Camino Ingles July 2014

[Balian]

Well we made in to Ferrol in one piece with only a couple of minor hiccup.

First was bus at airport. We could see timetable of the bus to Santiago bus station but it didnt mention which of the numerous buses that were coming and going was the correct one. We saw the sign for "Information" but no-one to give information. So we played it safe and got a taxi to bus station.

Bus station itself was interesting. Bought tickets ok, which give your bus stop number to wait at. For some unknown reason the Ferrol bus decided to park at a different stop plus it was the only one without a working display. Luckily i saw a couple more Peregrino looking people speak to the driver and get on so i too asked and he confirmed it was Ferrol bus.

Drive up is nice and it lets you see where you will be walking down again for the next week.

Found Hotel Suizo with aid of booking.com app on iphone. Really nice place I would recommend.

Rest time now as real fun starts tomorrow

 

[Camembert]

Looking forward to your adventures on the Inglès.

Buen camiño

 

[Balian]

Day 1 Ferrol to Pontedeume

Well that was one long tough day.

Neither of us are walkers and didn't do any training so we knew this would be tough. It turned out a lot tougher than expected.

We made a mistake at the start leaving hotel Suizo and going to tourist office in 12 Rua Magdelena for our sello only to be told by them the starting point was behind hotel Suizo so we had to back track on ourselves.

When we got to the start point we had trouble finding the post with the Camino sign to get our pictures taken next to. It is actually not near the water but across the road outside the cafe in case anyone else has the same problem.

The walk out of Ferrol was nice and we passed three lady perigrinos just past the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A quick chat and we were on our way only seeing them again a distance behind us at the Neda alburgue.

The 28 degree heat was causing us trouble, feet were swelling and suffering too. We stopped at the Iglesia de Santa Maria, put compeed on our new forming blisters and both decided on a change of footwear. Off came the walking shoes on went the sandals. Walking in these was much better. Lesson to be learnt here is only bring footwear you have walked distances in.

We got lost for half an hour at the section just past the 1957 lavadero were it says 'Proceed down to the main road'. I think it should read ' go left uphill slighly then down to the main road' as at this junction you can see the main road on your right but not your left.

There was also another section where it is very easy to take the wrong turn as we did. At the Cafeteria Vilar do Colo, Johnnys instructions tell you to take a sharp left but there are temporary Camino posters pointing to turn right. I spent a while walking down each way to find signs with no joy. The route in now actually straight ahead down past the Estrella factory and you pick up the new signage here. These eventually lead back onto Johnnys route.

My partner Wendy was really suffering with the heat and walking was becoming a struggle. With 10k to go I was carrying both ruck sacks. We carried on at a slow pace taking plenty of breaks and finally made it to Pontedeume. We would never have made it without Johhnys guide, it is essential.

Found Bar Luis got the key and collapsed on our beds exhausted. Wendy is in a bad way suffering some heat stroke and our Camino may be over. We will see what the night brings.

 

[Camembert]

Day 1 Ferrol to Pontedeume

Well that was one long tough day.

Neither of us are walkers and didn't do any training so we knew this would be tough. It turned out a lot tougher than expected.

We made a mistake at the start leaving hotel Suizo and going to tourist office in 12 Rua Magdelena for our sello only to be told by them the starting point was behind hotel Suizo so we had to back track on ourselves.

When we got to the start point we had trouble finding the post with the Camino sign to get our pictures taken next to. It is actually not near the water but across the road outside the cafe in case anyone else has the same problem.

The walk out of Ferrol was nice and we passed three lady perigrinos just past the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A quick chat and we were on our way only seeing them again a distance behind us at the Neda alburgue.

The 28 degree heat was causing us trouble, feet were swelling and suffering too. We stopped at the Iglesia de Santa Maria, put compeed on our new forming blisters and both decided on a change of footwear. Off came the walking shoes on went the sandals. Walking in these was much better. Lesson to be learnt here is only bring footwear you have walked distances in.

We got lost for half an hour at the section just past the 1957 lavadero were it says 'Proceed down to the main road'. I think it should read ' go left uphill slighly then down to the main road' as at this junction you can see the main road on your right but not your left.

There was also another section where it is very easy to take the wrong turn as we did. At the Cafeteria Vilar do Colo, Johnnys instructions tell you to take a sharp left but there are temporary Camino posters pointing to turn right. I spent a while walking down each way to find signs with no joy. The route in now actually straight ahead down past the Estrella factory and you pick up the new signage here. These eventually lead back onto Johnnys route.

My partner Wendy was really suffering with the heat and walking was becoming a struggle. With 10k to go I was carrying both ruck sacks. We carried on at a slow pace taking plenty of breaks and finally made it to Pontedeume. We would never have made it without Johhnys guide, it is essential.

Found Bar Luis got the key and collapsed on our beds exhausted. Wendy is in a bad way suffering some heat stroke and our Camino may be over. We will see what the night brings.

I agree with Mendywalker. Walk shorter distances and start very early in the morning as long as it is hot outside. We always tried to be at our next place to sleep before lunchtime. 15 to 20 kms max and that is possible on the Ingles except for Betanzos to Bruma which takes you some more time
From Pontedeume , In Miño is the next albergue. About 15 kms.

We had Johnny Walkers guide with us but never used it during the walking. We followed the arrows and never got lost. It is very well waymarked.

I have a little experience, only we walked a 250 kms walk here in the Netherlands in 14 days with full backpacks , we walked the caminho Portuges from Lisbon, 650 kms last year but this time we walked the 120 kms from Ferrol and I think in spite of the short distance this is not a camiño for beginners.

But without any strugle no victory ! So we hope you can put yourselves up and continue tomorrow.

Buen camiño and we hope to read better news in the next future from you both

 

[amancio]

Enjoy a couple of days on Cabanas beach, good food and good wine, and you will hopefully be up and running in a couple of days! Pontedeume is a magical place, and the departure is steep uphill for the first 15 minutes or so. I hope you recover well soon!

 

[Balian]

Day 2 Pontedeume to Betanzos
(Due to wifi access blog running late)

Woke up in Pontedeume feeling stiff and sore but refreshed. Wendy had been praying for God to take the pain away during the night and was feelling much better also.

We decided to try walking today to see how we get on and if we made it to the Alburgue in Minos it would be a bonus. Walking shoes were left in our bags and we set out in sandals and flip flops.

Started by going to to get the sello at the Confradia de Pescadres but they were closed so continued up the Rua Real calling into the chemist to get compeed and ibrufen.

Called to the Church of Santiago which was closed as was the Rectory but a ring on the bell and the Priest was happy to stamp our passports.

It is a steep climb out of Pontedeume but great views when at the top. Here a made a mistake and turned right at the sign for ' Igrexa San Miguel' luckily we had only travelled a couple of hundred metres when a local told us we were going the wrong way and sent us back. This was a blessing, if we had of travelled any distance in wrong direction it would have ended our day.

Today was a day of 'Up the Hill, Down the Hill, Up the Hill, Down the Hill'. We went at a slower pace today and took more breaks. Coming out of the golf course stage we met a lovely couple who had set up table, chairs and were giving out cold water and fresh fruit for the peregrinos. They were from the alburgue in Minos and explained were there to help the Pilgrims.Was a really nice touch.

Today was a lot cooler with more shade and that helped. We reached Minos and Wendy was feeling ok so we decided to continue onto Betanzos. When we reached there we were tired but feeling a lot better than yesterday. Went to the Alburgue which is very central then out to a local bar for dinner before an early night to get plenty of rest for day 3.

Betanzos is a great little town with a medieval feel about it and the Alburgue is excellent as is the local church.

 

[Camembert]

Day 2 Pontedeume to Betanzos
(Due to wifi access blog running late)

Woke up in Pontedeume feeling stiff and sore but refreshed. Wendy had been praying for God to take the pain away during the night and was feelling much better also.

We decided to try walking today to see how we get on and if we made it to the Alburgue in Minos it would be a bonus.

Started by going to to get the sello but they were closed so continued up the Rua Real calling into the chemist to get compeed and ibrufen.

Ask for a sello in a bar or restaurant. Any will do in the pilgrimsoffice later in Santiago as long as you can prove that you have been somewhere on the route.
Hope you have a sello from Ferrol .

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Your post is refreshing! You find joy in your "troubles," not trouble. Have a great time. Buen camino.

 

[mylifeonvacation]

So happy to read that your day 2 went so much better! Did you actually walk the whole way with sandals and flip flops? (Even the hill after the golf course?) How nice to see a refreshment stand on the route. We didn't see that last month but we talked about how nice it would be...and even nicer, perhaps, to be the one hosting. Can't wait to read your day 3 update. Buen Camino!

 

[Balian]

So happy to read that your day 2 went so much better! Did you actually walk the whole way with sandals and flip flops? (Even the hill after the golf course?) How nice to see a refreshment stand on the route. We didn't see that last month but we talked about how nice it would be...and even nicer, perhaps, to be the one hosting. Can't wait to read your day 3 update. Buen Camino!

Yes we have carried on in sandals and flip flops our walking shoes are now just extra weight.

Day 3 and 4 updates to come later

 

[Balian]

Day 3 Betanzos to Bar Julia

We decided on a very early start today out from Betanzos. Both left our walking shoes at the alburgue with a note saying 'Free to Pilgrims'. We would not be wearing them again this trip so hopefully they will aid other pilgrims.

The only problem with leaving in the dark it can be hard to see the signs and almost took wrong turn out of Betanzos.

Its a bit of a climb so early on in the day but I suppose its better getting this over at the start. There were a lot less Up Hill, Down Hill today which was welcomed.

Today we had a change of tactics were we did less stops and kept pushing on. We found that when we stopped we were seizing up so better to keep going. Terrain was a bit rougher as more forrestry parts but very quiet and we barely saw any locals all day.

We arrived at Bar Julia earlier then expected and sat down to large beers and sandwiches, well deserved.

We gave Antonio a called from Meson Novo and he came to collect us and will drop up back here in the morning to finish this leg. Superb service.

 

[mylifeonvacation]

For as much discussion that goes on about footwear, I really all boils down to what works for each individual, doesn't it? You are past the worst part terrain-wise. Great updates!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Today we had a change of tactics were we did less stops and kept pushing on. We found that when we stopped we were seizing up so better to keep going.

You have a very popular strategy! One downside of shorter camino walks is that you never really reach the point where you are well conditioned. The first week is one of aches and pains. After two weeks, you find your strength, but on a 100km walk, you may be home already.

Pushing through those aches and pains is probably the best way to deal with them as long as you do not press past the point of tendonitis or damage.

 

[Al the optimist]

Glad you are surviving. Enjoy the rest of the trip. That hill is bad after a long day but starting at bar Julia will be easier than the uphill out of Pontedueme! when I walked the Ingles in an early September it was over 30 degrees. Beware the long forrest walk after Bruma. Make sure you have lots of water and I recommend resting at the recreation area just before entering the forest as there is not much shade after that.

 

[Camembert]

Day 3 Betanzos to Bar Julia

We decided on a very early start today out from Betanzos. Both left our walking shoes at the alburgue with a note saying 'Free to Pilgrims'. We would not be wearing them again this trip so hopefully they will aid other pilgrims.

The only problem with leaving in the dark it can be hard to see the signs and almost took wrong turn out of Betanzos.

Its a bit of a climb so early on in the day but I suppose its better getting this over at the start. There were a lot less Up Hill, Down Hill today which was welcomed.

Today we had a change of tactics were we did less stops and kept pushing on. We found that when we stopped we were seizing up so better to keep going. Terrain was a bit rougher as more forrestry parts but very quiet and we barely saw any locals all day.

We arrived at Bar Julia earlier then expected and sat down to large beers and sandwiches, well deserved.

We gave Antonio a called from Meson Novo and he came to collect us and will drop up back here in the morning to finish this leg. Superb service.

Well done !

Advantage from o Meson Novo is that tomorrow you can leave your backpacks there as you walk from bar Julia (you were lucky they were open for a beer !)
You should come back to O Meson Novo for a second night and have a relaxing time, enjoying the food and drinks prepared by Antonio's parents. Nice people. A pity they are Real Madrid supporters ( said the FC Barcelona supporter

Enjoy and looking forward for the next update

 

[Balian]

Can someone confirm where I would go to rejoin the Camino from leaving Meson Novo?

Is it turn left out the front or right down to round about?

Thanks

 

[mylifeonvacation]

We turned left out the front of the inn then left again joining the Camino at O Seixo. Here's a pic of the map, with the Meson indicated by the red dot. (We went the wrong way at the fork in the road, so never mind the other brown pin between the inn and O Seixo....)

 

[daesdaemar]

Yes, the easiest way out is turn left out of the Meson Novo and then left again on the road to O Seixo. Then turn right and you're back on the route. It saves a lot of back tracking. If you have a Google maps satellite view it shows the route very clearly.

 

[Camembert]

Ask Antonio. As he picked you up at bar Julia he probably showed you the crossing
where the camino waymarkers are

If not. With your back to the door of the restaurant go to the left and than the first road on the left again so you see hostal Meson o Vento from the side and backside Walking on you come at a kind of a junction where you turn right Af ter some hundreds of meters at left side is a footballground. Keep on walking about 2 kms till the crossing

There at the left you go back to Bruma. To the right you walk on the caminho direction Sigueiro
We walked from the crossing following the waymarkers but at a certain moment made a detour to Ordes where we slept in a hotel
From there we picked up the camino after about 3 kms from Ordes,walking alongside a busy road so wore our safetyvests

In Siguëro is hostal Miras. Not the cleanest place but okay

Buen camiño

 

[Balian]

Thanks for all the help getting back on track.

 

[Balian]

Day 4 Bar Julia to Bruma

What a difference a couple of days makes. From 28 degree heat till thunder, lightning and heavy rain. Today will be a wet one.

After breakfast Antonio kindly dropped us back to a wet Bar Julia to face the climb we had read about.

The weather conditions made it a slippy progress but as we were fresh were making good progress. The views back down are a picture moment.

We were focused and before we knew it the hard climb was over. Being fresh made all the difference we would have struggled to do this leg in one go.

A few more small climb parts to this leg but we completed it quicker than expected. We both feel stronger and more able than a few days ago.

We took the route back to Meson Novo and were back in time for midday beers and a long rest. Getting closer.

 

[Balian]

We have now walked close to 100k in 'Jesus' sandals and flip flops and our feet are better than then were after 12k in day one in our walking shoes.

Luckily our evening wear, were footwear we were use to. Though today we met a lot of pilgrims on the route and Wendys flip flops got some strange looks

For as much discussion that goes on about footwear, I really all boils down to what works for each individual, doesn't it? You are past the worst part terrain-wise. Great updates!

 

[Balian]

We met three outside of Ferrol. There were ten including us in the Alburgue in Betanzos.
Eleven including us staying in Meson Novo and met/saw another fourteen yesterday on route from Bruma to Siguiero. Plenty sitting outside cafés in Siguiero last night and staying in Hostal Miras.

 

[Balian]

Day 5 Bruma to Siguiero

Tea and toast for breakfast and chatted to a fellow Peregrino from Leeds this morning.

Said goodbye to our amazing hosts at Meson Novo, they really go out of their way to make your stay special.

Another wet start to the morning and wasn't long till we rejoined the route and were on our way.

We soon saw in front and behind us in the distance dark coloured poncho wearing Peregrinos. We must have looked odd with our bright pink and red water proof jackets in the middle.

When we arrived at the Cruceiro bar it was closed but there were several Peregrinos sitting outside taking a rest. We shared Buen Caminos and carried on.

We shortly passed another three Spanish Peregrinos, looked like father, mother and son.

Our pace was faster today then previous days we are definitely getting stronger.

We caught up with another two Spanish Peregrinos on the tree lined section who called us back when we took a right instead of going straight ahead at a junction.

They were in front of us the rest of the way as their pace quickened.

Today's route was mostly flat and easier on the legs and we made it to Siguiero without taking any breaks.

Got a room in Hostal Miras, showered changed and I was even feeling fresh enough to drop off some Geocoins I brought over, at a local cache, aptly named 'Camino Ingles'.

Looking forward to last stretch of the journey tomorrow.

 

[mylifeonvacation]

You guys will have a marvelous walk tomorrow! Well, it's today for you as I look at Spanish time. Thanks for the updates along the way. It's been fun reading them and cheering you on from afar!

Just tonight I showed my in-laws all if the pics from my Camino last month. One of my favorites was taken a flower field on the road from Meson Novo to the Camino. It was at that point that the tough parts were over and the rest of the walk was really, really enjoyable. Seems you are finding the same to be true.

Buen Camino!

 

[Camembert]

We met three outside of Ferrol. There were ten including us in the Alburgue in Betanzos.
Eleven including us staying in Meson Novo and met/saw another fourteen yesterday on route from Bruma to Siguiero. Plenty sitting outside cafés in Siguiero last night and staying in Hostal Miras.

On the sundays you often see groups walking. On the pictures this was a group of about fifty walkers from Pontevedra, here walking to Betanzos-I do not know where they started.
They only walk on sundays , come with minibusses and have no backpacks with them .Arriving in Betanzos they have diner and than they go home, coming back the next week for the next trek. When the slope is too inclinated some of them stepped into the bus.

 

[Camembert]

Day 5 Bruma to Siguiero

Tea and toast for breakfast and chatted to a fellow Peregrino from Leeds this morning.

Said goodbye to our amazing hosts at Meson Novo, they really go out of their way to make your stay special.

Another wet start to the morning and wasn't long till we rejoined the route and were on our way.

We soon saw in front and behind us in the distance dark coloured poncho wearing Peregrinos. We must have looked odd with our bright pink and red water proof jackets in the middle.

When we arrived at the Cruceiro bar it was closed but there were several Peregrinos sitting outside taking a rest. We shared Buen Caminos and carried on.

We shortly passed another three Spanish Peregrinos, looked like father, mother and son.

Our pace was faster today then previous days we are definitely getting stronger.

We caught up with another two Spanish Peregrinos on the tree lined section who called us back when we took a right instead of going straight ahead at a junction.

They were in front of us the rest of the way as their pace quickened.

Today's route was mostly flat and easier on the legs and we made it to Siguiero without taking any breaks.

Got a room in Hostal Miras, showered changed and I was even feeling fresh enough to drop off some Geocoins I brought over, at a local cache, aptly named 'Camino Ingles'.

Looking forward to last stretch of the journey tomorrow.

Did you make it ?

 

[Camembert]

You guys will have a marvelous walk tomorrow! Well, it's today for you as I look at Spanish time. Thanks for the updates along the way. It's been fun reading them and cheering you on from afar!

Just tonight I showed my in-laws all if the pics from my Camino last month. One of my favorites was taken a flower field on the road from Meson Novo to the Camino. It was at that point that the tough parts were over and the rest of the walk was really, really enjoyable. Seems you are finding the same to be true.

Buen Camino!

It was a tough camiño but worthwhile to walk this.
Busy now editing the thousands of pictures we made on our two months lasting journey including the caminho ingles

 

[Balian]

Day 6 Sigueiro to Santiago

Stayed in Hostal Miras, got very little sleep, what a noisy place that is.

Set out very early to make sure we made it to Santiago in time for the mass. It was still dark and misty so the torch was required for a while. Saw lots of rabbits hopping off in the distance and a deer running in the field next to us.

At close to the 5k marker when you walk out onto the main road we bumped into the Pilgrim from Leeds again had a quick chat and he was soon off in the distance as he was tight for time.

The next 7k were strange, I lost where I was on Johnnys guide and couldnt find any landmark to tie me back to the guide, only this stage is well marked or there would have been more of a panic.

I found coming into Santiago a bit disappointing when the waymarks stop completely, its as if saying 'your close enough'. I would have thought the waymarks would have went on till the final destination. Completing the final stretch by street signs wasn't what I was expecting.

We arrived at the Cathederal and I was looking forward to doing the touching, hugging, kneeling stage that for me signified the completion of the pligrimage. As soon as we entered the Cathederal a security guard chased us back out again as we were carrying back backs? Of course we were we had just walked here! Yet as we were leaving a group of about 20 tourists with back backs were let in with no issues as they had a guide with them.

So we went found our hostal, dropped the back packs off and we back to the Cathederal to catch the mass, to find the doors locked at 11:40 and they were not letting anyone in.

I found the final day a big anti-climax to be honest, it wasn't how I was expecting it to be.

Santiago is a nice place and we enjoyed an evening there before flying home.

 

[Camembert]

Day 6 Sigueiro to Santiago

Stayed in Hostal Miras, got very little sleep, what a noisy place that is.

Set out very early to make sure we made it to Santiago in time for the mass. It was still dark and misty so the torch was required for a while. Saw lots of rabbits hopping off in the distance and a deer running in the field next to us.

At close to the 5k marker when you walk out onto the main road we bumped into the Pilgrim from Leeds again had a quick chat and he was soon off in the distance as he was tight for time.

The next 7k were strange, I lost where I was on Johnnys guide and couldnt find any landmark to tie me back to the guide, only this stage is well marked or there would have been more of a panic.

I found coming into Santiago a bit disappointing when the waymarks stop completely, its as if saying 'your close enough'. I would have thought the waymarks would have went on till the final destination. Completing the final stretch by street signs wasn't what I was expecting.

We arrived at the Cathederal and I was looking forward to doing the touching, hugging, kneeling stage that for me signified the completion of the pligrimage. As soon as we entered the Cathederal a security guard chased us back out again as we were carrying back backs? Of course we were we had just walked here! Yet as we were leaving a group of about 20 tourists with back backs were let in with no issues as they had a guide with them.

So we went found our hostal, dropped the back packs off and we back to the Cathederal to catch the mass, to find the doors locked at 11:40 and they were not letting anyone in.

I found the final day a big anti-climax to be honest, it wasn't how I was expecting it to be.

Santiago is a nice place and we enjoyed an evening there before flying home.

What an anti-climax but you are not the only one.
The camino is NOT ending in Santiago but the way TO Santiago !

Hope not in the common confusion you forgot to get your Compostela certificate at the pilgrims office because that's the "cherry on top "

Thanks for sharing your highlights and your deepests moments with us.
It was a pleasure to read your story and brought back the ( happy and less happy ) memories to us.
Wish you and your partner the best and maybe we see you once on the camino somewhere

Un saludo desto lado do mundo

Albertinho


Winners have a plan; losers only an excuse !

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Congratulations on some fine photography and a successful camino!

 

[Balian]

Yes we received our Compostellas all ready to be framed along with a montage of pictures we took en route

I took a number of pictures on the way and hopefully will get them uploaded soon.

It has been a very good experience and if/when we decide to do another Camino we will go in a lot more experienced and prepared, that is for sure.

 

[Camembert]

Yes we received our Compostellas all ready to be framed along with a montage of pictures we took en route

I took a number of pictures on the way and hopefully will get them uploaded soon.

It has been a very good experience and if/when we decide to do another Camino we will go in a lot more experienced and prepared, that is for sure.

So a lot to do afterwards you will keep the camiño going in your mind. After 2 camiños we can't get enough of it. We are allready preparing the next one May 2015 ,the caminho Portuges again but this time along the coast and my good Portugese friend Diogo just a minute ago send me some interesting information of a rather unknown camiño along the Galicean coast from Pontevedra to Padrón and so on to Santiago. The camino Salnés

Where are you from ?

Well. Annexed a picture of the frame we made last year from our first caminho Portuges.
The one from the camiño Ingles will follow soon at the wall.

Best regards from the Netherlands

Albertinho


Winners have a plan; losers only an excuse !

 

[Camembert]

As long as you start directly on Flipflops in Ferrol instead of Bailan in Betanzos did, your camiño could even better.

 

[Balian]

Albertinho we are from Northern Ireland and we put this down when getting our Compestella.

Hopefully when they release the statistics we can finally see Northern Ireland listed on the countries

 

[sillydoll]

Not all pilgrims claim a certificate so the stats are on the low side!
Some people have said that they found the Camino Ingles more challenging than the Aragones!
My friend 'Little John' (81 this year) walked the Camino Ingles a week before we did in June and he found it really hard going. When I mentioned this to Bob (90 in September) he said, "As far as roughness of trails and steepness of grades, I felt that it was easier than the route from Sarria."

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Last year 26,569 arrived for compostelas stating that they started at SJPdP. SJPdP reports that 50,718 set out. Others start and finish at intermediate points. Uncounted others do not get a compostela they have earned. The statistics collected by the Pilgrim Office have known gaps, including the pilgrim's country of origin.

 

[Camembert]

Not all pilgrims claim a certificate so the stats are on the low side!
Some people have said that they found the Camino Ingles more challenging than the Aragones!
My friend 'Little John' (81 this year) walked the Camino Ingles a week before we did in June and he found it really hard going. When I mentioned this to Bob (90 in September) he said, "As far as roughness of trails and steepness of grades, I felt that it was easier than the route from Sarria."

I like uncle Bob ! He has the right camiño spirit. A pity we did not meet him and drank a cold beer with him.

 

[sillydoll]

I posted this a few years ago but it probably still holds true:

"The Sociology department of the Cathedral, headed by Don Juan Jose Cebrian (brother Don Genaro, who heads the Pilgrims' office) has estimated the number of pilgrims on the Camino at any one time by using the registration in albergues, the data given when the credential is obtained, and other sources, such as the tourist information offices throughout the Camino. The numbers that do not receive the Compostela are roughly 5 - 1. The vast majority of pilgrims from Spain complete the Camino over four segments, as do a great many Latin Americans who have only two weeks vacation. There are also some pilgrims who do not complete the pilgrimage in a manner that would entitle them to a Compostela because of illness, tiredness or other reasons. And then there are some who do not request, or get a Compostela for one reason or another. Pilgrims who arrive at 9pm or 10 p.m. when the pilgrims' office is closed are unable to get a Compostela if they leave that night or early the next morning. The 5 to 1 estimate has proven steady and reliable over the last ten years or so."
This could mean that if 2o0 000 Compostelas are issued, there are another 1 million pilgrims on the various Camino trails throughout the year.

(I have walked to Santiago 9 times and have one Compostela, a tourist certificate and the new certificate I asked for in June)

 

[Balian]

Wendy said to me last night she is missing the Camino and wants to go back. Which suprised me as was a tougher week for her then for me.

If we do return in 2015 we will be much better prepared physically and mentally and will be able to enjoy the experience more thats for sure.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

If we do return in 2015 we will be much better prepared physically and mentally and will be able to enjoy the experience more thats for sure.

You make a good point for those who blithely eschew planning and preparation. For most pilgrims it is not easy. The more you prepare the more enjoyable it will be. Of course, that is not a recommendation of obsessive/compulsive adherence to a plan. That may ruin the experience as well.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

I endorse falcon here, you should be prepared, I walked camino ingles in started in ferrol on 23rd may, bus Santiago-ferrol, did not go to port, no problem picking up arrows. Very easy to Neda, crossed path at railway saving 10-12 km, bad reports of Neda albergue. Walked to Pontedeume, next day walked to betanzos, arrived 11am in rain so stayed in lovely albergue , best on camino ingles. Next day to hospital de Bruma , bar Julia open, for late breakfast/ early lunch. Nice albergue and ordered food in which came early ,big bonus. Walked the 40 km to Santiago next day, easy walking, I already walked the Norte starting in Bilbao, on May Day switched to Primitivo to Santiago . I was in good condition by then, I wore out a pair of Solomon walking boots, Bilbao to Santiago took 23 days. Ingles camino nice cool down to finish. I recommend nobody to walk any camino without some training hard. Buen camino

 

[Camembert]

Wendy said to me last night she is missing the Camino and wants to go back. Which suprised me as was a tougher week for her then for me.

If we do return in 2015 we will be much better prepared physically and mentally and will be able to enjoy the experience more thats for sure.

Don't we all miss the camiño ? Once done you are infected by what is called the camiño virus.
The only medicine and treatment against it is to go back on the Way and accept the cold turkey" effect while arriving in Santiago.

So next time we'll meet pilgrims on Flipflops, we know it is you !

 

[mylifeonvacation]

Wendy said to me last night she is missing the Camino and wants to go back. Which suprised me as was a tougher week for her then for me.

If we do return in 2015 we will be much better prepared physically and mentally and will be able to enjoy the experience more thats for sure.

I have the exact same thoughts. While I had a very difficult time on the first half of the Ingles last month, and am still dealing with effects of blisters on one foot, I very strongly want to re-do the Ingles or try the Portuguese in a year or so. If you told me a month ago in Santiago that I would be saying this, I'd have called you crazy! The Camino called and it keeps calling.

 

[Camembert]

I have the exact same thoughts. While I had a very difficult time on the first half of the Ingles last month, and am still dealing with effects of blisters on one foot, I very strongly want to re-do the Ingles or try the Portuguese in a year or so. If you told me a month ago in Santiago that I would be saying this, I'd have called you crazy! The Camino called and it keeps calling.

Walk the Portuges ! Great walk either from Lisbon or Porto . We found the 120 kms of the Ingles this year more intens than the 650 kms from Lisbon last year.
Next year May we intend to walk the Portuges da Costa from Porto via the coast with as a variation in Galicia the Ruta de Salnés from Pontevedra via the coastline to Padrón and continuing to Santiago. A special camiño.

 

[Urban Trekker]

The climb put of Pountadume was very very difficult and then there were two more mountain ranges that we had to cross before we got to the shelter in Bruna. My feet self disturbed. Was able to continue but suffered foot pain for weeks. I would not trade the experience for anything

 

[joeboybollo]

Wendy said to me last night she is missing the Camino and wants to go back. Which suprised me as was a tougher week for her then for me.

If we do return in 2015 we will be much better prepared physically and mentally and will be able to enjoy the experience more thats for sure.

Hi Balian,just read your last post-July 25 2014 about the Ingles. WE are going in September-taking it steady! Are you having another go this year? I've worried about blisters after some crackers last year (Sarria) first camino. But I had to laugh reading about you doing it in sandals!! It put my mind at rest a bit.I thought o.k. then I might try it barefoot this year!

 

[joeboybollo]

Hi Balian,just read your last post-July 25 2014 about the Ingles. WE are going in September-taking it steady! Are you having another go this year? I've worried about blisters after some crackers last year (Sarria) first camino. But I had to laugh reading about you doing it in sandals!! It put my mind at rest a bit.I thought o.k. then I might try it barefoot this year!

P,S, We are from Solihull,West Midlands-haven't seen our place mentioned much either!

 

[m00nman]

Hi Balian,

Loved going over your experiences of the Camino Ingles which was me and my mate Craig's first Camino back in 2012. We are from Bangor so nice to see a fellow countryman on the forum! You can have a laugh at our blog by clicking the link on my signature!

So much did I enjoy the Camino that I returned the following year with my wife and kids and walked the first five days of 'El Camino del Norte' and last year five of us from Bangor walked from Ourense into Santiago...and in July me and the wife and kids will pick up where we left off on the 'Norte' from Gernika...

What I think I'm trying to say is the after my first camino experience I was hooked and am counting the days down to return in July so don't be surprised if it reels you back in!!!

Feel free to give me a shout anytime if you need any advice!

Buen Camino / Bide On!!!

 

[Balian]

Hi Balian,

Loved going over your experiences of the Camino Ingles which was me and my mate Craig's first Camino back in 2012. We are from Bangor so nice to see a fellow countryman on the forum! You can have a laugh at our blog by clicking the link on my signature!

So much did I enjoy the Camino that I returned the following year with my wife and kids and walked the first five days of 'El Camino del Norte' and last year five of us from Bangor walked from Ourense into Santiago...and in July me and the wife and kids will pick up where we left off on the 'Norte' from Gernika...

What I think I'm trying to say is the after my first camino experience I was hooked and am counting the days down to return in July so don't be surprised if it reels you back in!!!

Feel free to give me a shout anytime if you need any advice!

Buen Camino / Bide On!!!

Hi Neil,
Found your blog, right at the start when I was looking and really enjoyed it.

Doesn't seem to be many from Northern Ireland walking the Camino, never seen on the completed lists.

Sounds as if you really are hooked, its something that definitely draws you back.

Hopefully you will keep a log of this years journey, considering taking the kids also some time soon. Interested to hear how the kids got on?

Thanks

 

[m00nman]

When we walked from Irun to Gernika in 2013 my two boys were 13 and 10 years old. They found it tough but were able to cope OK with a little gentle persuasion of course at times and the odd bribe of ice cream etc but generally they liked to lead the way, searching out the waymarks and pointing mum and dad in the right direction!
The hardest issue we had in fact was in the Albergue in Marina-Xemein where a couple of walkers had one too many before bedtime and snored all night long...indutrial ear plugs were in need that particular night I tell you!!!
From what I have been reading on the forum kids are pretty resiliant even from a younger age and should be able to cope easily enough with 20-25 kilometres a day. We of course only walked for five days so longer than that I don't know!!!