My name's Richie, or Rich to some.
In 2002 I had broken up with my girlfriend, quit my job in computers and set off to see India, Nepal, Egypt and then headed to southern France for the Camino before a relaxing few weeks in Maui to have a windsurf.
Yes, it was a soul searching trip, but also time to enjoy myself and clear the head. I had no issues during 3 months treking through India or Nepal, to base camp, Gokyo Lake or through Egypt. Toulouse and Carcassonne were wonderful. The moment I stepped off the train in Lourdes I was hardly able to take a step, my feet were that painful. Same shoes, same equipment, but less weight (only 24kg!!!!). I tried different shoes, holy water and rest, no relief, but got on the train to St Jean Pied de Port anyway. With very little improvement I was still determinded to set off for Roncesvalles the following day (2 days after arriving in Lourdes). It was my first 'test' of the Camino.
I think expectations are something to leave at home. I had expected a lot of personal reflecting time, but other than an hour here or there I was often meeting at talking with wonderful other pilgrims. I was actually able to have a day to myself along an old Roman route which was ~10km longer, and hence the only other people I saw were farmers.
I met healers, doctors, artists, athletes, wealthy people, poor people, families taking 3 months to walk with prams, students, people who walked out of their front doors in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and walked all the way. There was such a mix of and wonderful people, some who you wish were a lot faster than (and away from) you, some you will remember forever, others that you will always love in your heart, others you wish you could meet again and of course your 100km team who would take turns in saving beds for each other. On reflection there are also those who taught you so much but did not understand at the time. Once I arrived at Finisterre I felt wonderful but was disappointed with my 'alone' time and upset at my expectations. Within a week, a month and definitely now I readily and happily tell people that the Camino de Santiago was the single most wonderful journey of my life.
So today, my knees have never healed from carrying 24kg along the way, I do not run anymore, but I have a wonderful job as a paramedic on the southern coast of Australia. I am planning my 10 year anniversary Camino this August. Knowing there's a possibility of my knees not holding up, I am looking at starting my Camino in Porto, walking through to SdC and HOPEFULLY out to Finisterre and Muxia (which I missed last time), but which I am more excited about than any other section.
Last time I walked it was in early June - July, this time I anticipate leaving Porto around 10th August. I'm a little concerned about the heat and rufigio availability, but it's all part of the experience. I have a newish pack, new shoes, new socks, new pants and some old shirts for prosperity. My weight will be around 10kg and I will have a week or two afterwards to rest and enjoy some of Spain that I haven't seen.
I'm sure I will have plenty of questions in the coming weeks and look forward to being involved with other topics
Thanks for your time
Buen Camino
Richie
In 2002 I had broken up with my girlfriend, quit my job in computers and set off to see India, Nepal, Egypt and then headed to southern France for the Camino before a relaxing few weeks in Maui to have a windsurf.
Yes, it was a soul searching trip, but also time to enjoy myself and clear the head. I had no issues during 3 months treking through India or Nepal, to base camp, Gokyo Lake or through Egypt. Toulouse and Carcassonne were wonderful. The moment I stepped off the train in Lourdes I was hardly able to take a step, my feet were that painful. Same shoes, same equipment, but less weight (only 24kg!!!!). I tried different shoes, holy water and rest, no relief, but got on the train to St Jean Pied de Port anyway. With very little improvement I was still determinded to set off for Roncesvalles the following day (2 days after arriving in Lourdes). It was my first 'test' of the Camino.
I think expectations are something to leave at home. I had expected a lot of personal reflecting time, but other than an hour here or there I was often meeting at talking with wonderful other pilgrims. I was actually able to have a day to myself along an old Roman route which was ~10km longer, and hence the only other people I saw were farmers.
I met healers, doctors, artists, athletes, wealthy people, poor people, families taking 3 months to walk with prams, students, people who walked out of their front doors in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and walked all the way. There was such a mix of and wonderful people, some who you wish were a lot faster than (and away from) you, some you will remember forever, others that you will always love in your heart, others you wish you could meet again and of course your 100km team who would take turns in saving beds for each other. On reflection there are also those who taught you so much but did not understand at the time. Once I arrived at Finisterre I felt wonderful but was disappointed with my 'alone' time and upset at my expectations. Within a week, a month and definitely now I readily and happily tell people that the Camino de Santiago was the single most wonderful journey of my life.
So today, my knees have never healed from carrying 24kg along the way, I do not run anymore, but I have a wonderful job as a paramedic on the southern coast of Australia. I am planning my 10 year anniversary Camino this August. Knowing there's a possibility of my knees not holding up, I am looking at starting my Camino in Porto, walking through to SdC and HOPEFULLY out to Finisterre and Muxia (which I missed last time), but which I am more excited about than any other section.
Last time I walked it was in early June - July, this time I anticipate leaving Porto around 10th August. I'm a little concerned about the heat and rufigio availability, but it's all part of the experience. I have a newish pack, new shoes, new socks, new pants and some old shirts for prosperity. My weight will be around 10kg and I will have a week or two afterwards to rest and enjoy some of Spain that I haven't seen.
I'm sure I will have plenty of questions in the coming weeks and look forward to being involved with other topics
Thanks for your time
Buen Camino
Richie
