Did your Camino fail or exceed your expectations?

[lizlane]

Did your Camino fail to meet your expectations? If so why? The good, the bad, the ugly.

Or...Did your Camino exced your expectations? If so why? The good, the bad, the ugly.

All views are welcome but please discuss your experience not other henceforth nameless bloggers. (Please it's time to let u know who rest in peace.)

Some of us (like me) really want to prepare in all ways because when I make my Camino, it will probably be a once in a lifetime experience (unless I meet some wealthy Catholic prince or hit the lottery! :lol: )

Thanks for any and all responses. This topic is started by an American Catholic so it is protected by the right of freedom of speech and religion. Just abide by the forum rules and good taste!

 

[vagabondette]

Well, I've not done my camino yet but I'm sure it will live up to my expectations because the only expectation I have is that I will walk (as long as it's not raining ). I think anyone going into a trip like this with specific expectations is almost dooming themselves to disappointment. I learned not to set expectations for my travels just as I learned not to do strict planning for my travels because every time I tried to plan a specific timeline it got shot all to hell (ex: I planned to spend a week in Mexico and I've now been here 3.5 years) so now I just roll with the flow and all is good.

I think it'd be helpful for people to say what their expectations were when the talk about whether they were met or not. Should be an interesting discussion.

 

[evanlow]

I have walked it four times (different route each time) so I guess I do not need to answer on the expectations. Instead, this is what I expect of the Camino after the first experience, and every time since, it has delivered.

1. A simple life

Just walk, eat/drink, sleep, wash (body and clothes). These four activities will keep busy enough during the journey. And loosing track of the day of week after a week or so walking is the testament to that.

2. No responsibility

At least during the period that you walk. Also eat and drink to your heart's contend without fear as it will burn away the following day.

3. Just live

Experience the nature, the difference places every day. Keeping the life so simple, any bad experience will always have a reverse as reward..

(e.g.
A harder day's walk will make that shower even more heavenly.
Some one disturbs you with their light sabre at 4:30 am, just wake up and walk earlier. You may see and experience things you would not had you walked later.
A bad day of rain and fog might just cleared up even for 10 seconds to reveal a scenery so beautiful, you would think it is photoshop.. speaking from experience)

4. Letting go

All this can only happen by letting go and just live this life for the duration of the Camino. This may not be so easy for those walking the road because of grief.

5. Answers

The Camino does not give you answers. It may facilitate your quest for whatever you are seeking, and if it does, I envy you.

Someone once said, if it happens once it is an incident, twice a coincidence, three times and it's a habit, four or more a lifestyle.

For me, it is now a lifestyle rather than a quest or expectations of sorts.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Dangerous things "expectations" and yet we all have them. I suppose mine fell into two categories: physical and spiritual.

Physical: I had done a lot of walking/climbing when I was younger and did a lot of preparatory walks for my first camino. I had the fitness and the stamina but I wasn't prepared for the effects of heat and many hours walking every day when I set out from Sevilla on the Via de la Plata for my first Camino. Despite all my best efforts in advance I got blisters and a soft tissue foot injury. Of course I was carrying too much weight and too many extra "just in case" items. The problems made me stop and think and deal with them. I had to experiment with different sock combinations and vaseline until I found the solution for me. I also dumped some of the superfluous gear. To be honest it was hard but the problems of the early days turned out to be surmountable. It is the lucky pilgrims who has no physical issues in the early days of a long walk but we deal with them and walk on.

Spiritual: I was making that first pilgrimage to mark a big change in my life. Previously in my life I wouldn't have considered booking into an hotel that didn't have room service beyond 10 pm. Material comforts and possessions were very important. Symbols of success I suppose. But slowly over the early days just as I dumped the things I didn't need from my rucksack I also began to ditch some of the additional baggage from my head. Brain washing in the best sense! The big lesson was that I actually didn't need very much to feel secure and happy - a bed when I was tired, food when I was hungry, time alone to think and pray and fellowship with other people when I needed these things too. I have to say learning that I could live happily with few material things gave me huge confidence and hope for the future.

Has the experience changed the way I live? Yes, in many ways...but not totally. That's why I'm still walking perhaps!

John

 

[Tia Valeria]

I have to say that, hard work though the walking was on occasion, both this year and last the Camino exceeded my expectations. The actual Camino and the arrival in Santiago both times. Completely different this year to last, but I wasn't expecting the same experience, that isn't reality.
This year's Pilgrims' Mass was amazing - partly thanks to Johnnie, and so was the Ascencion Day Mass.

Perhaps I had no 'Great Expectations', just hope and faith and God provided.

 

[sillydoll]

I wonder if pilgrims like me keep going back because they realise that they have missed out on a few things the first time? Then, when they find those things, they keep going back to recapture the simplicity, the freedom and euphoria brought on by a rush of endorphines resulting from hard, daily exercise.

My first Camino fulfilled all my expectations. But then, I didn't have many - and I got what I wanted out of it. It was going to be a breeze! I was an ultra-distance walker and marathon runner and was fitter than I'd ever been. I planned a 27-day Camino, aiming for 30km per day, and did it in that time - some days only walking 20km but a few of over 40km. We made few friends but at that pace out-walking most of them and finding new faces at every albergue. I didn't fancy the traditional albergues and if the CSJ guide said, "No running water, no beds, or no electricity - I said "pass" and sought out a room or a pension.
It was a long hard slog but I felt that I had achieved my goal, had enjoyed the landscape and the history. What more was there? When I got home I said 'never again! Done that, been there, got the t-shirt."

I held the first St James Feast day celebration in my home the following year. People got all dewey eyed and nostalgic reminiscing about communal meals around the table in lamplight; about sing-a-longs and special blessings (one where they even washed the pilgrim's feet!), about quirky and eccentric hospitlaeros serving pilgrims in basic albergues, some in old ruins, some in ramshackle shelters. Whaaaat? It sounded as though they had walked a completely different Camino to me.

So I went back two years later in 2004. I had a few expectations this time as I was in search of that side of the Camino which I had missed. But I started in Paris and finished in Pamplona - then drove accross the Camino and walked the last bit from Sarria. There was practically no "pillgrimage tradition" on the via Turonensis, and Sarria to Santiago was a Holy Year fiesta!

So I went back three years later, having done my homework, read every post on this forum, asked members for a list of their ten most memorable albergues - not the most up-market or modern.
I took two friends along to walk a 37-day Camino. We stayed in every little, basic albergue on the Camino frances including Manjarin with dear Tomas-the-Templar; the Italian, pot smoking Rastas at San Bol, and the slightly eccentric Marcel at Albergue Vegetariano in La Faba. I loved them and discovered that most memorable were the most basic, sleep on the floor, dinner by lamplight albergues which I had avoided the first time. I watched pilgrims faces as they had a look inside and then made a quick exit - off to find the nearest hotel - and thought, I've been there, done that, I hope they come back and try it this way one day!
Conrad Rudolph described the basic albergues as 'the soul of the Camino' and they probably are the closest modern pilgrims can get to the old pilgrim shelters of the middle ages. Even if you don't want to stay in too many albergues, try to experience at least a few of these very hohest, traditional places that are unique to the Caminos.

To to cope with the exponential growth in numbers the Camino has become more commercialised. When I next walk a Camino on my own, I will choose to spend a few nights in my favourite, small albergues and the rest will be in private rooms, casa, or even a hotel or two.

 

[anniethenurse]

.
The big lesson was that I actually didn't need very much to feel secure and happy - a bed when I was tired, food when I was hungry, time alone to think and pray and fellowship with other people when I needed these things too. I have to say learning that I could live happily with few material things gave me huge confidence and hope for the future.

Has the experience changed the way I live? Yes, in many ways...but not totally. That's why I'm still walking perhaps!

John

So true John!


My first one in 2009 from SJPP - I had no expectations at all. I didn´t even know if I could cross the Pyrenees but I wanted to try. Well, we made up to the top in perfect weather but coming down was another story. The mountain mist came from NOWHERE really fast in 10 minutes maybe and suddenly we were alone up on 1500 m and had to make our way down. Gave me lots of strengh and self- confidence!!!

Saint Jean Pied de Port was the right place FOR ME to start. We had about 17 days off work and we were going to walk as long as possible. Surprise surprise we made it all the way to Burgos!!! So far in 14 days!

I am not finished yet- after 1700 km I want more. Have experienced sunshine, rain in Spain, snow storms, hailing, some blisters, true friendship and fellowship, solitude, peaceful mind, was pick-pocketed in Fonfria (what a shock!), friendly helpful peregrinos and locals, snorers, BAD snorers, early morning bird song in the sun rise, beautiful sunsets, new true friends and soul mates with the same interest all over the world, delicious food and drinks, my Spanish is getting better and finally even post camino blues etc... I like the simple way of life with only a few things with me and the solitude when walking.

I am not Catholic but LOVE attending the mass - specially the mass in Santiago several times a day! Gives me PEACE in mind and body. I have walked out of the dinner table almost UNPOLITELY just to go to the mass. May Maria Asuncion live for ever! May the mass live for ever! May the camino live for ever! May this Forum live for ever!

Change of life? Yes, but not totally - so still walking and want more...

That said - everyone on his/her own. Some pilgrims get addicted - others are happy they made it once. Some use the taxi/ transport services - others would never. Some overnight in private rooms - others cannot even think of doing it. Package tours or individually? Trail shoes or boots? Sleeping bag or a liner? 20 km or 50 km per day?

Whatever - the camino is and is not for everyone and my respects to everyone´s personal opinions.

regards,

 

[andy.d]

Elizabeth, thanks for opening such a wonderful thread and to the rest of you for responding! I want to ponder this all a bit before I write anything, but I wanted to thank you all - definitely the Forum at it's best!

Andy

 

[mspath]

My Caminos have totally exceeded any prior expectations!
Fulfilling a dream held since university days, at 65 in 2004 I first set out on the Camino Frances worried about physical strength and endurance. I, too, expected to experience what so many had done across time and to see what had been built along the way while pondering the myths and ghosts of history. As most pilgrims do I discovered this endeavor to be hardly a walk in the park, but a unique mix of contemporary mundane chance and historic legend. When exhausted for courage I would remember one of the timeless adages associated with the Camino, "if a pilgrim makes it to the city of Burgos, he can make it to Santiago!" With time walking on an empty path while hearing only the distinctive crunch of my boots became a true pleasure.

Kindnesses of strangers along the way offering smiles, water, conversation, help and hospitality were a constant support. After walking two months when I first arrived at Santiago de Compostela in 2004 seeing at last the great cathedral, touching the hallowed stones, and weeping with joy as the great bells tolled were special thrills. Overwhelmed with emotion I silently gave thanks for all that had passed. Later when sorting memories and souvenirs, I slowly began to realize that my mind and heart had been deeply changed by this journey. Thus, I decided to try to return.

And so I have, six times.
Each Camino has begun with both anticipation and trepidation. As always I wonder how it all will go. My reasons include non-traditional spiritual ones giving thanks for each day lived and for my life which enables such a journey. Walking alone day after day I ponder varied aspects of the thousand-year history of this beloved route as well as recall several quotations which help define my personal creed. "But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity..." "I will walk in liberty for I seek thy precepts." Psalm 26:11 and 119:45 "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path." Buddha

For those who ask why another Camino?
One answer is "le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing." Pascal, Les Pensées

For those who ask why I do this at my age? My answer is why not?
"what then? shall we sit idly down and say the night has come; it is no longer day? The night hath not yet come;...For age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in another dress, and as the evening twilight fades away the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day." Longfellow, Morituri Salutamus


Now walking the Camino and sharing the experience by participating in this amazing Forum have become essential elements of my life. Thus thankful, respectful and humble, but curious and with an ever eager heart, at 73 I hope to return once more later this year. Long may I be able to do so, but as age and time eventually take their toll hopefully my personal memories will endure. Physically I may not be there, but sentimentally I will always wear my shell. ...

Ultreia!

Margaret

 

[dariosilva]

The Camino was a gift we gave our daughter for her graduation from college. My wife (late 50s), Son (early 20s), daughter's boyfriend,my younger brother (early 50s), and I (early 60s) joined our daughter on this trip. Kind of a family vacation. We cycled (bicigrinos) from Pamplona on. The goal was to reach SDC within the time aloted (May 18-June 4). Expectations...to get from point A to point B each day. My expectation...as with every family holiday...no complaining. Although, we did give everyone a day where it was their day to complain and everyone else listened. Whether the complainer took advantage of their day of complaint was up to them.
Cycling the Camino was more difficult than I thought. Had to get off the bike and walk up many hills. I would say that we probably were on our bicycles 3/4 of the way and walked the bicycle 1/4. This has been one of the best family vacations I have ever taken in the 24 years of being a family. Starting each day was like trying to get a locomotive going. While walkers tended to start their day early (like around 5:30am), we would not get on the road until around 9-10. We would finish each day around 6 or 7, dog tired. Cycled around 35-60 miles/day. Took a day off in Burgos and a one in Leon. Wonderful rest days. We cycled through rain and sleet the first three days through mountains until we got to Burgos. Wonderful weather after that. It was very humid and hot through the Maseta.
The toughest part is that the French Route is not flat, other than the Maseta. Would get discouraged when I would look into the distance and focus on the hill I had to climb. This forced me to focus on five, sometimes two, feet in front of me and each time I would reach the crest of a hill I would look back and be in awe of where I had been.
The end of each day was always gratifying. Enjoying dinner with the family and meeting others who were on the Camino, both bicigrinos and peregrinos. Enjoying a draft beer, pinxtos, bread, thick red wine, the peregrino meal, sharing the days stories with family, and just being grateful that we got as far as we got was quite the Communion. Expectations...my personal expectation was to enjoy the moment with my family as much as I could.
This was an epic journey for our family. Our kids are now graduated from college and we launched them off with a trip on the Camino. What they learned on this trip, I don't know. On the other hand, my wife and I have some very good memories to share for a very long time as we sit in the evenings with a glass of thick red wine, bread, a few olives, and for me a cigar.
One last thought...Santiago de Compostela itself was a circus. The journey was the spiritual experience and it keeps on going 500 miles plus...

 

[sillydoll]

When I started researching the Camino de Santiago in 1996 there were practically no books, one or two websites, no blogs (they were still in the future) and my references were Shirley MacLaine, Paulo Coehlo and Edwin Mullins.
If had expected visits to Lemuria, searching for my lost sword, or driving across the Spanish countryside I would have been really disappointed with my Camino!
Perhaps the plethora of Camino books, films, videos, websites and blogs has created too much hype and too many expectations.

 

[robertt]

Exceeded!

 

[tyrrek]

Utterly failed. I'm shocked by this whole Camino thing, to be honest. You keep having to go back, trying out different routes etc. I think it's a bit of a scam.

1) You rarely meet the same people each time you return which forces you to interact with different, interesting people from all over the world. How inconvenient is that?!

2) You can go back to the same place at a different time of day or year and it looks and feels completely different from the previous time, believe it or not! In spring it might be green and lush with wheat blowing in the wind, while in autumn it's all been harvested and the fields are a kind of golden colour. Don't these people understand about standardisation?!

3) I won't even try to give a third failing. There are so many. People who don't speak English (in Spain, for goodness sake!) Then you have local food and wine...

I won't be going back again for at least a couple of months, I can tell you! It's utterly ridiculous.

Keith
Tunbridge Wells

 

[lizlane]

My Caminos have totally exceeded any prior expectations!
Fulfilling a dream held since university days, at 65 in 2004 I first set out on the Camino Frances worried about physical strength and endurance. I, too, expected to experience what so many had done across time and to see what had been built along the way while pondering the myths and ghosts of history. As most pilgrims do I discovered this endeavor to be hardly a walk in the park, but a unique mix of contemporary mundane chance and historic legend. When exhausted for courage I would remember one of the timeless adages associated with the Camino, "if a pilgrim makes it to the city of Burgos, he can make it to Santiago!" With time walking on an empty path while hearing only the distinctive crunch of my boots became a true pleasure.

Kindnesses of strangers along the way offering smiles, water, conversation, help and hospitality were a constant support. After walking two months when I first arrived at Santiago de Compostela in 2004 seeing at last the great cathedral, touching the hallowed stones, and weeping with joy as the great bells tolled were special thrills. Overwhelmed with emotion I silently gave thanks for all that had passed. Later when sorting memories and souvenirs, I slowly began to realize that my mind and heart had been deeply changed by this journey. Thus, I decided to try to return.

And so I have, six times.
Each Camino has begun with both anticipation and trepidation. As always I wonder how it all will go. My reasons include non-traditional spiritual ones giving thanks for each day lived and for my life which enables such a journey. Walking alone day after day I ponder varied aspects of the thousand-year history of this beloved route as well as recall several quotations which help define my personal creed. "But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity..." "I will walk in liberty for I seek thy precepts." Psalm 26:11 and 119:45 "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path." Buddha

For those who ask why another Camino?
One answer is "le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing." Pascal, Les Pensées

For those who ask why I do this at my age? My answer is why not?
"what then? shall we sit idly down and say the night has come; it is no longer day? The night hath not yet come;...For age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in another dress, and as the evening twilight fades away the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day." Longfellow, Morituri Salutamus


Now walking the Camino and sharing the experience by participating in this amazing Forum have become essential elements of my life. Thus thankful, respectful and humble, but curious and with an ever eager heart, at 73 I hope to return once more later this year. Long may I be able to do so, but as age and time eventually take their toll hopefully my personal memories will endure. Physically I may not be there, but sentimentally I will always wear my shell. ...

Ultreia!

Margaret

Margaret, you rock!! You totally rock!!! And as for you, Kenneth, you are too hilarious! :lol: Unless you were serious!!!

Keep them coming guys because this is exactly what us newbies need to know. My big fear is that this great longing in my heart, this urgent call, this gaping, bleeding NEED to go will deflate like a loose balloon complete with the raspberry sound effects! I don't want to build the experience up into something it won't be nor do I want to limit what the experience can be...I have a tremendous fear of falling, so stepping to the edge and taking a huge cliff-sized dive leap of faith is well, huge, for me (and probably everyone else reading). The last thing any of us newbies want is to panic at the last second and end up doing a belly-flop! Metaphorically speaking, of course...

But other than sounding like a typical American quoting commercial wisdom, ie. "Just do it." knowing what we're up against mentally can help us do it with grace and some actual style, the kind that fashion can't buy! Thanks for all who are responding!

 

[sillydoll]

The burning question for me is still WHAT ARE/WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS? So I'm going to start a new thread.

 

[katiawt]

Utterly failed. I'm shocked by this whole Camino thing, to be honest. You keep having to go back, trying out different routes etc. I think it's a bit of a scam.

1) You rarely meet the same people each time you return which forces you to interact with different, interesting people from all over the world. How inconvenient is that?!

2) You can go back to the same place at a different time of day or year and it looks and feels completely different from the previous time, believe it or not! In spring it might be green and lush with wheat blowing in the wind, while in autumn it's all been harvested and the fields are a kind of golden colour. Don't these people understand about standardisation?!

3) I won't even try to give a third failing. There are so many. People who don't speak English (in Spain, for goodness sake!) Then you have local food and wine...

I won't be going back again for at least a couple of months, I can tell you! It's utterly ridiculous.

Keith
Tunbridge Wells

Haha... see you there
i´ve donne half the french camino once(had some expectation issues in this one) and so far nine times the portuguese camino, from Porto and Lisabon, to Santiago, to Fisterre and to Muxia, and I still feel it´s all wonderfull, I feel absolutely complete... I just can´t imagine not going back, it´s impossible.

Katia

 

[tyrrek]

Haha... see you there
i´ve donne half the french camino once(had some expectation issues in this one) and so far nine times the portuguese camino, from Porto and Lisabon, to Santiago, to Fisterre and to Muxia...

This is exactly my point Katia. I hope to see you there and we can discuss how much this whole Camino addiction has cost us over a cafe con leche. The impact it's had on our friends and family, the hobbling in our Camino-addicted state to the farmacia for Compeed, mind and eyes always looking out for our next 'fix' of yellow arrows...

There's something not normal about it.

Keith
Tunbridge Wells

 

[fraluchi]

Utterly failed. I'm shocked by this whole Camino thing, to be honest. You keep having to go back, trying out different routes etc. I think it's a bit of a scam.[...] I won't be going back again for at least a couple of months, I can tell you! It's utterly ridiculous.

Tyrrek, I fully agree with you. I will not return to the CF for another 3 months. :mrgreen:

 

[lizlane]

Katia, would you be willing to elaborate on your "expectation issues"? You could save someone from their own...

 

[FrancesK]

Exceeded 'most' expectations!

To be honest i didnt have many expectations going into the walk. I purposely didnt read too many books about others experiences because i didnt want them to direct/inhibit/overshadow (?) my own experiences (other than the original book that led me to the camino!).

I've only been back home for a few weeks so am still suffering the camino blues a bit but i know for certain i'll be doing another...le puy is nagging in my ear

I had so much fun, I met such wonderful people and trekked through stunning country through rain, hail, snow and heat. I spent 3 weeks hiking on a sprained ankle which whilst terribly painful also introduced me to so many more people...everyone who passed would stop and ask if i was ok and we would then get chatting! There were tough days, days i wanted to go home, but i always reached an albergue with a friendly face and someone to share dinner and wine with.

I say it exceeded most and not all because the one expectation i did have i didnt succeed in achieving. I thought the camino would give me the answers to life, to where i wanted to go in my career but instead the amount of time alone made me re-think everything rather than provide solid answers. So i am still as confused as ever. Honestly though i was expecting a bit too much there hahah.

All i can say is, enjoy planning your trip (if you're as into daydreaming about itinerary's as me) and be prepared to throw the plan out the window when you land in St Jean and allow yourself to be open to the plethora of opportunities that await.

 

[julie]

I set out on the Camino with no expectations at all. I didn't know why I was there, why I NEEDED to be there or whether I was capable of walking from SJPDP to Santiago.

What I did know was that I had to start from SJPDP because a couple of years earlier I was on a walking holiday in the Pyrenees and it was at St Jean that our guide told us about the pilgrimage.

The seed of the idea was planted but didn't start to germinate straight away. Strange how it waits until the right time. Anyway, I hoped I would find some answers but I didn't actually have any questions.

What an experience! It was the most spiritually enlightening, emotional, psychologically revealing thing I have ever done.

I learnt so much about myself and my relationships. I also learnt how little I need to be happy, how wonderful it is to act and to communicate from the heart and to trust rather than being wary of strangers. I also found it extremely liberating not to know where I was going to sleep each night and who would have thought it would feel so comforting to sleep in a room full of strangers?

I also learnt that long distance walking is my thing and the Camino Frances was the first of many pilgrimages. However, I still go without expectations (or try to anyway). A pilgrimage gives you what you need or what you're ready to learn. You're different each time you go, therefore the lessons you need to learn are different and you don't know what they are!

 

[lizlane]

Thanks ladies for sharing from the heart.

Thanks Frances! For all those expecting the Camino to clarify their life and save them from confusion, we can now all remove that one from our backpacks, reducing our weightload by at least three kilograms!

And you, Julie are living proof that by not weighing ourselves down with lots of questions, we can find answers!

 

[dazzamac]

Before I walked the Camino last year, I deliberately tried to limit my exposure to films, books and blogs that detailed other people's experience of the Camino. I read posts on this forum and others for advice on equipment, accommodation and the like but I wanted my experience of the Camino to be my own. I didn't want to read about someone's wonderful experience in albergue X or church Y and then find myself disappointed when the same experience didn't happen me. One of the few books that I read was Tim Moore's Spanish Steps as I remain relatively certain that I'll never try walking the Camino with a donkey.

As to the practicalities, from this forum I knew to expect snorers and the Camino delivered a few champions. I knew that there would be many early mornings and few late nights. Again the Camino for the most part delivered. I expected rain and bought the forum recommended Altus poncho - a wise investment considering that the weather in Ireland seemed especially wet when I was training - though it was less so in Spain.

I'm walking again this summer and my motto will be: accept not expect.

 

[lizlane]

Awesome attitude! Imagine how different the world could be if we all had a little more of that! Good mantra! Even has a good rhythym for walking!

 

[Charleston Tom]

I walked from Astorga to Santiago with my daughter and son-in-law. I was a rare opportunity to spend two weeks with them and we had a wonderful experience. In fact, they both said their Camino journey was the best travel experience they had ever had.

On balance, a couple of the sections across the mountains were much more of a challenge than we expected. Fortunately, we were able to provide mutual support that really helped us deal with the difficult stuff.

 

[Rafter]

In late June this year, my 43 year-old son, my 18 year-old granddaughter and I walked the Camino Ingles from Ferrol to Santiago. The seven days we spent on the camino were difficult, but we were successful! Those two weeks in Spain were probably the last time the three of us will ever again spend two full weeks so closely together. It was spiritual... It was beautiful... We all will carry our respective pilgrimages with us for the rest of our lives.

 

[rickster]

Agree with dazzamac, when you expect, you will many times be disappointed; when you have faith and accept that the Camino will deliver, it usually does when you least expect it. I "stumbled" into some of my greatest Camino memories.

 

[msp41]

I have walked it four times (different route each time) so I guess I do not need to answer on the expectations. Instead, this is what I expect of the Camino after the first experience, and every time since, it has delivered.

1. A simple life

Just walk, eat/drink, sleep, wash (body and clothes). These four activities will keep busy enough during the journey. And loosing track of the day of week after a week or so walking is the testament to that.

2. No responsibility

At least during the period that you walk. Also eat and drink to your heart's contend without fear as it will burn away the following day.

3. Just live

Experience the nature, the difference places every day. Keeping the life so simple, any bad experience will always have a reverse as reward..

(e.g.
A harder day's walk will make that shower even more heavenly.
Some one disturbs you with their light sabre at 4:30 am, just wake up and walk earlier. You may see and experience things you would not had you walked later.
A bad day of rain and fog might just cleared up even for 10 seconds to reveal a scenery so beautiful, you would think it is photoshop.. speaking from experience)

4. Letting go

All this can only happen by letting go and just live this life for the duration of the Camino. This may not be so easy for those walking the road because of grief.

5. Answers

The Camino does not give you answers. It may facilitate your quest for whatever you are seeking, and if it does, I envy you.

Someone once said, if it happens once it is an incident, twice a coincidence, three times and it's a habit, four or more a lifestyle.

For me, it is now a lifestyle rather than a quest or expectations of sorts.

How I love this answer. It is really so inspiring an makes things so simple and clear for me who is starting in 10 days. Thank you Evanlow

 

[jeffnd]

Expectations:
No blisters, and if I get one, the Camino better have golf carts to drive me to my next destination. And those golf carts better be stocked with ice, gin, and tonic water.

Everyone better speak English. Look, I'm trying to learn Spanish, but it's just not happening. So I think it would be easier of Spain learned English. You got about 8 months, Spain, get to work!

Perfect weather. 74, partly cloudy with a nice cool breeze please. If and if I see a drop of unwanted rain, I better get a refund!

No snoring. Look, my snoring doesn't wake me up, so yours better not either.

Every pilgrim along the way should be engaging, funny, speak perfect English, agree with me 100% politically and religiously, and be tall, leggy, busty redheads who insist in doubling up in the showers, you know, to save water. Brunettes are okay too I guess. Maybe blonde, but not like blonde-blonde. Dirty blonde. You know what? Blondes are okay. Curly hair is a big plus too. Of course no Camino is complete without having a beautiful, rich, wine-maker's daughter fall head over heals in love with you. Her hobbies should include yoga (or at least wearing yoga pants), laughing at my jokes, and watching me spend her daddy's money.

Upon arriving in Santiago, the Botafumeiro should swing. In fact, they should make another one, and have it swing the other way in the cathedral. At the same time. Perhaps a statue of me too. Just a small one, 8 feet high ought to be good enough. I don't want to impose.

So I think as long as those things happen, I'll be able to say it was an enjoyable Camino.

 

[HDrider]

Brilliant jeffnd, I hope your Camino is just as you hope. I'm sat here chuckling away.
Buen Camino
Tony

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Isn't 74 a bit warm for the exertion of walking?

 

[jeffnd]

Isn't 74 a bit warm for the exertion of walking?

I'm American. 74 is 23 in Celsius. A bit on the warm side for my tastes, I like to keep the thermostat around 70, but a pilgrim is supposed to have some hardships, right? :wink:

 

[jeffnd]

Brilliant jeffnd, I hope your Camino is just as you hope. I'm sat here chuckling away.
Buen Camino
Tony

Thank you, I tried to be realistic.

 

[gigibarry]

My big fear is that this great longing in my heart, this urgent call, this gaping, bleeding NEED to go will deflate like a loose balloon complete with the raspberry sound effects!

Started from SJPP this August with 9 days to walk - got as far as Santo Domingo. No training, light pack, few concrete expectations, just this need to go.

I had concerns starting because, although I have a fairly active life, I was far too lazy to actually train. And in the middle of the most glorious walk across the Pyrenees I suddenly wondered how often the fear of failure stands in the way of where we need to go in life. I found that the Camino made demands on me and that it gave to me in great measure. I can not tell you how badly I want to go back and continue but in the meantime my camino continues where I am.

Go. Take the leap. Travel light. Expect beauty, surprises and more open, generous hearts than you ever dreamed possible in one place but don't wait!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It is not easy. If "the Way" does a disservice, it making it seem easy. No matter the ending, just starting is glorious!

 

[Former member 12499]

After arriving in SJDPP in the evening of April 19th 2012 and having had a delightful supper at L'Esprit du Chemin I went to the Pilgrim's office to register and to get advice regarding the weather for the following morning.

The pilgrims office informed me NOT to go over the Route Napoleon due to expected bad weather. Fair enough, I was an ex emergency services worker so I did not need telling twice not to put myself in jeopardy.

The next morning (20th April) after a great breakfast I set off on my pilgrimage to take the Valcarlos route.

I had not gone too far when a pilgrim approached a group of us and informed us that we were going the wrong way and that the route ahead was for cyclists only. We then took an alternative road – led by the pilgrim who had previously advised us.

After walking for about 45 minutes we started seeing signs for 'Orison'. By now, something did not seem quite right but who were we to know? The climb was now starting to get very steep and it was really taking it out of me. Shortly afterwards we arrive at Hunto and the journey to there nearly killed me; I found it very tough going.

Eventually I got to Orison and the weather and views were very good but I was still mindful of the bad weather advice given out by the pilgrims office. Luckily for me, I was booked in for a nights stay at Orison as this was my original intended route.

I filled my water bottle, used the toilet and promptly dropped my new John Brierley guide down the loo as I was about to flush it! (I mentioned this in a previous thread). By now pilgrims were walking straight past Orison and heading for Roncesvalles. I mentioned the bad weather but they seemed happy with the situation and pressed on. I decided that as no one was returning to Orison I would cancel my night's stay and carry on walking over the route Napoleon.

I don't think that I had walked 300 yards when a snow plough came down the road ! (towards Orison). I kid you not. There was still no returning pilgrims and I continued with my journey.

The snow had only settled as I left the main road and I had to take the path over the mountains. There was lots of footprints in the snow so it was easy to follow them and not get lost. After a while I met a man who was walking in the snow and coming in the opposite direction. He explained to me about the expected conditions.

The gist was that the snow extended over about 2 km right to the very top and past the pilgrim's hut. He advised NOT to take the steep descent but to take the long way (road) round to the monastery. I was now out of my comfort zone and I had walked for 6 hours before having something to eat in the pilgrim's all weather hut.

The snow was now up to the tops of my boots and I was starting to tire with the weight of my pack on my back and slip sliding in the snow. I finally reached the highest point of my climb before the descent and was suddenly confronted by the most strongest winds that I have ever encountered. The winds were so strong that it blew me off my feet and I lost my water bottle. The good news was that the tracks in the snow led away from the steep descent down to Roncesvalles monastery and around on to the road route. Every previous pilgrim had heeded the advice of my lone walker and taken the long route.
I later learned that the lone walker ( although I have no proof of this) is the owner of Orison refuge and he goes out regularly to check the route and to see how safe or unsafe the route is for his clients.
Finally I was just approaching Roncesvalles monastery as the clock was chiming 4-00 pm. It had taken me 8 hours, out of my comfort zone and against the good advice that I should have heeded. I only met one other pilgrim when I stopped for a break at the pilgrim's hut far up in the mountain.

One final word: BOOTS. My boots were great for getting over the route Napoleon and for keeping the cold out from my feet. They have proved indispensable to me on many occasions on walks in the North of England and they still do. Putting them on now 5 months after I came back from my Camino is just like putting on an old pair of slippers and still give good service.

BUT THEY WERE NO GOOD FOR WALKING ACROSS SPAIN IN THE HEAT. THE HEAT WILL KILL YOUR FEET AND PROVED TO BE VERY HEAVY AS WELL.

Like most pilgrims I had to start walking from 6-30 am in the mornings and try and finish by 2-00 pm in the afternoon due to the heat. Just something to bear in mind if you are planning your Camino for next year.

Go for it, heed the advice and Buen Camino!

Charlie

 

[fraluchi]

... SJDPP in the evening of April 19th 2012 and having had a delightful supper at L'Esprit du Chemin [..].I went to the Pilgrim's office to register and to get advice regarding the weather for the following morning. The pilgrims office informed me NOT to go over the Route Napoleon due to expected bad weather. [...] Go for it, heed the advice and Buen Camino!

You were in for repeating the story of Martin Sheen's son in the movie "The Way" :roll:
We have walked the Camino 5 times, and always checked the weather forecast for the days ahead. The site http://www.aemet.es is excellent for local conditions.
All our walks met our expectations We didn't expect very much: a pilgrim doesn't ask, he thanks for what he finds. Every Camino was a revelation: totally unexpected meets with people from all over the planet, eye openers in any sense of social life, etc. Sometimes tough, sometimes smooth, sometimes with the thought of "never again", and every time "let's do it again".
Physically we (at our age) have to make some concessions once in a while, but as a whole there is no other experience we know of (and we traveled the world!) with such rich content. Every time it was new, different, exceeding expectations.

 

[rickster]

Just read John Walker's post from June and it is almost as if I wrote the post myself. One exception is that I'm still trying to shed the "things" and excess unnecessary baggage that clutters my life. Thank you John for unknowingly putting my thoughts to words. If you don't mind I will print it and put it in my
Camino file as a constant reminder of my need to take that next step. Meanwhile, as you said, I will continue to walk. Rick

 

[Cowan]

My failure was a lack of persistence. I failed myself. I thought I was a superwoman, since my training beforehand was miraculous, but I learned quite quickly that I wasn't as strong as I thought I was. I regret that I didn't last longer on the Camino, and I will keep this failure in my heart for a long time. I take pleasure, nonetheless, in the joy I found in meeting people who made me feel like a nice person, despite my failure on the Camino. There seems to be two sides to the coin...

 

[evanlow]

Lise, how can anyone thinks you are a cheat?

The Camino is the journey, not the destination. On those days that you were walking (or cycling) you are a pilgrim!

You experience more during the 300km+ than someone walking the last 100km.

Sorry to say that but the end is just a party town and to say hi to Jimmy (if it was indeed his bones interned there). Even in this forum the majority of the post have to do with the journey, not the end.

The journey, the walking, the people you meet, only these things that matter.

 

[JohnMcM]

My failure was a lack of persistence. I failed myself. I thought I was a superwoman, since my training beforehand was miraculous, but I learned quite quickly that I wasn't as strong as I thought I was. I regret that I didn't last longer on the Camino, and I will keep this failure in my heart for a long time. I take pleasure, nonetheless, in the joy I found in meeting people who made me feel like a nice person, despite my failure on the Camino. There seems to be two sides to the coin...

Try not to feel you 'failed' and please try to set that failure free from your heart - you started with the best intentions my friend - where is the failure in that?

Perhaps you can take the same pleasure from trying that you do from the joy you found in the people you met.

Buen Camino

 

[JohnMcM]

Hey Cowan...

I spent four years planning my 2nd Camino. (I did a baby one in 2009).I was going to walk from SJPDP to Muxia. I trained. ..I read...I planned, I dreamed....
My Caminio world exploded 300km in with a ruptured calf muscle. I persevered on for another 200km on a bike. I got two punctures in two days. I had to walk 16km on my damaged leg to find help..and lug my heavy bike..and then had to bike 60km with heatstroke. (I think I was dehydrated from all the crying and pain).. I took a picture of myself at night lying on the bed and looked into my eyes....I then decided to stop.

I have never done that before. Just stop. Ive always kept going. I havent just run myself into the ground...I tunnelled.

And then....a member of this forum implied that I was a "cheat" becaused I stopped. That hurt so much. I hide in a hotel room in Leon for 24hrs too ashamed to go out.
The old me wanted to prove that person wrong and keep going and show that I am not a cheater that i have never been a quitter...a cheat.

But then....the expectations of this person...my family ...my work...my past failures left me.....and I experienced the most amazing contentment that I have ever experienced. I was finally putting me first.

I know me saying please don't think of you stopping as a failure ...may not mean anything. Because us superwoman put so much pressure on ourselves.

Instead....think of it as part of a piece of a puzzle....you dont know where this "learning" fits yet...but all will be revealed. It may not happen now...this year or next.....but the pieces will fit in due course.

There is no right or wrong way to walk, bike, limp, ride the camino.... you just do what you can.

Kia Kaha (Stay strong)

No, no, no, no, you were not a cheat and had no reason to 'hide', you did what did, you tried what you tried, you felt what you felt, and I am so very, very pleased to read you found contentment, and in your own words " you just do what you can". As you did.

Buen Camino

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

. . . when I make my Camino, it will probably be a once in a lifetime experience . . .

My expectations were totally exceeded! I also thought our Camino last year would be a "once in a lifetime experience", but we are already talking of going back to do it again. So much history (being an American, we don't have much more than 200 years over here.) Amazing to walk into buildings dating back to 1065 (oldest one we saw that had a date on it). Lovely scenery, and of course the most wonderful people ever assembled in a single 780 km path The food, though different than we were used to, was exceptional!! Tried food I never thought I would before (pulpo), and never saw trout (trucho) served that way before Taste is everything, even if the looks aren't as "appetizing" Awesome experience!!

 

[stefano69]

Did your Camino fail to meet your expectations? If so why? The good, the bad, the ugly.

Or...Did your Camino exced your expectations? If so why? The good, the bad, the ugly.

All views are welcome but please discuss your experience not other henceforth nameless bloggers. (Please it's time to let u know who rest in peace.)

Some of us (like me) really want to prepare in all ways because when I make my Camino, it will probably be a once in a lifetime experience (unless I meet some wealthy Catholic prince or hit the lottery! :lol: )

Thanks for any and all responses. This topic is started by an American Catholic so it is protected by the right of freedom of speech and religion. Just abide by the forum rules and good taste!

Expectations???? I'll do the camino just to live an experience far from expecting whatever... I leave expectations at home!

 

[simply B]

"Zero expectations" divided into "Any positive outcome" equals an arithmetically infinite return.

Just a thought...

B

 

[Hedley49]

Utterly failed. I'm shocked by this whole Camino thing, to be honest. You keep having to go back, trying out different routes etc. I think it's a bit of a scam.

1) You rarely meet the same people each time you return which forces you to interact with different, interesting people from all over the world. How inconvenient is that?!

2) You can go back to the same place at a different time of day or year and it looks and feels completely different from the previous time, believe it or not! In spring it might be green and lush with wheat blowing in the wind, while in autumn it's all been harvested and the fields are a kind of golden colour. Don't these people understand about standardisation?!

3) I won't even try to give a third failing. There are so many. People who don't speak English (in Spain, for goodness sake!) Then you have local food and wine...

I won't be going back again for at least a couple of months, I can tell you! It's utterly ridiculous.

Keith
Tunbridge Wells

Love your comments Keith. I could have said it better, that's why I will be back there in 30 days. Just in case I got it wrong last time.

 

[TangoBravo]

The Camino definitely exceeded my expectations. I had a year to train. Walked 10 miles per day (in flat Texas). Walked up and down seats at a nice football stadium. But that in no way was anything like walking the Camino. I think an ankle pivots in two basic directions. But on the rocky and rut filled camino it pivots in every direction. So even though my boots were broken in and never gave me a blister, I soon developed them on the Camino. Then when you get a blister, you limp a bit to favor it, which causes a new blister in a different area. So physically it exceeded my expectation.
As for the evenings, they too exceeded my expectations! I so enjoyed talking with other pilgrims. It was the most rewarding aspect of my adventure. Great friends and great conversations. Surprised at how many spoke English. Plan to do it again in my lifetime...may try the Northern route or the Portugal route.

 

[freeflyer123]

Like dariosilver, we rode the route for the first time last year and it was an amazing experience. To be honest, we never go on holiday with expectations as without them you find enjoyment in everything - even those dreaded hills. And I thought I could ride up tough hills - huh! That theory was well and truly hit on the head as we ended up doing a lot of walking . To be honest, while cycling is my passion, I think that we could get so much more by walking the route. I always feel sorry for people in cars as they miss so much as they whizz passed! Now I have visions of pilgrims walking along the route spotting things that may just be a blur to me as I cycle passed! See you all sometime under the Milky Way...

 

[MaxfromMO]

Utterly failed. I'm shocked by this whole Camino thing, to be honest. You keep having to go back, trying out different routes etc. I think it's a bit of a scam.

1) You rarely meet the same people each time you return which forces you to interact with different, interesting people from all over the world. How inconvenient is that?!

2) You can go back to the same place at a different time of day or year and it looks and feels completely different from the previous time, believe it or not! In spring it might be green and lush with wheat blowing in the wind, while in autumn it's all been harvested and the fields are a kind of golden colour. Don't these people understand about standardisation?!

3) I won't even try to give a third failing. There are so many. People who don't speak English (in Spain, for goodness sake!) Then you have local food and wine...

I won't be going back again for at least a couple of months, I can tell you! It's utterly ridiculous.

Keith
Tunbridge Wells

Oh my, I loved this post. So utterly true. I won't be going back either, until I can get more money.

 

[stefano69]

Utterly failed. I'm shocked by this whole Camino thing, to be honest. You keep having to go back, trying out different routes etc. I think it's a bit of a scam.

1) You rarely meet the same people each time you return which forces you to interact with different, interesting people from all over the world. How inconvenient is that?!

2) You can go back to the same place at a different time of day or year and it looks and feels completely different from the previous time, believe it or not! In spring it might be green and lush with wheat blowing in the wind, while in autumn it's all been harvested and the fields are a kind of golden colour. Don't these people understand about standardisation?!

3) I won't even try to give a third failing. There are so many. People who don't speak English (in Spain, for goodness sake!) Then you have local food and wine...

I won't be going back again for at least a couple of months, I can tell you! It's utterly ridiculous.

Keith
Tunbridge Wells

I just want to say that many different people speaKing many different languages is a usual thing here in europe. We dont speak eng Very well but dont tell me that is a problem ;-) be flexible! And buen camino!

 

[Cowan]

Hey Cowan...

I spent four years planning my 2nd Camino. (I did a baby one in 2009).I was going to walk from SJPDP to Muxia. I trained. ..I read...I planned, I dreamed....
My Caminio world exploded 300km in with a ruptured calf muscle. I persevered on for another 200km on a bike. I got two punctures in two days. I had to walk 16km on my damaged leg to find help..and lug my heavy bike..and then had to bike 60km with heatstroke. (I think I was dehydrated from all the crying and pain).. I took a picture of myself at night lying on the bed and looked into my eyes....I then decided to stop.

I have never done that before. Just stop. Ive always kept going. I havent just run myself into the ground...I tunnelled.

And then....a member of this forum implied that I was a "cheat" becaused I stopped. That hurt so much. I hide in a hotel room in Leon for 24hrs too ashamed to go out.
The old me wanted to prove that person wrong and keep going and show that I am not a cheater that i have never been a quitter...a cheat.

But then....the expectations of this person...my family ...my work...my past failures left me.....and I experienced the most amazing contentment that I have ever experienced. I was finally putting me first.

I know me saying please don't think of you stopping as a failure ...may not mean anything. Because us superwoman put so much pressure on ourselves.

Instead....think of it as part of a piece of a puzzle....you dont know where this "learning" fits yet...but all will be revealed. It may not happen now...this year or next.....but the pieces will fit in due course.

There is no right or wrong way to walk, bike, limp, ride the camino.... you just do what you can.

Kia Kaha (Stay strong)

Thank you, Lise, for offering such consoling words. Much appreciated. A friend of mine also mentioned that I did indeed walk part of the Camino, and that I should be proud of that. I don't think that I have yet accepted what I did manage as an accomplishment yet, though. Some day, perhaps... Nonetheless, I am still in touch with people I met in Barcelona (a wonderful Brazilian and a stunning young Brit) whose friendships are (to my mind) the real accomplishments. The Camino, as they say, gives us what we need -- and not always in the most obvious way. Maybe I'll try again in a while, and gain something else...

Laura (Cowan)

 

[Cowan]

Try not to feel you 'failed' and please try to set that failure free from your heart - you started with the best intentions my friend - where is the failure in that?

Perhaps you can take the same pleasure from trying that you do from the joy you found in the people you met.

Buen Camino

Thank you, John. Kind words, indeed. I've rarely not accomplished what I set out to do, so this "failure" stunned me. You're right, though -- there is joy to be had in other ways. Thanks for the reminder.

Laura