the two most important things to bring on any Camino is TIME & MONEY. Too many peregrinos are rushed because they don´t have enough time to walk what they wanna walk. And too many peregrinos are on a very tight budget. IMHO I think it´s better to come when one has enough time to walk what they wanna walk and better to come when one has the money needed and can spend without thinking ...... "I´m running low on cash."

The Camino is a life time adventure for most. It´s better to walk it in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Whatever you decide , do enjoy your walk.

Ondo Ibili !

Thanks for presenting the other side of the argument. I see that point too and definitely wouldn't want to feel rushed. (I'm ok with budget.) I figure if rather start in Leon and make sure I have enough time built in to make sure I'm not racing, than to try to squeeze as much distance as possible in the three weeks.

 

[Mike Savage]

I agree. Start in León and head West in no particular hurry. Enjoy the journey and if you can come back at a later date you can then enjoy that journey too.

Buen Camino!

 

[scruffy1]

Carpe Diem!

 

[Travellingman]

@Arlene73

I always think that the two most important things to bring on any Camino is TIME & MONEY. Too many peregrinos are rushed because they don´t have enough time to walk what they wanna walk. And too many peregrinos are on a very tight budget. IMHO I think it´s better to come when one has enough time to walk what they wanna walk and better to come when one has the money needed and can spend without thinking ...... "I´m running low on cash."

The Camino is a life time adventure for most. It´s better to walk it in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Whatever you decide , do enjoy your walk.

Ondo Ibili !

Well, that's OK up to a point, but those of us who came to the camino later in life don't have so much time left.
Of course the camino will still be there next year, and in future years, but I might not be!! So definitely a case of gathering rosebuds today, despite time and money constraints.......

 

[Ajrk]

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

I would definitely go, I have a month off early 2016 and I am making plans for my camino , but March gone I had a few unexpected days off and decided on very short notice to sample the camino .I just went from SJPDP to Roncesvalles and the Napoleon route was closed due to bad weather but I was told it was clear as far as Orrison so day one I walked to Orrison and back to SJPDP in splendid weather I had the road to myself the whole day stayed overnight in SJPDP then took the Valcarlos route to Roncesvalles stayed overnight then back to SJPDP it was an amazing few days I have fallen in Love with SJPDP best decision I have ever made and can't wait to start out for real next time

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Well, that's OK up to a point, but those of us who came to the camino later in life don't have so much time left.
Of course the camino will still be there next year, and in future years, but I might not be!! So definitely a case of gathering rosebuds today, despite time and money constraints.......

Absolutely right, Travellingman.
I walked my first camino in 2011 when I was 71, and have walked one each year since then.
I now have pains in both feet - enough to make me limp. They started on May 16th when I was on the lonely Ruta del Ebro. [Camino Diary 5 - on my web site.]
Now they are still painful almost three months later, and I fear that may be my last Camino.
But - hey! God is good! We will wait and see what plans He has for me!
Onwards and upwards - ultreya!

 

[William Garza]

Things have fallen in place for a reason
Time and place are,lined up
Some moments are so fleeting,so beautiful a chance to do..instead of wish.
That regret may rear ugly head if you pass it on.
Good luck!

 

[acadiejd]

Go for it! Don't wait. I too had been thinking of doing it for over ten years. A health scare (eye problems) last fall was the kick I needed, to make My Camino happen. I will turn 61 on the Camino in September. So get out there and buy good, good hiking shoes (boots) and start walking asap. The rest will fall into place. Buena suerte!

 

[sempervivum]

Being your first camino experience is precisely the reason you should start walking the Camino this year, when you think and feel like doing it in those 3 weeks, before anything else. You could have more time some day or you could not, as you already know - you waited for 10 years to get closer to this experience. Now you are closer than ever and you didn't do much for it to happen. It is your turn to finish the things.

 

[Kanga]

Leon to Santiago! Go for it. Start at the Cathedral in Leon, one of the joys of the Camino.

 

[Cailin O Eire]

Two words for you: GO NOW.

There is an old saying 'never look a gift horse in the mouth', so seize this opportunity.

Let me wish you a Buen Camino
Rita

 

[enerol]

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Hello all, I've been feeling the pull to do the camino since my first visit to northern Spain 10 years ago. It has really intensified over the last year and I've been trying to plan a time when I can take a full six weeks and get the most from the experience. All of a sudden, I find myself with 3 weeks off this August and other personal reasons have really got me thinking that I should just go now. That said, with the shorter time frame, I'd probably plan to start in Leon. My question is: for my first camino experience, is it better to wait until I can take more time and start in SJPDP or Pamplona (which might not be for another year or more?) Another factor is that with August just around the corner, I won't really have time for much training... Thanks for any advice you can offer.

how do you know you will have a "later time"??

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Go. 3 weeks is actually a long time. Start in SJPP like you want to and walk as far as you can, than bus or train to where you fly back home from. As for training: what do you think the first days are in relation to the upcoming ones! My only issue would be the heat. i would not be able to cope woth it, but if heat is not an issue... Go for it, and finish next year.

 

[Jim Kavanagh]

Just a word of caution if you go now. Spain is very hot in August. If you are not used to walking and not from a hot country where you are used to the heat, the Camino can be quite gruelling. The Spaniards walk mostly in August and July and the Camino can be quite crowded. If you do go Buen Camino but be sure to put Vaseline on your feet. And always have plenty of water.