Kevin Considine
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2021
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If only more read these threads about disliking the Frances, then it might become likable as ot once was.I think we get it that some members of this forum don't like the Camino francésFills me with joy as there will be fewer of us
i started this thread and I'm a bit surprised by these past few comments about the thread being about disliking Frances. I love Frances having done it twice the past 2 years. Have done VDLP of course but also Camino Portuguese and The Chemin du Puy. They are all great Camino's but to me Camino Frances is special. A true spiritual journey where magic happens.
If ypu met your end on Roman roads, you may win your heavens on the cobblestones so many complain about, especially in your 70s on the Portuguese. (Shhh... plus, it has nothing, zip, rien, nada, on VDLP). Just go finish VDLP, and I hear turning left on the Sanabres is gorgeous.Hola @Kevin considine; ... - only to meet my "end" on those Roman Roads ... maybe the Porto when I am 70. Cheers
No need to walk 30km +. Push comes to shove, you get a taxi and drive back and forth, but in most cases you don't need to, if you are willing to split, let's say 35 km, into 15 and 20. And what the %*#*, just walk what you can, and call in the taxi. You will sill have worked much harder than anyone walking half the diatance on the Frances.OP, thank you for post. I have only walked CF, and really wish to walk VDLP. However, my 30+km days may be over.you Is it truly difficult to find lodging every 20 kilometers or so? That is about the most I may be equipped to walk.
I totally agreeThis is one peregrino’s perspective so admittedly biased but I also talked with many other VDLP peregrino's to confirm these points.
--------
1. LONGER: Via de la Plata (VDLP) is 1000 kilometers vs. 790 kilometers on Camino Frances.
2. LESS INFRASTRUCTURE: Fairly often you have to walk 15-30k with no Cafe or tienda(shop) to stop for food and drink. Also there are stretches where you have to walk as far as 30k to get to the next Alberguefor a bed.
3. LESS FLEXIBILITY REQUIRING MORE PLANNING: On Frances you can just wake up and pack your gear and start walking. You are never far from a cafe or albergue. On VDLP because of Point 2. you really need to do some planning before you start each day.
4. MORE INTIMATE: If you find Frances too crowded you will like VDLP as you can walk 30k and see as little as 4-5 people but rarely more than 10-12 in a day. Of course this will depend on the time of year you go and your speed. You usually know most of the people at the Albergue each night. I began 10 May and entered Santiago 22 June.
5. VDLP IS MOSTLY OLD MEN: It is rare to meet people under 40 and very rare to meet anyone under 25. I did befriend a 30 year old French girl who I ran into several times including at the end in Muxia and we were both laughing in tears as she told me she was so tired of the old men walking around the albergue’s in only their underpants. When I realized I was one of those old men I laughed even harder.
6. VDLP IS MORE OF A LONG DISTANCE WALK: This may be a very personal comment but I talked to others who agreed that the VDLP is more of a long distance walk. It did not feel as spiritual as Frances. Between Seville and Salamanca, the first half, it seemed like a walk through Roman history with all the bridges and the theatre and aqueduct of Merida and of course the great archway at Caparra. That said, after you veered west at Granja de Moreruela and especially in Galicia the Camino feel was stronger.
7. VERY FEW FIRST TIME PILGRIMS: The VDLP is long and difficult and not well known so there are very few first time peregrino's. Consequently there is less intimate discussion around your reasons for being here. The talk is more serious centered around your previous Camino experiences.
8. VDLP IS LESS FUN: It’s longer and more grueling with the lack of infrastructure. But there seems to be less fun. I suppose the lack of diversity and high percentage of old men has something to do with that. Although it got better in the second half.
9. HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL WALKING INTO SANTIAGO: While still emotional, I felt more relief than anything else coming into Santiago.
10. COMPLETING VDLP FELT LIKE MORE OF AN ACHIEVEMENT THAN FRANCES: I found walking Frances fun and a great experience and had no physical issues. VDLP was long, difficult, and seemed to never end. Admittedly, I had blister problems on the VDLP and none on Frances.
In conclusion, the VDLP is not for the faint of heart. But I would also tell you if you are a Camino Junkie as our many of the VDLP veterans you will want to add Via de la Plata to your list. Buen Camino!
From the blog of www.thesenioradventurer.com
(Includes pictures)
Kevin, thanks for the posts... I like to talk about the VDLP
1. LONGER: Via de la Plata (VDLP) yes but lots of folks walked half... Seville to Salamanca or Salamanca onwads
2. LESS INFRASTRUCTURE: yes
3. LESS FLEXIBILITY REQUIRING MORE PLANNING: yes but... not every stage and once you start it kind of falls into place... but agreed you do need to think ahead and plan.
4. MORE INTIMATE: yes
5. VDLP IS MOSTLY OLD MEN: no, I didnt find this at all
6. VDLP IS MORE OF A LONG DISTANCE WALK: sort of agreed, but I dont know if that's because the CF was my first experience of walking a camino. The VDLP touched my heart in a way that the CF didn't... I've gone back to the CF three times for shorter walks with friends (because it's convenient for me to drive there)... I love it but I ache to go back to the VDLP
7. VERY FEW FIRST TIME PILGRIMS: I agree that there are less first time pilgrims but I didnt find it any more serious... I would say I found folks pretty much the same and made somestrong friendships.
8. VDLP IS LESS FUN: Noooo.... and it was just jaw droppingly beautiful and the history is incredible. It's not quite so 'party party' mood as the Francies can be at times but that's a good thing! and I had some fabulous evenings and met amazing people.
9. HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL WALKING INTO SANTIAGO: I agree but I think that is because the emotion of the first time was totally different. I was emotional still, it was over and I didnt want it to be... I also found Santiago so loud and busy after such a long trip an that was a big shock.
10. COMPLETING VDLP FELT LIKE MORE OF AN ACHIEVEMENT THAN FRANCES: yes... it's a huge acheivement ... oddly enough I had horrible blisters on the CF and not the VDLP
In conclusion, the VDLP is not for the faint of heart. But I would also tell you if you are a Camino Junkie as our many of the VDLP veterans you will want to add Via de la Plata to your list. Buen Camino! 100% agree, it's an amazing walk. I will walk the CF again one day in its entirety but I will walk out of season as the CF is just too busy and noisy for me now... and I will walk the VDLP again one day for sure too.
This is one peregrino’s perspective so admittedly biased but I also talked with many other VDLP peregrino's to confirm these points.
--------
1. LONGER: Via de la Plata (VDLP) is 1000 kilometers vs. 790 kilometers on Camino Frances.
2. LESS INFRASTRUCTURE: Fairly often you have to walk 15-30k with no Cafe or tienda(shop) to stop for food and drink. Also there are stretches where you have to walk as far as 30k to get to the next Alberguefor a bed.
3. LESS FLEXIBILITY REQUIRING MORE PLANNING: On Frances you can just wake up and pack your gear and start walking. You are never far from a cafe or albergue. On VDLP because of Point 2. you really need to do some planning before you start each day.
4. MORE INTIMATE: If you find Frances too crowded you will like VDLP as you can walk 30k and see as little as 4-5 people but rarely more than 10-12 in a day. Of course this will depend on the time of year you go and your speed. You usually know most of the people at the Albergue each night. I began 10 May and entered Santiago 22 June.
5. VDLP IS MOSTLY OLD MEN: It is rare to meet people under 40 and very rare to meet anyone under 25. I did befriend a 30 year old French girl who I ran into several times including at the end in Muxia and we were both laughing in tears as she told me she was so tired of the old men walking around the albergue’s in only their underpants. When I realized I was one of those old men I laughed even harder.
6. VDLP IS MORE OF A LONG DISTANCE WALK: This may be a very personal comment but I talked to others who agreed that the VDLP is more of a long distance walk. It did not feel as spiritual as Frances. Between Seville and Salamanca, the first half, it seemed like a walk through Roman history with all the bridges and the theatre and aqueduct of Merida and of course the great archway at Caparra. That said, after you veered west at Granja de Moreruela and especially in Galicia the Camino feel was stronger.
7. VERY FEW FIRST TIME PILGRIMS: The VDLP is long and difficult and not well known so there are very few first time peregrino's. Consequently there is less intimate discussion around your reasons for being here. The talk is more serious centered around your previous Camino experiences.
8. VDLP IS LESS FUN: It’s longer and more grueling with the lack of infrastructure. But there seems to be less fun. I suppose the lack of diversity and high percentage of old men has something to do with that. Although it got better in the second half.
9. HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL WALKING INTO SANTIAGO: While still emotional, I felt more relief than anything else coming into Santiago.
10. COMPLETING VDLP FELT LIKE MORE OF AN ACHIEVEMENT THAN FRANCES: I found walking Frances fun and a great experience and had no physical issues. VDLP was long, difficult, and seemed to never end. Admittedly, I had blister problems on the VDLP and none on Frances.
In conclusion, the VDLP is not for the faint of heart. But I would also tell you if you are a Camino Junkie as our many of the VDLP veterans you will want to add Via de la Plata to your list. Buen Camino!
From the blog of www.thesenioradventurer.com
(Includes pictures)
This is one peregrino’s perspective so admittedly biased but I also talked with many other VDLP peregrino's to confirm these points.
--------
1. LONGER: Via de la Plata (VDLP) is 1000 kilometers vs. 790 kilometers on Camino Frances.
2. LESS INFRASTRUCTURE: Fairly often you have to walk 15-30k with no Cafe or tienda(shop) to stop for food and drink. Also there are stretches where you have to walk as far as 30k to get to the next Alberguefor a bed.
3. LESS FLEXIBILITY REQUIRING MORE PLANNING: On Frances you can just wake up and pack your gear and start walking. You are never far from a cafe or albergue. On VDLP because of Point 2. you really need to do some planning before you start each day.
4. MORE INTIMATE: If you find Frances too crowded you will like VDLP as you can walk 30k and see as little as 4-5 people but rarely more than 10-12 in a day. Of course this will depend on the time of year you go and your speed. You usually know most of the people at the Albergue each night. I began 10 May and entered Santiago 22 June.
5. VDLP IS MOSTLY OLD MEN: It is rare to meet people under 40 and very rare to meet anyone under 25. I did befriend a 30 year old French girl who I ran into several times including at the end in Muxia and we were both laughing in tears as she told me she was so tired of the old men walking around the albergue’s in only their underpants. When I realized I was one of those old men I laughed even harder.
6. VDLP IS MORE OF A LONG DISTANCE WALK: This may be a very personal comment but I talked to others who agreed that the VDLP is more of a long distance walk. It did not feel as spiritual as Frances. Between Seville and Salamanca, the first half, it seemed like a walk through Roman history with all the bridges and the theatre and aqueduct of Merida and of course the great archway at Caparra. That said, after you veered west at Granja de Moreruela and especially in Galicia the Camino feel was stronger.
7. VERY FEW FIRST TIME PILGRIMS: The VDLP is long and difficult and not well known so there are very few first time peregrino's. Consequently there is less intimate discussion around your reasons for being here. The talk is more serious centered around your previous Camino experiences.
8. VDLP IS LESS FUN: It’s longer and more grueling with the lack of infrastructure. But there seems to be less fun. I suppose the lack of diversity and high percentage of old men has something to do with that. Although it got better in the second half.
9. HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL WALKING INTO SANTIAGO: While still emotional, I felt more relief than anything else coming into Santiago.
10. COMPLETING VDLP FELT LIKE MORE OF AN ACHIEVEMENT THAN FRANCES: I found walking Frances fun and a great experience and had no physical issues. VDLP was long, difficult, and seemed to never end. Admittedly, I had blister problems on the VDLP and none on Frances.
In conclusion, the VDLP is not for the faint of heart. But I would also tell you if you are a Camino Junkie as our many of the VDLP veterans you will want to add Via de la Plata to your list. Buen Camino!
From the blog of www.thesenioradventurer.com
(Includes pictures)
Hi
I agree with most of your comments, although not sure that I agree with the old men one. I am surprised that you didn't mention what I think is a major difference, well in the summer months at least. You know what I am going to say, don't you? Heat. The heat on the VDLP in the summer time can be unforgiving. And especially in the southern part from Seville to Salamanca, where temperatures can soar into high 30's even low 40's. Not for the faint hearted. They say avoid July and August. I do it in May and even that can be extremely hot. I've met pilgrims who had to stay in Albergues for several days because it was too hot to walk.
Dave
Yes. I agree. I was told that there is almost no one walking in July and August. But you never know. I started 10 May and finished 22 June and it was similar to my August and September Camino's on Frances, Portuguese, and Chemin du Puy Ways. On the hot days you just started early so you could finish by 12 or 13:00 at the latest. In fact the only really hot days were at the end surprisingly in Galicia.Hi
I agree with most of your comments, although not sure that I agree with the old men one. I am surprised that you didn't mention what I think is a major difference, well in the summer months at least. You know what I am going to say, don't you? Heat. The heat on the VDLP in the summer time can be unforgiving. And especially in the southern part from Seville to Salamanca, where temperatures can soar into high 30's even low 40's. If you were starting in Seville next week, you would, according to the weather forecast, be walking in 43c. Not for the faint hearted! They say avoid July and August. I do it in May and even that can be extremely hot. I've met pilgrims who had to stay in Albergues for several days because it was too hot to walk.
Dave
Yes your experience was similar to mine. In 42 days I met 4 Americans, 5 Canadians, and 1 Aussie so only 10 English as their primary language peregrinos. And last night in Santiago I had dinner with 7 fellow peregrino's. All Dutch. I was sitting in the MunicipalThe atmosphere and the ambiance of the Camino changes depending on the bubble you find yourself in. I also had the 'mostly old men' experience. I was very often the only woman in the albergue many nights. Eventually this became something most people in our little bubble commented upon. Also very few English speakers. My Spanish got much better. I also echo the comments about how beautiful the route is - and how varied. Walking in April ( and a very wet April ) the wild flowers were incredible. I did miss the open-door churches that are more common in France.
Hi, Melanie,The VDLP is the first and only Camino I have done (three times). I LOVE it. I have walked two short sections of the Frances and, while I'd like to do it some day because of its history, I already feel I will not like the massive crowds. But everyone has his/her own ideas and feelings, and that's fine! There's a Camino for everyone.
Melanie
What do you mean, Anemone? I thought portions of the CF were plenty hard, as were portions of the Norte and Primitivo for me. I assumed the Plata was no worse than all of these...what makes it so? Just curious.No need to walk 30km +. Push comes to shove, you get a taxi and drive back and forth, but in most cases you don't need to, if you are willing to split, let's say 35 km, into 15 and 20. And what the %*#*, just walk what you can, and call in the taxi. You will sill have worked much harder than anyone walking half the diatance on the Frances.
When you are really thinking avout walking it, get in touch with me, I will give you my doable tips to Caparra.
What makes it harder? The heat. The fact that you will not find a fountain nor a home with a hose or washroom and kitchen to give you more water, so you have to carry all you need for the day. Because there is not a rock in signt under a tree to rest a bit in the shade, just granite cubes you could cook an egg on. None of that on the France, Norte or Primitivo. Because long sections of the walk are in fields where a cab cannot come to pick you up if you injure yourself, just all-terrain vehicles.What do you mean, Anemone? I thought portions of the CF were plenty hard, as were portions of the Norte and Primitivo for me. I assumed the Plata was no worse than all of these...what makes it so? Just curious.
Yikes!! And thank you for clarifying. I guess a path's difficulty level does not always mean only the ups and downs! This walk definately sounds like "a bird of a different feather".What makes it harder? The heat. The fact that you will not find a fountain nor a home with a hose or washroom and kitchen to give you more water, so you have to carry all you need for the day. Because there is not a rock in signt under a tree to rest a bit in the shade, just granite cubes you could cook an egg on. None of that on the France, Norte or Primitivo. Because long sections of the walk are in fields where a cab cannot come to pick you up if you injure yourself, just all-terrain vehicles.
Apples and Oranges.
Yes, it's mostly flat, at least to Carcaboso, but there is the steepest hill ever coming out of the Berrocal. Worse than the Brusco on the Norte, although not as dangerous as there is no precipice behind you.
OP, thank you for post. I have only walked CF, and really wish to walk VDLP. However, my 30+km days may be over. Is it truly difficult to find lodging every 20 kilometers or so? That is about the most I may be equipped to walk.
It is a beautiful route. Initially I thought it would be all sand, barren, flat. But I loved it. Starting March 30th. No huge climbs, except one, to Carcaboso, the perfume of orange blossoms, castles in the distance and upclose like those in fairytales. A celebration of their outstanding local produce. Did I say peace and quiet?Yikes!! And thank you for clarifying. I guess a path's difficulty level does not always mean only the ups and downs! This walk definately sounds like "a bird of a different feather".
Noooo.... short legged me worked out a plan until Carcaboso, some 350km in. This was with one section: the embalse, until the muni opens again. Aend me a private message, I will dig up my stages, or look for the. In the VDLP section, circa, Feb-May 2017.Me too methinks nycwalking.
Me too methinks nycwalking.
This is one peregrino’s perspective so admittedly biased but I also talked with many other VDLP peregrino's to confirm these points.
--------
1. LONGER: Via de la Plata (VDLP) is 1000 kilometers vs. 790 kilometers on Camino Frances.
2. LESS INFRASTRUCTURE: Fairly often you have to walk 15-30k with no Cafe or tienda(shop) to stop for food and drink. Also there are stretches where you have to walk as far as 30k to get to the next Alberguefor a bed.
3. LESS FLEXIBILITY REQUIRING MORE PLANNING: On Frances you can just wake up and pack your gear and start walking. You are never far from a cafe or albergue. On VDLP because of Point 2. you really need to do some planning before you start each day.
4. MORE INTIMATE: If you find Frances too crowded you will like VDLP as you can walk 30k and see as little as 4-5 people but rarely more than 10-12 in a day. Of course this will depend on the time of year you go and your speed. You usually know most of the people at the Albergue each night. I began 10 May and entered Santiago 22 June.
5. VDLP IS MOSTLY OLD MEN: It is rare to meet people under 40 and very rare to meet anyone under 25. I did befriend a 30 year old French girl who I ran into several times including at the end in Muxia and we were both laughing in tears as she told me she was so tired of the old men walking around the albergue’s in only their underpants. When I realized I was one of those old men I laughed even harder.
6. VDLP IS MORE OF A LONG DISTANCE WALK: This may be a very personal comment but I talked to others who agreed that the VDLP is more of a long distance walk. It did not feel as spiritual as Frances. Between Seville and Salamanca, the first half, it seemed like a walk through Roman history with all the bridges and the theatre and aqueduct of Merida and of course the great archway at Caparra. That said, after you veered west at Granja de Moreruela and especially in Galicia the Camino feel was stronger.
7. VERY FEW FIRST TIME PILGRIMS: The VDLP is long and difficult and not well known so there are very few first time peregrino's. Consequently there is less intimate discussion around your reasons for being here. The talk is more serious centered around your previous Camino experiences.
8. VDLP IS LESS FUN: It’s longer and more grueling with the lack of infrastructure. But there seems to be less fun. I suppose the lack of diversity and high percentage of old men has something to do with that. Although it got better in the second half.
9. HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL WALKING INTO SANTIAGO: While still emotional, I felt more relief than anything else coming into Santiago.
10. COMPLETING VDLP FELT LIKE MORE OF AN ACHIEVEMENT THAN FRANCES: I found walking Frances fun and a great experience and had no physical issues. VDLP was long, difficult, and seemed to never end. Admittedly, I had blister problems on the VDLP and none on Frances.
In conclusion, the VDLP is not for the faint of heart. But I would also tell you if you are a Camino Junkie as our many of the VDLP veterans you will want to add Via de la Plata to your list. Buen Camino!
From the blog of www.thesenioradventurer.com
(Includes pictures)
Walked the vdlp this spring, finishing early May. Agree with some of the points, but for my partner and I it may have been our favorite to date. Met people from their early 20's to their 70's, generally seasoned walkers. Found it to be a stunningly beautiful walk at times, but challenging, and yes, not many amenities. Not for the faint of heart but definitely do-able and very enjoyable. Less people but a more tight-knit group of kindred spirits. What was interesting was that there were very few non-europeans when we walked and quite a few Spaniards compared to the CF (for the entire Camino).
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