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Statistically you are walking during a time of solitary bless on the Camino Francés.Hi Sandra! [...] If waiting for company will help, then wait for company. Don't let any thoughts of what you 'should' be doing get in the way of living in the moment, sitting in cafes and enjoy the coffee and watching life, if that's what you need. Look at the hills out the back of the albergue at first light.[...]
I hope you get into your stride over the next couple of days and start to see how far you've come. Buen Camino!
So sorry you are feeling so vulnerable just now. See how you feel in the morning and follow your instincts. As it is still so early in your journey don't terrify yourself so soon into your journey. Just call a taxi and Get to ronselvelles where there will probably be more pilgrims for you to travel with. From then on, you should be fine. If you do decide to walk, then it might be an idea to take the easier way down on the road as the path is very very steep and you would need your wits about you. If you are worried and distracted and nervous then the path route might prove difficult. At the end of the day, you have a long journey ahead of you and you want to enjoy it so don't beat yourself up so soon if you DO have to get a bit of transport now and then and you need to feel safe for yourself. Just my humble ( practical) opinion. On the other hand you can " feel the fear" and do it anyway"as they say. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and will have a word with my mum" up there" let us know how you get on. Best wishes AnnetteHi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
Hi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
I love that quote and have committed to mind.Hello Sandra!
Greetings to Valcarlos! If you find a dark green woolen blanket there in the "left behind items" place, it's mine... tell it I'm sorry I left it there! I miss it!
But apart from the joking - it's absolutely understandable you're a bit overwhelmed right now. I walked as a solo pilgrim via Valcarlos earlier this year (end of march). Got lost on my way there, got blisters, and was frightened about the next day to Roncesvalles... but, I can tell you, it's worth it.
You start walking on the road for a while, but not long (if you're afraid of cars on the road, pick up a stick, wave it when cars get close. A flash light might help also. But the people driving there know there are pilgrims on the road and are usually very careful) .
After that you mostly walk through the woods. It's exhausting, quite steep at times, and there's only one fountain (which is aqua no potable if I remember correctly), so make sure you've got enough water and some food (bananas, salted nuts... whatever you can get).
It's called the "lower route", but it's still a mountain. It's exhausting if you're not used to walk up mountains... BUT it's beautiful. You will feel so, so good by the time you reach the highest point. The wind will probably blow in your face and it will be cold, but it's a great feeling. Don't be afraid. The road is always close by, if you think you can't walk on anymore, you can get to the road and stop a car or call a taxi, if needed. It's not dangerous. You can do it!!! Ultreya!!!
To add one more thing: on my way to St. Jean I met someone who was on his way to work as a hospitalero. He told me to remember two things: "Ne pas avoir peur, ne pas courir." "Don't be afraid, and don't run." That was my mantra for most of the way, and it turned out to be very true. It helped me a lot, so I thought I'll pass it on. Maybe it will be of use to you, too.
A mind taken over by fear spins stories whose only purpose is to keep the fear going. Even if we're safe as houses we can all too easily convince ourselves otherwise. Not to be believed!Conquering fear is a life changing experience.
Hi Sandra, just wondering how you got on today. Myself and everyone on the forum who read or responded to your post must be willing you onwards and upwards and of course at the top-- downwards in whatever form it took to get you to your destination. I have been thinking of you during the day and have lit a candle for you to light your way. Taking each day as it comes and knowing that so many on this forum are with you in spirit and wishing ( definitely myself) that we we're there too will help you along. Remember too that so many of us are at the other end of an iPad or computer!!! Best wishes AnnetteHi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
My sleeping bag wasn't. I froze for the next month.Me guesses that those 'lost items' were those all-important-can't-do-the-Camino-without-its that suddenly became less important as realisation hit that the owner had to carry them for miles on endBuen Camino! SY
Hi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
Hi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
Hi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
Brilliant Sandra,lovely to hear from you. I am quite certain things will now start to improve on a daily basis.Keep it up and well done for overcoming the fears and challenges you have had so far.Hello wonderful fellow pilgrims! Thank you again for your amazing words of support and wisdom. I have kept them close to my heart as I've travelled. I did choose to keep going the day after, and walked to Roncesvalles. I began by implementing some of your sage advice- I popped my fluorescent orange pack cover on, bought a great stick, and waved at drivers so they knew I was there. I found the road to be much safer with all those things in place, and by the end of the day thoroughly preferred it to the woodlands! Who would've thought?
The pine/beech forest that you spoke of certainly was intimidating, and there were many moments when I literally thought I wouldn't make it. The steepness! The neverendingness! I literally cried when I reached the Pass, from both pride and relief.
The days since have still been difficult. I haven't exercised in ten years and the sheer physicality of the walk is overwhelming more often than not. The constant hills are my current battle, although as with before, the battle is more a mental than a physical one. I have wanted to leave the Camino for all four days, and it has been the support of this forum, my fellow walkers, and my amazing partner back home that have helped me to stick with it. I reached Pamplona and pretty much collapsed, so took a rest day today to regroup physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's definitely helped and I plan on keeping going tomorrow.
Given how hard the first four days have been, I can only imagine how challenging the remainder will be! I have great appreciation for those of you who have finished the walk, and hope to one day join you in that achievement.
Much love to you all, all across the world.
Sandra
Hi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks
feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
It is so good to hear from you and how well you have done.you really do deserve a cheer. It's not an easy walk but you say that you have six weeks so short walking days and rest days should be possible and you will find your " mojo" as you go along. The weather looks good there at the moment so that's a bonus. As interpreter above says, take care of your feet too. Keep in touch as we will all be here for the next six weeks and beyond. Buen Camino.annetteHello wonderful fellow pilgrims! Thank you again for your amazing words of support and wisdom. I have kept them close to my heart as I've travelled. I did choose to keep going the day after, and walked to Roncesvalles. I began by implementing some of your sage advice- I popped my fluorescent orange pack cover on, bought a great stick, and waved at drivers so they knew I was there. I found the road to be much safer with all those things in place, and by the end of the day thoroughly preferred it to the woodlands! Who would've thought?
The pine/beech forest that you spoke of certainly was intimidating, and there were many moments when I literally thought I wouldn't make it. The steepness! The neverendingness! I literally cried when I reached the Pass, from both pride and relief.
The days since have still been difficult. I haven't exercised in ten years and the sheer physicality of the walk is overwhelming more often than not. The constant hills are my current battle, although as with before, the battle is more a mental than a physical one. I have wanted to leave the Camino for all four days, and it has been the support of this forum, my fellow walkers, and my amazing partner back home that have helped me to stick with it. I reached Pamplona and pretty much collapsed, so took a rest day today to regroup physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's definitely helped and I plan on keeping going tomorrow.
Given how hard the first four days have been, I can only imagine how challenging the remainder will be! I have great appreciation for those of you who have finished the walk, and hope to one day join you in that achievement.
Much love to you all, all across the world.
Sandra
It will continue to get better, both physically and emotionally. Little by little. Remember, he who moves a great mountain, starts by moving a single stone at a time.Hello wonderful fellow pilgrims! Thank you again for your amazing words of support and wisdom. I have kept them close to my heart as I've travelled. I did choose to keep going the day after, and walked to Roncesvalles. I began by implementing some of your sage advice- I popped my fluorescent orange pack cover on, bought a great stick, and waved at drivers so they knew I was there. I found the road to be much safer with all those things in place, and by the end of the day thoroughly preferred it to the woodlands! Who would've thought?
The pine/beech forest that you spoke of certainly was intimidating, and there were many moments when I literally thought I wouldn't make it. The steepness! The neverendingness! I literally cried when I reached the Pass, from both pride and relief.
The days since have still been difficult. I haven't exercised in ten years and the sheer physicality of the walk is overwhelming more often than not. The constant hills are my current battle, although as with before, the battle is more a mental than a physical one. I have wanted to leave the Camino for all four days, and it has been the support of this forum, my fellow walkers, and my amazing partner back home that have helped me to stick with it. I reached Pamplona and pretty much collapsed, so took a rest day today to regroup physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's definitely helped and I plan on keeping going tomorrow.
Given how hard the first four days have been, I can only imagine how challenging the remainder will be! I have great appreciation for those of you who have finished the walk, and hope to one day join you in that achievement.
Much love to you all, all across the world.
Sandra
keep on going.....by the time you have completed the first 100 miles.....you will be just fine.....without pain there is no glory ! !Hi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
Wow!! Just listened to this.beautiful music and words. They will certainly inspire Sandra as they have inspired me.Sandra - where are you now???? You strong and brave pilgrim. You know, to city folk being alone in a forest is an intimidating thing - but it is ok - no drunks or bears!! imagine what it would be like for a forest dweller to suddenly find themselves in a city - they would be terrified ... so .. eventually I think you will come to love the forests.
So - it gets easier from Roncesvalles .... just take it easy, be kind to yourself, talk to pilgrims, make friends - enjoy!!
You are not alone you know, someone walks at your side.
I have posted this elsewhere but I am posting it now for you - keep it in your mind when you need it - Buen Camino Sandra - thank you for being so open and honest.
What an inspiration David! Thank you for posting. We are thinking of you Sandra!Sandra - where are you now???? You strong and brave pilgrim. You know, to city folk being alone in a forest is an intimidating thing - but it is ok - no drunks or bears!! imagine what it would be like for a forest dweller to suddenly find themselves in a city - they would be terrified ... so .. eventually I think you will come to love the forests.
So - it gets easier from Roncesvalles .... just take it easy, be kind to yourself, talk to pilgrims, make friends - enjoy!!
You are not alone you know, someone walks at your side.
I have posted this elsewhere but I am posting it now for you - keep it in your mind when you need it - Buen Camino Sandra - thank you for being so open and honest.
Has anyone heard from Sandra? It's been a while now and just wondering if you are ok Sandra. Do let us know . We are all still thinking of you.best wishes AnnetteSandra, I just seem your post, hadn't been on the forum since Daturday. Delighted you have continued walking. My thoughts have stopped with you often since you posted your initial fears, I was willing you on and will continue to do so. From what I have read your walking in the thoughts of many
Buen Camino
Rita
Has anyone heard From Sandra?? I notice that her last visit to the forum was on Dec 9th.which is almost 3 weeks ago.I'm sure that all the good people that responded to your/ her post would like to know if you are safe and well and how you are getting on. AnnetteHi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
Has anyone heard if she finished?@Fiona Lyon
Sandra started in November and was least seen on the forum beginning of December, I am sure she has finished walking by now, but it would be great to hear from her how it all went. Buen Camino, SY
I have been checking Sandra's profile every so often and the last time that she checked in was 9th Dec. At one stage I contacted the moderators to see if they knew anything about Sandra whereabouts. Considering her original post, I do find it a bit worrying that no contact has been made or comment posted. I do wonder what has happened and if Sandra has indeed finished her journey?Has anyone heard if she finished?
I have been checking Sandra's profile every so often and the last time that she checked in was 9th Dec. At one stage I contacted the moderators to see if they knew anything about Sandra whereabouts. Considering her original post, I do find it a bit worrying that no contact has been made or comment posted. I do wonder what has happened and if Sandra has indeed finished her journey?
No no, defenitely not,you must not think that way domigee. It's hard to keep track of everyone all the time. I guess it's just certain posts stick in ones mind and Sandra seemed so unsure and anxious that first time she posted. So many lovely people responded and it seemed to encourage her to continue. Also the death of Denise not so long ago is still fresh in the mind of many. So perhaps Syates is right and we just need to know if Sandra arrived home to Australia safely.best wishes AnnetteI feel quite humbled, all you lovely pilgrims keeping an eye out for Sandra. I just assumed she'd arrived
Pity the name 'bad pilgrim' is already taken, it would have suited me!
Yes, thanks for that,I'm sure you are right.hopefully we will hear from her again in the future and hope that she does find her own "way. God bless . AnnetteI am sure she has, if not there would be missing person notices allover the internet. My personal guess, please @Sandra S forgive me if I am wrong, is that she left the way earlier then she planned and is now feeling slightly conscious about posting about this decision. SY
... I honestly wish you could just be a 'Personal Sandra Support Crew' any time I faced difficulties! Imagine if we all had a community like that helping to lift us up when we had fallen. The world would truly be a more magical place if it was filled with hearts like yours. ...
Thank you Sandra for letting us all know that you are safe and well and for sharing your experience with us. Congratulations on getting to Najera. You are a true pilgrim in your heart,regardless of the distance walked. I'm sure al of us on this forum truly wish for you the words of the old Irish blessing. " may the road rise to meet you. the wind be always at your back. The the sun shine bright upon your face. The rain fall soft upon your head. And until we hear from you again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.Hello my lovely support crew!
I'm so sorry to have been out of touch! I absolutely should have updated and can't believe I let it slip my mind. I hope you can forgive me.
I ended up walking 200km of the Camino, to Najera. It was an amazing, challenging, life-changing, confronting, beautiful, heartwarming, painful, stunning experience that allowed me to learn so much, to grow in ways I never imagined, and to achieve things that I would have thought were far beyond my personal capacities. I have found a new strength and stubbornness within me that doesn't let me tell myself that I'm not capable of things.
I chose not to continue for a multitude of reasons, and that in itself was quite a powerful experience. I found that saying 'no' in response to what I needed and wanted for my body and mind was exceptionally empowering, particularity as it was a very unpopular decisionThis was reflective of many other experiences that I've had in my life and will no doubt continue to have, so it was exactly what I needed it to be and a lesson I very much needed to learn.
As they say, the Camino begins the moment it enters your heart and continues long after the hiking boots have been put away. My Camino began when I made the decision to come at the beginning of last year, and the inner work that I did in the lead-up was extraordinary. The experience on the trail felt so magnified that it's hard to believe it was so short! I feel like I really conquered something amazing. And, of course, I still think, feel, reflect on, and talk about all the things I gained, so it is still very much a part of my being.
I may choose to return, and I may not. I may choose to do the whole thing again, or start from Najera and see how far I want to go, or walk from Siarra, or not come at all. I don't know, but I learnt that listening to my soul is the key thing in these situations so will continue to do that.
When I say that you were all such an amazing part of my experience and I can't begin to thank you enough, the words just don't feel sufficient. I have experienced a lot of darkness in my life, often at the hands of other people, so to experience the overwhelming love and support from you all when I really needed it was something of a healing experience. Thank you for participating in that, and for being the kind of people that I know we all are at heart. I honestly wish you could just be a 'Personal Sandra Support Crew' any time I faced difficulties! Imagine if we all had a community like that helping to lift us up when we had fallen. The world would truly be a more magical place if it was filled with hearts like yours.
Much love to you all (from Poland!),
Sandra
Hi all! I started my Camino at SJPDP this morning, and the first half of the day was amazing. I was the only one who took the route to Valcarlos, and loved the morning fog, vistas, and solitude. I had some really incredible moments and felt so profoundly grateful to be having this experience.
In the afternoon, however, my feelings started to change in response to a few different things. Firstly, there was a stretch in a woodland area in which I started to feel unsafe, in that I realised how isolated and potentially at risk I was. Then there was a stretch of narrow, winding road in which I didn't always have room to move safely to the side when cars were coming, especially around blind corners. I found that I had to be hyper vigilant, and spent the whole afternoon stressed about not being hit by a car. Walking past my first pilgrim grave/marker didn't help.
By the time I reached Valcarlos, I was feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed. Having read the guidebook, I'm aware that there are many stretches that are similar to today's- isolated woodlands, winding roads with no edges and hairpin turns. I don't want to spend six weeks feeling stressed and fearful, and am wondering whether to choose to spend my time doing something else. Tomorrow's stretch to Roncesvalles is looming in my mind, especially given it's equally split between a major road and isolated woodland- and especially after reading @Carol06's post in this thread! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-personal-everest.37046/#post-353525
My thoughts at the moment are that I could:
- Choose not to do the Camino, which would be awfully disappointing but which I would rather do than do it and feel unsafe the whole time
- Catch a bus (if there is one from Valcarlos!) to a further point, perhaps missing at least tomorrow's dangerous stretch
- Do the whole thing, including tomorrow, if it's not actually as bad as I think it is
- Stay in Valcarlos tomorrow, as I believe there's another pilgrim coming, and walk the next stretch with her
Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, wisdom, kind words, etc. would be most welcomed! Thanks in advance
Hi Sandra, I have a favor to ask. I am leaving in April and have a service dog. Would you be so kind as to ask at the places you stay overnight if they accept service dogs? He is a real service dog, not therapy dog. I have to figure out how I am going to make this work. Thank you in advance and best of luck!
Thanks Camino Debrita, I figured that out right after I posted. I made an assumption that if it were yellow and stated "live" it was current. My bad.@diggs -- I know how eager you are to get information, but just a cursory glance over Sandra's thread is enough to learn that she is no longer on the Camino.
Best of luck--
I love your dog. I'm wondering when you are going on Camino! I'm in Oregon, and was thinking, "He could bring his dog here!" We have a pond, a farm, a yellow lab, chickens, cows...Thanks Camino Debrita, I figured that out right after I posted. I made an assumption that if it were yellow and stated "live" it was current. My bad.
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