Camino Frances Planning for 2019

[mcintyre]

Hi there, I'm Dan, 41 and from Yorkshire in the UK. I'm currently excited and starting planning for travelling the Camino Frances next year. I work in IT support in the NHS.

I first heard about the Camino de Santiago only a year or so ago and wanted to do it but didn't think it would be possible for me (I'm a full-time wheelchair user), however I've done a lot of reading since then and realised it should be do-able with a bit of planning.

My main motivation for this is as a challenge to myself, to see if I can make it but also to take some time out for reflection - recently I've become quite cynical and seem to be turning into someone I don't like very much but have no idea what is going on. If I could manage to turn that around and return to being the person I used to be that would be great.

I look forward to planning, travelling and maybe even assisting alongside you all.

 

[Waka]

Hi Dan

Welcome to the forum, I have to say you are presenting yourself with a real challenge but not impossible.
I don't know if you're aware of the film/book "I'll push you". Two very close friends Justin and Patrick from the States (one wheelchair bound) decided to do the CF and the film/book takes you through the challenges and heart ache of the journey.
If you search the forum or the net you should be able to get information from them.

Best of luck in your endeavours and let us know how you get on.

 

[Bradypus]

Wishing you well with your planning and preparation. A lot of challenges there for you. In due course it will be good to hear your Camino experience. Not the route you are planning or your own wheelchair experience but this short news item from a couple of days ago might be of interest to you: http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santi...ndbike/idEdicion-2018-06-06/idNoticia-1119218

 

[Devon Mike]

Hi Dan,

I have seen wheelchair users on the Camino Frances a number of times in the past, journeying with at least one or two assistances to help them deal with slopes etc. Also some have stayed in the same Albergues as me because having facilities for disabled people is part of their service.

Good luck,

Mike

 

[mcintyre]

Thank you, and it's reassuring to hear there are some albergues with accessible facilities - that's one of the things I've been trying to find out. Ideally I'll be going onward from Santiago to Finisterre as well but I'll make that decision once I reach Santiago - I may well have had enough by then and just want to go home.

 

[Dorpie]

Hi Dan,

Congratulations on deciding to take on this challenge, logistically it's quite a task but as evidenced by others certainly doable.

I also think as a cure for cynicism there probably aren't many better courses of treatment than the Camino.

Buen Camino,

Rob.

 

[Kathy Jaudegis]

Hi there, I'm Dan, 41 and from Yorkshire in the UK. I'm currently excited and starting planning for travelling the Camino Frances next year. I work in IT support in the NHS.

I first heard about the Camino de Santiago only a year or so ago and wanted to do it but didn't think it would be possible for me (I'm a full-time wheelchair user), however I've done a lot of reading since then and realised it should be do-able with a bit of planning.

My main motivation for this is as a challenge to myself, to see if I can make it but also to take some time out for reflection - recently I've become quite cynical and seem to be turning into someone I don't like very much but have no idea what is going on. If I could manage to turn that around and return to being the person I used to be that would be great.

I look forward to planning, travelling and maybe even assisting alongside you all.

Buen Camino Dan! I think you will love it!

 

[bbates225]

Hi there, I'm Dan, 41 and from Yorkshire in the UK. I'm currently excited and starting planning for travelling the Camino Frances next year. I work in IT support in the NHS.

I first heard about the Camino de Santiago only a year or so ago and wanted to do it but didn't think it would be possible for me (I'm a full-time wheelchair user), however I've done a lot of reading since then and realised it should be do-able with a bit of planning.

My main motivation for this is as a challenge to myself, to see if I can make it but also to take some time out for reflection - recently I've become quite cynical and seem to be turning into someone I don't like very much but have no idea what is going on. If I could manage to turn that around and return to being the person I used to be that would be great.

I look forward to planning, travelling and maybe even assisting alongside you all.

Buen Camino, Dan. Happy planning. It will be a challenge, but perseverance will pay off. From my own personal experience and challenges (although nothing compared to yours), I found Camino angels all along the way more than willing to share of themselves and help me when I needed it most. They will be there for you as well. God speed!

 

[Dvanleeu]

I'm also interested in Camino Frances in May 2019, first 2 weeks. I have MS, can walk about 3500 steps at a time. I have an electric wheelchair that I use, sometimes push. I've been looking into the handcycle chairs, but haven't been able to find one yet o rent. Looking for a group to go with supported by a tour company.