For first-time pilgrims leaving soon...

[VNwalking]

That first camino is so special.
And already you've begun: there's a palpable fizz of excitement around here before the late August and September departures, with lots and lots of questions about bookings, about weight, about footwear, about last minute preparations. All those the questions definitely have their place, but they're often (as much as anything) a symptom of pre-camino jitters. So if you're feeling anxious, not to worry. This is normal, and nearly universal.

In a week, or two, or three, you'll be walking. And once you take those first steps, the nerves and excitement will naturally abate as the questions begin to answer themselves one by one. In no time you'll find your rhythm and become a grizzled peregrino/a, seasoned by the way, one step at a time.

Buen Camino everyone! Our hearts go with you.

 

[Mike Savage]

Well put VNwalking. September is a wonderful time to walk and you all will be among friends. Enjoy every step and be open to what lessons the Camino has to teach.

Safe travels and Buen Camino everyone!

 

[HedaP]

Thank you @VNwalking , you have put into words exactly what many of us are thinking. Buen camino to all the first timers. How lucky you are! Walk safe and enjoy.

 

[jo webber]

We are leaving in a week. Thank you for your post. I'm excited, nervous and have a weird calmness setting in. Bouncing from one to another, to another, to ......
Just dawned on me - I will be leaving my home for 3 months, but will have my home on my back with everything I really need.

 

[Nicola Foster]

Thank you, I'm a first timer starting this week (I fly to Biarritz on Tuesday 29 and start walking Thursday 31 ) and I'm full of jitters. Is my back too heavy? Shall I switch the crocs for flip flops? Is my hat wide brimmed enough? Will I be fit enough? Will I succumb to the blisters? And I'm not looking for answers to these questions...que sera sera. It will all be wonderful I'm sure. I'm planning to spend tomorrow, my final day prior to departure, in contemplation and gratitude for the opportunity.

 

[Mike Savage]

Nicola, I hope you have a wonderful camino and enjoy every step.

Safe travels and Buen Camino!

 

[VNwalking]

Beautiful attitudes, @Nicola Foster and @jo webber - It will serve you well.
Buen camino to all!

 

[Sailor]

. . .que sera sera . . .

I like this! The question is que sera . . . and the answer is ya sera lo que sera. Buena suerte peregrina, que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.

 

[Bodi]

I too will begin my first Camino from SJPDP on Sept. 14. Feeling excited and a bit nervous. Pre-camino jitters I think. Mostly just looking forward to time for reflection and meeting others. Thank you for all the kind thoughts and wishes.

 

[Ann Brodsky]

That first camino is so special.
And already you've begun: there's a palpable fizz of excitement around here before the late August and September departures, with lots and lots of questions about bookings, about weight, about footwear, about last minute preparations. All those the questions definitely have their place, but they're often (as much as anything) a symptom of pre-camino jitters. So if you're feeling anxious, not to worry. This is normal, and nearly universal.

In a week, or two, or three, you'll be walking. And once you take those first steps, the nerves and excitement will naturally abate as the questions begin to answer themselves one by one. In no time you'll find your rhythm and become a grizzled peregrino/a, seasoned by the way, one step at a time.

Buen Camino everyone! Our hearts go with you.

Flying to Paris/train to SJPP in 2 days. Really appreciated this!

 

[VNwalking]

Woohoo, Ann!
Welcome to the forum and welcome to your camino - which in a way has already begun.
May you have safe travels...and buen camino!

 

[NualaOC]

That first camino is so special.
And already you've begun: there's a palpable fizz of excitement around here before the late August and September departures, with lots and lots of questions about bookings, about weight, about footwear, about last minute preparations. All those the questions definitely have their place, but they're often (as much as anything) a symptom of pre-camino jitters. So if you're feeling anxious, not to worry. This is normal, and nearly universal.
In a week, or two, or three, you'll be walking. And once you take those first steps, the nerves and excitement will naturally abate as the questions begin to answer themselves one by one. In no time you'll find your rhythm and become a grizzled peregrino/a, seasoned by the way, one step at a time.
Buen Camino everyone! Our hearts go with you.

I'm just noticing this thread now - great idea, and great advice for new and not so new peregrinos. I'm in countdown mode for the Norte (10 days time) and I still get all those pre-camino jitters!

To those setting off: wishing you a wonderful Camino. Savour every moment; the memories will keep you warm through the winter.
If you have questions, or run into problems when you're there, the forum can be a useful virtual support group. However, it's only one of many sources of help - a lot of problems are far better solved by speaking to the people around you. Reaching out for help, especially with language barriers might feel a little daunting, but (IMO) it's an important and memorable part of our journey as pilgrims. We learn to ask for help, accept it graciously and give help and support to others. In doing so, we become part of that special fellowship where the Camino does indeed provide. Buen Camino!

 

[VNwalking]

Reaching out for help, especially with language barriers might feel a little daunting, but (IMO) it's an important and memorable part of our journey as pilgrims. We learn to ask for help, accept it graciously and give help and support to others. In doing so, we become part of that special fellowship where the Camino does indeed provide.

Beautiful, and so true.

 

[kbrooks]

That first camino is so special.
And already you've begun: there's a palpable fizz of excitement around here before the late August and September departures, with lots and lots of questions about bookings, about weight, about footwear, about last minute preparations. All those the questions definitely have their place, but they're often (as much as anything) a symptom of pre-camino jitters. So if you're feeling anxious, not to worry. This is normal, and nearly universal.

In a week, or two, or three, you'll be walking. And once you take those first steps, the nerves and excitement will naturally abate as the questions begin to answer themselves one by one. In no time you'll find your rhythm and become a grizzled peregrino/a, seasoned by the way, one step at a time.

Buen Camino everyone! Our hearts go with you.

VNwalking:
You are SO right on all levels that you addressed in your post above! I am a first-time Peregrina. I have serious hee-bee-jee-bees. But this forum has provided so much support and encouragement that I feel I have the courage to complete this epic journey.
Last minute preparations: I am doing them now.
The other things...bookings, footwear, weight (except my own personal weight...Ufda!) are all pretty much OK...as far as I know...only beginning to walk will tell.
We have good arrangements with friends to keep our car while we fly from Sea-Tac to Iceland then Paris. We're good to go there. We have "an idea" of train connections to Bayonne where we will spend a night. We're good to go there. I have gotten in touch with Beilari where we will spend two nights. We're "good to go" there. I've gotten in touch with Orisson. One night. We're good to go there. And then to Roncevalles...where I "think" we'll be staying. And then from there on......we'll figure it out. And the saying of; "All the best laid plans..." We'll figure it out. So many times I've relied on the kindness of others and it has been an education about the goodness of the general population of the world. Generally, we want to help others. I hope I can do the same along The Way.
Sorry about waxing philosophically but my heart is filled with optimism despite my body being a challenge.
Thank you for your kind words and your encouragement to us all "newbies" and also a reminder to those of you who are veterans.
Kaaren B

 

[VNwalking]

Buen Camino, Kaaren! You do sound 'good to go!'
The camino will definitely throw you some curve balls. That's it's job, near as I can figure out.
But:

....we'll figure it out.

will be what gets you through...that, and the patience and good humor that doesn't take it all so seriously.

my heart is filled with optimism despite my body being a challenge.

Your body will be a challenge. Everyone's is. Learning to discern the difference between a whining mind and a body that needs attention, medical care, or rest is part of the art of the way. In the end, you'll be amazed what you can do.

[Edit..."ufda?"...Well, if you're from Minnesota, with that kind of humor you're definitely good to go.]

 

[Banjo98]

Spot on. Thank you for this reassurance! I leave next week for my first Camino, and have spent this week endlessly packing, re-packing, adding, subtracting, and generally fussing over my pack. Ready to GO already!