- Time of past OR future Camino
- Sept/Oct 2023
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I have walked three different camino’s. Portuguese. Norte and Frances. I hope to do the VDLP soon, which is likely to be the final one as I like to different ones and the major ones. I guess you need to think whether you like to do the same walk or a different one (I acknowledge they will feel slightly different each time)!! I guess even doing different caminos in Spain will have a significant sense of sameness compared to doing something radically different (walking or otherwise) , which deters me from doing some of the lesser known and smaller caminos.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Not sure how many times I have walked, but see under my avatar.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
The reason for repeat walking:I agree with those who say it is never the same. Walking different stages helps to reduce the tendency to compare, I think, because there is so much that is totally new.
@mspath once posted a beautiful quote by a Portuguese writer, Jose Saramago (Nobel Prize for Literature, too!). I think it sums things up for me much more beautifully than I could say it.
"The end of one journey is simply the start of another. You have to see what you missed the first time, see again what you already saw, see in springtime what you saw in summer, in daylight what you saw at night, see the sun shining where you saw the rain falling, see crops growing, the fruit ripen, the stone which has moved, the shadow that was not there before. You have to go back to the footsteps already taken, to go over them again or add fresh ones alongside them.You have to start the journey anew. Always"
Jose Saramago, A Journey to Portugal
Its very different in a different season. The good thing about spring is the birdlife, especially the cuckoos, and the storks, and the blossom everywhere. Cherries, flowers everywhere. I walked in Autumn twice, and spring once - i often haven't had the choice of timing. I do love spring., and if I have the chance that's my choice.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Love this quote, how wonderfully true it is and a perfect response to this question"The end of one journey is simply the start of another. You have to see what you missed the first time, see again what you already saw, see in springtime what you saw in summer, in daylight what you saw at night, see the sun shining where you saw the rain falling, see crops growing, the fruit ripen, the stone which has moved, the shadow that was not there before. You have to go back to the footsteps already taken, to go over them again or add fresh ones alongside them.You have to start the journey anew. Always"
Jose Saramago, A Journey to Portugal
I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
The first CF I completed was 2011. I started on March 23rd with 13 other people.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
@mspath once posted a beautiful quote by a Portuguese writer, Jose Saramago (Nobel Prize for Literature, too!). I think it sums things up for me much more beautifully than I could say it.
"The end of one journey is simply the start of another. You have to see what you missed the first time, see again what you already saw, ...
This is pretty much what I was going to say, so I second this.A wise pilgrim many years ago said to me that if I intended to walk the same route again try to mix it up. Stay in different towns, visit places that weren’t open or I missed, eat different food and try walking the route variations (eg Invierno or Samos or the route that takes you around O Cebriero, catching the ferry on the Meseta, etc).
I had similar thoughts about the CF and was fairly sure that I would not return to it after my third walk in 2016. But I couldn't resist a January walk this year and found it a very different experience. In some ways like stepping back a couple of decades. And I walked from SJPDP to Logroño with a friend in September - an experienced walker and pilgrim but one who has never seen the Frances . Interesting to see it through a fresh pair of eyes.I have walked the CF 2 and a bit times.
I wouldn't walk it again.
I have since walked 3 others routes and will always walk a new one from now on.
I like that 'first time' feeling of a new route and the unexpected.
I've walked it all the way, twice, plus from Leon another time - coming off the Madrid route.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
As best you can, try to walk in peace wth yourself, every camino will have disappointments and revelations, I have walked the CF many times and other caminos, along the way, can't remember where or when, I met a wise pilgrim, she said, "one day, I will arrive in Santiago..."I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Hi, I walked the CF in 2015, the Norte in 2017 and the CF again in 2023. I loved all three. All three were different and they all exceeded my expectations!I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
I mean, some of the quotes have been amazing, but this excellent comparison to a fine wine must win.It's kind of like a fine wine. At first you taste it, but you cannot yet fully appreciate it. In subsequent tastings you discover more of the essence of the wine - it's complexity and deeper flavor sand aromas. You appreciate the wine far more with later tastings. I think the Camino is similar to this.
I walked the same Camino the second time as I had done the first but it was immensely different. Not surprising as my first was in 1989 alone and my second was in 2016 with my teenage son. No disappointments. The first made a big impact but I think the impact of the second was even greater. It was the second that really got me hooked. Walked again (solo) in 2018 and 2023 and plan to walk with my daughter next May.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
I walked the Camino Frances this September for the second time (the first was Fall ‘21). I agree that there was something magical about the first one, but the second was also wonderful. There were some changes in the path. I think they have tried to keep pilgrims off the road and have added more parallel paths which are hillier and rockier, thus more difficult than earlier. Two more difficult places that come to mind are entering Castojeriz prior to the ruins and the long downhill after Cruz de Ferro. This makes it harder on your feet, knees, ankles, and shoes.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Been 33 years since my first Camino. Looking forward to seeing what the CF looks like in 2056...My advice - don't wait as long as I did between the first and the second.
I can relate to not remembering some places. I’ve walked the CF twice and so many places were “new” surprises to me the second time around.The second time I walked the Camino Frances I was alone and I was not part of a Camino Family. I was able to walk at my own pace with no pressure. One thing I found funny when I walked the second time is that I remembered some places like I was only there the day before, but others I did not remember at all!
No walk is ever the same as a previous one. I’ve only walked two Caminos but have walked the South Downs Way ( about 100 miles) a large number of times. Nature itself will throw up enough surprises to keep you engaged and your fellow pilgrims will comes in all shapes, sizes and qualities. It is strange that stretches that were previously enchanting can seem much less so and vice versa. Similarly, difficult stages can seem easier than remembered and easier ones more challenging.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Hi, I have walked the Camino in Spain 4 times. Twice the Frances way, once the Northern Way, Once along the Portuguese Way. I also walked the way of St Francis Assisi in Italy from Firenze to Roma. Each was different and begged for yet another return. Each brought a new awe of life. I am 67. I have a Canadian friend on his 8th Camino in Spain now. I remember meeting a nun in Leon on my first Camino who told me that "one never walks one camino". She was right. Go do it. As a side note, The Way of St Francis Assisi was beautiful but was more of a great hike than a spiritual way.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Once again @mspath shows us all her wisdom and insight of life and camino. If you rid yourself of expectations and rid yourself of "wondering" will this be the same, different, better or worse and do the thing that you know the camino is and why you are here is to just walk. Take one step at a time. Listen to your body, the birds, the wind, the earth beneath your feet. It is so simple. Why do we make it so complicated?I agree with those who say it is never the same. Walking different stages helps to reduce the tendency to compare, I think, because there is so much that is totally new.
@mspath once posted a beautiful quote by a Portuguese writer, Jose Saramago (Nobel Prize for Literature, too!). I think it sums things up for me much more beautifully than I could say it.
"The end of one journey is simply the start of another. You have to see what you missed the first time, see again what you already saw, see in springtime what you saw in summer, in daylight what you saw at night, see the sun shining where you saw the rain falling, see crops growing, the fruit ripen, the stone which has moved, the shadow that was not there before. You have to go back to the footsteps already taken, to go over them again or add fresh ones alongside them.You have to start the journey anew. Always"
Jose Saramago, A Journey to Portugal
I’ve thought about your questions, and I think you might be wondering that your next camino might be your last (‘I’m not getting any younger’...).I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Thank you for the link back to your thoughts about camino walking. You are an inspiration.Perhaps the first post of my last camino explained best why I walked the Camino Frances ten times; thus although my situation has changed while I was able to walk it served as my apologia.
"Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing."
Pascal, Les Pensées
Unfortunately now at 84 I am only able to walk long distances in my memory
Yes, the main reason I want to walk the Camino Francés again is that I walked it in 32 days so that's an average of 25 km a day and I don't think I got to experience everything it had to offer in one walk. Places like Logrono and Leon and others have so much more to see than I could have experienced in one afternoon. Towns that looked so appalling to me that I didn't stay at the first time like Viana I would like to stay at on a second Camino. I would also like to see Samos. So many things I would like to do on my second Camino Francés that I did not do on my first. To be honest I was like a deer in the headlights on first Camino Francés that I think I would be more relaxed and could absorb more of what it hat to offer on my second one.It's great to walk the same route a second (or more time). There's no way that you can see and experience everything on one journey. It's wonderful to stop and spend time in those towns that you just walked through previously. Add to that the change in landscape when walking during a different season, and the different people you will meet abd you've got an (almost) completely different experience.
I resonate with you.... After 6 CF's it's always something new, but I also have some things I need to repeat: Having an early beer in Hontanas, sitting in a cafe in Castrojeriz with a bed secured and watching pilgrims passing by, unaware that they will soon have to climb the Alto del Mostalars in the early afternoon heat, staying in Ponferrada looking at the Templar castle, contemplating on many things, and some more. But anyway all in all a different walk each time.I loved doing the CF twice. I stayed in different towns, in different types of accommodations, when I could, but I also looked forward to once again being in places that were especially meaningful to me. Yes, some of the newness is gone, but I realized I also enjoy walking into a cafe and suddenly realizing it was familiar and comforting. I would do it again in a heartbeat...but next year, I'm doing the Portugues.
I've walked the camino frances twice and found the second time to be totally different. I met different people, stayed in different places, noticed different things and it was still amazing. Do it , you won't regret it.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Yes, indeed; but what great memories you have. And I am always grateful you have shared them with all of us here on the Forum. May you have many more years of great memories.Perhaps the first post of my last camino explained best why I walked the Camino Frances ten times; thus although my situation has changed while I was able to walk it served as my apologia.
"Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing."
Pascal, Les Pensées
Unfortunately now at 84 I am only able to walk long distances in my memory
Hi Marska,I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
"Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing."
Pascal, Les Pensées
St Anton was by far my favourite night on the Camino, it was absolutely magical and I hope they never change a thing there. We slept out under the stars after the most wonderful communal meal eaten surrounded by the towering walls of the ruins, with the most amazing group of random people. A truly magical place and experience.If I ever decide to walk the Frances again, I will be sure to spend the night at San Anton as I was not aware there was an albergue there and it sounds like it would be a very unique experience.
They recently installed a star viewing platform with binoculars and a telescope.St Anton was by far my favourite night on the Camino, it was absolutely magical and I hope they never change a thing there. We slept out under the stars after the most wonderful communal meal eaten surrounded by the towering walls of the ruins, with the most amazing group of random people. A truly magical place and experience.
Yes, that was there it was amazing! The most surreal thing we saw was the Elon Musk satellite train going past - although this was easily visible with the naked eye. There is zero light pollution so the stars were amazing, even more so viewed up through the ruins. One of the few times I would have loved to have had my proper camera with me as the phone just couldn't do it justice.They recently installed a star viewing platform with binoculars and a telescope.
First Camino was Sep/Oct 2018. Second was Apr/May 2023. 2023 - too many tour groups. In 2018 the tour groups were limited to the last 100k. Now they start in SJPDP. Groups doing short stages. Tours will also impact albergues. I arrived early, 1230 to assure staying at my selected private albergue. There were two private and one municipal in this village. Both privates had "Completo" signs. Tour organizations had booked the entire private albergues. Luckily arriving early, I was 27 of 30 beds at the municipal. Andvthis was early. Also afternoons are spent with too many pilgrims hunched over their phones arranging accommodation. Not as much socializing.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Sadly, you’ve nailed it for the CF as reflected in my post (above).First Camino was Sep/Oct 2018. Second was Apr/May 2023. 2023 - too many tour groups. In 2018 the tour groups were limited to the last 100k. Now they start in SJPDP. Groups doing short stages. Tours will also impact albergues. I arrived early, 1230 to assure staying at my selected private albergue. There were two private and one municipal in this village. Both privates had "Completo" signs. Tour organizations had booked the entire private albergues. Luckily arriving early, I was 27 of 30 beds at the municipal. Andvthis was early. Also afternoons are spent with too many pilgrims hunched over their phones arranging accommodation. Not as much socializing.
I have walked the CF three times from SJPP to Santiago. I have also walked parts of the CF with my wife on another occasion. What I like most is visiting places where I have been before and telling the proprietor that I was there before on a certain day. I have sometimes taken pictures with people I meet at cafes, albergues, shops, etc who work there. Then when I return I show them the photos and ask, “Do you remember me.” I always get a smile and often special treatment. At one hotel in Hospital de Orbigo, the proprietor smiled when I entered, stopped waiting on other patrons, and handed me a key to a room, telling me I could pay later. In Navarette, the owner of a bar there proclaimed on my last visit this past August that I was not only a pilgrim, but also a friend. I have also stayed in contact with other pilgrims that I have met from various countries on all three CFs. My first CF was in 2017 when I was 66. Now at 72 I hope I have another CF sometime in my future. By the way, I’ve also walked the Ingles, the Portuguese, the final 200K of the Norte, and on to Finnistere and Muxia twice. I suppose the main difference is familiarity with the route and obviously different pilgrims with whom to share the journey.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
I plan on doing the CF starting right after Easter Sunday next year. Since my last Camino I’ve walked parts of the Jakobsweg/Camino in Germany, France, Slovakia, Latvia and Lithuania because they are all so amazingly different from Portugal and Spain.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
CC- San Anton IMO was beautiful but I would not sleep in the facilities provided.If I ever decide to walk the Frances again, I will be sure to spend the night at San Anton as I was not aware there was an albergue there and it sounds like it would be a very unique experience. I will also be sure to take the variant to Eunate, and the one to Samos. I will also, upon leaving Vilafranca Bierzo, head up the hill to the right instead of following the road, as recent pictures posted on the forum look amazing!
Apart from no electricity or telephone signal (which for me was part of it's character and difference) the actual facilities were perfectly acceptable IMO, both the beds and bathroom. Of course it's basic as you might expect, but that for me is part of it's beauty. I would say you ideally want to be there in fine weather though to enjoy it at it's best.CC- San Anton IMO was beautiful but I would not sleep in the facilities provided.
Hi, contemplating Norte instead of CF for my second Camino (first being CF in 2022). I’ve heard Norte is more on roads than paths - did you find this so? And that hostels were less frequent. Any thoughts about that? ThanksHi, I have walked the Camino in Spain 4 times. Twice the Frances way, once the Northern Way, Once along the Portuguese Way. I also walked the way of St Francis Assisi in Italy from Firenze to Roma. Each was different and begged for yet another return. Each brought a new awe of life. I am 67. I have a Canadian friend on his 8th Camino in Spain now. I remember meeting a nun in Leon on my first Camino who told me that "one never walks one camino". She was right. Go do it. As a side note, The Way of St Francis Assisi was beautiful but was more of a great hike than a spiritual way.
That is definitely true on both counts. It is a beautiful route, but be prepared for higher prices for both lodging and food.Hi, contemplating Norte instead of CF for my second Camino (first being CF in 2022). I’ve heard Norte is more on roads than paths - did you find this so? And that hostels were less frequent. Any thoughts about that? Thanks
Rick
I walked the Francés from SJPP to Muxia twice within seven months. First time was Fall 2022 and the second was Spring 2023. It was amazing to see the Frances in different seasons. On the second Camino I spent more time in the areas that I loved the first time and stayed in towns that intrigued me the first time but had to pass by. So they were both very different experiences. I may do the whole thing again in the Fall of 2024–the Frances isn’t done with me yet.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
I agree with those who say it is never the same. Walking different stages helps to reduce the tendency to compare, I think, because there is so much that is totally new.
@mspath once posted a beautiful quote by a Portuguese writer, Jose Saramago (Nobel Prize for Literature, too!). I think it sums things up for me much more beautifully than I could say it.
"The end of one journey is simply the start of another. You have to see what you missed the first time, see again what you already saw, see in springtime what you saw in summer, in daylight what you saw at night, see the sun shining where you saw the rain falling, see crops growing, the fruit ripen, the stone which has moved, the shadow that was not there before. You have to go back to the footsteps already taken, to go over them again or add fresh ones alongside them.You have to start the journey anew. Always"
Jose Saramago, A Journey to Portugal
I've walked other caminos, but have walked the Camino Frances twice; once in the spring and once in the fall to see the difference. Many people prefer the fall, but I loved the springtime a lot more, so if you walked it in the fall last time, I highly recommend coming back in the spring. Some of the things I liked about spring: it gets light earlier in the morning, the FLOWERS, not least of all the red poppies, vast green fields instead of brown. And the STORKS are on their nests. It might have been just the point in time in which I started in late Sept. but the CF was more crowded in the fall in my experience.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Plan to take your time, don't hurry to the night's destination, dont fall in with other's schedules, go with the aim to better understanding and appreciate what the various rural and urban landscapes have to offer. Be inquisitive.I am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
I prefer walking in the Spring, too, including fresh smells and the small green leaves budding out on the trees.Some of the things I liked about spring: it gets light earlier in the morning, the FLOWERS, not least of all the red poppies, vast green fields instead of brown. And the STORKS are on their nests.
I agree. I have never started before mid-April.I also like walking in the Spring, but for me March is still too wintery.
Wow, @Dan S. what an awesome reply! I haven’t read the million replies to this post, I just scrolled to the bottom to read the latest replies and your’s really spoke to me. Empathy and emotional intelligence is the greatest gift you can offer on the Camino and indeed life, bravo to you. I think how lucky are the Peregrinos that have the good fortune to cross your path.I just turned 60, so maybe its a good time for reflection - and thanks for the opportunity to do so here! Few things in my life have allowed for such personal reflection and growth as my caminos. I'm a fan of the Norte and have walked all or portions of it (sometimes taking the Primitivo) solo, with a friend and with my daughter, but have also walked the Frances from Astorga to Santiago. I would say the difference in myself is that I am much more relaxed, kind and patient after the accumulated experiences. Relaxed: I'm going to find a bed. Its not a crisis if the intended albergue is full; if it rains I will be ok; I can be hungry without becoming hangry. Kind - Rather than jumping off my bunk and cutting off the lights and chewing out an inexperienced pilgrim who just turned on the lights in the albergue at 10 pm, I realize I should have first loaned them my mini flashlight, explained that a lot of pilgrims were sleeping, told them to just put my flashlight under my bunk when they were done with it. Don't get mad when your brand new REI socks that fit perfectly and were sent out for commercial permethrin treatment aren't on the drying rack in the morning. You packed three pairs "just in case", and yes, the pack felt a little heavy this time anyway. You assume an honest error instead, and hope the socks bring the person good service and protection from creepy-crawlies. Patient: Things are going to go wrong. Discount airlines are going to cancel with no notice, fly you to a different airport than intended, then bus you to your destination and you will arrive much later. The only bus drivers on strike will be the ones going to the Airport in Santiago when you need to go. The line for your Compostela will be 2 hours long. It doesn't matter. You are blessed just to be there, in those situations. They are features, not bugs.
Maybe you are starting out in the state where I have ended up after several caminos, if so, perhaps you stand to grow in more interesting and beneficial ways!
I have walked the CF 2x and CdN 1x, on the CF I would recommend staying in different places then your last Camino. The time of day, year, light, etc. will lead to new memories and experiences. Places I walked in early morning darkness were lovely to encounter at the end of the day and vice versa. Buen Camino.Wow, so many replies!
My first CF late April 2016 - “I’ll never do that again” (such painful feet!) but……it was so beautiful.
Mid September 2022 - my second CF. Again so beautiful with the difference in seasons and although there was so much familiarity of course, it was new, not to mention the people I met.
In between times, there’s been the del Norte, Madrid, Salvador, Primitivo, part of the Portuguese!!!!
Now I’m thinking the CF again in 2025 starting early April
Buen Camino
Well said . Yes, our hearts are hungry for it...For me, the pull is the magic and simplicity of the relaxed Camino routine, the ease of community, the way so many strangers are openhearted and kind because they’re taking life at a slower pace. It seems nearly impossible to replicate all this away from the Camino. I believe we come back because there’s just no other place like the Camino, and our hearts are hungry for it.
Hello friend! Yes, I have considered the Aragones. There are some distances that look difficult. I need to look into it further. Hope all is well! KathyThe Frances is dear to my heart. I cannot walk it too many times. (BTW -- I enjoyed seeing you in October!) But have you considered the possibility of the Aragones? Starting at Lourdes, and walking over the Somport Pass? I did that in 2018 and found it to be memorable.
There a few longer stretches. Most can be broken into smaller stages. There's always a partial stage with a taxi if its needed. I've been a hospitalera at two albergues on the French way through Aragon. Really lovely and not crowded.Hello friend! Yes, I have considered the Aragones. There are some distances that look difficult. I need to look into it further. Hope all is well! Kathy
Yes. Exactly. I’ve been away from the Camino for almost six years and I still miss it. In that time I have slowly shed most of my belongings, keeping only the basic necessities and things that “spark joy.” One big Camino lesson for me was how truly content I could be with nothing but a change of clothes.One cannot LIVE on the Camino. One can return again and again but at some point it does end. Maybe the body gives out, or the money runs out, or life responsibilities win out.
I go back and forth, back and forth... no I don't need to do that again ... its too expensive (the cc bills are now coming in from October!) ... what if I get sick again ... what if it rains every day again ... is it fair to my family ... kinda the same things going thru my mind before I committed to my fall 2023 CF.
But as Leichecerca said,
"... the pull is the magic and simplicity of the relaxed Camino routine, the ease of community, the way so many strangers are openhearted and kind because they’re taking life at a slower pace. It seems nearly impossible to replicate all this away from the Camino. I believe we come back because there’s just no other place like the Camino, and our hearts are hungry for it."
I've been back in the USA since Nov. 2 and returned to my home a couple weeks ago. It is wonderful to be with my husband again and to visit with my daughters, for sure. I love them with all my heart.
I anticipated soooooo loving my own bed and my favorite pillow, my own shower, my closet full of clothes. But I'm strangely lonely. I miss the simplicity, the community, the slower pace, the daily giving and receiving, the discoveries. My bed, my pillow, my shower, my clothes aren't bringing me as much joy as I had anticipated. My body is very comfortable, true. But my heart is hungry.
I think if/when I am lucky enough to do the CF again this is something I would seriously consider. Somport and the surrounding area hold a lot of precious memories for me from past road trips with souls that are no longer physically here, and to visit those places again on foot as a pilgrim would be wonderful and poignant - and it is a beautiful part of the Pyrenees.The Frances is dear to my heart. I cannot walk it too many times. (BTW -- I enjoyed seeing you in October!) But have you considered the possibility of the Aragones? Starting at Lourdes, and walking over the Somport Pass? I did that in 2018 and found it to be memorable.
This is one of my biggest Camino lessons also, the simplicity of not staring into a full wardrobe trying to figure out what to wear because there's just too much choice. My wardrobe is to be greatly reduced.Yes. Exactly. I’ve been away from the Camino for almost six years and I still miss it. In that time I have slowly shed most of my belongings, keeping only the basic necessities and things that “spark joy.” One big Camino lesson for me was how truly content I could be with nothing but a change of clothes.
Dave, I hear you. Wearing the clothes and sleeping in your Camino bag is a way of maintaining the simplicity, staying in touch with the magic. I did the same, only felt truly at home in my Camino clothes for a long long time, post-Camino. Isn’t that interesting? You’d think after weeks in the same stinky sweaty gear (albeit washed daily) we would welcome fresh clean clothing and a little variety, but no. Just feels like wasting energy on choices that don’t matter. (So what DOES matter? That’s a different thread!)This is one of my biggest Camino lessons also, the simplicity of not staring into a full wardrobe trying to figure out what to wear because there's just too much choice. My wardrobe is to be greatly reduced.
I find myself still wearing most of what I wore on the Camino, but I've managed to slowly reduce the amount of times I'm still sleeping in my sleeping bag at home!
Wow, where oh where to even start!(So what DOES matter? That’s a different thread!)
I have done nine different Caminos and until August this year I hadn't done the Camino Frances but after walking it I needed to do it again so I am returning to Spain in March and will begin April 1. I want to experience a completely different countryside to the one at the height of summer with different colours and obviously cooler climate. So perhaps I should wait until I have completed it before answering your question but I know already what the answer will beI am thinking seriously about walking the CF again late March - April 2024. I'm not getting any younger and I know I want to walk another Camino so the sooner the better
For those of you who have walked the CF 2 or more times, what was different the second time? Any disappointments or revelations? Did you walk the same Camino or something different?
Not sure when you walked your first CF. But I feel it would be the same as you described for me. 2015 was my first. And I have walk 2 more (Portuguese and Ingles) since then. Ive wanted to do the CF again for a little while now. But I too would feel that there may be differences in what I first felt. As the route unfolded itself to me.A huge increase in numbers between my first and second Caminos - roughly 10x the number of pilgrims the second time. Also a big increase in the number of albergues and other facilities for pilgrims. In many ways this made things easier but on the whole I preferred the ramshackle informality of my first walk. Perhaps the biggest difference was simply having advance knowledge of what comes next and so losing some of the joy of being surprised as the route unfolded.
My first Camino was in 1990. There were just under 5,000 Compostelas issued that year. By the time of my second Camino in 2002 that number had risen to about 69,000. The running total for this year so far is 443,042.Not sure when you walked your first CF. But I feel it would be the same as you described for me. 2015 was my first.
WOW Seems like it would have been amazing to go in such times when its popularity wasnt as big. Although 12 years between caminos would definitely be different.My first Camino was in 1990. There were just under 5,000 Compostelas issued that year. By the time of my second Camino in 2002 that number had risen to about 69,000. The running total for this year so far is 443,042.
I think 1990 to 2002 is 12 years. But 1989 to 2016 is 27 years.WOW Seems like it would have been amazing to go in such times when its popularity wasnt as big. Although 22 year between caminos would definitely be different.
Cheers
Oh my. That does look like terrible math on my part. LOL. I plead fat finger syndrome. And not proof reading my post.I think 1990 to 2002 is 12 years. But 1989 to 2016 is 27 years.
If I ever decide to walk the Frances again, I will be sure to spend the night at San Anton as I was not aware there was an albergue there and it sounds like it would be a very unique experience. I will also be sure to take the variant to Eunate, and the one to Samos. I will also, upon leaving Vilafranca Bierzo, head up the hill to the right instead of following the road, as recent pictures posted on the forum look amazing!
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