Hello! Happy to have joined this forum!

[Northpole]

Hi everyone, I just found this forum a week or two ago and have been browsing and reading lots since then. So much great stuff here! I was supposed to do the Camino Portugues from Porto in 2021, but we cancelled because of Covid. I was going with a group, through a travel agency, with hotels and luggage transport. I hadn't done much research myself then, honestly. But I was left with a desire to walk, and over the last few weeks, three people I know have completed different Caminos, which has rekindled my interest. I really want to disconnect, take it slow, and be 100% present. I also want to challenge myself in two specific areas: traveling light (not "packing my fears", as I have read here on the forum!) and not being so worried about everything (will there be room in the albuerge, will people snore, what if I get horrible blisters, etc.)

I am feeling drawn to the Primitivo because of the landscape and the fact that there seems to be very little asphalt. But no decisions made yet, for now, I am reading and dreaming and enjoying following the posts of forum members currently on the Camino. Thanks to all of you for sharing so willingly of your experiences and knowledge! (Oh and I love how there is a discussion on everything, including the Macabi skirt. I am definitely in the YES to hiking skirts camp! )

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola or from down under G'Day
Welcome to the Forum. So glad you are enjoying your browsing.
A couple of tips: before asking a question do a search and see if you can find a recent response. If the response is more than 4 years old then yes maybe you can post a new question.
I two have the Porto on my bucket list - looks like its Sept 2023.
I have not done the Primitivo but there are more than a few posts by knowlegeable pilgrims.
Again welcome and Buen Camino.

 

[C clearly]

Welcome to the forum! By all means, get familiar with the Search function, but it certainly has its limitations. Feel free to post your own version of a question!

You might find it helpful to look at the overall listing of forums and subforums. You can see that by clicking on "Forums" on the menu, or clicking the big logo image at the top.

 

[Kanga]

Welcome @Northpole! I've recently completed the Primitivo for the second time. It is a fabulous, short, camino, suitable for those who are fit. My recommendation for a first camino is always the Camino Francés, provided you have the time for a 4 to 5 week walk. If not, the Primitivo is a great choice.

 

[trecile]

Welcome, we're happy that you've joined us!

 

[Former member 49149]

A voice from the wilderness of Ireland - listen to the words of those who know! You will become one of them, each time you tread the paths. May your camino bring you what you look for, as well as a few surprises.

 

[VNwalking]

Warlmly welcome to our virtual albergue!
As others have said, there is no end of good information here.

 

[Northpole]

Hola or from down under G'Day
Welcome to the Forum. So glad you are enjoying your browsing.
A couple of tips: before asking a question do a search and see if you can find a recent response. If the response is more than 4 years old then yes maybe you can post a new question.
I two have the Porto on my bucket list - looks like its Sept 2023.
I have not done the Primitivo but there are more than a few posts by knowlegeable pilgrims.
Again welcome and Buen Camino.

Thanks so much, Mike! Yes, so much good stuff here, it is very impressive. Porto 2023 sounds like a great plan!

 

[Northpole]

Welcome @Northpole! I've recently completed the Primitivo for the second time. It is a fabulous, short, camino, suitable for those who are fit. My recommendation for a first camino is always the Camino Francés, provided you have the time for a 4 to 5 week walk. If not, the Primitivo is a great choice.

I appreciate your recommendation, thank you! Three weeks is basically what I will have next year, so if I wanted to do the Frances it would be part of it, not all, but I am not opposed to that. (A friend is on Chemin de Puy now and boy, that looks SO beautiful!)

 

[Kanga]

The Le Puy is beautiful (I've done it twice, so obviously I loved it) but it does not quite have "the camino" feel about it, which I think is important for a first camino. The Le Puy has lots of "le sportif" French hikers out for a weekend or a few days, not so many other nationalities, and very few going all the way to Santiago de Compostela. It is also often tricky to find bars and shops open (not on Sundays, Mondays and often Tuesdays) as nowadays in French villages people seem to travel by car for shopping in larger centres. Especially for a two or three week stint I'd recommend the Primitivo over the Le Puy for that reason - it feels like "a camino" with other pilgrims from all over the world, does not require pre-planning, has great infrastructure with an emphasis on pilgrim stops and accommodation, the landscape is gorgeous and you do get to finish in Santiago de Compostela.

Just my take. But whatever you decide,"just do it" - I do hope you have a wonderful time and Buen Camino!

 

[Fr Scott]

Hi everyone, I just found this forum a week or two ago and have been browsing and reading lots since then. So much great stuff here! I was supposed to do the Camino Portugues from Porto in 2021, but we cancelled because of Covid. I was going with a group, through a travel agency, with hotels and luggage transport. I hadn't done much research myself then, honestly. But I was left with a desire to walk, and over the last few weeks, three people I know have completed different Caminos, which has rekindled my interest. I really want to disconnect, take it slow, and be 100% present. I also want to challenge myself in two specific areas: traveling light (not "packing my fears", as I have read here on the forum!) and not being so worried about everything (will there be room in the albuerge, will people snore, what if I get horrible blisters, etc.)

I am feeling drawn to the Primitivo because of the landscape and the fact that there seems to be very little asphalt. But no decisions made yet, for now, I am reading and dreaming and enjoying following the posts of forum members currently on the Camino. Thanks to all of you for sharing so willingly of your experiences and knowledge! (Oh and I love how there is a discussion on everything, including the Macabi skirt. I am definitely in the YES to hiking skirts camp! )

Blessings on your journey. Safe travels and Buen Camino. Father Scott

 

[Cleigh]

The Le Puy is beautiful (I've done it twice, so obviously I loved it) but it does not quite have "the camino" feel about it, which I think is important for a first camino. The Le Puy has lots of "le sportif" French hikers out for a weekend or a few days, not so many other nationalities, and very few going all the way to Santiago de Compostela. It is also often tricky to find bars and shops open (not on Sundays, Mondays and often Tuesdays) as nowadays in French villages people seem to travel by car for shopping in larger centres. Especially for a two or three week stint I'd recommend the Primitivo over the Le Puy for that reason - it feels like "a camino" with other pilgrims from all over the world, does not require pre-planning, has great infrastructure with an emphasis on pilgrim stops and accommodation, the landscape is gorgeous and you do get to finish in Santiago de Compostela.

Just my take. But whatever you decide,"just do it" - I do hope you have a wonderful time and Buen Camino!

We are walking Le Puy to Burgos starting early Sept 2022. I have only high school french so am trying to brush up on that. From what I have seen it looks to be a beautiful trip but I too worry that the international connections may be limited. Added a bit of the Frances for that very reason. Nervous but excited!

 

[Northpole]

The Le Puy is beautiful (I've done it twice, so obviously I loved it) but it does not quite have "the camino" feel about it, which I think is important for a first camino. The Le Puy has lots of "le sportif" French hikers out for a weekend or a few days, not so many other nationalities, and very few going all the way to Santiago de Compostela. It is also often tricky to find bars and shops open (not on Sundays, Mondays and often Tuesdays) as nowadays in French villages people seem to travel by car for shopping in larger centres. Especially for a two or three week stint I'd recommend the Primitivo over the Le Puy for that reason - it feels like "a camino" with other pilgrims from all over the world, does not require pre-planning, has great infrastructure with an emphasis on pilgrim stops and accommodation, the landscape is gorgeous and you do get to finish in Santiago de Compostela.

Just my take. But whatever you decide,"just do it" - I do hope you have a wonderful time and Buen Camino!

Thanks so much for your comment, this is very helpful! I do feel the Primitivo calling me now...

 

[Arctic_Alex]

A late welcome and greetings from a neighbour