Apprehensive but eager newbie, solo...

[folklaur]

Hi, all...

So I've lived in France for 5 years and the camino has been in the back of my head for a long time and I finally have a short bit of time to do some walking. I was looking at plane tix from SJdC to Paris and found one for 30€ and bought it ... so I guess this means I am going to have to go, and get there, somehow!

I have a few questions for you fellow "pilgrims."

To be honest, I kind of feel like I'm going in blind. I was set to go with a friend, who bailed after I got the ticket (and the idea planted in my mind). I've done some research on packing, read blogs and guidebooks ... tentatively thinking of doing Ponferrada to SJdC in 10 days. I don't really want to do more than 20km/day. I would be alone ... will I still see people this time of year? My parents seem to think I'm crazy, especially because I have had some issues of tachycardia in the past (I'm planning on seeing my doctor before to get the clear, but he always says GET EXERCISE and GET OUT IN NATURE whenever I see him, so...). I like meeting people but am pretty introverted so I certainly don't want to do this route in the summer... basically want to be sure if I needed anything that I wouldn't be left for dead unnoticed for hours on end. I'm young-ish but wouldn't say I'm in great shape (I'm not overweight or anything, but I have a desk job...), so I'm going to try to walk a bit every day before starting out if I'm really going to do this. (I do want to). I did a 40k hike to Lourdes in one day a couple years back and lived to tell the tale although I wouldn't want to do that many km in a day ever again.

Am I crazy to do this alone this time of year? I know "you're never alone on the camino" but wondered if this still applies early season March 31 - April 7. I'm mostly nervous about O Cebreiro ... I suppose I could do Sarria - SJdC but it seems a bit short.


I appreciate any of your thoughts or musings, or let me know if anyone will be out there the same time. (I saw a few people starting from Sarria a bit later...)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Ten days is enough. Easter is early, so there will be plenty of other pilgrims. Have Fun!

 

[november_moon]

I say go for it. There will be other pilgrims. Just take an extra set of long underwear and extra socks to keep you warm.

 

[Kanga]

Welcome to the forum @folklaur - we are here to help!

For starters, it is probably a blessing in disguise that your friend can no longer go. I recommend a first camino solo. That way you are responsible only to yourself and only for yourself. You can do what you want, when you want, how you want. Freedom!

As for the distances, and your health, there is absolutely nothing to stop you keeping your distances under 20km a day. Take no heed of any guide books or websites that talk about "stages". I walk only the distance I want to do each day and stop sooner rather than later - it depends how far to the next village/accommodation.

This website has a planning tool that can help you think about distances. I use it to give me a rough idea of how long I need, and then I throw it away - because once I get to the camino I want to be spontaneous and see how I am feeling each day.

As to meeting people - that will be unavoidable! You will have plenty of company.

 

[VNwalking]

Am I crazy to do this alone this time of year?

Mais non!!
It's the very best time of year to walk. You won't be alone, but it won't be crowded, either. I second Kanga's advice: get familiar with the possible distances ahead of time and then once you start to walk allow the way to open in front of you spontaneously. This time of year you can do that.
Do take a beanie and gloves for the chilly mornings, though...and raingear, in case. It is spring, after all.
And going in blind is a good thing: you won't have any preconceived notions getting in the way of reality.
Buen Camino!

 

[folklaur]

Thank you all so much for the reassurance and good feedback! I can already feel the good vibes amongst the pilgrims. And I am sure everyone helps each other out if needed on the trail.

In order to allow myself the flexibility to not "plan" stages I've decided to give myself an extra day from Ponferrada to SJdC so that I can either add a rest day if needed or do a day trip to Finisterre if I make good time.

@Kanga that site looks helpful already! I really appreciate your responses.

 

[C clearly]

I'm mostly nervous about O Cebreiro ..

O Cebreiro is not particularly bad if you don't do it at the end of a long day, you go very slowly, stopping to look around every 5 minutes, and you don't try to keep up with other people. There is no need to even get out of breath if you go slowly.

This is an excellent time of year to go!