caitlin_s
New Member
Hi everyone! I´m writing now from Leon, just over half-way through my Camino.
In many ways, the Camino has been exactly what I expected... you know, a *lot* of walking... enjoying the company of other pilgrims (...most of the time)... some lovely albergues and other not-so-lovely ones.... plenty of snoring... etc!
On the other hand, some things I was not expecting. First, being 28, pretty fit, with broken-in boots, a light pack and no history of injuries, I never thought that I would find myself experiencing big knee problems that began when descending Alto de Perdon on the 3rd day, and that haven´t let up since. MUCH to my disappointment, I´ve had to take rest days and even a few buses, which was not something I had envisioned, and was a bit of a blow to my pride! I guess it just goes to show that our bodies all react differently to the walking, and you can´t necessarily predict or control it.
Second, I wasn´t expecting to experience so much friendliness. I´ve had so many other pilgrims, bartenders, hospitaleros etc. that have treated me so well, being amazingly friendly, welcoming and helpful. I don´t know if this is what all pilgrims experience, or if it´s partly related to being a young woman travelling solo, but in any case it´s been really heartwarming!
Third, I was surprised to find myself feeling *really* sick and tired of walking over the stretch from about Carrion de los Condes to here in Leon. I suppose it´s partly the fairly uninsiring landscapes on this stretch as well as the reality of just walking day in, day out, over what I came to realise is actually quite a long period! But we carry on! I´m hoping my walking mojo returns soon.
Along the way, having read the information and advice on this forum has really paid off. I´ve been really happy with my packing - I have everything I need and some luxuries, but nothing that I haven´t used, and carrying it all is very manageable (knee problems aside). I´ve stayed in some beautiful albergues that I wouldn´t have known about otherwise, most notably San Bol (do NOT miss it!) and the cosy and friendly San Saturnino in Ventosa, where I spent an absolutely MAGICAL afternoon and evening. So thanks everyone!
In many ways, the Camino has been exactly what I expected... you know, a *lot* of walking... enjoying the company of other pilgrims (...most of the time)... some lovely albergues and other not-so-lovely ones.... plenty of snoring... etc!
On the other hand, some things I was not expecting. First, being 28, pretty fit, with broken-in boots, a light pack and no history of injuries, I never thought that I would find myself experiencing big knee problems that began when descending Alto de Perdon on the 3rd day, and that haven´t let up since. MUCH to my disappointment, I´ve had to take rest days and even a few buses, which was not something I had envisioned, and was a bit of a blow to my pride! I guess it just goes to show that our bodies all react differently to the walking, and you can´t necessarily predict or control it.
Second, I wasn´t expecting to experience so much friendliness. I´ve had so many other pilgrims, bartenders, hospitaleros etc. that have treated me so well, being amazingly friendly, welcoming and helpful. I don´t know if this is what all pilgrims experience, or if it´s partly related to being a young woman travelling solo, but in any case it´s been really heartwarming!
Third, I was surprised to find myself feeling *really* sick and tired of walking over the stretch from about Carrion de los Condes to here in Leon. I suppose it´s partly the fairly uninsiring landscapes on this stretch as well as the reality of just walking day in, day out, over what I came to realise is actually quite a long period! But we carry on! I´m hoping my walking mojo returns soon.
Along the way, having read the information and advice on this forum has really paid off. I´ve been really happy with my packing - I have everything I need and some luxuries, but nothing that I haven´t used, and carrying it all is very manageable (knee problems aside). I´ve stayed in some beautiful albergues that I wouldn´t have known about otherwise, most notably San Bol (do NOT miss it!) and the cosy and friendly San Saturnino in Ventosa, where I spent an absolutely MAGICAL afternoon and evening. So thanks everyone!
