Departing Santiago for home the same day I arrive

[Gillers]

Hi all,

Due to deciding last minute to do the Camino (Sarria to Santiago route) and other time pressures, I am in a bit of a predicament.

I arrive in Sarria late on a Saturday evening 6th August and plan to starting walking on the Sunday 7th morning. I need to be back in my home country by the Friday 12th, however the cost of getting home is very expensive on the Friday - and will include two flights or a long train journey, a wait and then a flight.

However there is an option of a direct flight from Santiago on the Thursday 11th at 17.00 hours but that is the day I plan in arriving on Santiago (hopefully before midday).
Below is my original plan

Sun 7th - Sarria to Portomarin
Mon 8th - Portomarin to Palas De Rei
Tues 9th - Palas De Rei to Arzua
Wed 10th - Arzua to O.Pedrouzo
Thurs 11th - O.Pedrouzo to Santiago

If I get to Santiago before midday on the Thurs, get my passport stamped and visit the Cathedral, I should be able to make the 5pm flight from Santiago ( not sure if I could get a shower before my journey???)

Will I be missing out by not spending the evening/night and having a few drinks and food with other walkers? Or will I have enjoyed meeting other walkers and having dinner/drinks with them on the previous nights?

Is it worth condensing the walking into 4 days instead of 5 so that I arrive in Santiago on the Wed 10th evening?

I will be walking on my own and carrying my own luggage if that makes any difference.

Thanks

 

[C clearly]

It looks like your end-points are fixed. Your fitness level and walking experience will determine if condensing the walk to 4 days is a good idea.

As to whether you will be "missing out by not spending the evening/night and having a few drinks and food with other walkers", you could equally ask whether you'll be missing out by not having a more leisurely walk en route. You will be having drinks and food with other walkers anyway!

All you can do is start your walk and see how the first day goes. Then see how the second day goes. Then...

 

[Deleted member 36903]

You do not say if there is a spiritual aspect to your walking the Camino, but if there is, attending the Pilgrims' Mass in the Cathedral would be a not-to-miss part of your pilgrimage. Also, don't underestimate how long you might have to queue in the Pilgrim's Office to get your Compostela or Certificate of Distance, and do try to call in at Pilgrim House where you will make contact with other pilgrims and get advice if needed, plus coffee and laundry facilities.

If you are fit I am sure that you could walk it in 4 days, rising very early each morning, and this would allow you to enjoy the joyful experience of arriving in Santiago alongside others who might want to join you later in a celebratory drink or meal. Don't forget to get two stamps on your Pilgrim's Passport (credencial) in order to qualify for the Compostela. Whatever you do, I wish you Buen Camino!

 

[crackmrmac]

Gillers, Is it worth condensing the walking into 4 days instead of 5 so that I arrive in Santiago on the Wed 10th, sounds like an echo! I would say no and go for that cheap flight. Delayed gratification is quite pleasing and powerful, so even if you don't visit pilgrim office for final sello / compostella before you fly home there are many possibilities on the future.

Buen Camino.

 

[Gillers]

Thanks folks for your replies, having read what you have said and spoken to a couple of others on another forum/blog who have previous Camino experience it has helped make my mind up.

I will look to head home on the Thursday evening, starting early that morning.

As C Clearly commented, I may not enjoy the walk as much if I try to cover it in 4 days.

I can always come back another time, and plan it a bit further in advance with no time restrictions.

Thanks all