First Camino! (Francés from Feb-Apr)

[AbigailL]

Hi y'all! After spending many nights reading everything that exists on this website, I'm finally making my own post

I first heard about the Camino during my first year of college -- my friend had done it the summer before, and she was constantly talking about how life-changing it was for her. Now, I just graduated college in May and I'm on the brink of (potentially) going to law school + entering the workforce like a proper adult. So of course, I figured now was as good a time as any to take off from work for 6 weeks and finally walk the Camino!

I was originally intending to walk alone, but a friend I made on a recent meditation retreat decided to join me, which is super exciting. We'll be heading out from SJPDP on Feb. 25th, and my flight back to the US is on Apr. 4th -- I wanted to give myself plenty of time for rest days and/or exploring Spain.

I'm not religious, but I'm definitely approaching this as a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts. Life as a recent college graduate is pretty scary, and my hope is that I'll be able to deepen my meditation practice and/or gain some clarity as to where I want my life to go from here. We'll definitely see what happens, and I'm sure the Camino will provide everything I need.

 

[davejsy]

I'm sure you will love it and it will be one of the most memorable things you will ever do. Set forth with no expectations and an open heart. Don't go thinking it will change you, but more a hope if indeed thats what you need. Like most things in life, if you don't interfere or force it, then the universe (or in this case the Camino) will give you what you need - which is of course not always necessarily what you think you want.

The Camino can be one long meditation, with walking, nature, provenance, and fellow pilgrims as your teachers. Just don't forget to have fun along the way also.

Buen Camino

 

[Lexicos]

There’s a good chance you’ll enjoy the long walk. It’s good to have that sort of break and you are lucky to have the time to do it. It’s a long walk in a beautiful country with a bunch of very fine people. You will read and hear a lot about the Camino but in the end your experience of it will be your own. Go with an open mind. Be flexible. Don’t expect miracles just enjoy the daily walks and sights and sharing stories with your fellow pilgrims. That’s plenty. If you get more than that from it see it as a bonus.
Enjoy the journey.
Buen Camino.

 

[David]

Hi AbigailL - sounds good! Just do check the weather forecasts - I have been there (in a vehicle doing first aid) when it has been snow from St Jean all the way to Burgos in March!! and have also seen it t-shirt hot spring weather another year, from St Jean onwards - European weather has gone a bit odd over the last few years so keep an eye on the forecasts.
AccuWeather is quite a good app but there are many more.

 

[Takahiwai]

I hope you'll have a wonderful experience on your first camino, and who knows, we may bump into one another since I'll also be on the trail between February and April, although not exclusively on the CF.