sarahmadrid
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- camino frances
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Thanks so much!! I have jumped out of a cable car at 4 metres high- so I know my limits. It seems to be getting worse as I get older. Is it possible to hitchhike over? (I dont know what its called when you have the desire to throw yourself off!) I'm fine on slopes.. just bridges and sheer drop!!Ouch, I know the feeling. I'll be honest - the bridge over to Portomarin does my head in every time and I normally get across purely by walking in the car lane (not otherwise recommended), muttering Peregrina soy, a Santiago voy rapidly to myself, not looking down and with luck having someone with me who understands. Though technically what I have is acrophobia, the fear of being at the highest point or near edges, it works pretty much the same way. That is really the only problematic bit I can think of and it's still doable. Google a pic of it - it is nothing like the Eiffel tower! I'm sure you'll be fine, buen camino!
Thanks Rick! Many are the times I have blindfolded myself and run across a bridge- sadly now I'm not sure how fast I could run.. and I have also (literally) crawled across a bridge in Seville (it's not even very high!). I guess I will see when I get there what my options are.I agree with @nidarosa. I can only remember Portomarin as being a problem. I have done rock climbing and repelling and the height hasn't bothered me but, oh, managing those edges! I thought about walking in the traffic lane or crawling in the pedestrian lane but I ended up toughing it out (after making sure no one was close enough to bump me.)
Call a taxi?
That is a treat I will be sure to swerve!Many people rave about the roof tour at the cathedral in SdC. It's not for you.
When I walked last April the water was so high the bridge didnt seem that high, hopefully it will be the same for you. Buen CaminoOuch, I know the feeling. I'll be honest - the bridge over to Portomarin does my head in every time and I normally get across purely by walking in the car lane (not otherwise recommended), muttering Peregrina soy, a Santiago voy rapidly to myself, not looking down and with luck having someone with me who understands. Though technically what I have is acrophobia, the fear of being at the highest point or near edges, it works pretty much the same way. That is really the only problematic bit I can think of and it's still doable. Google a pic of it - it is nothing like the Eiffel tower! I'm sure you'll be fine, buen camino!
Weirdly, I don't mind rollercoasters (they're not an everyday thing though). Sometimes you just have to trust your fear...Early in our relationship I encouraged Peg to ride on a kiddie roller coaster despite her objections. Not only did she think she would die but, looking at her, I thought she was going to die. Never did that again and never will. I've got to give it to you though for seemingly seeking out all those challenges.
Oh.. You're right, I think it may be the bridge I cannot walk across. Fear is one thing, but flinging myself off is another (see cable car incident above). This will be my first camino and I feel a bit guilty using a car to cross.. is that mad?It is possible to cross the old bridge rather than the high one - depending on the height of the water obviously. But, and it may be a big but for you, the old bridge has no sides or barriers at all. It is two-lane traffic wide and you can walk down the centre with your eyes fixed on the far bank
If you walk the old route down to the bridge and and on the last bend before you get down to the road junction there is a field gate on the right that leads to a track down to the riverbank. The rest is obvious as it comes into view.
Beats swimming across the reservoir with a pack.This will be my first camino and I feel a bit guilty using a car to cross.. is that mad?
Beats swimming across the reservoir with a pack.
I did think of that.. no joke!Beats swimming across the reservoir with a pack.
see you there!!Heading for That Bridge 9 May ... there will be albariño after, you are welcome to join me!
That bridge at Portomarin is not that busy. Just walk in the traffic lane with a fellow pilgrim and look straight ahead and hold their arm.Thanks Rick! Many are the times I have blindfolded myself and run across a bridge- sadly now I'm not sure how fast I could run.. and I have also (literally) crawled across a bridge in Seville (it's not even very high!). I guess I will see when I get there what my options are.
No, indeed. You can't just turn it off. And it feels...yeah...literally, life and death.And for people who haven't got it, please don't tell us to get over it/man up/just do it, because it really feels life-and-death scary!
Four metres up is a bit of a jump. That jump did not cure the phobia? Were you injured?Thanks so much!! I have jumped out of a cable car at 4 metres high- so I know my limits. It seems to be getting worse as I get older. Is it possible to hitchhike over? (I dont know what its called when you have the desire to throw yourself off!) I'm fine on slopes.. just bridges and sheer drop!!
Ouch, I know the feeling. I'll be honest - the bridge over to Portomarin does my head in every time and I normally get across purely by walking in the car lane (not otherwise recommended), muttering Peregrina soy, a Santiago voy rapidly to myself, not looking down and with luck having someone with me who understands. Though technically what I have is acrophobia, the fear of being at the highest point or near edges, it works pretty much the same way. That is really the only problematic bit I can think of and it's still doable. Google a pic of it - it is nothing like the Eiffel tower! I'm sure you'll be fine, buen camino!
I did the same on that bridge with my wife laughing at me. I do not think you will have a problem anywhere elseThere is the fear of heights and the fear of falling. It helps to try to figure out which you might be triggered by in order to help yourself get thru it. I can stand high on top of mountains and building will sturdy railings. However, anything that I might perceive as unsteady or dangerous, even if only a few feet off of the ground will make me freeze in my steps and panic ( a ladder, a metal bridge with holes in the surface, along a steep cliff, a shaky bridge, a theme park ride that seats you with feet hanging , etc...) If I feel I am secure on my feet, and not at a danger of falling off the side of anywhere, the height does not matter. Walking with poles to feel steady and not close to any any edges helps. The key is convincing yourself that you are grounded. Since you mentioned no issue with roller coasters, consider the fear of falling rather than the fear of heights...you would be seated on the coaster and securely buckled in. Just worth a bit more exploring...it might help you get some resolve. Good luck!
@sarahmadrid I have the same, the main problem is the fear that I will fling myself off the edge for no reason. I can't do steep, so this year I am even considering taking the road route out of Villafranca rather than the prettier, harder and steeper Pradela route, just because I will be walking on my own. It won't stop me getting there, but I know my weak points and either avoid or challenge them depending on the mood, weather and company.
PortamarinHello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
Hello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
I don't like the bridge into Portomarin at high water.Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
But when (what season or month) did you walk? The height of the reservoir makes a big difference to the sensation.I suffer from the same thing but I did not find the bridge at Portomarin a problem. it is not THAT bad
If you don't need to go into the town of Portomarin (to shop, eat lunch, sleep for the night), you can bypass the town altogether by turning left at the end of the bridge and following the road around for a few hundred meters. You come to a road bridge, then a few meters farther you come to a pedestrian bridge across a smaller stream. Unless it has changed since I walked that way in 2013, the marked Camino path crosses the pedestrian bridge. Neither bridge is as high as the earlier bridge, but it's possible that @sarahmadrid might be affected by these as well.Oh, and when you get across the bridge, as you will, maybe not go for the stairs up to the town. They are very steep and set me off, so I just go to the right of it and take the path or road up to town. If your knees are jellified you won't enjoy the stairs anyway, and if you can't turn around to enjoy the view ... well, best avoided.
You might not enjoy a meal at the Mirador either, with its large glass front overlooking the river, or you might!
If you don't need to go into the town of Portomarin (to shop, eat lunch, sleep for the night), you can bypass the town altogether by turning left at the end of the bridge and following the road around for a few hundred meters. You come to a road bridge, then a few meters farther you come to a pedestrian bridge across a smaller stream. Unless it has changed since I walked that way in 2013, the marked Camino path crosses the pedestrian bridge. Neither bridge is as high as the earlier bridge, but it's possible that @sarahmadrid might be affected by these as well.
Buen Camino!
It was early July 2015.But when (what season or month) did you walk? The height of the reservoir makes a big difference to the sensation.
Hmmm. Now we need someone to tell us about the reservoir levels. In my experience the water was high in the spring and low in the fall. Perhaps July is in-between. Could you see the old bridge which is underwater at some times of year?It was early July 2015
At Portomarín I walked in the road. There wasn't much traffic. On the Norte, at Ribadeo, I had to walk across THIS. Note the LOW railing and the NARROW walkway. I thought I was going to DIIIIIIIIIIIIE of cardiac arrest!Hello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
I have no fear of heights whatsoever.On the Norte, at Ribadeo, I had to walk across THIS. Note the LOW railing and the NARROW walkway. I thought I was going to DIIIIIIIIIIIIE of cardiac arrest!
I have a good pic of the old bridge, taken Sep 2017, but have forgotten how to reduce the JPEG file size so can't attach!It is possible to cross the old bridge rather than the high one - depending on the height of the water obviously. But, and it may be a big but for you, the old bridge has no sides or barriers at all. It is two-lane traffic wide and you can walk down the centre with your eyes fixed on the far bank
If you walk the old route down to the bridge and and on the last bend before you get down to the road junction there is a field gate on the right that leads to a track down to the riverbank. The rest is obvious as it comes into view.
My first, and last, roller coaster ride was also a kiddie roller coaster with my young children. I was a nervous wreck and screamed so loud in extreme fear that the man running it finally stopped it and let me off! Never again!Early in our relationship I encouraged Peg to ride on a kiddie roller coaster despite her objections. Not only did she think she would die but, looking at her, I thought she was going to die. Never did that again and never will. I've got to give it to you though for seemingly seeking out all those challenges.
And then there is the fear of jumping deliberately. In tall places, my fear is of being pushed (by wind, cars, whatever) over the edge. I don't mind flying, but oddly the exit seat does stir some odd feelings.There is the fear of heights and the fear of falling.
Could you arrange your schedule so that you don't stop in Portomarin? Pilgrims cross the high bridge to get there and cross another bridge to continue their pilgrimage.Hello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
What an amazing photo, Stephen. The contrast between the modern monstrosity and the Roman bridge couldn't be starker. I've always thought it was a pity that they drowned the whole town...and its history too. Yeah, a lot of it got moved, but you can't move people's roots, nor their stories. Not to mention gorgeous Roman bridges.And here's both bridges
There's one in the background, Chris...Three bridges?
@sarahmadrid, that third bridge is on the camino too (but I think there are ways to avoid it there where the creek is wide). While the main bridge into town was really scary I had no problems with that bridge.Three: the new bridge, the Roman bridge, and off in the distance the bridge leaving town that crosses the small river.
I had to walk on the traffic side of the barrier too when I crossed the Portomarin Bridge!Ouch, I know the feeling. I'll be honest - the bridge over to Portomarin does my head in every time and I normally get across purely by walking in the car lane (not otherwise recommended), muttering Peregrina soy, a Santiago voy rapidly to myself, not looking down and with luck having someone with me who understands. Though technically what I have is acrophobia, the fear of being at the highest point or near edges, it works pretty much the same way. That is really the only problematic bit I can think of and it's still doable. Google a pic of it - it is nothing like the Eiffel tower! I'm sure you'll be fine, buen camino!
I dont remember seeing the old bridge.Hmmm. Now we need someone to tell us about the reservoir levels. In my experience the water was high in the spring and low in the fall. Perhaps July is in-between. Could you see the old bridge which is underwater at some times of year?
My photo of the bridges, posted at 12.30 yesterday, was taken in the autumn. Stains on the bridge supports show what the water level is earlier in the year.Hmmm. Now we need someone to tell us about the reservoir levels. In my experience the water was high in the spring and low in the fall. Perhaps July is in-between. Could you see the old bridge which is underwater at some times of year?
I understand that fear entirely. I have a fear that I will fall out of a top bunk. If they have no side rail, they terrify me, I'm too scared to sleep.Hello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
Luckily no.. some trees broke my fall! It didn't help at all (in curing me) it just proved how strong my desire to reach the ground is!Four metres up is a bit of a jump. That jump did not cure the phobia? Were you injured?
Holy Hell!At Portomarín I walked in the road. There wasn't much traffic. On the Norte, at Ribadeo, I had to walk across THIS. Note the LOW railing and the NARROW walkway. I thought I was going to DIIIIIIIIIIIIE of cardiac arrest!
Wow. That is crazy (not trying to be offensive). I have never heard of that before.Luckily no.. some trees broke my fall! It didn't help at all (in curing me) it just proved how strong my desire to reach the ground is!
I too have bad acrophobia which I usually control by a technique. I define my vision areas as Near - Middle Distance and Far Distance. When I need to traverse obstacles with a vertiginous drop I focus on only Near and Far Distance points. This reduces my fears quite considerably. As a young man I learned to abseil on the rock of Gibraltar. The near distance technique allowed me to go over the edge. I concentrated directly in front of me and the accompanying PT sergeant warned me of any issues as I descended. I actually went back and did another three descents although my legs were like jelly at the end of each descent. I don't know whether this coping strategy would work for you but give it a try and see if it helps. A fellow squad member had a similar fear but he could not control it. He used to lay in the bottom of the Landrover when we ascended/descended the military roads on the rock.Hello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
Hi I too think the only issue will be Portomarim. The last time I did it I happened on 3 Spanish women taking photos. I said to one '' a mi no me gusta el Puente.'' She clearly understood as she took my arm and marched us down the middle of the road. In those circumstances you can close your eyes. Good LuckHello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
Hello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
There is a tiny rock bridge over a creek/stream in the woods somewhere after Melide (I think). The bridge is made up of irregular shaped, large slabs of rock. It's only about 10 feet long.
I can cross the Portomarin bridge without problem - one hand on the rail for grounding - but that little rock bridge is beyond me. I can get almost halfway across but then I freeze and have to back off. I've needed to wait for someone to come along to hold my hand every time. There is a slightly longer alternate route which I only know about as there is a large signboard at the entrance to the woods that shows it. The sign recommends this route through the woods. Next time I need to try the alternate.
I've been trying to narrow down the location but drawing a blank. It was after the joining of the camino from Lugo, as my last helpers came off that way.
I hate the rock bridges after Roncesvalles also, but they are more manageable.
Ouch, I know the feeling. I'll be honest - the bridge over to Portomarin does my head in every time and I normally get across purely by walking in the car lane (not otherwise recommended), muttering Peregrina soy, a Santiago voy rapidly to myself, not looking down and with luck having someone with me who understands. Though technically what I have is acrophobia, the fear of being at the highest point or near edges, it works pretty much the same way. That is really the only problematic bit I can think of and it's still doable. Google a pic of it - it is nothing like the Eiffel tower! I'm sure you'll be fine, buen camino!
There is a tiny rock bridge over a creek/stream in the woods somewhere after Melide (I think). The bridge is made up of irregular shaped, large slabs of rock. It's only about 10 feet long.
I can cross the Portomarin bridge without problem - one hand on the rail for grounding - but that little rock bridge is beyond me. I can get almost halfway across but then I freeze and have to back off. I've needed to wait for someone to come along to hold my hand every time. There is a slightly longer alternate route which I only know about as there is a large signboard at the entrance to the woods that shows it. The sign recommends this route through the woods. Next time I need to try the alternate.
I've been trying to narrow down the location but drawing a blank. It was after the joining of the camino from Lugo, as my last helpers came off that way.
I hate the rock bridges after Roncesvalles also, but they are more manageable.
Ouch, I know the feeling. I'll be honest - the bridge over to Portomarin does my head in every time and I normally get across purely by walking in the car lane (not otherwise recommended), muttering Peregrina soy, a Santiago voy rapidly to myself, not looking down and with luck having someone with me who understands. Though technically what I have is acrophobia, the fear of being at the highest point or near edges, it works pretty much the same way. That is really the only problematic bit I can think of and it's still doable. Google a pic of it - it is nothing like the Eiffel tower! I'm sure you'll be fine, buen camino!
I have a fear of heights too .. but have a sneaking suspicion that fear of heights is actually fear of jumping .
The lemming urge to just hurl myself over the edge is always present.
It has a name (HPP - High Place Phenomenon) and you're not crazy.I dont know what its called when you have the desire to throw yourself off!
Great idea! I am in SdC now, having just walked across those bridges in and out of Portomarín a few days ago. Cross over the “second” bridge to minimize the height.There is. Approaching Portomarin you're going gently downhill and the high bridge is to your right. If you continue straight on you will pick up the yellow arrows again at the next bridge.
Camina el Caminito del Rey en Malaga,, te cura todo los temores.. garantizado!!!Hello! I am lucky enough to live in Spain, and have just over a week to do something for my soul! However, I have terrible vertigo ( I once hugged a pylon up the Eiffel Tower for an hour). Is there anywhere I should worry about from Sarria to Compostela?
Thanks guys!!
OH no!!!!! I'm really afraid of heights and I'm going to walk from logroño to burgos very soon and alone. Should I be worried? Should I also take the road route?@sarahmadrid I have the same, the main problem is the fear that I will fling myself off the edge for no reason. I can't do steep, so this year I am even considering taking the road route out of Villafranca rather than the prettier, harder and steeper Pradela route, just because I will be walking on my own. It won't stop me getting there, but I know my weak points and either avoid or challenge them depending on the mood, weather and company.
Thanks for clearing that up and your reassurance. I walked from Sjpp to Santiago in 2002 when I was much younger and less fearful, I'm sure I'll be fine. Thanks again@Tucan_learn_english No reason to be worried! If you are walking to Burgos you will not have any problems - there are two Villafrancas, the Pradela route is after the Villafranca del Bierzo, and when you get to it (maybe next time?) you just take the road route out of town. Buen Camino!
I think the route you mention is one of two available. There are signs on the trail which direct you to a slightly longer but easier path.I believe that I have read all the posts in this thread, but I have not come across any post which mentions the challenges which I had in order to get to the bridge. I have walked over this bridge twice, in 2015 and in 2016. On the second occasion, the access to the bridge had been changed. Pedestrians were directed to a path between hedges, which led to a climb down to the entrance of the bridge. And I do mean a climb. This was a steep downward scramble over smooth rock, necessitating the frequent use of both hands, as well as feet. When I finally reached the bottom, near the bridge entrance, I knew that I could not have made it safely if the rock had been wet. I am hoping that this route has again been changed, or at least improved, I wouldn't want to try it again.
@StephenI think the route you mention is one of two available. There are signs on the trail which direct you to a slightly longer but easier path.
I have not come across any post which mentions the challenges which I had in order to get to the bridge.
I am confused by all these bridges. I have walked into and out of Portomarin 3 times (once in March and twice in November). I remember only one way to enter - over the high bridge. I think there were 2 routes out, one of which had recently closed as it was unsafe. The route out involved a small bridge at some point.I think the route you mention is one of two available. There are signs on the trail which direct you to a slightly longer but easier path.
I believe that I have read all the posts in this thread, but I have not come across any post which mentions the challenges which I had in order to get to the bridge. I have walked over this bridge twice, in 2015 and in 2016. On the second occasion, the access to the bridge had been changed. Pedestrians were directed to a path between hedges, which led to a climb down to the entrance of the bridge. And I do mean a climb. This was a steep downward scramble over smooth rock, necessitating the frequent use of both hands, as well as feet. When I finally reached the bottom, near the bridge entrance, I knew that I could not have made it safely if the rock had been wet. I am hoping that this route has again been changed, or at least improved, I wouldn't want to try it again.
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