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I agree but must write "each time i set my feet on the Camino was equally thrilling". ..Those were 11 special journeys.Each time i set my feet on the Camino is equally thrilling.
More times than I can count, it is a different experience every time.Each time i set my feet on the Camino is equally thrilling.
Each Camino is different,and each is as special as the one before.I had no idea what was ahead of me the first time I went as I had no forum,no utube and initially only the memory of something I had read as a young man many years before that stayed with me all that time.I was lucky to meet a special pilgrim just before I set out ,and he told me so much to prepare me for what lay ahead.I became addicted after my first Camino and looked back on it as the best learning experience of my life,and each that followed became a whole new lesson in life.This year should have been my 7th since I retired but Covid put an end to that,but I see that as a temporary setback,and will be back in Spain in 2021. Go for your second Camino, meet all the new people you will remember forever, share all the new experiences be they social,spiritual or religious, and take with you all the best wishes of your fellow pilgrims.BUEN CAMINO.I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
Three times - each time is different and totally enjoyable. Cant wait until we can travel again.I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
I have walked from st Jean pdePort to SdC 4 times now and every time it was different and everytime just as enjoyable!I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
The biggest mistake I made on my first Frances was walking too fast. So I walked more slowly on my second, and enjoyed it immensely. And walked even slower on my third.... Give yourself time to smell the roses, as they say.
Every Camino brings its own joys and all different. You will not look back at what was but constantly be aware of your forward journey .I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
Yes, more slowly and more observant, is how I enjoyed each additional Camino walksThe biggest mistake I made on my first Frances was walking too fast. So I walked more slowly on my second, and enjoyed it immensely. And walked even slower on my third.... Give yourself time to smell the roses, as they say.
Repetition did not take away from the original experience. Nor did it replicate it. It was its own experience with its own joys and challenges. I was able to avoid some of the mistakes I made in earlier caminos and find some new ones to make.I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
In my case, I kept making the same mistakes and added new onesRepetition did not take away from the original experience. Nor did it replicate it. It was its own experience with its own joys and challenges. I was able to avoid some of the mistakes I made in earlier caminos and find some new ones to make.
A lot of people seem to say that the Camino Frances is overcrowded. I have never understood that. My first Camino was in 1989 and my second was in 2016 so it is not like I have no experience of the "less crowded camino" and there is no question that it was a heck of a lot more crowded the second time than the first. But I didn't see that as a bad thing. I like my fellow pilgrims! I am happy to share the route with many of them. Yes, more pilgrims mean more people looking for beds at night, buying things from the shops, eating at the restaurants, etc. But I never had any problems finding a bed or a table at a bar/restaurant, or what I needed in the shops on my second "crowded" camino as compared to my first. With more pilgrims came more infrastructure to support them.I walked the CF from Le Puy and ended in Santiago in 2012. It was the most enjoyable physical, cultural and spiritual adventure I ever experienced. So I wanted to repeat that experience but I read that the CF was so overcrowded. Thus in 2018 I walked part of the Tolosana and then the Aragonese. Though the landscapes were also beautiful , I felt lonely , even at the end of each stage. I met only a few pilgrims. I missed a lot of the Camino spirit of my first time. I missed the cultural and historic places and the rituals like on Cruz de Ferro , Monte del Gozzo, etc,...I admit this a personal opinion and others will not necessarrily share. I am now 71 and if I can ( addicted) , I will consider to walk the CF again.
Not a bit of it. Second was great just as first and just as third. Fourth was not completed due to an accident. Each time had its own highlights and weather. Stayed in different albergues each time and did different stages staying in different towns. Discovered the joy of staying in primitive albergues like San Anton, San Bol and San Nicolas. Places I would not have dreamt of staying in on my first. Just dont try to recreate your first. Just go and take each day as it comes. Walk a few more or a few less km to stay in different locations. You will love it and then you will want to do it again. 2018, I had decided to at last do a different route but walking from Lisboa to Porto own my own was a bit daunting as I am not good with 30+ km days. My friend who was going too could only go start of March, I couldnt go until start of April so I found myself back on the Frances climbing the Pyrenees again and loving every minute except for the blizzard just after crossing border into Spain. But that in itself was a new experience to be hated at the time, treasured on looking back. Falling in an ice cold river and needing rescued was scary but once again, an experience. If and when I go back, it will have to be Frances again as I have a river to prove I can cross lol. So until it is safe to go again, keep on dreaming and planning. Buen CaminoI completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
I walked in spring 2017 with my daughter and a close friend. It was wonderful and I loved everything about it - especially spending so much time with my daughter. However, having a "built in" group of three kept me from really exploring things I wanted to see and from meeting other pilgrims to the level I'd hoped. So, I went back last fall (2019) and walked solo. It was an incredibly different experience and one that I loved as well. I was able to go at my own pace, stop or go on when I chose, stay where I liked, ate when I wanted to and met over a 100 pilgrims - some of whom I have remained in contact with via text or What'sApp. It was comforting to know what I was in for and what I could reasonably expect on the second walk, and it satisfied my yearning to go back. Next up, a different camino, maybe the Portuguese when we Americans can get back to Europe. All I can say is, GO and do it again!!I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
I have walked the Camino five times - Frances, Portuguese, Madrid, del Norte & Primitovo. Each experience was different, unique and highly enjoyable. If you have the time and desire, I'll say go for it!I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
I walked the Camino Frances from SJPdP to Santiago de Compostella., first in the spring of 2016 and then in the autumn of 2017. What I posted earlier on a different thread was:Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
I agree with @wayfarer, do not compare the second CF with the first one and try to lodge and stop in different places if you can. My second CF, which I did following year after the first one, was better in terms of logistics as I knew the ropes but I did it to fast (because of my work) in only 26 days so I didn't keep on meeting the same people. Otherwise I loved it and I am planning to do the 3rd one because I am craving it.I completed the Camino Frances from SJPDP in Apr/May of 2017. Lately I've been reminiscing about those times, and am really craving to hit a trail again whenever things start improving, likely in the spring I hope. I live in Spain part of the year now, so I can basically just watch the weather forecast and hit SJPDP in May if the weather looks good.
My question is for people who have done the Camino Frances more than once - did you enjoy it, or did it take away from your original experience? I'm worried I'll tarnish the original trip a bit by doing some of it again. But at the same time, the idea of crossing over the Pyranees again is exciting to me.
Happy to hear from anybody who has done the Camino Frances (or part of it) more than once.
Well, we did our peregrino duty and replied to an questionJust to point out that Duane has not returned to this thread since he posted it so we may very well be talking to ourselves here.
That's all we can do Zoran.Well, we did our peregrino duty and replied to an question
The question wasn't really old. It was posted this month. It would have been nice if @DuaneS had returned to let us know that he had read our responses.Well, we did our peregrino duty and replied to an question
Clearly. Not everyone is fortunate enough to take the time away from work and family obligations to walk a longer Camino. Those who start in Sarria are just as much pilgrims as anyone else. It is intent, not distance that makes the pilgrim.Maybe I need more tolerance next time on the last stage from Sarria when the tourist trail starts
It's more than likely that group of physically fit young guys were Spaniards experiencing a bit of their own culture in their own way in their own country. Not a foreigner trying to impose his own culture on them.In the situation I mentioned, what compassion is needed, a big group of physically fit young guys couldn't be bothered to carry their bags,we walked with Some who had real physical and emotional difficulties but didn't compromise,
There was more than I felt that this last stage was a disneyfication of the camino, or at least getting that way
James,I walked the Camino Frances from SJPdP to Santiago de Compostella., first in the spring of 2016 and then in the autumn of 2017. What I posted earlier on a different thread was:
Knowing much about what each day will bring, perhaps I can immerse myself even more in the beauty of spring in northern Spain, and have an even deeper meditative/spiritual experience.
The second Camino was all that and a far, far deeper experience. I did not remember all the details, but knowing what the day would bring allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty, the sounds, the smells, all so beautiful. The meditative, spiritual, and religious experience was far deeper. I seemed to have more time, and was able to learn more of the history, visit more museums, churches, make more side trips (like to Samos and to Vilar de Donas outside Palas de Rei). I ate better and attended more pilgrim's masses.
My first Camino will always be special; the second a far deeper and very moving experience. I enjoyed every moment. I am so very grateful.
Buen Camino!
--james--
Italians actually ,were they imposing their culture ?or just co2 from all the taxi dropsIt's more than likely that group of physically fit young guys were Spaniards experiencing a bit of their own culture in their own way in their own country. Not a foreigner trying to impose his own culture on them.
There is nothing wrong with walking the Camino with joy, regardless of how you do it.
What a lovely story.Slight annoyance at other pilgrims is okay. I once was way more than slightly annoyed. I know and understand uncontrollable rage on the camino. It's an entirely valid emotion. You see, I had walked the Norte a second time, sort of. The first time I only walked half of it before turning off to walk the Primitivo. So I didn't really walk the full Norte the first time. The second time on the Norte, I walked the entire length. It was nice. I was not perturbed when the Norte met up with the CF and the inevitable throng of people. The true test came after that, however, for I walked the Ingles immediately after. It was on the Ingles that I felt this uncontrollable rage at a group of about 20 youngsters walking at approximately the same pace as me, starting from Ferrol. They were blasting their pop music from a boombox, yes, an old fashioned boombox they carried. They were carrying their packs also but I wished they weren't, because then they would walk faster and I would be rid of them and their music. I thought they were kids from hell sent to torment me. From time to time they would take group breaks to eat and drink. I would have my solitude for a while. Invariably they would catch up to me, then they would break again, then catch up to me again. Eventually the task of walking carrying a pack tired them. The boombox disappeared into their support van. They continued to carry their packs though, except for one who was badly blistered by then. A mutual interest developed. Conversations started. I got to know them a little, and they got to know me a little. These were high school students from different regions of Spain on a group trip. When they learned I had just completed the Norte before starting on the Ingles, the amount of hero worship they bestowed on me would swell the ego of even the most humble. My uncontrollable rage magically melted away. I did not think they were from hell anymore. Why, these sweet children were downright angelic, sent from heaven to give me sustenance. We kept company on and off all the way to Santiago, where I met them again and they even shared their snacks with me. That was the lesson on the nature of rage I learned while on the camino.
I have walked many Caminos, and many CFs, as you can tell from my list (there are more than those...).I’ve read every single one, thank you! Just been soaking them all up and dreaming of my next Camino
I find it interesting that you found this to be a lovely story. The poster was inclined to be nice and forget his/her "uncontrollable rage" only when showered with compliments, adoration and food sharing. All of a sudden the boys weren't so bad and obnoxious.What a lovely story.
Reminds me of a story a fellow pilgrim told me last year. He had walked from SJPdP, and when he saw a pilgrim at around the 100 km mark wearing with new shoes, felt pretty smug that he had walked all the way from St Jean. That was until he started talking to the pilgrim with the new shoes, and discovered that he had walked from Le Puy, and his shoes had finally given out, so he had to buy new ones.
I've also heard pilgrims who start from St Jean complaining about the Sarria pilgrims stopping and taking pictures in front of every sign. I guess that they have forgotten their excitement when they began their Camino and took pictures like this.
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I took it to mean that after he got to know them, that he found them to be good company.I find it interesting that you found this to be a lovely story. The poster was inclined to be nice and forget his/her "uncontrollable rage" only when showered with compliments, adoration and food sharing. All of a sudden the boys weren't so bad and obnoxious.
That is an interesting spread of CF dates. I'm intrigued as to the difference you felt in the two year gap as opposed to the 9 year gap when returning. I once thought I would return soon but now between career and the world it looks to be awhile.As a now middle-aged retired person, I've been reading all the above comments with interest. I walked the CF in '07, '09, and '18 and experienced so many different groups, foreign , and solo people---good, interesting, odd, absorbed, happy, loud, issues, etc. And whenever a group, or person, started to irritate me I'd remember something (I think) Plato said about 'people are sent to us to either Teach us or else to Bear'. lol. But isn't part of this Camino experience a reason why we walk?? It also reminds me of the time some elder church goers were complaining to my minister of the noise and the glitter etc tracked on the floor from the children's Bible craft lesson . He replied: OK we can cancel the children's classes ---but then we'll have no youngsters here. If you want children to learn here then you have to be tolerant of having some mess. (Just adding my 5 cents.)
DO NOT compare your next Camino to the Francés. Whichever route you choose will be completely different. I did the Francés in 2016 and 2017, then did the Norte in 2018. It felt very different. In fact every day on the Norte, I remember that a hospitalero in Molinaseca told me that "el Norte no es un Camino, es una ruta." I don't agree with him completely, but the Norte does not have the same feel as the Francés, but it is stunningly beautiful, and I plan for it to be my next Camino, combined with the Primitivo. There are so many elements of the Francés that you won't find on another Camino, but that does not mean that they aren't worthwhile Caminos to walk.But........
What if I try another route and constantly 'compare it' to the CF
I guess if on another route and not enjoying it I can always bale out and retreat to the CF
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