First Camino complete -thank you Forum

[Lmsundaze]

Hello from Finisterre - after beginning my Camino April 17 in Pamplona- I have made it! Happy, no problems, no injuries. I am 70 with osteoporosis, arthritis, and digestive issues. Many thanks to all of the forum members who gave me advice. I am not an expert, obviously, but here is some random thoughts on things that worked for me. 1. No regrets on starting Pamplona instead of St Jean. Felt good the whole way, think I realistically evaluated my fitness and abilities. 2. My slow pace, about 10 miles a day, let me enjoy it all. 3. I stayed in albergues a couple times and was massively uncomfortable- I need to use the bathroom many times in the night and just couldn't sleep. I shared private rooms with a friend I met and it was so worth it to make up refreshed . 3. Reserving ahead - yes I did! As a slow walker I wanted to relax, stop and talk to people, etc. not too far ahead until Sarria which was crowded with groups. 4. Spanish - yes! The more one can speak, the more enjoyable. Yes it can be done with no Spanish, but it will enhance the trip. 5. I was glad to have a phone, very useful for reservations, etc. 6. I was just right temperature with icebreaker shirts, nanopuff jacket, rain jacket, pack cover. 7. Yes to trail runners(no blisters no problems), hiking poles, Macabi skirt, buff. Thanks to all.

 

[John Finn]

Well done! Congrats on a great achievement.

 

[SYates]

Congratulation on completing your pilgrimage! Buen Camino de la Vida! SY

 

[sabbott]

Hello from Finisterre - after beginning my Camino April 17 in Pamplona- I have made it! Happy, no problems, no injuries. I am 70 with osteoporosis, arthritis, and digestive issues. Many thanks to all of the forum members who gave me advice. I am not an expert, obviously, but here is some random thoughts on things that worked for me.

Good to hear from you, and that you did things your way, and had a great experience. I've wondered how things went for you, since you were planning your trip the same time I was. I'm about two weeks from Santiago, moving slowly and happily along in the Camino Invierno in Galicia.
Do you think you'll keep doing long distance walking?

 

[Jas Asyiken]

Congratulations!!! It is such a delight to read this. Thank you for sharing and most of all, thank you for the inspirational feedback. Have a great and superb post-Camino!!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hello from Finisterre - after beginning my Camino April 17 in Pamplona- I have made it! Happy, no problems, no injuries. I am 70 with osteoporosis, arthritis, and digestive issues. Many thanks to all of the forum members who gave me advice. I am not an expert, obviously, but here is some random thoughts on things that worked for me. 1. No regrets on starting Pamplona instead of St Jean. Felt good the whole way, think I realistically evaluated my fitness and abilities. 2. My slow pace, about 10 miles a day, let me enjoy it all. 3. I stayed in albergues a couple times and was massively uncomfortable- I need to use the bathroom many times in the night and just couldn't sleep. I shared private rooms with a friend I met and it was so worth it to make up refreshed . 3. Reserving ahead - yes I did! As a slow walker I wanted to relax, stop and talk to people, etc. not too far ahead until Sarria which was crowded with groups. 4. Spanish - yes! The more one can speak, the more enjoyable. Yes it can be done with no Spanish, but it will enhance the trip. 5. I was glad to have a phone, very useful for reservations, etc. 6. I was just right temperature with icebreaker shirts, nanopuff jacket, rain jacket, pack cover. 7. Yes to trail runners(no blisters no problems), hiking poles, Macabi skirt, buff. Thanks to all.

Well done and congratulations, Peter.

 

[errol]

Will be traveling to Pamplona on 10 October to begin my Camino. I THINK that I can manage the physicality of the journey. Time will tell. My challenge will be separation from my wife for an extended period and the time alone with my thoughts and where that will take me. I guess that many pilgrims will suffer from withdrawal from their co-dependancies depending on how strongly they may be held and I will be no different. Perhaps that is my journey.

 

[SabsP]

Hello from Finisterre - after beginning my Camino April 17 in Pamplona- I have made it! Happy, no problems, no injuries. I am 70 with osteoporosis, arthritis, and digestive issues. Many thanks to all of the forum members who gave me advice. I am not an expert, obviously, but here is some random thoughts on things that worked for me. 1. No regrets on starting Pamplona instead of St Jean. Felt good the whole way, think I realistically evaluated my fitness and abilities. 2. My slow pace, about 10 miles a day, let me enjoy it all. 3. I stayed in albergues a couple times and was massively uncomfortable- I need to use the bathroom many times in the night and just couldn't sleep. I shared private rooms with a friend I met and it was so worth it to make up refreshed . 3. Reserving ahead - yes I did! As a slow walker I wanted to relax, stop and talk to people, etc. not too far ahead until Sarria which was crowded with groups. 4. Spanish - yes! The more one can speak, the more enjoyable. Yes it can be done with no Spanish, but it will enhance the trip. 5. I was glad to have a phone, very useful for reservations, etc.other happy dance 6. I was just right temperature with icebreaker shirts, nanopuff jacket, rain jacket, pack cover. 7. Yes to trail runners(no blisters no problems), hiking poles, Macabi skirt, buff. Thanks to all.

yeah ....another happy dance!!

 

[Louise2016]

Thanks, that is very helpful, to read about your experiences and your take on things.

 

[Dutchwalk53]

Wonderful ! That's how it should be. Walk at your own pace and do whatever needed it to make it a great journey for you. I pre book too and sleep in private rooms and never walk more then 15/24 km a day. I like it that way. Congrats on completing your Camino !

 

[PEI_Heather]

Congratulations, Imsundaze! Enjoy your rest in Finisterre--beautiful place. Your walking Camino has ended (unless you are going to walk back to Santiago?! ) and your life Camino now starts. Yay you!

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Well done!

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Congratulations! So glad that you have completed your first Camino

Thank you for letting us all know how you went. Sounds like you have had a wonderful experience and now have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with others.

 

[t2andreo]

And, to paraphrase the late, great Frank Sinatra, YOU DID IT YOUR WAY! That is very important to long term satisfaction.

Good on you!

 

[Angel-hart]

Congrats on your Camino. My girlfriend and I finished our first too. Ditto on the things you mentioned. Most of all speaking Spanish. I took a short class before I left plus an online free course. It was helpful and as you mentioned the more you know the better it will enhance your experience. The people of Spain are so outgoing. When they see you trying they truly reach out and Are super helpful.