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If your friend can only do it in sections is there anything stopping you from continuing on your own to Santiago?My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
If your friend can only do it in sections is there anything stopping you from continuing on your own to Santiago?
It's definitely my preference to walk at least a month. I do feel different than when I've walked a shorter distance.I think what I want is to see what the long walk from SJPP-SDC will do to me. I don't think splitting it will have the same effect on me. But maybe I'm wrong
Yep that's the goal for me!I wanted to walk all the way across a country, from the French border to the Atlantic ocean.
Thanks Sabine, yes I know. I'm not so sure about using Roncesvalles as an example of contrast to "recent invention" SJPP. Most Spaniards nowadays actually start in Sarria, after of course driving or taking transportation there, and it seems to me that most people of any nationality who start in Roncesvalles understandably begin there in order to avoid the big hill.There is no such thing as a full Camino Frances.
Saint Jean Pied de Port as " startingpoint" is a recent invention from some guides and the movie the Way.
Most Spaniards would start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona.
European friends of mine started in Ostabat or some other villages way before the French/Spanish border.
I started in Roncesvalles but then again as an European I was able to visit the Pyrennees on many other occasions.
The ‘big hill’ isn’t particularly big and any start-point other than your doorstep or parish church is someone else’s definition of a Camino, as you clearly already appreciate.Thanks Sabine, yes I know. I'm not so sure about using Roncesvalles as an example of contrast to "recent invention" SJPP. Most Spaniards nowadays actually start in Sarria, after of course driving or taking transportation there, and it seems to me that most people of any nationality who start in Roncesvalles understandably begin there in order to avoid the big hill.
My friend and I want the big hill and don't mind being influenced by a movie or book or a route which gradually became more popular over the last decades or century, because in the end it is not doable to walk out of my house and head toward Santiago like the pilgrims of old. Remember the movie was created based on something people were actually already doing, not the other way around.
To be clear, I'm specifically NOT criticizing anyone's starting point. Each and every starting point is valid to me. I just had to have a way to explain what I meant.
I am from Germany, but I still wanted to walk the Camino "completely" ;-). (Though I started from Pamplona not SJPdP).Those from France, Germany, Italy or UK can easily do it in segments.
Thanks, you've discribed my feelings perfectlyVery glad that I did for very personal reasons....
- it took me four days to get my body into the experience.
- it took me ten days to get my head into the experience.
- it took every minute of time after that to get the experience into mind, body, and spirit.
A slow learner I am.....the longer path suits me better after walking several.
It was VERY important for me to do the camino-SJPP-SDC- in "one" go. Breaking it up to do over several trips would require the obvious return flights-which only seem to increase in price. Then there's the extra coordination with my wife/friends to look after my elderly mother while I'm away. She worries about me and I didn't want to put her through that more than necessary. I had discovered the camino sometime around 2016-17 and unfortunately lost my father in early 2018. Dealing with all that comes with losing a parent fell to me, and I hadn't grieved properly-so the camino called and off I went in June/July of 2019. I had asked 5 friends to come along. None could get away for a few weeks, let alone a month. I ended up going solo and it actually turned out to be the best thing for me. I hiked at my own pace, stopped when I wanted, took pictures and videos, went off trail, enjoyed the small towns and big cities, prayed in amazing cathedrals and went deep inside of myself as I witnessed fairy tale landscapes. Alone in a foreign country for 35 days with just the essentials "on your back" will teach you a lot about yourself and about what really matters. The thru-hike was challenging, my body ached at times, I missed my loved ones- but it was totally worth it. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I looked up at the cathedral in SDC and glimpsed at St. James's golden sarcophagus within. This was the right way for me to do it. The best way to do the camino is the way that works for you. Buen camino!How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
So is this the issue: You would be ok with splitting "Le Puy en Valais to Santiago" into two segments, say "Puy to Pamplona" and "Pamplona to SdC" - or would the breakpoint have to be SJPP??? - and you fear that you would not be ok with splitting SJPP to Santiago into two segments, say "SJPP to Burgos" and "Burgos to SdC"?I start thinking-- "If I'm willing to do half of Le Puy then the other half of Le Puy later, how different is that than doing the rest of it that way?" I think what I want is to see what the long walk from SJPP-SDC will do to me. I don't think splitting it will have the same effect on me. But maybe I'm wrong.
I walked my first Camino after reading just one account of the journey - Laurie Dennett's 1987 "A Hug for the Apostle". And I spoke at some length with my mother-in-law about her own Camino walk in 1985. No chat on internet forums. No watching Youtube videos. So I arrived in France on my first solo journey abroad with very little advance knowledge of the Caminos and with only very vague preconceptions of what it would be like. I am sure that the gradual revelations and frequent discoveries as I walked those 800km would have been a far less powerful and positive experience if I had already walked every step virtually through the eyes of a dozen authors and a hundred vloggers.I consider myself extremely lucky that I did not know these narratives, that I knew next to nothing, nada, zero about how others had experienced their walk to Santiago when I set out myself.
Ahh, so well saidThe near mythical crossing of a mountain range at one end - where it is already petering out - by walking over a minor elevation is another of these narratives.
Precisely!There is no such thing as a full Camino Frances.
Saint Jean Pied de Port as " startingpoint" is a recent invention from some guides and the movie the Way.
It is your Camino! Did the Frances, walking every stage from St Jean to Compostela. Did the Norte from Irún to Compostela, skipping some sections that were mostlyHow important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
I am splitting the Le Puy to SSJP into three trips. I’ve finished two and have a third left. It’s due to money, time and the desire to have a chunk of time to do other things while I’m over in Europe. It’s lovely to do it that way but I also see the beauty in doing it in one long trip. Whichever you decide it will be right for you!How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Even though the last bit is the truth, the mythology of the first part has a stubborn hold.But then "crossing the Pyrenees" and "walking from France to Spain" sound so much grander than "I walked over a hill and descended to the other side of an (invisible-) border"
There is no right or wrong way to walk the camino. Our first camino was what some would call "pure:" we walked every step from SJPdP to Santiago. We went through all the challenges and emotions a pilgrim faces, including blisters, storms, exhaustion, hunger, no room available to unforgettable friends, spiritual moments, a world in which everyone cares about each other, etc. But we also learned that one need not do the full, pure camino to get the camino/experience. Since then, we have walked many camino paths, not always walking, not always carrying everything on our back, not always winging it on where we will stay, not always staying in albergues, not always walking long distances. Our most recent, two months, had us zigzagging between the Camino Central and Coastal on the Portugues.How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
I did it in one effort and am glad that I did. It takes a bit for the Camino to “work” on you and when it does, the experience of a lifetime.How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Unless something else came up where it worked out for me to do it in stages, the only thing holding me back would be hurting his feelings. I would prefer going with him as he is my best friend and we get along great on any adventure, but if it came down to it I would have no other issue going the rest of the way on my own.
My friend and I are on the same page right now. I just want to be prepared if the subject comes up again. And he is a fantastic guy-- he won't be unnecessarily upset or anything like that.
I'm trying to figure out if I'm just making too much of it in my mind. I don't think I am, but then I start thinking-- "If I'm willing to do half of Le Puy then the other half of Le Puy later, how different is that than doing the rest of it that way?"
I think what I want is to see what the long walk from SJPP-SDC will do to me. I don't think splitting it will have the same effect on me. But maybe I'm wrong.
it was important to walk the full distance we had planned, but in the end if one of us had to stop, that was ok too.How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
I walked the entire CF last and I wouldn't change a think. It was the best experience of my life that will live with me forever. I met a few people that had walked in stages because of time. I respect that and it worked for them. I am retired so I had all the time I needed. Since then I have walked 4 Camino's to Santiago. The choice is yours and so is your Camino. Buen CaminoHow important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Agreed. Flew from Canada at great expense. Had I not done it in one trip, I don't believe I would've gone back.I have walked SJPdP -> SdC twice and Lisbon -> SdC once. Each time, I walked the full distance because doing so gave me a sense of achievement, mission-completion, and satisfaction.
Walking a very long distance also makes me feel healthy and fit and I lose excess weight, but I only start to get those latter benefits after the first ~500 kilometres. No change noticed before 500 km.
More minor reasons include the financial and environmental costs of flying round-trip from my home in North America to the Iberian peninsula - I choose to amortize those two categories of flight cost over longer trip times and walking distances.
For me it would make no sense to fly anywhere for the purposes of a walking trip, if my goal was to walk a mere few hundred kilometres.
Agreed. Similar to my experience. And being from the True North, sea level in my case, may also have contributed to the amount of huffing/puffing over the Pyrenees. In addition to everything you've said, I also found that staying in Orisson on the way over the Pyrenees, allowed me to meet so many others and hear their stories, have them hear mine, and then look out for one another for the next 40 days. I'm also grateful for not having done the Brierley stages, but rather the VancouverRose stages that suited me. And from Santiago, I took the bus to Finisterre to throw my Pacific Ocean rocks (2 burdens which I carried) off the End of the Earth.For me, walking the full CF in one go allowed me to feel the full affects of the journey, as opposed to chunks. It was pretty profound to go from wheezing my way over the Pyrenees to blazing into Santiago, stronger, clearer and triumphant. There was something about going through Galicia that was almost mystical (I've experienced this both times). Walking from Santiago to the Atlantic Ocean was downright floaty and magical.
Although it is between 30-35 day hike it surely goes very quickly especially if walking with others, I always found that the daily walk of 20-25km seemed to be over by just after 3pm .. I always split my walk days into 4 stages with three breaks , 2 coffee breaks and a lunch break in between ..I found the experience very addictive, with those I came across not just other pilgrims but the locals too , the smell of coffee and the pastry first thing in the morning coming from the bakery the beautiful and quaint villages , mind you don't be surprised if you don't see anyone in some of the villages you walk through , there is only about 4 hard days which can be a struggle ..to complete it in one go is a privilege as not many have the time or funds to do it that's why they complete it in stages .. for me when I flew out of the UK to Biarritz I just brought a one way ticket for about 20€ that way I knew I had all the time in the world to do it and it was easier than what I thought it would be in that it's well signposted ..have a lovely experience and Buen CaminoHow important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Saying all that I shall return as it is what you call a bug , infection .. this time however thinking of taking my tent and just book in somewhere for one night a weekAlthough it is between 30-35 day hike it surely goes very quickly especially if walking with others, I always found that the daily walk of 20-25km seemed to be over by just after 3pm .. I always split my walk days into 4 stages with three breaks , 2 coffee breaks and a lunch break in between ..I found the experience very addictive, with those I came across not just other pilgrims but the locals too , the smell of coffee and the pastry first thing in the morning coming from the bakery the beautiful and quaint villages , mind you don't be surprised if you don't see anyone in some of the villages you walk through , there is only about 4 hard days which can be a struggle ..to complete it in one go is a privilege as not many have the time or funds to do it that's why they complete it in stages .. for me when I flew out of the UK to Biarritz I just brought a one way ticket for about 20€ that way I knew I had all the time in the world to do it and it was easier than what I thought it would be in that it's well signposted ..have a lovely experience and Buen Camino
How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Hi KFH,How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
You described my 2013 journey too — the physical, the emotional, and the mystical. I became obsessed with walking more, so after the SJPDP-SDC I walked to Finisterre and on to Muxia. I bussed back to Santiago. I took a bus to walk 16 miles/the last stage of the Portuguese to SDC. I had the time and met with people that arrived in SDC days after I did for wonderful reunions. When my time was up, I still did not want to take public transportation. So, the day before my flight to Madrid I walked to the airport as a “dry run” to actually walking as much as possible in modern times. On departure day, I walked and got there 3 hours early since I did not know just how long I would need to process my trip. I must say — I paced around the waiting area, an American Pilgrim pacing the perimeter like a wild cat. My final arrival in Portland OR had me walking fast again through the PDX airport to catch the light rail before the last departure of the night — only to be chased by my hubby who had to run to catch up with me. Sweet darling he is to offer me a safe ride to our home!For me, walking the full CF in one go allowed me to feel the full affects of the journey, as opposed to chunks. It was pretty profound to go from wheezing my way over the Pyrenees to blazing into Santiago, stronger, clearer and triumphant. There was something about going through Galicia that was almost mystical (I've experienced this both times). Walking from Santiago to the Atlantic Ocean was downright floaty and magical.
It may be an answer that, none of my CFs have been from SJPP to Santiago. Both started in Roncesvalles, one to Santiago and the other to Finisterre.How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Mrs C and I walked the SJPP to Santiago route earlier this year. At the time it was important to us to do it all in one go, walking every step of the way with our rucksacks on our backs and it was the physical challenge, as had been described in all the books I had read beforehand, that mainly appealed. As for the magic of the Camino, I was a good four weeks in before I really began to see it so I’m thankful that we were walking long enough for me to get to that point. If all goes to plan, we intend to walk the Portuguese route next May with friends. It will be very different but I expect to be starting from a very different metaphorical place this time round.How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Did it in one go in 2021 at 71....BEST thing I have ever done in my life!! Since then I have done the Portuguese from Porto and the via Francegina (Lucca to Vatican). GO FOR IT!How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
I've done it in one go of 27 days in 2019. It was awesome and somehow life-changing. Booked flight back home from the Albergue in Sarria.If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
No, but it was nice meeting the faster folks who waited around a few days or came back from Finisterre or Muxia.If you are a slow hiker and there is absolutely nobody behind you that you know, than this technique doesn't work as good.
Here's my take. If you do the whole camino from St Jean in one shot, you will have a richer experience in Santiago. This will especially happen if you are hiking the full camino in around 30 days. Then you will meet several people in Santiago that you met along the way, and they will be there congratulating you.
That's why I suggest that everyone stay in Santiago for at least two days.. This works good if you are an average hiker and there are people you know ahead of you and behind you. I checked the plaza about 3 times a day for 2 days and everytime there were people I knew that had completed the course. If you are a slow hiker and there is absolutely nobody behind you that you know, than this technique doesn't work as good.
This comment made me smile.Here's my take. If you do the whole camino from St Jean in one shot, you will have a richer experience in Santiago. This will especially happen if you are hiking the full camino in around 30 days. Then you will meet several people in Santiago that you met along the way, and they will be there congratulating you.
This will probably happen if you walk the camino in around 35 days, or 40 days, or even 45. Or walk from an intermediate point in less time.This will especially happen if you are hiking the full camino in around 30 days. Then you will meet several people in Santiago that you met along the way,
Having done both short and long pilgrimage walks, some more solitary and others more social, I don't recall thinking that any one was a 'richer experience' than the others based on the distance walked.If you do the whole camino from St Jean in one shot, you will have a richer experience in Santiago.
I recall when doing a "fuller"I think what I want is to see what the long walk from SJPP-SDC will do to me.
I personally, however, would never go with a friend. A family member, maybe. But not with a friend. The Camino is such a personal experience and I am not sure I could do it with having to worry about whomever is walking with me day after day. Even family members I would think seriously about which ones I would consider taking with me.
I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary.
I'm sure that there are many who feel that they don't need to walk continuously for weeks in order to complete a religious pilgrimage. In fact most other religious pilgrimage sites in the world are traveled to by bus or car!As a more meaningful explanation IMHO what I wanted to do (and what I consider I did do) was a Religious\Spiritual Pilgrimage. As such it was not conceivable to me to break it into the chunks\stages..
I wont argue that - I merely indicated as to what I felt and what it meant to me. I know that if I did an interruption (and by that I do mean "finish stage A, leave say for a given period of time, come back to that point later on and continue") it would not have worked for me... I'd get on a totally different mindset than i would wantedI'm sure that there are many who feel that they don't need to walk continuously for weeks in order to complete a religious pilgrimage. In fact most other religious pilgrimage sites in the world are traveled to by bus or car!
I'm sure that there are many who feel that they don't need to walk continuously for weeks in order to complete a religious pilgrimage. In fact most other religious pilgrimage sites in the world are traveled to by bus or car!
It's a brilliant question - I did the "full" CF in 2018 - turned up at StJPdP because I thought it was what you had to do -
next Camino for me I will start from my front door in Scotland
I was told before my first camino that it takes 9 days. And that's exactly what took place with us. Our first days found us not feeling spiritual at all. In fact, we thought all those who told us how marvelous the camino was were insane. Even more insane were those who walked it more than once.I recall when doing a "fuller"version of a Camino I heard a French person saying it takes about 3 weeks to get track-tough (physically, mentally et al). I suspect the expression in French (which I don't recall) might have a nice ring to it.
It takes time to get in a state of flow. If that is what you are interested in.
Ivar and others continue to report that those who walk from Sarria and Tui say they felt nothing spiritual or moving. It was just another walk. That's sad.
Watch one of Ivar's recent videos. He was interviewing the guy behind wise pilgrim, as I recall. Not my words...theirs. I don't want shorter caminos, so I wouldn't know. But I recall being warned that when I reached Sarria and joined the crowds, there would be an element of us (the long walkers) vs them, especially when would be chatting in the albergue. I didn't find that true because there was no point in me talking about what happened before. They couldn't relate and it really wouldn't matter to them.What a blunt generalisation! This is not what I have been reading here the last ten years.
Ah well...time for me now to go for my eveningwalk.
Watch one of Ivar's recent videos. He was interviewing the guy behind wise pilgrim, as I recall. Not my words...theirs. I don't want shorter caminos, so I wouldn't know. But I recall being warned that when I reached Sarria and joined the crowds, there would be an element of us (the long walkers) vs them, especially when would be chatting in the albergue. I didn't find that true because there was no point in me talking about what happened before. They couldn't relate and it really wouldn't matter to them.
I live in Western Canada, so for me it was a big commitment of time and money and needed to make it count. So, I was doing it in one go and as I was passing the various milestones, ie., half way point at Sahagun, the last 100 km in Sarria, approaching Santiago, and later on arrival in front of the Cathedral still wearing my backpack, I dropped to one knee, shed a few tears and gave thanks. It proved to be a very rewarding spiritual journey, which I will treasure the rest of my life. Regardless of how you choose to do it, make it count and enjoy it. Buen Camino!How important was it to you to do what might be called the "full" CF from SJPP to Santiago in one go?
I know a lot of people split it up into stages for various reasons (health, time, money), while some prefer the one long journey, and perhaps some people would only do the whole thing in one go.
(the background to this question is that due to a discussion with my buddy about CF, I realize I have a very strong desire about doing CF SJPP-SDC in one go, yet perhaps strangely I would have no problem splitting up any of the other routes if necessary. For instance, I would easily agree to split up Le Puy to SJPP if needed.
My friend also prefers to do the CF in one trip but may end up only being able to split up the CF into a couple trips. So I am just reassessing my own thoughts about it all before we have to make a decision. Right now it looks like we will be doing it all at once but I want to be prepared)
What was your experience? Either doing it in stages or in one long go, were you happy with your decision? Would you do it differently?
If you are still in the planning stages, what are your thoughts about this?
Ladies and Gentlemen.... IMHO it is pointless to take offence because we all express our own perceptions of things. I can speak for myself inasmuch as that when I joined this Forum any time someone said "its my Camino" (or suggested to someone that "Its YOUR Camino") I would get quite angry because at the time it didnt didnt have the same context (I based the phrase on my previous experiences)> Only when I actually started walking and lived it for a bit I understood what "MY" Camino was and from that moment non - no matter who did what I simply stopped being judgmental ...But I recall being warned that when I reached Sarria and joined the crowds, there would be an element of us (the long walkers) vs them, especially when would be chatting in the albergue. I didn't find that true because there was no point in me talking about what happened before. They couldn't relate and it really wouldn't matter to them.
I think we agree more than disagree. Yes, those other trails, walks are camino-like, but no the Camino. Do not apologize for your opinion, but enjoy whatever you do nextTo me, the Camino is an exceptional experience. It's not like the many long walks I have done in England, Wales, Scotland, France, Italy or even the U.S. Those are unforgettable experiences to be sure, with new friends, many challenges, many joys, many emotions. There are camino-like in many ways...but they are not the Camino.
Before walking every camino, I work to transition from my daily life to that of a pilgrim on a pilgrimage. I don't do that when I walk the Potomac Heritage Trail, the Sea to Sea (C2C), the Pembrokeshire Coast, along the Rhine or many other places. These are unforgettable hikes...but not caminos. I'm kinda struggling with how to view one of my next ventures: St. Cuthbert's Way. Is that a camino? I need to study this more.
So be it. You win. I apologize from my seeming arrogance, but I do believe in "camino exceptionalism"...and always will.
I'm going to cheat - walk to edinburgh airport and start from Amsterdam Schiphol lol but head to Rome this timeIt's a brilliant question - I did the "full" CF in 2018 - turned up at StJPdP because I thought it was what you had to do - the next year I walked in Germany - on a Camino trail - arrived in Hamburg to a sign pointing to SdC 2300 Kms away - next Camino for me I will start from my front door in Scotland
Having also completed a lot of the UK National Trails the Camino, for me, is quite a lot different. Not from the religious standpoint but from the comradeship of other walkers which is made so much easier because of the numbers actually walking. The sun and food also help!To me, the Camino is an exceptional experience. It's not like the many long walks I have done in England, Wales, Scotland, France, Italy or even the U.S. Those are unforgettable experiences to be sure, with new friends, many challenges, many joys, many emotions. There are camino-like in many ways...but they are not the Camino.
Before walking every camino, I work to transition from my daily life to that of a pilgrim on a pilgrimage. I don't do that when I walk the Potomac Heritage Trail, the Sea to Sea (C2C), the Pembrokeshire Coast, along the Rhine or many other places. These are unforgettable hikes...but not caminos. I'm kinda struggling with how to view one of my next ventures: St. Cuthbert's Way. Is that a camino? I need to study this more.
So be it. You win. I apologize from my seeming arrogance, but I do believe in "camino exceptionalism"...and always will.
They are definitely different from the Frances regarding everything you noted. We've walked a number of caminos where the number of others is few to none. On the Camino Madrid, for example, one we truly cherished, we were embraced at every stop by the villagers. As for fellow peregrinos, only a handful now and then.Having also completed a lot of the UK National Trails the Camino, for me, is quite a lot different. Not from the religious standpoint but from the comradeship of other walkers which is made so much easier because of the numbers actually walking. The sun and food also help!
I am not wanting a disagreement but does the comment about "anything goes tourist vacationland" mean non-religious people shouldn't walk the/a Camino route? Because I am not religious I guess I am on vacation undertaking a long walk. I respect that for others it is a religious experience although in all my discussions with fellow pilgrims (??walkers??) I have never met anyone who didn't think that it was an enjoyable experience with fellow people no matter their own beliefs. It also has the benefit of putting some funds into the much-needed villages along "The Way".My way is clearly not the only way. But the Camino de Santiago is a Thing. It is not whatever you want it to be. It is first and foremost and historically a pilgrimage. IMHO it ought to be respected as such, and not watered-down into a short-hop anything-goes tourist vacationland.
But that's just me.
Like you, I am not religious but have never in all my Camino's experienced any repercussions from "true pilgrims". I always had the impression to be part of a majority who choose to walk the Camino for the self-enriching experience and the good company. Again like you, I completely respect everyone's beliefs but I avoid discussing an oxymoron that inevitably leads nowhere. Beliefs are like tastes, "de gustibus non est disputandum"I am not wanting a disagreement but does the comment about "anything goes tourist vacationland" mean non-religious people shouldn't walk the/a Camino route? Because I am not religious I guess I am on vacation undertaking a long walk. I respect that for others it is a religious experience although in all my discussions with fellow pilgrims (??walkers??) I have never met anyone who didn't think that it was an enjoyable experience with fellow people no matter their own beliefs. It also has the benefit of putting some funds into the much-needed villages along "The Way".
I wouldn't have interpreted @Rebekah Scott's remarks this way. However, her call to consider that a pilgrimage should have a spiritual purpose might challenge both those who consider themselves religious as well as those who don't. This doesn't preclude anyone walking the Camino routes, but it does go to whether they might be entitled to the support offered to pilgrims along the way, and to receive the Compostala when they complete their journey.does the comment about "anything goes tourist vacationland" mean non-religious people shouldn't walk the/a Camino route?
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