First timer on the Camino (Frances)

[marcpointon]

Hello everyone!

Mid May 2015 will be my first walk on the camino after 3 years thinking about it, NZ is a long way from Spain! Any help, suggestions, info for a first timer would be much appreciated! My only real fear is getting lost but I have to remind myself that's the fun of it! So any info getting my hands on some useful maps?!

 

[SYates]

Hi and welcome!
The best tip I can give you is to make extensive use of the search function here on the forum, read a lot of the forum and then come back to us with any remaining specific questions you might still have. And maps you will not really need on the CF, it is very well, sometimes too well, marked.
Buen Camino, SY

PS I just see that you are in London, the CSJ http://www.csj.org.uk/ is offering regularly pilgrim preparation days ...

 

[Jan_D]

Hi,

There's really not much chance of getting lost - you'll be walking with loads of other people, and there are little yellow arrows all along the way...

Actually, I'd say the real fun of the camino is not having to worry about things like getting lost: to be honest everything is more or less arranged for you (the route, the accommodation, etc), giving you a lot of freedom to focus on your thoughts, the beauty of the landscape, and the good company. It is a very unique and special experience, having the chance to share your ups and downs with a supportive group of 'strangers' from around the world, as well as the support of the camino itself, and the wonderful generous Spanish locals.

Some people are happy with a single piece of paper with the distances between towns and the names of the hostels, others like having more substantial guidebooks, as it gives you something interesting to read while you're zoning out after your day's walk.

You are going to have the time of your life.

 

[Al the optimist]

If that is your only fear then you have nothing to fear! Actually if we are honest we have all slightly detoured at times. But on the Camino it really isn't an issue. If you stray slightly you will easily get back on track. Just remember to take your time at deciding when in doubt. The only real opportunity to miss your way is when walking alone and entering that "empty mind " place and so miss an arrow. If you have walked more than a ten minutes since a junction without seeing a sign then stop, have a good stare, think long and hard, and then if necessary retrace your steps. All will be well I'm sure. Welcome and Buen Camino

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

i've always found larger towns and cities harder to navigate than the outdoors (yellow arrows are not as easy to spot . in any case, a little time spent on the forum (check the specific resources tab for downloadable maps etc.) will get you on the right track. i also like this website that is in english:
http://caminodesantiago.lavozdegalicia.com/en/

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Welcome on this forum , its almost impossible to get lost . Have an eye out for the yellow arrow's . I wish you happy planning and a great camino .

 

[jpflavin1]

Hello everyone!

Mid May 2015 will be my first walk on the camino after 3 years thinking about it, NZ is a long way from Spain! Any help, suggestions, info for a first timer would be much appreciated! My only real fear is getting lost but I have to remind myself that's the fun of it! So any info getting my hands on some useful maps?!

Marcpointon:

Buy good shoes and break them in. As your feet go so goes your Camino.
Start slowly and ease your body into walking shape.
Pack as light as possible. We all have different wants but the Camino will teach you how little you really need.
Listen to your body. If you feel a hot-spot address it asap. There is no reason to get debilitating blisters.
Let the Camino be your guide. Try not to over-plan.

It is difficult to get lost on the Frances.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[t2andreo]

Try not to rush each day. Build in enough "slack time" to your plans so you are not forced to cut corners to make a scheduled flight. All of the advice about using the forum search function, treating footwear as a priority, etc, are spot-on.

Good luck!

 

[marcpointon]

Thanks everybody for taking time to write, it's great to have this online community of camino lovers. Much appreciated, Blessings to you all

 

[JohnMcM]

Thanks everybody for taking time to write, it's great to have this online community of camino lovers. Much appreciated, Blessings to you all

Well, if this post from you is anything to go by and regarding your 1st post about 'fears', it seems to me you having nothing to fear about having the 'Camino spirit'.
Buen Camino

 

[pilgrim b]

marcpointon you take it nice and steady don' t rush and you should have the walk of a life time enjoy all your planning . There is more chance of finding yourself than getting lost by the way. Buen Camino

 

[marcpointon]

Thanks Pilgram b. I'm trying with this experience to not plan or control too much of what happens, I have a tendency in my life to somewhat over plan haha...one question of have though is should I book albergues in advance or just rock up? I will be going on the camino from mid May..and I also quite like the idea of sleeping outside from time to time..could this be possible mid May to Mid June? Thanks Marc