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Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
The only impositions I know of are time, money, and unfortunately illness snd injury. The first 2 require a schedule and are self imposed the last uncontrollable.Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
I agree with your assessment, the hard part is trusting the bag would be where I needed it. It is just hard to give up a bag that has the basics of warmth or shelter from the elements. I think it definetly is a personal choice, I agree we all carry more in other ways than just the weight of our packs. I just never consider SherpasIf you keep your packing tight and have a pack that you could, if you wished and when you've got up a bit of milage and experience, try carrying it on a shorter/easier segments then you could try both options (just have a soft fold day pack to carry what you need for a day). Using one of the local carriers for the 1st week or so and then on and off as you feel/if you feel the need to use them. These services are very easy to access en route all along the Camino Frances. Then you could experience staying in the albergues -if you wanted to- when carrying your pack and also full range of private accommodation when using the carriers. For some pilgrims it's not the question of 'to carry or not carry' but accommodation anxiety and need to have a booking is what dictates their daily distance.
When I walked the CF I was walking with a friend who had never done any long distance walking before and we learned a very valuable lesson (well for us scary cats) In Zubiri on the evening of our 2nd days walking Frances was feeling pretty bushed and anxious so we decided that if she needed to we would take the bus to Pamplona the next day-the relief was palpable and she got a good nights sleep. The next morning (Holy Thursday) we waited at the bus stop for maybe 15 minutes and then Frances said "you know we could walk on a bit to the next village and get it there" so we did walk on and walked on and on to Pamplona (by the way there were actually no buses that day but we didn't know that!) So by being a little bit permissive with ourselves and allowing even just the idea of options/alternatives meant that we relaxed and, if not getting rid of our anxieties, at least managed them a little. In fact by using the daily comfort device of saying to ourselves "you know if we need to we can take the bus-but let's just walk for a little bit first" we managed day to day……to walk all the way to SDC.
Don't be worried make the decision based on your needs-and anyway you can always do it again (you may have noticed some of us do!). Each time I walk the lighter my pack gets (only by a little bit and I still pack too much but I'm getting better) and the more relaxed I get about 'the rules' or indeed my own expectations. So I'm learning to carry less in more ways than one. On my current route if the service were available I'd happily make use of the services of a personal Sherpa
Nell, I love how you very kindly gave yourselves permission to not walk...and then because it allowed you to relax, you could walk anyway. (A beautiful act of friendship on your part, too, by the way...)So by being a little bit permissive with ourselves and allowing even just the idea of options/alternatives meant that we relaxed and, if not getting rid of our anxieties, at least managed them a little. In fact by using the daily comfort device of saying to ourselves "you know if we need to we can take the bus-but let's just walk for a little bit first" we managed day to day……to walk all the way to SDC.
On the camino, you don't need to bring with you a lot of things. Walking with your backpack gives you the freedom to change your plans during the day. If you send your backpack you can't make changes, and sometimes you will have to wait for the backpack to arrive in the afternoon. I would never send my backpack, but I only carry, what I need on the camino. I think, pilgrims sometimes brings too much on a pilgrimage...it is not a charterholiday !Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
Hi, no it does not. The only thing is you have to go to the destination you send your pack to.Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
As mentioned above, there is no Camino 'rule' about this, but some pilgrims have personal opinions about what is and isn't a true pilgrimage.Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
We are planning our second Camino for August/2016. On August/2015, I had to have spinal surgery due to an accident. I will not carry my backpack. I will only carry a day pack. For me it will not take anything away from the experience. I am sure that St. James will understand. Buen Camino.
Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
. ......SNIP.........Many other pilgrims were in the same condition as me, almost hypothermic. The Camino ambulance was up and down the path treating people. It gave me a real fright .....SNIP....
If I didn't know the name of an ambulance provider I may just call it the same thing, that is my assumption when reading this. I think who ever dispatched an ambulance must have been being notified of pilgrims in possible distress. Sounds to me as they understood the severity of the situation to go out & work that section of the Camino."The Camino Ambulance "??
Really??? Is there now such a thing? That is the first reference I have seen of that.
Where and how does that work?
Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
@Bajaracer , and I am saying this tongue in cheek, are you saying that if one does not have limitations and is able to carry, that you are of the opinion that one should carry. Oh the can of worms.
Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
"The Camino Ambulance "??
Really??? Is there now such a thing? That is the first reference I have seen of that.
Where and how does that work?
On the Camino Inglés the Correos is the service available and we read that they expect packs to be ready for collection by 7.00am. We saw them arrive to collect at about 7.15 and they were not happy having to wait for the packs that were not ready. I do not know what time they delivered them to the next stop(s).
Jacotrans is a different system which others will be able to comment about. We saw a pilgrim using the system, he left his pack when he set off. The previous day it had arrived, where we were all staying, around lunchtime and well before he did.
When I volunteered as a hospitalero in Carrion de los Condes, Jancotrans picked up the packs at about 8am, usually after the pilgrims had left.
A couple of the nuns would check the tags each day and be sure to tell me that all of the packs were American. Actually not that many packs transported each day.
It seems they had noticed this a month or so earlier and were happy to point it out to us.
Actually, they were almost all American with maybe one each day from somewhere else. It seems we Americans are keeping the transport people in business.
I am not sure if this high percentage holds true in other places but it was during the two weeks I was there.
Of course it's possible for the nuns to know natioanlities as they checked in walkers the day before asking for their country of origin.
Oh yes of course - I forgot about the normal luggage tags! Yes, and along with knowing the pilgrims they had met on arrival as @Anemone del Camino says too.Exactly...except that I recall that many people write U.S.A. Or EEUU on the envelopes.
Most packs also have a luggage type tag attached as well..
Thank you for that input - question though - how did you know where to send your bag??Hi @Carfax ,
There are many ways of making a pilgrimage and lots of choices about our logistical arrangements. For many people, the practical help offered by a bag carrying service makes their pilgrimage possible and enjoyable.
Personally, I prefer to carry my own bag - I wrote about this in another thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/camino-conversations.33562/ However, I used the baggage service a few times on my first Camino and I wouldn't rule out doing it again if the need arose. It's easily arranged on a day by day basis, so it doesn't have to be a big decision that you make in advance.
Nuala
Thank you for that input - question though - how did you know where to send your bag??
Hi Carfax - I only sent the bag ahead on days where I had pre-booked accommodation. As other have said, this can impose restrictions that may or may not be to your liking.
Thank you for that input - question though - how did you know where to send your bag??
Everyone makes good points concerning having to get to the destination where the pack is sent, losing some of the spontaneity of having a predetermined destination, etc. but in my opinion, it is your camino, do it the way you want. It is such a personal thing that no one way of doing it is better or worse. I'm planning on sending my pack and my wife's next year on those days when my back, and her's, just can't take it. Or those days when I am too tired to wanna carry it, as light or heavy as it might be. I don't see that it will be more or less spiritual, for me, to have my pack sent ahead. Or to take a any form of transportation when the body just does not want to cooperate. Of course, I have a herniated disk in my lower back, so having a back spasm episode during my camino is not something I want to chance. Again, that is what works for me. So, again, do it the way you want. It is your camino. Buen camino, peregrino.Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
I had to have spinal surgery due to an accident. I will not carry my backpack.
I did a long hike (102 days) twelve years ago. At the time I was worried about being a "purist"'
First things first, a well fited bag will not be difficult to carry. I have scoliosis ( with pain stopping me from putting a foot in front of the other and turning in bed) and as long as I pack my bag well, keep it light, and am very careful when putting it on I am fine. And then there is also the voltaren pill I take as a précaution. You May have a more painful condition, all I am saying is that there are ways to maximise the odds you'll be fine.I'm planning on sending my pack and my wife's next year on those days when my back, and her's, just can't take it. Or those days when I am too tired to wanna carry it, as light or heavy as it might be. Of course, I have a herniated disk in my lower back, so having a back spasm episode during my camino is not something I want to chance. Again, that is what works for me. So, again, do it the way you want. It is your camino. Buen camino, peregrino.
Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
SYates or another regular poster once said something about making a distinction between avoiding pain and in jury vs avoiding discomfort, and I really loved that. Because frankly, for me, the whole Camino is discomfort, but nothing toes me more to what matter pas in life than being on the Camino.
I'm most certainly a "purist", but it's not been something I've worried about since 1994
It's an attitude, not a masochism nor a self-punishment
There's no point being a "purist" for the sake of "purism", but it's a philosophy of the Way that's afraid of neither necessities nor imperfections, provided they are provided by reason
You just do as well as you can, and you avoid all unnecessary compromise
Failure to live up to that ideal is inevitable
Hi Peter, I walked from St Jean DPP to Pamplona and send my bag on ahead of me each day, it didnt make it any less of a pilgrimage for me, nor should it, we are all doing the camino for our own reasons, for ourselves, therefore we should please ourselves as to how we travel, ie with or without our luggage. I had a backpack with my wallet, passport, rain gear and change of shoes and got the rest sent on ahead. It had to be collected by 8am and was always at my next destination before I arrived. Buen CaminoHi, no it does not. The only thing is you have to go to the destination you send your pack to.
I wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.
As a dissenting voice...
I think that on the camino, as in life, it is important to carry one's load. Of course, this is just my opinion and I would never insist on it. It is a burden to carry one's possessions (for that month or so) but also a tremendous freedom – just one of the paradoxes of pilgrimage. Of course, each person's burdens are different, and so, then are each person's opportunities for freedom, and it's just as important to not judge another by what we carry.
Buen camino
As you say correctly we cannot judge someone by what they carry.
Hi JabbaPapa
I'm curious, what does it mean to be "purist"? And in your previous note you mentioned that you are a "true pilgrim". What makes a true pilgrim.
You can always start walking from the airport in Paris, Madrid, Zurich, Frankfurt...Thanks for your reply JabbaPapa, I see what you mean.
I thought of doing the PCT but the whole thing about sleeping outdoors didn't do it for me. Definitely not a purist here, would not be able to star from my front door to do the Camino Frances, the pond between Canada and Europe makes it difficult. Now, if I were in the EU I would definitely consider starting from my front door.
Chris
Addictive it is, enjoy every bit of it.No a bad idea Anemone. I will be starting from St. Jean for my first Camino next year, will see how I do. I understand that is somewhat addictive so who knows what would be next.
Chris
No, I did this in September, and booked a few days ahead at a time. Was great Jacotrans were amazing and reliable, Buen Camino!Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
Thank you, Aussie Peregrino! Of all the comments here, this is the one I like most!As a dissenting voice...
I think that on the camino, as in life, it is important to carry one's load. Of course, this is just my opinion and I would never insist on it. It is a burden to carry one's possessions (for that month or so) but also a tremendous freedom – just one of the paradoxes of pilgrimage. Of course, each person's burdens are different, and so, then are each person's opportunities for freedom, and it's just as important to not judge another by what we carry.
Buen camino
Used the service available on a part of the Primitivo. No problems, bag there and people great and kind. Was an interesting feeling to have nothing - a reverse lesson for me. I have not read all the above. Thanks for posting and Buen Camino!Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
Bit on the Primitivo it's not as if you have many options on where to spend the night, so your freedom to decode after the backpack os gome is not much of an issue: it's not as if you are likely to say "oh, lets walk another 10km after these first 24"Used the service available on a part of the Primitivo. No problems, bag there and people great and kind. Was an interesting feeling to have nothing - a reverse lesson for me. I have not read all the above. Thanks for posting and Buen Camino!
Does having your possessions carried from accommodation to accommodation (assisted pilgrimage) make it less of a pilgrimage?
It has been put to me that this imposes a schedule on one which does not allow the full experience of the path, the way, to be achieved?
Any thoughts?
I think it depends why you are having your bags carried: because you cannot, or because you think you cannot. Every step of the Camino I think I cannot, my feet hurt. Turns out I jave flat feet. So it's just a "I wish this was not so uncomfortable". Bit pain is fine, just not fun. And then there is plantar fasciitis, which I developped on Camino 4. That is a "cannot" as it's not jist discomfot, but an injury. And wouldn't you know it, no bag tavel on that route, so ypi don't evem think aboit amd carry your load for as long as you can, and then stop for the day, and pick up the next day. And because on that route you will not find an alberge every km, you end up javing to skip a bit.
My take is that th only person you are "cheating" when having bags carried is yourself, because you will always be curious about... What if.
I really don't care how it was done in the old days, although my guess is that unless you were rich it was little fun. I even think that leaving your palace to be on the road in those conditions and sleeping in the hostals that were available must have been quite the sacrifice.Did the old pilgrims have big bags to carry or did they get a ride on a horse and buggy?
Did they stay in an albergue or were given a good meal in a private home?
The only person that matters on the camino is oneself , and if you feel comfortable with or desire to have your bags carried so be it.
It will be no less a camino than the bloke beside you with an Ospray 60l on this back.
We started in Le Puy a few years ago , stopped in Saint- Jean le Vieux which is 5 km short of STJPdP
They got us Jacotrans and we ended up in Burgette 5 km past Ronscavalles in a beautiful hotel.
We ""carried"" the next day and every day to the coast [ Muxia ] and to this day i don't know why.....i bit silly i think.
Ah, its the freedom Thornley. Its like being a snail with your home on your back. I've had my pack carried a few times but I always miss it.
I really don't care how it was done in the old days, although my guess is that unless you were rich it was little fun. I even think that leaving your palace to be on the road in those conditions and sleeping in the hostals that were available must have been quite the sacrifice.
I do believe that if you are wonderingabout the right and wrong of having your things schlept, you may feel better about yourself carrying. Or esle why even wonder and ask!
...
I am dismayed, however, at the seeming avalanche of posts here and on Facebook promoting and encouraging new people,without a need, to use pack services. I really don't understand the need to convince others to join this new fad. On Facebook it is now often called "luggage" as in holiday travel.
...
I have never had my pack transported or taken transportation on the route.
Folks with injuries or limitation must do this. There is no question or argument to be made there.
Having said that....
I have no problem with those who now do this without a compelling reason ( above).
I am dismayed, however, at the seeming avalanche of posts here and on Facebook promoting and encouraging new people,without a need, to use pack services. I really don't understand the need to convince others to join this new fad. On Facebook it is now often called "luggage" as in holiday travel.
It is really difficult for me to understand why someone who is able would decide to not carry his/her pack before they ever leave home. Why not go intending to give it a go and see what happens? You can always decide to go the other way if you find you cannot carry your pack.
You may be very surprised at what you can accomplish.
The pride and personal satisfaction would be great for most people.
Just my personal opinion based on seeing the huge change in the conversation over the past few years.
Not trying to start an argument from those who seem to defend the transport service every time it comes up.
Those of us who don't like the change are entitled to an opinion also.
Please...no posts with the "MY" , "YOUR" Camino in all caps. We have all seen that a thousand times here.
A good pack will put the weight on your hips not on your back and in fact, it's those unstructured small day packs that wind up giving me back pain after about an hour or so.
Did the old pilgrims have big bags to carry or did they get a ride on a horse and buggy?
Did they stay in an albergue or were given a good meal in a private home?
The only person that matters on the camino is oneself , and if you feel comfortable with or desire to have your bags carried so be it.
It will be no less a camino than the bloke beside you with an Ospray 60l on this back.
Could anyone suggest a reliable courier service as I am walking part of the camino de norte with my son, and although I had good intentions of carrying my back pack I have hurt my back and have a bad hip. I know that this may be considered cheating the pilgrimage but I am doing the part from Bilbao to Santander with my son to have some quality time together since my husband (his dad) passed away in December. I enjoy hiking but do not relish the heavy load on my back..
For this reason I have already booked hostels in advance so this part of the camino is planned.
So any suggestions of which company I can use will be most welcome.
@Suzumba
There are now many (too many) transport services including Correos (Spanish Post Office) operating on the Norte. You will find advertisements in the first albergue or pension you stay in or the hospitalero will be able to hook you up.
The advertisements seem to be posted on every tree and wall at times.
No worries about "cheating". Your injury is the exact reason why they existed originally.
The new fad of people leaving home with no intention of carrying a pack...or even taking a suitcase instead is what was discussed above.
The continued encouragement of others to do this is the confusing part to many of us. The only people that may be cheated is the persons themselves.
It is a rather new phenomenon that so many people go to so much trouble to get others to do this.
It is just an opinion held by some of the members her and by many of the Pilgrims on the Camino.
You will greatly enjoy your walk from Bilbao. It is a wonderful little city with many interesting places.
Enjoy your time with your son. I walked the Primitivo with two of my grandsons (14 & 18) last year. They really enjoyed Bilbao.
Buen Camino
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