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Yes, it is a good choice. I see on your profile that you are thinking of October. That is also a great time to walk. Where are you thinking of starting, and how much time will you have?I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie?
Agency planning and luggage transfer are two different services. You can easily do your own planning and still use luggage transfer.I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues
We have had a lot of recent threads in which the issue is hotly discussed. Frankly, this business of who is shaming whom is getting quite confusing (and tiresome). Shamers seem to exist on both sides of the luggage transfer question. You need to decide what is best for you and then do it with confidence and courtesy, ignoring people who say stupid or rude things. Many people use luggage transfer, especially on the Camino FrancesI do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think?
Someone will be along soon to make some suggestions. However, keep in mind...can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated!
I've only met one person with a backpack that approached that kind of weight, and by the time he got to Pamplona he not only sent most of it on to Santiago he also bought a smaller, lighter pack. There's no need to carry more than about 15 lbs.and they were immensely happy and spoke in same glowing terms about thier expeience as someone with a 50lb backpack.
Yes.Is this a good choice for a newbie?
There 's no shame for taking care of your back. The Frances is one Camino you can easily do if you need the service of a pack transporter - there is more than one.Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think?
I'm not much help here, but they are likely all pretty much the same. Reputation has it that they are not kind to packs, same as baggage handlers. Just so you know.Also, can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it?
Don't let anyone "shame" you, if you need to use pack transport for medical reasons, there's no shame at all !!Hi all of you amazing folks. Love the spirit of love & guidance in these forums. I need advice. I’m a 60 yr old female. I’m healthy but have issues with my cervical spine that would cause issues carrying a heavy back pack. I’ve been praying about doing the Camino Frances alone. I lost both of my parents this past year and have been feeling quite untethered. I’ve been led over & over to doing the Camino. I’ve read sooo much and watched tons of you tubes. I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie? Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums.
Go for it. Use the Correos for cheap and reliable luggage transfer. Use Booking.com for your stays ( free cancellation). Book Orisson on their website well in advance - great night assured and views! the late John Brierley ’s guidebook is better than most and very pocketable. Buen Camino .Ps we, a group of 74 yrs plus, are walking the Frances. No problems. Take your time and take a local bus or taxi to cut down the longer stretches. Buen Camino.Hi all of you amazing folks. Love the spirit of love & guidance in these forums. I need advice. I’m a 60 yr old female. I’m healthy but have issues with my cervical spine that would cause issues carrying a heavy back pack. I’ve been praying about doing the Camino Frances alone. I lost both of my parents this past year and have been feeling quite untethered. I’ve been led over & over to doing the Camino. I’ve read sooo much and watched tons of you tubes. I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie? Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think? Also, can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated! Cindy
Or just split them over 2-3 days.Take your time and take a local bus or taxi to cut down the longer stretches
I was going to suggest the trailer also. These can be connected to hip belt to leave your hands free for trekking poles etc. Try the poles to determine how much load they might take off your spine.Hi Izzy. Good post; your losses, your back, how brave and positive you are, lovely ... I certainly hope that you will not get any 'shaming' on here!
I would always advise the Frances - well, what to say? If you feel called, and you do, then I think that a tour company would not be a good thing for you - if you pilgrimage then I do think you have to go at your own pace, stop where you will, where that inner voice tells you to, and so on - and you don't know who you are going to meet - what happens if you meet a person who has suffered the same loss that you have and you want to walk with them for a few days at a different pace?
I haven't used baggage services so don't know much about them but I think they are all the way down the Frances Camino and easy to book, and cheap too - others will know.
I know that your situation is different, body limitations, but it is common to have a pre Camino fear that one wouldn't be able to cope, would be lonely, and so on and therefore lean towards the 'safety' of a planned tour whereas the opposite is true - if one is open - the Frances is well used, with lots of refugios and places to eat ... in a way you are 'gifted' a group of pilgrims from day one, as they start on the same day as you (if you don't like them take a day off and pick up another group) ... and it is quite outstanding how many lifelong friendships are made and also how the group dynamics can produce caring and support ... so I would say do not be afraid, if you are called then someone else walks with you already - so maybe not a guided planned tour but baggage services along the way?
I don't know if you have considered it but there may be another option - a hiking trailer, as long as it isn't a monowheel design as they are awful as the design leaves half the weight on your body, but a two wheel design that has the load over the two wheels, leaving almost nothing on the hipbelt. Radical Design sell them but their absolutely brilliant build quality and design is reflected in their price - https://www.radicaldesign.com/walking-trailers/wheelie-walking-trailers
I see that you are in the USA .. I was hoping that you were UK based as I would offer you my trailer - no weight or stress on the back whatsoever and complete timeline independence.
This is mine (modelled by a friend) though I have now put larger spoked wheels on it.
View attachment 151919
I think that you will get many supportive responses and good advice too, for all options - this has only been my personal opinion and there will be members who always use guided tours and think they are wonderful, so take in all the information and decide what is best for you (I know you will anyway).
And later - will you let us know what you decided, how it went (let alone how you got through airport metal detectors)
I much prefer Borda to Orisson.Well, musicman, not everyone knows about Borda since it is rather new. Have you stayed there? I have stayed in both Orisson and Borda and so I recommended Borda, just like you recommended Orisson.
There was nothing about one upping anyones advice as you so rudely commented. I was trying to be helpful with another suggestion.
This is an excellent suggestion. Most people "know the ropes" by the 3d day to the 2nd week and are fine on their own. You'll meet more experienced pilgrims on the trail, as well, who can help you. Plus as trecile said, October should be easy. Not so many pilgrims. My experience when I'm not leading a group and walking alone is that if I arrive at my destination by 2 or 2:30 pm, there's almost always a bed. If not, just ask the hospitalera/o to suggest a place or nab a bus/taxi to the next village.You could book with a company for the first week, then as you decide how far you are able to walk each day you can start making your own bookings a day or two ahead. This should be pretty easy to do in October. As others have mentioned it's quite easy to book your pack transfer on a day by day basis. I think that this hybrid approach could work very well for you. And we forum members are here to help you plan your stages and answer questions on how to book places.
Here's a good post about the pros and cons of booking with an agency.
Having everything booked for you can cause problems and stress that you may not have considered.
I want one of these trailers nowHi Izzy. Good post; your losses, your back, how brave and positive you are, lovely ... I certainly hope that you will not get any 'shaming' on here!
I would always advise the Frances - well, what to say? If you feel called, and you do, then I think that a tour company would not be a good thing for you - if you pilgrimage then I do think you have to go at your own pace, stop where you will, where that inner voice tells you to, and so on - and you don't know who you are going to meet - what happens if you meet a person who has suffered the same loss that you have and you want to walk with them for a few days at a different pace?
I haven't used baggage services so don't know much about them but I think they are all the way down the Frances Camino and easy to book, and cheap too - others will know.
I know that your situation is different, body limitations, but it is common to have a pre Camino fear that one wouldn't be able to cope, would be lonely, and so on and therefore lean towards the 'safety' of a planned tour whereas the opposite is true - if one is open - the Frances is well used, with lots of refugios and places to eat ... in a way you are 'gifted' a group of pilgrims from day one, as they start on the same day as you (if you don't like them take a day off and pick up another group) ... and it is quite outstanding how many lifelong friendships are made and also how the group dynamics can produce caring and support ... so I would say do not be afraid, if you are called then someone else walks with you already - so maybe not a guided planned tour but baggage services along the way?
I don't know if you have considered it but there may be another option - a hiking trailer, as long as it isn't a monowheel design as they are awful as the design leaves half the weight on your body, but a two wheel design that has the load over the two wheels, leaving almost nothing on the hipbelt. Radical Design sell them but their absolutely brilliant build quality and design is reflected in their price - https://www.radicaldesign.com/walking-trailers/wheelie-walking-trailers
I see that you are in the USA .. I was hoping that you were UK based as I would offer you my trailer - no weight or stress on the back whatsoever and complete timeline independence.
This is mine (modelled by a friend) though I have now put larger spoked wheels on it.
View attachment 151919
I think that you will get many supportive responses and good advice too, for all options - this has only been my personal opinion and there will be members who always use guided tours and think they are wonderful, so take in all the information and decide what is best for you (I know you will anyway).
And later - will you let us know what you decided, how it went (let alone how you got through airport metal detectors)
No shame at all in using a baggage service especially when you have physical issues and glad so many have affirmed that. But the people who have weighed in against the tour companies have a good point. Their goal is to make a profit and they will push you toward (more expensive) accommodations that enable them to maximize it. They are unlikely to direct you to donativos and places with communal meals that don’t provide them with commissions if you want experiences along those lines.Hi all of you amazing folks. Love the spirit of love & guidance in these forums. I need advice. I’m a 60 yr old female. I’m healthy but have issues with my cervical spine that would cause issues carrying a heavy back pack. I’ve been praying about doing the Camino Frances alone. I lost both of my parents this past year and have been feeling quite untethered. I’ve been led over & over to doing the Camino. I’ve read sooo much and watched tons of you tubes. I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie? Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think? Also, can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated! Cindy
Luggage transfer is such an easy thing to manage you dont need anyone to organise this for you.Hi all of you amazing folks. Love the spirit of love & guidance in these forums. I need advice. I’m a 60 yr old female. I’m healthy but have issues with my cervical spine that would cause issues carrying a heavy back pack. I’ve been praying about doing the Camino Frances alone. I lost both of my parents this past year and have been feeling quite untethered. I’ve been led over & over to doing the Camino. I’ve read sooo much and watched tons of you tubes. I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie? Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think? Also, can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated! Cindy
Well, I have to disagree here. I run groups and my goal is to pay for my own Camino, and for my time, period. I figure I "make" less than $2/hour so if that's a profit, I'll take it.No shame at all in using a baggage service especially when you have physical issues and glad so many have affirmed that. But the people who have weighed in against the tour companies have a good point. Their goal is to make a profit and they will push you toward (more expensive) accommodations that enable them to maximize it. They are unlikely to direct you to donativos and places with communal meals that don’t provide them with commissions if you want experiences along those lines.
If you haven’t already, read Brierly which is an excellent for providing overall context for beginners. Then look at gronze.com (most comprehensive/up to date on accommodations), the Buen Camino app (almost as good/helpful maps), and wisepilgrim.com (less complete and not as up to date but more readable/some helpful detail). Taking time with those four resources should provide most of the information you need about the difficulty of stages and accommodation options in each place for you to decide for yourself what you can physically manage, where to stay, and how much you want to spend better than someone else will -- and help you begin visualizing how to plan your own camino. Start there, then if you do have a more specific question you can search for previous posts, ask a question here, or do a detailed internet search.
Start out slow with distances within your comfort zone and if you’re nervous about it, maybe book the first 5-7 days so you don’t have to deal with the anxiety of finding a place (especially if starting in St. Jean). But after several days of walking in October you’ll see enough empty beds and probably grow more comfortable with planning a stop only a day or two in advance rather than locking yourself into an entire itinerary that will limit your flexibility – and perhaps even enable you to take detours off the main route you would never have anticipated. I hope the camino brings you healing and peace as it has for so many of us. Buen Camino.
Thank you, Jodean. I didn't know about Borda and it is good to have another option as I hear that Orisson is VERY difficult to communicate with and causes much anxiety as to whether you have a bed for the night or have to press on.Well, musicman, not everyone knows about Borda since it is rather new. Have you stayed there? I have stayed in both Orisson and Borda and so I recommended Borda, just like you recommended Orisson.
There was nothing about one upping anyones advice as you so rudely commented. I was trying to be helpful with another suggestion.
Thank you for not bringing your snoring self into the dorms! I am the same, I try to book our own private room for my husband and myself as he is a dreadful snorer and I don't like to inflict his noise onto other poor innocent pilgrims! It is easy to do this yourself without needing a company to do the bookings if you are happy to spend the time doing some research but it seems that you are pretty happy having someone else do the logistics freeing you up to just enjoy the walk. It is a good option, especially for busy people who don't have hours to spend in the planning stage and don't want to just wing it.I’ve done 4 caminos and used Walk the Camino 3 times very satisfactorily for me as I don’t want to share a room. I don’t use baggage transfer as I’m used to carrying a rucksack. You won’t meet as many close friends as they swap phone numbers in shared dormitories early on. But you will meet lots of fellow pilgrims to share journey meals etc. You will get lots of negative comments here if you use a travel company but as a snorer I would get worse negativity sharing rooms. Do what works for you
Hi Cindy with bit of pre planning and booking ahead personally I use booking.com.you can save a fortune these companies charge a arm leg .you can transfer your pack daily yourself from one place to another costing now average 7 euros.this allows you to carry a small day bag for water etc.stick to Frances route for your first one and maybe better starting in Roncesvalles missing out Pyrenees very hard first day.lots of options on Frances to do small or longer distances each day as you get stronger each day myself now 72 yrs young prefer booking ahead and take my time each day knowing I've reserved bed anyway you decide Buen Camino and don't miss this wonderful walk.Hi all of you amazing folks. Love the spirit of love & guidance in these forums. I need advice. I’m a 60 yr old female. I’m healthy but have issues with my cervical spine that would cause issues carrying a heavy back pack. I’ve been praying about doing the Camino Frances alone. I lost both of my parents this past year and have been feeling quite untethered. I’ve been led over & over to doing the Camino. I’ve read sooo much and watched tons of you tubes. I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie? Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think? Also, can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated! Cindy
Thank you so much!Hi @izzybugs - Welcome to the forum. You should get lots of good information here. You've asked several questions, so I'll start with some quick answers/suggestions...
Yes, it is a good choice. I see on your profile that you are thinking of October. That is also a great time to walk. Where are you thinking of starting, and how much time will you have?
Agency planning and luggage transfer are two different services. You can easily do your own planning and still use luggage transfer.
If you can't comfortably carry a back pack, then luggage transfer is the obvious answer. I would urge you to pack light - as if you were going to carry it anyway. After all, you will occasionally need to do that, and it is an interesting experience to be minimalistic
We have had a lot of recent threads in which the issue is hotly discussed. Frankly, this business of who is shaming whom is getting quite confusing (and tiresome). Shamers seem to exist on both sides of the luggage transfer question. You need to decide what is best for you and then do it with confidence and courtesy, ignoring people who say stupid or rude things. Many people use luggage transfer, especially on the Camino Frances
Someone will be along soon to make some suggestions. However, keep in mind...
This forum has a lot of members who have walked many Caminos. They are very keen to offer advice, even when it isn't exactly asked for. After all, a newcomer may not know enough to ask all the right questions. Their advice will tend towards advising you about how to do the planning yourself, rather than how to hire someone else to do it for you. That is natural, because they are experts in how to do the planning (and they like doing it). They don't know much about (and may not be interested in) how to select an agency. If you ask about good agencies, they will answer with reasons why you don't need an agency. This does not mean that they are shaming you; it means that they love talking about it and also they want to enable you. Take in all the information they provide, and then make your decision with that additional knowledge.
I don't know how familiar you are with the content on the forum. You might start by clicking on some of the tags shown at the bottom of this page. In particular, there is a tag for luggage transfer threads, and one for travel agencies and groups .
David thank you so much for your detailed response. I am feeling more confident about things and I’m very thankful for the input! CindyHi Izzy. Good post; your losses, your back, how brave and positive you are, lovely ... I certainly hope that you will not get any 'shaming' on here!
I would always advise the Frances - well, what to say? If you feel called, and you do, then I think that a tour company would not be a good thing for you - if you pilgrimage then I do think you have to go at your own pace, stop where you will, where that inner voice tells you to, and so on - and you don't know who you are going to meet - what happens if you meet a person who has suffered the same loss that you have and you want to walk with them for a few days at a different pace?
I haven't used baggage services so don't know much about them but I think they are all the way down the Frances Camino and easy to book, and cheap too - others will know.
I know that your situation is different, body limitations, but it is common to have a pre Camino fear that one wouldn't be able to cope, would be lonely, and so on and therefore lean towards the 'safety' of a planned tour whereas the opposite is true - if one is open - the Frances is well used, with lots of refugios and places to eat ... in a way you are 'gifted' a group of pilgrims from day one, as they start on the same day as you (if you don't like them take a day off and pick up another group) ... and it is quite outstanding how many lifelong friendships are made and also how the group dynamics can produce caring and support ... so I would say do not be afraid, if you are called then someone else walks with you already - so maybe not a guided planned tour but baggage services along the way?
I don't know if you have considered it but there may be another option - a hiking trailer, as long as it isn't a monowheel design as they are awful as the design leaves half the weight on your body, but a two wheel design that has the load over the two wheels, leaving almost nothing on the hipbelt. Radical Design sell them but their absolutely brilliant build quality and design is reflected in their price - https://www.radicaldesign.com/walking-trailers/wheelie-walking-trailers
I see that you are in the USA .. I was hoping that you were UK based as I would offer you my trailer - no weight or stress on the back whatsoever and complete timeline independence.
This is mine (modelled by a friend) though I have now put larger spoked wheels on it.
View attachment 151919
I think that you will get many supportive responses and good advice too, for all options - this has only been my personal opinion and there will be members who always use guided tours and think they are wonderful, so take in all the information and decide what is best for you (I know you will anyway).
And later - will you let us know what you decided, how it went (let alone how you got through airport metal detectors)
I noticed that Ivar has just added a new rule for the forum to address this. No more discussions about whether people on the camino are a "tourist" vs. a "pilgrim"But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums.
I think you are doing a good choice going on the Frances, as it is the route with most infrastructure for pilgrims.
About the planning, just remember that accommodation and luggage transport are separate things. You can hire a company to arrange everything for you, or you can book your own accommodation and still hire a company to send your luggage ahead. As said above, the second option is usually cheaper and more flexible, but it does requires a tiny bit more dedication. So you choose what you think works best for you
When you ask about "ïs this going to be an issue", do you refer to the "shaming"? No, it won't be an issue at all. A lot of people transport their bags and it is very normal.
I think the reason the forum gives this impression of being reactive towards planning companies and transport is because it is actually very easy to arrange those things by yourself on the camino, so it hurts to see people spending so much money in services that you can do for much cheaper. But "cheaper" will require effort in the end, so to each their own.
I used lugagge transport for a few days in my first camino because my husband had a sunstroke and was very debilitate for a few days. It's actually great that those services exist.
Your camino is yours to walk. Choose the best options for yourself and we will be here to help and hear about your adventures
Greetings, Cindy. The Camino is unique to each person that walks it and needs to be walked according to who and how you find yourself at this time. My first at 72 was Camino del Norte. It was a group retreat with everything taken care of and discontinuous except for the last 100 km and the distances were reasonable. When you look at the companies or the guide books, the stages are usually longer than I wanted/was able to walk each day so I found it difficult to use a company the next time. Last year I walked Camino Ingles solo. I planned how far I wanted to walk, made all reservations in advance and scheduled luggage transport and it was fine. Now I am planning at 76 to do the Camino Frances solo in September-Oct. This time I don’t want to be so scheduled In advance, although I am working out shorter stages, starting from Pamplona and busing in between until the last 100 km to accommodate the time available to me. I’m considering packing very light and carrying my backpack this time and/ or using a transport service. The Camino is a profound experience. Do it your way. Buen CaminoHi all of you amazing folks. Love the spirit of love & guidance in these forums. I need advice. I’m a 60 yr old female. I’m healthy but have issues with my cervical spine that would cause issues carrying a heavy back pack. I’ve been praying about doing the Camino Frances alone. I lost both of my parents this past year and have been feeling quite untethered. I’ve been led over & over to doing the Camino. I’ve read sooo much and watched tons of you tubes. I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie? Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think? Also, can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated! Cindy
I have the Radical Design Wheelie and plan on starting the Camino the beginning of September. So your experience with a trailer was positive? Anything I need to consider? Thanks.Hi Izzy. Good post; your losses, your back, how brave and positive you are, lovely ... I certainly hope that you will not get any 'shaming' on here!
I would always advise the Frances - well, what to say? If you feel called, and you do, then I think that a tour company would not be a good thing for you - if you pilgrimage then I do think you have to go at your own pace, stop where you will, where that inner voice tells you to, and so on - and you don't know who you are going to meet - what happens if you meet a person who has suffered the same loss that you have and you want to walk with them for a few days at a different pace?
I haven't used baggage services so don't know much about them but I think they are all the way down the Frances Camino and easy to book, and cheap too - others will know.
I know that your situation is different, body limitations, but it is common to have a pre Camino fear that one wouldn't be able to cope, would be lonely, and so on and therefore lean towards the 'safety' of a planned tour whereas the opposite is true - if one is open - the Frances is well used, with lots of refugios and places to eat ... in a way you are 'gifted' a group of pilgrims from day one, as they start on the same day as you (if you don't like them take a day off and pick up another group) ... and it is quite outstanding how many lifelong friendships are made and also how the group dynamics can produce caring and support ... so I would say do not be afraid, if you are called then someone else walks with you already - so maybe not a guided planned tour but baggage services along the way?
I don't know if you have considered it but there may be another option - a hiking trailer, as long as it isn't a monowheel design as they are awful as the design leaves half the weight on your body, but a two wheel design that has the load over the two wheels, leaving almost nothing on the hipbelt. Radical Design sell them but their absolutely brilliant build quality and design is reflected in their price - https://www.radicaldesign.com/walking-trailers/wheelie-walking-trailers
I see that you are in the USA .. I was hoping that you were UK based as I would offer you my trailer - no weight or stress on the back whatsoever and complete timeline independence.
This is mine (modelled by a friend) though I have now put larger spoked wheels on it.
View attachment 151919
I think that you will get many supportive responses and good advice too, for all options - this has only been my personal opinion and there will be members who always use guided tours and think they are wonderful, so take in all the information and decide what is best for you (I know you will anyway).
And later - will you let us know what you decided, how it went (let alone how you got through airport metal detectors)
I have one of those trailers. I'll tow you!Hi Izzy, if you get one of those trailers I would quite happily get towed the full length of the camino and wouldn't think twice about what others thought. I'd even swap places and let you have a go down some of the hills!
Everyone has already given you all the advice needed so I'll just agree with them. Do your own thing, send the pack on.. walk a far as you want/can each day. If you need to stop early or taxi then so be it. Stay in albergues or go 5 star. It's your journey, try each and every way and do what makes you happy!
Good luck
Andy
Wow! Very inspiring!Greetings, Cindy. The Camino is unique to each person that walks it and needs to be walked according to who and how you find yourself at this time. My first at 72 was Camino del Norte. It was a group retreat with everything taken care of and discontinuous except for the last 100 km and the distances were reasonable. When you look at the companies or the guide books, the stages are usually longer than I wanted/was able to walk each day so I found it difficult to use a company the next time. Last year I walked Camino Ingles solo. I planned how far I wanted to walk, made all reservations in advance and scheduled luggage transport and it was fine. Now I am planning at 76 to do the Camino Frances solo in September-Oct. This time I don’t want to be so scheduled In advance, although I am working out shorter stages, starting from Pamplona and busing in between until the last 100 km to accommodate the time available to me. I’m considering packing very light and carrying my backpack this time and/ or using a transport service. The Camino is a profound experience. Do it your way. Buen Camino
I have the Radical Design Wheelie and plan on starting the Camino the beginning of September. So your experience with a trailer was positive? Anything I need to consider? Thanks.
I bought the Wheelie with the open design, not the backpack, just for the reason you state. I will put a different bag inside that will not require me to dig.
It will be fun to be stopped and asked about it, because I'm hiking solo. I am so excited.
Hi @izzybugs, congratulations on making your decision to go to the Camino. I can share that it has changed my life and not a day goes by that I do not imagine myself being back there. I was among several other pilgrims caught in 70 MPH wind gusts while crossing the Pyrenees in May 2022. I had a bruise from my right knee to my waist. That injury made it impossible for me to put my pack on - too painful. No one could see my bruise and there may have been some folks who made judgements about me using a service (Jacotrans). This experience reminded me that we do not know the reasons people choose to do the things they do, and it is not our business. I believe part of being alive is learning to extend grace and compassion to others. Buen Camino!Hi all of you amazing folks. Love the spirit of love & guidance in these forums. I need advice. I’m a 60 yr old female. I’m healthy but have issues with my cervical spine that would cause issues carrying a heavy back pack. I’ve been praying about doing the Camino Frances alone. I lost both of my parents this past year and have been feeling quite untethered. I’ve been led over & over to doing the Camino. I’ve read sooo much and watched tons of you tubes. I think I’ve decided on the Frances since it appears to be the most straightforward and popular. Is this a good choice for a newbie? Also I’m leaning toward an agency planning things for me and using the luggage transfer service simply because of my neck issues (I have 5 titanium disks already). But I do pick up a bit of shaming in some forums. Will this be an issue on the walk do u think? Also, can anyone recommend a service that u have personal experience w it? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated! Cindy
Hi, CaminoKentucky, I am also in Ky and plan on hiking Sept 2023.Hi @izzybugs, congratulations on making your decision to go to the Camino. I can share that it has changed my life and not a day goes by that I do not imagine myself being back there. I was among several other pilgrims caught in 70 MPH wind gusts while crossing the Pyrenees in May 2022. I had a bruise from my right knee to my waist. That injury made it impossible for me to put my pack on - too painful. No one could see my bruise and there may have been some folks who made judgements about me using a service (Jacotrans). This experience reminded me that we do not know the reasons people choose to do the things they do, and it is not our business. I believe part of being alive is learning to extend grace and compassion to others. Buen Camino!
Thank you, David!It really is a gamechanger! Wheelie was my first trailer and the difference is outstanding .. no weight on the back, no stresses anywhere, no copious sweating, no exhaustion .. you might find you get a little guilty when you calmly and freshly pass a struggling pilgrim in the heat with loaded pack (but not for long)
US army field tests showed that it reduced energy expenditure by 84% !!
If you look back on the forum you will see some negative comments re trailers but all from people who have never tried one - the width is great, wherever you can go the trailer will follow and going downhill you just go slow and lean back, like a comfy armchair.
Do keep the hip-belt buckle clear though, no bum bag over - so if you have to get rid of it quick - think running bull! - then you can (I never have).
This is such a good and positive thread, Cindy, you are getting great responses, and you will probably find the same on Camino. I hope it is giving you confidence to do Your Camino as you want to.That’s great information about the trailer, David. Cindy, I hope you are feeling more encouraged about walking the Camino whether you carry a pack, transport one or use a trailer. David, a question about the trailer, what did you do with trailer and your pack when you stopped at a bar or went into a tienda?
Thanks, David. It’s got me thinking for a few years time.This is such a good and positive thread, Cindy, you are getting great responses, and you will probably find the same on Camino. I hope it is giving you confidence to do Your Camino as you want to.
@rodney, in villages I would just leave it outside a shop. I also carried a bicycle cable lock so could secure it like a bike. In big supermarkets in the cities there is a security station as you enter the aisles, I would leave it there by them. At outside cafes other pilgrims would keep an eye on it as they do with rucksacks. All good. With my design, photo further up, I could turn the bag round and strap it on again and wear the whole thing on my back if I wanted ( I never did though).
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