CF Routes late August with 3 weeks

[Yeharn Hwang]

Plan to walk on CF late August, and this is my first CF. Being thinking about, preparing for this journey over two years now. Thought I can go all the way from SJPP to SdC with planned 5 weeks off, but now I can't, and need to shrink it down to 3 weeks since I really don't want to postpone it any more.

I am from Philadelphia, US and plan to land at Madrid or Pamplona to continue my walk.

Various routes I can think of, but it is all debatable as well. This is why I like to hear your opinions.

1. [No SdC] Start from SJPP, like most pilgrims do, probably end @astorga, then head home. Leave it up the next trip to pick it from Astorga, or restart from SJPP, depends on what I experience on the first walk.

2. Start from SJPP, stop at Burgos or Fromista, then train/bus to Ponferrada, SDC/Home. Sort of skipping boring part of 'Meseta'?? but don't mind of opening fields & big ski.

3. Start from Burgos, all the way to SDC, probably end at Finisterre, then head home. --> Missing the most scenic part of the walk?? and, possibly bonding with other pilgrims.??

Appreciated your thoughts.

 

[trecile]

I think that your best opportunity for a bonding experience with other pilgrims is #3, as you will walk several weeks with the same cohort and arrive in Santiago together.

You would probably also bond with other pilgrims if you start in SJPDP, but then you would have to leave while they continue on to Santiago.

Since I think that there's something very special about a continuous walk (and I don't think that the Meseta is boring) #2 would be my last choice.

You could also consider other routes. How about the Primitivo and then continue on to Finisterre/Muxía?

 

[La Brique Jaune]

Hi,

For me the #3:

- I really enjoyed the walk on the Meseta, the "emptiness" of the scenary fill me up !!

- I like the idea of a continuous walk, easier to plan, focus only in the walk. Also if you meet people you will continue walk together. y

- For myself, if I don't be able to do a longer Camino I would like to stop in a city or place meaningfull for me. Finisterre have a great symbolic ( I cannot walk further and the sunset) and Santiago for the energy of arrival of pilgrims, sitting there and watching the faces is really emotionnal. I don't know how I can making memorable my Camino if I just stop in a city with no sense for me.

I was thinking about a small Camino, I come from Canada and I don't have a lot time. For me I will not start in Sarria or between Sarrai an SDC. I will prefer to start a less popular route and making a loop like Santiago - Finisterre - Muxia - Santiago.

You will bond with people, just look at those who walk alone and smile to them.

 

[lt56ny]

I think that your best opportunity for a bonding experience with other pilgrims is #3

For me the #3:

and I don't think that the Meseta is boring

I really enjoyed the walk on the Meseta, the "emptiness" of the scenary fill me up !!

I would agree that starting in Burgos is your best bet. But I think that is up to you.
My friend who first told me about the Camino back in 2002 told me she didn't walk the Meseta because she heard it was "boring".
My first camino I considered skipping it because I "heard" from some others it was boring.

Sort of skipping boring part of 'Meseta'?? but don't mind of opening fields & big ski.

I walked and I found it to be one of the most profound experiences not just of the Camino but my life.

3. Start from Burgos, all the way to SDC, probably end at Finisterre, then head home. --> Missing the most scenic part of the walk?? and, possibly bonding with other pilgrims.??

You want to know my only real advice. If you stop thinking and expecting and listening to other people's opinion of what is best you may really lose yourself and spend wasted time trying to find what others see to share it instead of:
Just walking, taking one step at a time, listening only to your body, and spirit. Walk when your body tells you, eat when it tells you and rest when it tells you. Never listen to your brain or your camino "family". You always know what is best for you and what is best is not found in your brain
The moment you start to clear out all the weeds and crabgrass that has accumulated in your brain you will start to see the real scenic part of your camino. Yourself.

 

[Yeharn Hwang]

I would agree that starting in Burgos is your best bet. But I think that is up to you.
My friend who first told me about the Camino back in 2002 told me she didn't walk the Meseta because she heard it was "boring".
My first camino I considered skipping it because I "heard" from some others it was boring.

I walked and I found it to be one of the most profound experiences not just of the Camino but my life.

You want to know my only real advice. If you stop thinking and expecting and listening to other people's opinion of what is best you may really lose yourself and spend wasted time trying to find what others see to share it instead of:
Just walking, taking one step at a time, listening only to your body, and spirit. Walk when your body tells you, eat when it tells you and rest when it tells you. Never listen to your brain or your camino "family". You always know what is best for you and what is best is not found in your brain
The moment you start to clear out all the weeds and crabgrass that has accumulated in your brain you will start to see the real scenic part of your camino. Yourself.

"The moment you start to clear out all the weeds and crabgrass that has accumulated in your brain you will start to see the real scenic part of your camino. Yourself."

What you said just hit my head. I totally forget why I want to take this walk - to clear out all the weeds and crabgrass that has accumulated in my life. So many changes in the past few months, and I did not realize I am piling up more wees/crabgrass and this starts clouding myself not be able to see the purpose of my walk.

To trecile & La Brique Jaune, thanks for your thoughts, it helps me to clear my head as well.

Thanks

 

[trevorcc]

Having walked it multiple times, I think option 3, but remember why you want to walk and listen to others but their walk will be different from yours and your memories will also be different. The Meseta is part of the Camino (I always enjoy this section) the only thing I can offer is "have no expectations and you will have no disappointments" Buen Camino.

 

[David with new Kit!]

If it was me, I'd want to eventually complete the Camino, I'd start at the start (wherever you decide that is!) and end at the end (I took two trips to do so). But, if you just want to end up at SDC then any option is good.

Ultimately, it depends what YOU want to get out of you walk and only you can answer that one.

But, lots of good advice on the forum to help you decide .

 

[C clearly]

#3

 

[Baba John]

Plan to walk on CF late August, and this is my first CF. Being thinking about, preparing for this journey over two years now. Thought I can go all the way from SJPP to SdC with planned 5 weeks off, but now I can't, and need to shrink it down to 3 weeks since I really don't want to postpone it any more.

I am from Philadelphia, US and plan to land at Madrid or Pamplona to continue my walk.

Various routes I can think of, but it is all debatable as well. This is why I like to hear your opinions.

1. [No SdC] Start from SJPP, like most pilgrims do, probably end @astorga, then head home. Leave it up the next trip to pick it from Astorga, or restart from SJPP, depends on what I experience on the first walk.

2. Start from SJPP, stop at Burgos or Fromista, then train/bus to Ponferrada, SDC/Home. Sort of skipping boring part of 'Meseta'?? but don't mind of opening fields & big ski.

3. Start from Burgos, all the way to SDC, probably end at Finisterre, then head home. --> Missing the most scenic part of the walk?? and, possibly bonding with other pilgrims.??

Appreciated your thoughts.

#3
The Mesata is the soul of the Camino.

 

[Sunny_keeps_going]

Plan to walk on CF late August, and this is my first CF. Being thinking about, preparing for this journey over two years now. Thought I can go all the way from SJPP to SdC with planned 5 weeks off, but now I can't, and need to shrink it down to 3 weeks since I really don't want to postpone it any more.

I am from Philadelphia, US and plan to land at Madrid or Pamplona to continue my walk.

Various routes I can think of, but it is all debatable as well. This is why I like to hear your opinions.

1. [No SdC] Start from SJPP, like most pilgrims do, probably end @astorga, then head home. Leave it up the next trip to pick it from Astorga, or restart from SJPP, depends on what I experience on the first walk.

2. Start from SJPP, stop at Burgos or Fromista, then train/bus to Ponferrada, SDC/Home. Sort of skipping boring part of 'Meseta'?? but don't mind of opening fields & big ski.

3. Start from Burgos, all the way to SDC, probably end at Finisterre, then head home. --> Missing the most scenic part of the walk?? and, possibly bonding with other pilgrims.??

Appreciated your thoughts.

Plan to walk on CF late August, and this is my first CF. Being thinking about, preparing for this journey over two years now. Thought I can go all the way from SJPP to SdC with planned 5 weeks off, but now I can't, and need to shrink it down to 3 weeks since I really don't want to postpone it any more.

I am from Philadelphia, US and plan to land at Madrid or Pamplona to continue my walk.

Various routes I can think of, but it is all debatable as well. This is why I like to hear your opinions.

1. [No SdC] Start from SJPP, like most pilgrims do, probably end @astorga, then head home. Leave it up the next trip to pick it from Astorga, or restart from SJPP, depends on what I experience on the first walk.

2. Start from SJPP, stop at Burgos or Fromista, then train/bus to Ponferrada, SDC/Home. Sort of skipping boring part of 'Meseta'?? but don't mind of opening fields & big ski.

3. Start from Burgos, all the way to SDC, probably end at Finisterre, then head home. --> Missing the most scenic part of the walk?? and, possibly bonding with other pilgrims.??

Appreciated your thoughts.

Hi, I had the exact same question as you. Thanks for sharing. Also, I am leaving the end of August for 3 weeks. Honestly, I am thinking of starting at the SJPP and finish it later when I can. Ending at the final destination doesn't matter

Plan to walk on CF late August, and this is my first CF. Being thinking about, preparing for this journey over two years now. Thought I can go all the way from SJPP to SdC with planned 5 weeks off, but now I can't, and need to shrink it down to 3 weeks since I really don't want to postpone it any more.

I am from Philadelphia, US and plan to land at Madrid or Pamplona to continue my walk.

Various routes I can think of, but it is all debatable as well. This is why I like to hear your opinions.

1. [No SdC] Start from SJPP, like most pilgrims do, probably end @astorga, then head home. Leave it up the next trip to pick it from Astorga, or restart from SJPP, depends on what I experience on the first walk.

2. Start from SJPP, stop at Burgos or Fromista, then train/bus to Ponferrada, SDC/Home. Sort of skipping boring part of 'Meseta'?? but don't mind of opening fields & big ski.

3. Start from Burgos, all the way to SDC, probably end at Finisterre, then head home. --> Missing the most scenic part of the walk?? and, possibly bonding with other pilgrims.??

Appreciated your thoughts.

Hi, I had the exact same question as you. Thanks for sharing. Also, I am leaving the end of August for 3 weeks. Honestly, I am thinking of starting at the SJPP and finish it later when I can. Do whatever appeals to you . I may meet you on the road. - Sunny.