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- Yearly and Various 2014-2019
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But, when you are far from home and there are family members, loved ones, or friends who might reasonably be concerned for your well-being, you have a responsibility to them to provide this level of confidence.
When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.The pilgrim should agree and develop a set contact plan for periodic text, email, video conversation, voice calls, or similar, and stick to it.
Ah, good point - I hadn't thought of that.It really depends where and when I walk. If off season and/or on a less frequented Camino,
Indeed. An affirmation for the value of some sort of understanding - either "Ta taa, I'm outta here talk to you later," or "I'll send you an SMS each night," whichever - but to be consistent if there is contact. It seems that if people have a pattern of contact, going silent is out of the question without alarming someone. But if there is no expectation, there's more freedom to be quiet without causing concern.My opinion is that is a totally different situation and can be cause for alarm to their families. Thankfully it seems both situations have turned out well in the end. Hallelujah!
Yes. If you are walking in the winter, especially....Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.
Even if I am traveling, I am still a member of a community at home. And, I have supportive friends and family who are eager for details of my daily experiences. So, rather than having to write two dozen emails a day, I blog. Also, since I have caregiving responsibilities at home, I phone home for a short chat every evening. While this is old-school, social-media-wise, it meets everyone's needs without being intrusive on my pilgrim experience.I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is
It really depends where and when I walk. If off season and/or on a less frequented Camino, I normally agree with a friend that I will text in at least every 2-3 days, especially if I am walking alone. BC SY
Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:
When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.
But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.
People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?
[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]
... Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.
Interesting questions. My opinion would be: Yes is OK to let people be incommunicado, but if you have been in touch and established expectations, you should not enter the bubble for more than a few days without informing the loved one that those expectations may not be met.But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?
Hmmm. Not sure what you mean here. I am a solo pilgrim who leaves behind family who I like to think actually care about me, but we have a different approach to these risks. I have no elderly relatives to be concerned about, my children are independent and resourceful, and so is my husband.My separate post was primarily aimed at solo pilgrims who leave behind someone who actually cares about what happens to them.
This is very true - every family or marriage is different.I think the consistency and expectation on the home end is what matters. If you've been writing or posting every day and it suddenly stops, that's an alarm.
Your level of contact sounds good. However, don't count on finding any computer cafes. Rather, you can keep your phone in Airplane mode and use wifi without incurring any charges.I will probably count on sending emails as possible at computer cafes.
During my first caminos my husband and I communicated when necessary by land-line telephone; since 2008 I have carried a smartphone which also serves as a camera and computer on which I write my blog. Since we both are in our 70's whilst apart we text each other good morning, briefly cite our daily plans, and text again at day's end. Simple, swift and efficacious this helps keep us in the other's loop.
On several caminos in fog, heavy rain or snow I have come upon solitary pilgrims in DEEP trouble; they needed help FAST. By chance, my phone provided contact with emergency assistance at 112. Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.
Yes, WhatsApp is good, especially for setting up impromptu groups for communication along the camino. But you still need either a phone connection or wifi to use it. So you might not bother setting it up with your friends/family at home, if they don't already use it.my local camino group mentioned using Whats App as a way to keep in communication as desired.
think about the expectations you have set, or want to set, and act accordingly.
Still chortling. Touche, Alan.I've sent my wife and son at least two postcards each in the last couple of months.
Or Viber, which is more used here in Asia, I think.WhatsApp is good
Or Viber, which is more used here in Asia, I think.
If you have FB, which fortunately not all of us do.I think FaceBook Messenger has really taken over from all of these now
If you have FB, which fortunately not all of us do.
Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:
When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.
But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.
People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?
[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]
No there's not. But honestly I had a milder version of the same reaction as @Jesper. At first I thought Tom was saying that being connected was the only responsible way to walk.Jesper, that's great for you, but T2andreo stated that his wife worries about him when he is away on the camino. He is showing respect to her while he is away to alleviate her concerns...nothing wrong with that.
It helps here not to react right away, lest misunderstanding get in the way.This said, I totally respect a person’s right to go totally off-grid. I only ask that, if you choose to do so, that you not abruptly change your mind AFTER a loved one disappears in an irregular manner.
No there's not. But honestly I had a milder version of the same reaction as @Jesper. At first I thought Tom was saying that being connected was the only responsible way to walk.
Fortunately later he said by way of clarification:
It helps here not to react right away, lest misunderstanding get in the way.
I'm still puzzling over the last part of this sentence, though - can you please clarify? I think I get the drift, but as written it doesn't make sense.
(And...whether someone goes offline or not, and how, is actually no-one's business other theirs and those they're close to. Sorry, @t2andreo , we don't have a say.)
I hope this clarifies what I meant. If not, ask me, and I will expand... For me expanding is easy, contracting is ever more difficult...
My wife and I are in our 70's and have been married all most 50 years.The only time we are really apart is when I go on Camino.When I reach my day's destination I give her a quick call to say where I am and this is a comfort to both of us.She then passes the word to the other family members who worry about me.As everyone's Camino is different,how they choose to do it is up to them,not us.Jesper, that's great for you, but T2andreo stated that his wife worries about him when he is away on the camino. He is showing respect to her while he is away to alleviate her concerns...nothing wrong with that. In addition he was offering tips to others who may be interested and in your case you are not. If you have read any, or many of Tom's posts, you will realize he is both extremely knowledgeable and thorough in all the help and advise he offers. I for one, appreciate his wisdom and the time he takes on this forum to share it.
When I am out hiking - Spain or somewhere else - you had better not demand that I keep in touch on a regular basis. Those two quotes from T2Andreo in the first post left me completely flabbergasted. Sorry - but that's how I feel.
My wife and I are in our 70's and have been married all most 50 years.The only time we are really apart is when I go on Camino.When I reach my day's destination I give her a quick call to say where I am and this is a comfort to both of us.She then passes the word to the other family members who worry about me.As everyone's Camino is different,how they choose to do it is up to them,not us.
I have kept an almost daily pattern of staying in touch. In the past it used to be a group email with details of the day and later I created a private Facebook group for each walk with daily entry re the stage and pics.Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:
When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.
But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.
People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?
[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]
Okay - I have no problem with that except that I have absolutely no intention of making anyone comfortable with what I am doing - that's their problem. When I go hiking/camping or on a pilgrim walk I do it with the intent of distancing myself from everyday life - and then all that exist is me and the experience. People can do it the way they want and for the reasons they want - just don't set up parameters for how other people should do it. I have read enough of silly suggestions from people that consider themselves hiking-, mountaineering- and survival experts because they have been on the camino.
The thread started because the OP quoted a post where you laid down what the pilgrim should do "and stick to it". I am uncomfortable with you laying down rules like this. Working as a volunteer admin in the pilgrim office is not the same as being a member of the emergency services, and this forum is not the main channel for finding missing people.We only ask that you respect other’s perspectives and solutions.
The thread started because the OP quoted a post where you laid down what the pilgrim should do "and stick to it". I am uncomfortable with you laying down rules like this. Working as a volunteer admin in the pilgrim office is not the same as being a member of the emergency services, and this forum is not the main channel for finding missing people.
There's no right and there's no wrong with this; it's whatever suits you and yours.
Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:
When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.
But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.
People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?
[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]
I've never sent my wife even one postcard. I have sent them to my father-in-law. He collects stamps.I've sent my wife and son at least two postcards each in the last couple of months.
Some people (especially women) won't go for a walk in the park without a communication plan and timed check-in.
If I went for an evening walk, my husband could easily go to bed and not notice my absence until the next morning. Many people would find that amazing and distressing. In fact, I agree it is mildly insulting, but I've learned to live with it. If I left him in outrage, there wouldn't be anyone to notice the next morning either!
This is a wonderful idea, @Meggins - there's much less to do in order to be reassuring. It looks like the ideal compromise for those who for whatever reason need to be in touch back home.Now that I am older I have a couple of people who worry about me. I would still prefer to be not in touch but now use a SPOT to resolve this.
There's no right and there's no wrong with this; it's whatever suits you and yours.
@Sixwheeler - exactly.Times change and we must adapt
What I see is different - a strong push-back against a perception of demand. No-one who posts about not keeping in touch is demanding that those who do stop. But the way Tom's original quote was worded (I am guessing unintentionally) was as a universal directive - and no-one likes being dictated to. It's not for any of us to set rules for how other people communicate or don't. (Full disclosure: if I were queen of the world (and you will be very glad I'm notMy main issue with jesper is that his posts seem to belittle and insult those who have shared staying in contact with loved ones...I haven't notice any of those folks displaying the same irritation to those who prefer to be free of all entanglements while they walk.
When I next walk I will turn on my phone for 5 minutes every second day...
Times change and we must adapt
@VNwalking I interpreted @scott the farmer 's statement to be a bit tongue in cheek - he considers 5 minutes every 2 days to be a sign of adaptation!@scott the farmer , maybe maybe not.
Me too. Isn't it?he considers 5 minutes every 2 days to be a sign of adaptation!
Definitely. Quite reasonable, too.Me too. Isn't it?
Don't get me wrong... I LOVE my smartphone and stay connected my whole Camino. I just don't have very needy or worried relatives. I don't mind at all if other people choose to disconnect as long as they don't scold me because I am not paying enough attention to them!@C clearly .... you are not alone ...
Some people (especially women) won't go for a walk in the park without a communication plan and timed check-in.
If I went for an evening walk, my husband could easily go to bed and not notice my absence until the next morning. Many people would find that amazing and distressing. In fact, I agree it is mildly insulting, but I've learned to live with it. If I left him in outrage, there wouldn't be anyone to notice the next morning either!
Yes, I know the feeling. many years ago I went off for my normal Saturday morning walk with my dog. We lived at the edge of town near a large park full of trails in the bush, and a privately owned pine forest. I never told anyone ever where I was going, just walked out of the house and disappeared for 4 hours or so, walking wherever I felt like. I sneaked into the forest (trespassing) through the firebreaks, and once in there were miles of trails to wander in, with the park nearby as well.Some people (especially women) won't go for a walk in the park without a communication plan and timed check-in.
If I went for an evening walk, my husband could easily go to bed and not notice my absence until the next morning. Many people would find that amazing and distressing. In fact, I agree it is mildly insulting, but I've learned to live with it. If I left him in outrage, there wouldn't be anyone to notice the next morning either!
Phew. Off the hook.Definitely. Quite reasonable, too.
OMG, such a story. Some years later it's laughing fodder, but in the moment??Took me hours and hours to get home, and 6 weeks to be walking again!
After that I took a phone, just in case..
@jesper K , please, can you explain?There we have it again. What you are comparing are not the same. Either you are doing it on purpose, which would be an insult or you really don't know the difference.
Hit the nail on the head IMO. The only thing that this forum can enforce are the rules on posting, we do not make policy on any aspect of how pilgrims do their own Camino.There's no right and there's no wrong with this; it's whatever suits you and yours.
Well. I am relieved to know that.The only thing that this forum can enforce are the rules on posting, we do not make policy on any aspect of how pilgrims do their own Camino.
My main issue with jesper is that his posts seem to belittle and insult those who have shared staying in contact with loved ones...I haven't notice any of those folks displaying the same irritation to those who prefer to be free of all entanglements while they walk.
Well. I am relieved to know that.
(There is no chuckling emoji...)
Wear good(boots)
Let us know if you can see the emoji symbol (from my Macbook).
freezing in Spring HIll Florida this morning sunny at 1C /33FActually, and slightly off topic, I understood that Ivar enabled FULL EMOJI SUPPORT on the forum. That means, to me at least, that if I paste an emoji from my laptop or iPhone, it will appear here.
Let's have a go... What follows is a test of the Camino Forum Emjoi System...if this were an actual emergency, you would have been directed to bend over and kiss you #@# goodbye... LOL!
Me in South Florida =(smiley with sunglasses)
I am at thebar... (smiley with cowboy hat)
Aqua no-potable!(Skull & crossbones)
Peace(Namaste - hands)
He/she is gone with the(fairies (2))...
Wear good(boots)
Let us know if you can see the emoji symbol (from my Macbook).
Hope this helps...
I always make a group on Facebook, where those I choose can follow my Camino, pictures and read a little about my day, mostly for me to remember the days, but also for my son else he will get very worried about meTom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:
When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.
But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.
People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?
[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]
Hi there,I thought that there was a standard emoji library that both Android and Apple devices used. I also know that several updated versions of the library have been 'published' recently.
I wonder if you have full support on YOUR device is your device does not have the newest version of your operating system, Android or iOS. Just thinking.
I am using a Macbook with the most current Mojave Operating System updates. So, I have the most current Apple-provided emoji library.
One wonders is this is not a job for Ivar... HELLO, are you listening in? Someone could send this to him...
Just sayin... Thanks to those of you who replied... Half a loaf is better than none....
https://xenforo.com/xf2-docs/manual/unicode/XenForo 2 supports full unicode text, which means that emoji can be used in almost all locations that users can enter text.
Once you’ve had one of those “blink of an eye” events happen to you, you’ll never forget it. Seven years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, I ruptured my right quad tendon playing football in the backyard. Fortunately, I was with others when this happened. Had I been alone, I would have been in a dangerous situation if I had had no means of communication with me. When you suffer a complete rupture of a quad tendon, you have no functioning quadriceps, which means you can’t walk or lift your leg. There is no limping along. You’re stuck, dead in the water. How does this relate to the Camino you might ask. Well, the most common way that people rupture a quad tendon is by falling while descending a steep wet or icy surface, like the descent into Molinasecca on a rainy day. So for me, I always have in the back of my mind how I would communicate if something really bad happened to me.When you fall, it happens in an eye-blink. On moment you're sailing along and the next...boom.
And it can happen to anyone. Complacency is just dumb.
No need for a huge plan if that's not you. But a way to be in touch could be lifesaving. (Oh. And carry whatever device you use where you can reach it easily if you take a tumble - but not where it might get broken when you fall on it.)
Not just you....I find that annoying too. There was one time though, close to Santiago, when someone in the albergue was speaking on Skype to his family back home. I found it loud and intrusive, until I came to realize that this person had issues and was walking under supervision as part of treatment or some healing process, and I immediately made allowances for this 'annoyance.' I pray that this young man has been able to work through his difficulties, and am grateful for those like his supervisor who devote their time to helping him and others like him..........I was a bit annoyed with those walking and talking on their phones on the road and in the dorms, just a bit annoyingbut that’s me
Hey, Chris, i learned something this morning but am not at all sure it fits your situation. i have an ipad and a keyboard. When I hit the bottom left button on the keyboartd, it brings up - briefly - a popup with options, and emojis come in the middle. Yes! So I could tap each emoji till infinity and they would all appear here. Want to see?I cannot see the cowboy, fairies or boot. The others I do see. I'm thinking Iphone/mac are not fully compatible with Android phones.? I've noticed that before that I sometimes get an X in place of an emoji on the forum.
Hey, Chris, i learned something this morning but am not at all sure it fits your situation. i have an ipad and a keyboard. When I hit the bottom left button on the keyboartd, it brings up - briefly - a popup with options, and emojis come in the middle. Yes! So I could tap each emoji till infinity and they would all appear here. Want to see?
Is that enough? Ha! I thought I had been left out. Boo hoo.
Edit: Oops! I thought this was the not serious thread, sorry folks....
No need to apologize. I hope no one is offended by my use of the word 'nonsense'.Sorry, Icacos, I was just being a bit more mad than usual...
freezing in Spring HIll Florida this morning sunny at 1C /33Fbad frost expected tonight
So I can have some️ brrrrrr
Your tenth and fifteenth emojis are not coming in for me.
Perhaps all this emoji nonsense can be moved to its own thread !!??
I for one am not offended. Those of us in the "NOT a serious thread" club, love nonsense. I meant to say 'thread' because we are not a clique...anyone can join, but you must first pass a test of ten questions, then our leaders assemble for a meeting to discuss who gets admitted. No siree, no clique at all.No need to apologize. I hope no one is offended by my use of the word 'nonsense'.
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