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I walked the Camino Frances last May/June. My advice on the social end of things is to find your "tribe". If you're not really comfortable with with the people you are surrounded by, speed up or slow down for a day or two and mix with a different group. I mostly walked alone, but at the end of the day it was wonderful to see my new friends and share our stories. It took me a few weeks to "find" them, but they helped make my Camino experience as wonderful as it was. Buen Camino!
Lots of rain and lots of lovely sunshine too. I just took a poncho. It was easier to get off and on than a pack cover and rain jacket. I also did just fine with a liner rather than a sleeping bag. I didn't have any luggage other than what I carried in my pack (about 18-19 lbs). After the first few days it didn't feel heavy at all. Those jitters are just excitement and anticipation! You will be fine!!!Thanks! What was the weather like? What raingear did you bring? Also, debating about the silk liner vs. 1 lb. sleeping bag. One more! What did you do with your luggage? That is, anything at all that you weren't waking with? I started reading about the "jitters" and somehow now I have them, thinking about what are the lightest, more essential things to bring, and making all the wrong decisions!
Lots of rain and lots of lovely sunshine too. I just took a poncho. It was easier to get off and on than a pack cover and rain jacket. I also did just fine with a liner rather than a sleeping bag. I didn't have any luggage other than what I carried in my pack (about 18-19 lbs). After the first few days it didn't feel heavy at all. Those jitters are just excitement and anticipation! You will be fine!!!
Nope. Just pay attention to the signs on the water fountains. Some of them are non-potable. Most are perfectly fine.Thanks....did you need to filter any water on the way?
Thanks for the confirmation, Falcon:0). Over 2 Caminos, I've thought what fun it would be to see the hits of a Viagra-sniffing drug dog out there. It really is necessary to not let them latch on, which isn't always easy.Bad decisions can be corrected at any trash bin or store. Make the best choices you can now, but Spain is not third world. It equips half the pilgrims each year.
A fair number of Viagra lotharios walk. If they irritate you, brush them off!!
Everyone else will enhance your experience.
Yay. Will you be testing out the acoustics in churches along the camino?My regular day pack that I take on the plane usually weighs about 7 pounds, with my transverse flute in there (I'm walking with it. It is indispensable)
Yay. Will you be testing out the acoustics in churches along the camino?
Acoustics:
In France the hostess took us to the church after dinner. She had a cassette player with organ hymns. A male flight attendant with Air France was helping for the weekend. She positioned the player, herself, and the baritone voice in precise locations in the church. We then listened to fifteen minutes of the best choir music in the country from just three excellent music sources. A moment to be remembered.
It all came from knowing the acoustics.
Wow! I'm leaving from NYC on May 17th!
In 1997, I trekked the Annapurna circuit, up to 18,000 ft, (the hardest thing I've ever done!), so I know a bit about a long walk/hike through a diversity of fauna, flora, and folks. It was an amazing experience.
On the trek in Nepal, I got caught up with a group of party-ers. I was more interested in peeling potatoes in the kitchen and learning Nepalese songs! I found it hard to take off and chart a different path and became isolated and depressed. When I finally left them, I was so happy and grounded, singing all the way along the trail.
All these later, I decided to fulfill another dream: to walk El Camino de Santiago. I still can't believe I am going, but it's the right time and place in my life to embark. I took a leave from my 30 year elementary school teaching life and have never felt happier in my life! Over the last couple of year, I developed a mindfulness/meditation practice which has helped me to stay grounded and accepting of all that transpires.
I know I can handle the physical and emotional ups and downs on the Camino. One goal for the walk (of the known and unknown reasons), is to find a graceful balance between the external and internal realms.
This time, I hope to draw upon my inner resilience and listen and trust my intuition and heart.
Advise for this 50 something traveler?
Thanks for ALL of your collective kindness. This blog is so welcoming and encouraging.
A bow to you all.
Sue
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