Do you prefer to walk on your own or with company?

[Tigerandahalf]

For me I love meeting people along the way, chatting for 10 minutes and getting a window into their lives for that brief moment. In many ways the camino for me is the people.
I also love the beautiful nature all around, like the lizards in the Pyrenees that change colour when they move from grass onto the road, to camouflage themselves.
However, I am not sure if I would enjoy walking on my own - too much time to think may not always be good?

 

[Metropolly]

I prefer to walk alone, but I've yet to experience this 'thinking' of which you speak. Unless it's an exceptionally easy stretch of the path, my thoughts are usually no more complex than: 'When will this rain stop? How far to the next town? Is there a cafe there? Is it too late for lunch? Too early for a beer?' Occasionally, though, I meet someone whose conversation is even more stimulating than this internal monologue. Hard to imagine, of course, but it does happen

 

[koilife]

@Tigerandahalf, I agree with @Metropolly that there are times and even long stretches when the thought processes slow down and get very simple. My experience is that the distractions and multiple simultaneous thought tracks all fade away, and my thoughts became linear and gained an almost pristine clarity. The constant action of walking day after day produced a harmony of body, mind, heart, and spirit. Spending too much time in conversation while walking was a real distraction, so I tended to coordinate stopping points with friends along the way.

Moreover, as an introvert, I naturally prefer walking alone and thinking or walking with a small group of friends in more of a "touch-and-go" fashion. As I got to know people, especially over meals, I became more comfortable with longer stretches of walking, either with conversation or silence, but walking alone remained my primary desire. That being said, by the end of the camino, I was spending extended time walking and talking with some very good friends made along the way. The reality of walking the camino is that it stretches us in great and sometimes surprising ways.

 

[Luka]

I absolutely prefer walking alone. And I prefer company after arrival

... my thoughts are usually no more complex than: 'When will this rain stop? How far to the next town? Is there a cafe there? Is it too late for lunch? Too early for a beer?' Occasionally, though, I meet someone whose conversation is even more stimulating than this internal monologue. Hard to imagine, of course, but it does happen

Very recognizable! I have been walking in solitude for days ands weeks in France. Expected all kinds of brilliant inner thoughts, but it hardly went further than 'I probably have to turn left at that tree over there'. The inner movement came afterwards, usually when I was already back home.

 

[mspath]

Although I usually walk alone I hardly ever feel lonely. Much of each day is spent in a chaotic mental mix of personal thanksgiving, worry over the weather or my gut, projected renovation/restoration of a multitude of wayside structures and, the far more social act of simply waving to those that pass by. These include other pilgrims, of course, but also dog walkers, police, bikers, farmers and especially lorry drivers. Such waves exchanged are silent gestures of our shared humanity.

Nevertheless it is always a GREAT pleasure to arrive at a welcoming albergue, take a HOT shower, chat with other pilgrims, exchanging tips and advice while mutually enjoying the special ambiance of camino camaraderie. Shared communal meals are another treat.

Margaret Meredith

 

[Bear]

In 2012 I walked with my wife and 2 friends.
This year, my wife and I will walk together - I couldn't imagine this experience without her.

 

[Tigerandahalf]

Just from a practical point I found it handy when coming across a confusing turnoff. Another pair of eyes was always handy. But mainly I found it nice to be able to share the good moments, like spotting that lizard or admiring the amazing mist in the valley after climbing out of Estella with the overhanging cliff or hill in the background.
I noticed there were a good share of people walking on their own.
I am one of those people who enjoys company for a bit, then wants to enjoy my own company and back again.
It was also handy to have someone to pull the bottle of water from my bag or put away a jacket without having to take off the bag!

 

[Olivares]

I walked solo and stayed at hostels. You would think I missed out on camaraderrie...and you would be 100% wrong! Comunal meals, great trail conversations, having a morning coffee sitting at a small bar in an even smaller town, exploring towns with friends made while on the trail, impromptu picnics; all of those are wonderful opportunities the Camino offers to share with other pilgrims. If you notice, all of these are choice activities and if you choose to skip all of that, it is just as well.

I remembered walking from Burgos to Hontanas in October (2013); not a lot of people on the trail, so when I saw this couple ahead of me, I pressed on. As I got closer, I could hear a huge argument about how much she was spending on chocolate candy..... I did continued to pressed on...to leave them behind!

"Mejor sola que mal acompañada" ("Better alone than badly accompanied")

 

[dougfitz]

I enjoy both, although I do think being good company is more than just having a quick chat or being willing to undertake minor domestic tasks for someone. That sounds just a bit shallow to me, and I wouldn't consider it walking in company if that were all it were to entail.

 

[Kanga]

I am very much enjoying that I am not the only person whose thought processes don't amount to a row of beans.
Still waiting for the colourful visions and deep and meaningful insights.
My insights tend to be about food. I also have a preoccupation with collective nouns (making up new ones when bored) and wondering how many toenails I'm losing. Plus appropriate swear words for mud.

 

[jpflavin1]

When I am walking during the day, I prefer to be alone. During my walking time, I find that my thoughts come in at least four types.

The present state. This is where I am walking down a slippery slope or have not seen an arrow in awhile and am very diligent in what I am doing.

The state where I am enjoying the natural and man made beauty surrounding me.

The alpha state where I am walking without consciously paying attention to my surroundings. This is when I get lost^^.

Finally, the periods of time when I reflect on my life and many times this leads to changes in my lifestyle.

In the evenings, I enjoy the communal atmosphere of the Albergue, meals with other Pilgrims, experimenting with different foods and drinks^^ and interesting discussions on a variety of subjects.

The Camino, imo, provides the environment for all this to happen.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Leanne]

I am looking forward to both walking alone but also every now and then having a conversation with someone and sharing some flapjack!
I love being around nature and it always makes me feel happy, come rain or sunshine.
I used to be a very happy go lucky friendly person but over the past few years I have lost that and now tend to keep to myself more often, I hope the camino restores some of that!

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

Although I usually walk alone I hardly ever feel lonely. Much of each day is spent in a chaotic mental mix of personal thanksgiving, worry over the weather or my gut, projected renovation/restoration of a multitude of wayside structures and, the far more social act of simply waving to those that pass by. These include other pilgrims, of course, but also dog walkers, police, bikers, farmers and especially lorry drivers. Such waves exchanged are silent gestures of our shared humanity.

Nevertheless it is always a GREAT pleasure to arrive at a welcoming albergue, take a HOT shower, chat with other pilgrims, exchanging tips and advice while mutually enjoying the special ambiance of camino camaraderie. Shared communal meals are another treat.

Margaret Meredith

I just have to say that in reading your posts all these months, that I hope our paths cross someday. I'd love to chat with you.

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

I don't mind spending time alone. It can also be a plesant change to have a companion from time to time. I enjoy sharing food, coffee or a meal with folks. It gets challenging because I don't drink alcohol. For many pilgrims the wine is a highlight and it's great to see folks enjoying it. It is after all a huge part of European culture. Wish I could find a cold glass of unfermented grape juice from time to time but that's beside the point.
When I walk alone, the narrative does become quite simple: Gratitude and prayers for safety for other pilgrims as well as myself. Prayer also helps me stay grounded in the moment.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

Well, I would like to stop at Grañón, but i am finding myself worried about the singing requirement I hear about, so some of that walking alone may be taken up memorizing a song, so I don't make too much of fool of myself.

I am actually hoping for a mixture, and I think the Camino will provide the best times for either.

Any quick and easy song requests...she asks panicking already?

Kris



Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[freescot]

I have discoved the joy of solitude late in my life - precisely by walking the Camino.
That said, like many here, if company comes it is welcome. I have, though, an addiction for the Irish pilgrim, many of whom have entertained me so well for many, many kilometres that a morning or a day can pass in a flash, full of emotion, humour, philosophy and fun.

 

[freescot]

Well, I would like to stop at Grañón, but i am finding myself worried about the singing requirement I hear about, so some of that walking alone may be taken up memorizing a song, so I don't make too much of fool of myself.

I am actually hoping for a mixture, and I think the Camino will provide the best times for either.

Any quick and easy song requests...she asks panicking already?

Kris



Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

Buen Camino, Kris. I find the singing request a bit awful but usually elect a song in which everyone can participate. If I can be last, "Auld Lang Syne" is good because everyone has to stand up and move: they all know the the tune and a few words but all move chaotically at first. Old MacDonald had a farm can be international and gets everyone involved, too. The important thing for me is to escape from having to sing too much myself. Good luck.

 

[fernandezr]

For me I love meeting people along the way, chatting for 10 minutes and getting a window into their lives for that brief moment. In many ways the camino for me is the people.
I also love the beautiful nature all around, like the lizards in the Pyrenees that change colour when they move from grass onto the road, to camouflage themselves.
However, I am not sure if I would enjoy walking on my own - too much time to think may not always be good?

From my own experience on the Camino I have to say I liked having a companion with me so we could support each other were there an emergency of some kind but the reality is that, even though you have a companion, one is really alone with one's thoughts most of the time. We spent time chatting in the albergues or over meals but really not much while underway on the trail. Being alone with one's thoughts is an important part of the Camino in that we have lots of time in which to come to know ourselves better, to pray, meditate and commune with God.

 

[Metropolly]

I am looking forward to both walking alone but also every now and then having a conversation with someone and sharing some flapjack!
I love being around nature and it always makes me feel happy, come rain or sunshine.
I used to be a very happy go lucky friendly person but over the past few years I have lost that and now tend to keep to myself more often, I hope the camino restores some of that!

If you're bringing flapjack you will NEVER be alone

 

[Pruden]

First I walked with my wife from Sarria to Santiago. , last year I did it on own!
I felt happy and enjoying it and there was no big differences , so this year I'll go with the full family, my son and daughter , my wife and me, and I think we will enjoy it as well.
But I know we have to give space enough to each other, that means that maybe some of as would go faster than others .
We might have to wait for some of us and the and of the journey at the albergue.
Been alone and not lonly is good for any of us as pilgrims and as individuals persons in order to find over inner part.
Buen Camino.