How to avoid people on the Camino?

[Kiko]

Ok, not really! But there is a serious question here...
I read a lot of threads about how sociable the Camino is and how many lovely people you will meet and make friends with, and walk with and socialise with. But what about being more solitary....is this possible??
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a loner but i also do not want to feel 'forced' into socialising!
Is it quite possible to be more solitary on the Camino without feeling that you're being a party-pooper?!

Please note that i am planning to walk the CdN in June so maybe this will be easier in this sense than the CF?

 

[Tincatinker]

It is perfectly possible to walk a "solitary" camino. You may need, occasionally, to make your desires and intentions clear. A simple and honest statement should suffice. "Thank you but I prefer to walk / eat / drink alone.

Your feelings are your own. I am not sure how to poop a party I haven't joined.

 

[SYates]

Even on the CF it is easily possible, other pilgrims quickly get atuned to the need or no-need for socialising you have. Buen Camino! SY

 

[naplesdon]

As in life just about anywhere in the world it is pretty hard to say to some kind of people, "F... off, I'm not interested in your boring drivel..." They just don't leave you alone, do they? At a bus stop, on the train, in a bar but if you do your best interpretation of Charlie Chaplin you will be fine.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

carry a rosary. When you want to be alone, let it hang from your hand. People will steer clear.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Is it quite possible to be more solitary on the Camino without feeling that you're being a party-pooper?

Your reaction should certainly be under your control, so being a party-pooper would be a self-definition. Rebuff all the camaraderie you want, but don't expect second invitations. It is unlikely that anyone will pursue you against your will.

A bad smell or strong perfume might work...

 

[alansykes]

A rosary is a brilliant idea. A mischievous friend of my grandmother's used to wear a clergyman's dog-collar when he travelled by train, as he said it guaranteed him an empty compartment.

The solitude of the Via de la Plata, for those who, like me, have slightly anchorite tendencies, is to be relished, especially out of season - with chat with locals in the bars in the evenings, if required. One time I didn't see a pilgrim between Fuente de Cantos and Tábara, around 460km, and another time none between Fuenterroble and Ourense (380km).

 

[naplesdon]

Your reaction should certainly be under your control, so being a party-pooper would be a self-definition. Rebuff all the camaraderie you want, but don't expect second invitations. It is unlikely that anyone will pursue you against your will.

A bad smell or strong perfume might work...

Never shower for 45 days, that will be the trick.

 

[Mark Lee]

Maybe wear one of these masks and drag a leg as you walk. That's bound to keep people from socializing with you. You would probably have to get a bit creative though when you stop for cafe con leche in the morning. A plastic drinking straw might be in order.....

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Walk the Camino de Madrid. It will offer all the solitude you may want, and more.

 

[SabsP]

Or the Ruta del Ebro...you will start talking to the trees..believe me...

 

[Icacos]

.......... A mischievous friend of my grandmother's used to wear a clergyman's dog-collar when he travelled by train, as he said it guaranteed him an empty compartment.

Oooooooooh, that's wicked. ..

 

[KinkyOne]

Well, just avoid them whenever it pleases you. Simple as that. Although that won't be possible all the time if staying in albergues

 

[t2andreo]

The Rosary is my favorite...I never considered that... Thanks for the tip.

 

[Icacos]

Well, just avoid them whenever it pleases you. Simple as that. Although that won't be possible all the time if staying in albergues

And I might add ..... Just because one might be in forced close proximity when staying in albergues, it doesn't mean one has to socialize with others, and generally everyone is respectful of others. The only other thing I would mention to the OP is be aware that many albergues offer communal meals. If you don't feel like socializing that day, feel free to decline the offer and go have a quieter meal elsewhere. Buen Camino

 

[KinkyOne]

And I might add ..... Just because one might be in forced close proximity when staying in albergues, it doesn't mean one has to socialize with others, and generally everyone is respectful of others. The only other thing I would mention to the OP is be aware that many albergues offer communal meals. If you don't feel like socializing that day, feel free to decline the offer and go have a quieter meal elsewhere. Buen Camino

Agree completely.
I wanted to emphasize communal "sleeping"

 

[Mark Lee]

I guess what I find so amusing and ironic is when someone asks via a social networking site (net forum) on how to be unsociable, ha ha.
There was another thread on here not long ago where the poster was announcing his plans on being unsociable. That's it, tell thousands of people about how unsociable you are, ha ha.

 

[Felipe]

Most of the Camino sociability is just casual, brief talk; and you can keep it as short and impersonal as you like or feel comfortable.
But if you insist with the idea, I suggest very visible, bulky headphones. That transmits clearly a message: don't talk to me, I am in my own world.

 

[Icacos]

I guess what I find so amusing and ironic is when someone asks via a social networking site (net forum) on how to be unsociable, ha ha.
There was another thread on here not long ago where the poster was announcing his plans on being unsociable. That's it, tell thousands of people about how unsociable you are, ha ha.

Perhaps it depends on one's interpretation of 'socializing.' To me, there is quiet socializing, and the more boisterous, oftentimes alcohol-swilling socializing. I am content with the former, not always with the latter. I think the OP was quite clear that he was somewhere in the middle.

 

[Mark Lee]

Perhaps it depends on one's interpretation of 'socializing.' To me, there is quiet socializing, and the more boisterous, oftentimes alcohol-swilling socializing. I am content with the former, not always with the latter. I think the OP was quite clear that he was somewhere in the middle.

now you talking, mate....

 

[simply B]

I suggest very visible, bulky headphones. That transmits clearly a message: don't talk to me, I am in my own world.

It also says "I am also very comfortable to join the statistical group of 'pilgrims hit in traffic'."

IMHO, anyway.

B

 

[Mikel Olivares]

I only know one way to walk the Camino solo. At Christmas.
Buena suerte y Buen Camino.

 

[vgen5122]

Never shower for 45 days, that will be the trick.

Lol, but everybody that passes you will talk about the guy that didn't shower for 45 days on the Camino! No judgements if this what you want to do, but on the Camino pilgrims talk. It's not in negative ways. Sometimes it's to watch out for hikers that are alone, having trouble walking, or are not feeling well. Sometimes it's about a pilgrim traveling on a horse, or a pilgrims that travels with a donkey. The news is always on the Camino.

 

[rometimed]

Lol, but everybody that passes you will talk about the guy that didn't shower for 45 days on the Camino!

You'll be a stinky legend

 

[SYates]

Just a gentle reminder, this is what the OP originally posted:

... I read a lot of threads about how sociable the Camino is and how many lovely people you will meet and make friends with, and walk with and socialise with. But what about being more solitary....is this possible?? Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a loner but i also do not want to feel 'forced' into socialising! Is it quite possible to be more solitary on the Camino without feeling that you're being a party-pooper?! Please note that i am planning to walk the CdN in June so maybe this will be easier in this sense than the CF?

This need for occasional solitude isn't too unusual amongst pilgrims me thinks, and I know I certainly felt it in the past. Buen Camino! SY

 

[Icacos]

It seems that it doesn't take much on this Forum for things to veer off into irreverence. Mostly, I think it's folks just having fun................hopefully, no offence is taken.

 

[danielc]

Ok, not really! But there is a serious question here...
I read a lot of threads about how sociable the Camino is and how many lovely people you will meet and make friends with, and walk with and socialise with. But what about being more solitary....is this possible??
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a loner but i also do not want to feel 'forced' into socialising!
Is it quite possible to be more solitary on the Camino without feeling that you're being a party-pooper?!

Please note that i am planning to walk the CdN in June so maybe this will be easier in this sense than the CF?

Suggestion – share a bottle of wine or two

 

[ranthr]

I am not the kind of caminowalker who walk the camino to socialize, get a lot of new friends and so on. I walk the camino to live a simple, quiet life for some weeks. It is quite possible. I do some "social studies" while walking, and often find out that the camino is not as glorious social as you read now and then. I see closed groups not letting other people in. I see people that look lonely wanting to "be accepted". As a grandma I get happy when I see that some of the young loners at last have found somebody to walk with or joined a group.
I guess everyone has his own camino. Even if unsocial I tend to come back. I like the Camino Frances because you meet people from all over the world and in all ages. On Via de la Plata I only met 3 people under 40 for 5 weeks. That made me walk to Astorga and finish along the frances.

 

[cher99840]

@Kiko I didn't feel anymore forced to socialize on my 43 day Camino than I feel in my own community or during any other travel adventures. Very rarely do incidents of "pressure" occur in any venue, but when they do I just respond to the "encouragement" with "rebuff". I do not call that being rude; I call it an appropriate response to inappropriate non-acceptance. Mostly in pilgrim meal sharing situations my fellow diners were happy to learn that I don't drink wine, as it meant more for them. If I finished my meal (and water) and left and they finished their wine and ordered another bottle, we were all happy. I met many wonderful people during those 43 days and am still in touch with several of them but I did not have a Camino "family", did not want a Camino family, and feel quite sure that no matter how many Caminos I do, I will never have a Camino family.

 

[Robo]

I guess what I find so amusing and ironic is when someone asks via a social networking site (net forum) on how to be unsociable, ha ha.
There was another thread on here not long ago where the poster was announcing his plans on being unsociable. That's it, tell thousands of people about how unsociable you are, ha ha.

You might want to re read the thread to better understand it and the views/worries being expressed Here. I thought it generated some very interesting discussion.

I think one of the greatest attractions of this Forum, which is a great credit to Ivar, the moderators and 'old hands', is the tremendous sense of support and camaraderie that is created. Quite unlike any other Forum I have participated in.

I think that is why, sometimes....members feel confident enough to post something that might seem a bit 'left field' or downright 'silly'. It's probably because they feel they are amongst friends, who will not ridicule them.

 

[domigee]

I think when you are about to start your journey and slightly apprehensive, if you read things like 'oh it's sooo crowded' and 'you'll never walk alone ', 'you'll make so many friends', it can slightly freak you out, especially if you seek peace and solitude and don't know what to expect.
I just wanted to add my bit, for what it's worth... I walked alone most of the time, I'd say 90 per cent of the time and that was in July/August. I made lots of friends, yes, whom I still keep in touch with to this day but the walking was a different matter. We all gave each other space.
You'll be fine

 

[domigee]

I think that is why, sometimes....members feel confident enough to post something that might seem a bit 'left field' or downright 'silly'. It's probably because they feel they are amongst friends, who will not ridicule them.

I couldn't agree more, you're so right. But I think some things are said 'tongue in cheek', with a lot of humour, not to be taken too seriously.

 

[Robo]

I couldn't agree more, you're so right. But I think some things are said 'tongue in cheek', with a lot of humour, not to be taken too seriously.

Very true. The written word can be so easily mis-understood! Emoticons are handy

 

[domigee]

Yes, it's a wonder we manage so well thank goodness for the emoticons, even though I worry in case I use them wrong lolol

 

[KinkyOne]

I guess what I find so amusing and ironic is when someone asks via a social networking site (net forum) on how to be unsociable, ha ha.
There was another thread on here not long ago where the poster was announcing his plans on being unsociable. That's it, tell thousands of people about how unsociable you are, ha ha.

Preferrably on FB

 

[KinkyOne]

Suggestion – share a bottle of wine or two

Suggestion - DON'T share a bottle of wine and by all means DON'T share two

 

[Camembert]

Do

A rosary is a brilliant idea. A mischievous friend of my grandmother's used to wear a clergyman's dog-collar when he travelled by train, as he said it guaranteed him an empty compartment.

The solitude of the Via de la Plata, for those who, like me, have slightly anchorite tendencies, is to be relished, especially out of season - with chat with locals in the bars in the evenings, if required. One time I didn't see a pilgrim between Fuente de Cantos and Tábara, around 460km, and another time none between Fuenterroble and Ourense (380km).

don't wash your self and your cloths for a week. I am sure I am not going to make acquaintance with you .

 

[Arn]

The Dr is IN: where to start...you want to walk alone on a pilgrimage that for over a thousand years has funneled millions of pilgrims to the exact same location...Santiago!
So, let's think about this. In your real environment: are you surrounded by other folks, or live in your parents basement and the sum total of your existence is the pizza delivery person and the trash man. Or, you work in an office right next to the Xerox and besides the incessant "Zippa...thunk a...Zippa...thunk a" of the machine...folks continue to evade your space with, "can I borrow your stapler?"
Is your need for solitude a matter of space, distance, silence or all the above? If space, in the albergue pick a bunk away from the electrical outlet and the bathroom. Spread your gear over three bunks. Don't worry the expletives will die down in short order.
Distance works best along the Way. People to your front...slow down. Coming up from behind...speed up; or take a pee break until they pass.
Silence is a whole different ball of wax...literally, at beddy-by time, wax in the ears reduces snoring invasion. A sign on your pack that says: meditating...or Sleepwalking...may work.
I personally like the sign that says: "Walking for Charity...Ask me why"
The moral of the story: it's remarkable the lengths some folks will go to gain attention. Giving the impression you want to be alone is guaranteed to create interest and numerous questions...Why." A smile...a nod...a thumbs up...can speak volumes; without saying a word. The pilgrim that doesn't get the hint, actually wants to hear themselves talk rather than enter into a conversation. That's when you stop for that pee break!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Syates, Biarritdon, and Arn...you are always so articulate. I love coming on to see what the old hands think and say. I can't wait to go to Spain. I must wait, but boy, am I eager to get on a plane.

 

[Dutch]

How to avoid....?

Well, euhmm, stay in or don't go would probably work great, but thats no fun is it

 

[Kiko]

Well, i must say that i have enjoyed reading your replies!It's amazing the conclusions people will jump to based upon a fairly simple question asked on an internet forum
So, im not trying to shun humanity! I guess i am asking myself the question of why i want to walk the Camino? What do i want to get out of it?

Well, i guess that what i am looking for personally is more insight into myself and my experience is that i can learn about myself in two ways: by my interactions with other people and by spending time alone and reflecting on my experience. And i think that from this forum, i have picked up that the former is a very strong experience for other people, but i hadn't really picked up on a lot of the latter.

Anyway, that's sort of where my question was coming from....i was just trying to stimulate interesting discussion in a way.

Thanks for all your replies so far, keep 'em coming!

 

[naplesdon]

Don't worry you will have plenty of opportunities for personal insight as well as plenty of opportunities to share your insights with someone over beer or glass of wine. Who knows you might actually find yourself part of a new family, sharing more than few drinks and meals together. It happens.

 

[Sagalouts]

I along with most people on the camino always walk alone,others may walk in the same day and its good to meet them in bars ect,but the day is mine,virtually every body is the same,the most respecful bunch of people i ever met.
one summer on the mesata I sat alone on a bench just basking in the beauty of it all, I was joined on the bench by a young korean girl,we shared the moment together in total silence for 10 to 15 mins and she then moved on, it was perfect.
the people who walk to the end of the world sit on the rocks in their dozens all giving respect to each other its normal

 

[Dutch]

Yep, very true. Most people walk alone. Even couples, real families, friends from back home that came together often choose to walk large parts (of the day) alone. And they join up again at a coffee spot or at the end of their days walk.

Plenty of time and opportunities to NOT meet people, even on the busy camino Frances.

 

[Mark Lee]

Well, i must say that i have enjoyed reading your replies!It's amazing the conclusions people will jump to based upon a fairly simple question asked on an internet forum
So, im not trying to shun humanity! I guess i am asking myself the question of why i want to walk the Camino? What do i want to get out of it?

Well, i guess that what i am looking for personally is more insight into myself and my experience is that i can learn about myself in two ways: by my interactions with other people and by spending time alone and reflecting on my experience. And i think that from this forum, i have picked up that the former is a very strong experience for other people, but i hadn't really picked up on a lot of the latter.

Anyway, that's sort of where my question was coming from....i was just trying to stimulate interesting discussion in a way.

Thanks for all your replies so far, keep 'em coming!

I realize that, and was just being a bit tongue in cheek on my replies.
I think as you walk the Camino, and as you get into a vibe or rhythm of walking it, you will know when you want some solitude and when you want to be a bit more sociable and it's easy enough to do either. Especially as you develop friendships along the way. It's something you really cannot plan. It will come natural. You'll see. Don't think too much about it.
Cheers.

 

[Arn]

Several years ago I responded to a thread on what to expect on Camino.
Several paragraphs later, once I boiled it down, my walk away was...expect the unexpected, the unplanned and the unusual.
We all read about the Camino. We research, slice and dice Camino experiences of others and then create a mental (or in my case written) list of how we relate to what we've read.
If we are fortunate to be members of the Forum family experience shows the only stupid question is the one not asked.
One writer was on Camino for religious reasons, another looking for "spiritual self actualization" and another was a "real pilgrim".
I took a piece here, a comment there and created my self image of a "real pilgrim".
Arriving in Madrid, i found my hold baggage didn't make it. Once I got to SJPDP I thought I was on the road to heaven. The next morning on the uphill to Orisson, I was sure I had made a mistake to think I was still a twenty something year old Marine.
I guess what I am trying to say is that, we have plans and aspirations of what we think or believe our experience along the Way will be, but until that first step, that first uphill, that first blister everything is just speculation.
Unless your a lamprey, attaching yourself to another pilgrim looking for sustenance in the form of company, a sympathetic ear or security...the Camino has a Way of interweaving what you think you need, with what you actually need.
Looking for a new friend? Seeking a time alone.
All is available. Don't worry ... Be happy

 

[alexwalker]

Well, i guess that what i am looking for personally is more insight into myself and my experience is that i can learn about myself in two ways: by my interactions with other people and by spending time alone and reflecting on my experience.

He who does not know, and does not know that he does not know, is a fool: Avoid him.
He who does not know, and knows that that he does not know, is hopeful: Teach him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise: Follow him.

This is an old Chinese saying.

My saying;:

Interact, and you will learn.
Stay alone, and you will stay.

None of us are champions.

 

[lovingkindness]

Interact, and you may learn.
Stay alone, and you'll stay,
Alone, you may learn also...

 

[lovingkindness]

... None of us are champions...

...until we champion ourselves...
or somebody else out there does..... hm, I'm not so sure about all this.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola - now I have not read all 50 posts but I think there are two issues here: (1) walking alone - many on the Camino prefer to walk alone, to be "one" with their thoughts, listen to music or talking books etc. These people however are quite sociable when they get to their overnight stops. Here they are fully prepared to mix with the others; (2) those who wish to be "totally alone"- both on the Camino and at night. This group is probably quite small and I am not at all sure why they are here as "communicating" with fellow pilgrims (at least over a beer or a meal) is one of the joys of the Camino.
Over to you - its your Camino to be experienced and enjoyed as you see fit. Buen Camino

 

[angeliki louk]

From my ex

Ok, not really! But there is a serious question here...
I read a lot of threads about how sociable the Camino is and how many lovely people you will meet and make friends with, and walk with and socialise with. But what about being more solitary....is this possible??
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a loner but i also do not want to feel 'forced' into socialising!
Is it quite possible to be more solitary on the Camino without feeling that you're being a party-pooper?!

Please note that i am planning to walk the CdN in June so maybe this will be easier in this sense than the CF?

from my experience last year on the camino frances,I can tell you that if you want to walk alone you can and if you want to walk with someone else you can also....it's up to you...it's your way...your choices...!
You will really enjoy it!

 

[Saramago]

I agree with the above. Just as in life, best to pick your friends and not let them pick you. It is actually not possible to visit with everyone who wants time with you and to get from point A to point B. In terms of being talked about on the Camino , take everything you hear with a grain of salt. It can be like a game of telephone. Some people I really liked I couldn't keep up with. A lovely Russian named Vladimir was photographing for his elderly mother who had taken the journey in her youth with no images. We had briefly discussed the difficulty of Russians getting tourist visas into the U.S. . Vladimir, if you are out there, we first met at Orisson, also stayed in Zubiri together, and as an upstanding US citizen living near NY, happy to sponsor your travel visa. Get in touch. Pat

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Or the Ruta del Ebro...you will start talking to the trees..believe me...

I am just back from walking the Rute del Ebro. In three weeks I met three other pilgrims - all walking the other way. Not one going my way. I stayed in 4 albergues. In one of them there was one other pilgrim. In the other three I was totally alone.
I think that's what you call solitude..... just writing up my diary now ...
Buen camino!

 

[Saramago]

This year in May I was having a lovely walk in solitude when up behind me came a friendly Italian. He told me he didn't speak any English. To myself, I said "Phew!" - well, apparently he learned it within 20 minutes as I was then given the whole history of Milan for about 2 hrs! Haha Nice guy, though, very pleasant. Then we parted.

 

[LauraK]

now you talking, mate....

Of course you would agree Mark...you are from New Orleans! (Just returned from a wonderful stay in your fine city...they do really know how to make a cocktail there!)

 

[Kanga]

The OP was planning to walk the CdN in June, which is much less crowded than the CF. @Kiko you would have finished by now, how did you find it?

 

[Travellingman]

Well, the other side of the coin.
The OP asks, "is it possible to be solitary on the camino without being a party pooper?"and, "being forced to socialise".
On my second camino, in 2012 (the Frances), I gave up at Najera, after walking from St Jean, totally demoralised by the lack of any interaction with other pilgs. We are told that most walk on their own, but on that trip I found most other pilgrims were definitely in a couple/ group/clique, from which I seemed to be excluded. I wasn't particularly looking for company, and am quite happy to walk on my own, but it just happened that no-one wanted to include me in their gathering. (Afterwards I posted about this, under another username) And, believe me, the old saying is true: "never more lonely than in a crowd".
And, as I've intimated on another thread, le cafard is a problem, not helped by feeling isolated.
However, next month I go for the 10th time, 1.5 times on the Frances already; after that bad walk, I came out of my shell, and subsequent caminos have been, by and large, better.
Maybe the OP could bottle this attractive thing he has, and sell it on to us introverts.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

To find a friend, be a friend. Unnecessary shyness is rarely an asset. Ask to join groups, and you usually we be accepted. Being thin skinned about rejection won't help. Politicians win elections when half the population does not like them. I doubt that one would find 50% rejection on the Camino.

 

[Robo]

I had concerns before my first Camino. Would I be 'forced' to socialise etc. This Thread

Indeed there are two sides to the coin.

I found myself in 'party' groups of 30+ Pilgrims at times, and just had to leave.... Never so lonely as in a crowd......

And yet I rarely dined alone.

I found joining a large group just made me feel isolated. Whereas joining a lone Pilgrim or a group of 2 or 3 inevitably ended up being really nice.

Indeed a Camino could be very lonely, but all it usually takes is the courage to ask "is this seat free"..............

My most memorable meals on the Camino were usually dining with one other Pilgrim or a couple. It was at these times we had the deepest, engaging and most rewarding conversations..... Real 'connections'. They were generally loners too I think

That person sitting alone in a crowded café, might just be crying out for company. They might be ready to share some amazing stories and experiences. Maybe that person was you, or me

 

[Robo]

carry a rosary. When you want to be alone, let it hang from your hand. People will steer clear.

I tried that advice......................but it backfired.................kind of.

I used it to say a prayer of thanks in church everyday. Funny things those Rosaries, they need to carry a warning label

'Handling this item at times of emotional vulnerability, with even an ounce of religious or spiritual feeling, can make Church going addictive'.......

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

So many good (and funny) suggestions, and I hope the OP had a great time. FWIIW, I had similar concerns so for others of a like mind as they prepare: yes, you can find solitude if you want. I walked on most of the Caminos over 90 days; going off-peak season, taking a less travelled route, and choosing non-peak morning departure times makes it easier, but even on the CF in June I managed (the Norte and Primitivo in April --some days I only saw birds, dogs, horses, and cows).

People choose solitude over a walking party for many reasons. I'm a vet with PTSD, and was sorting out my life and remembering lost friends. I wanted to hear the birds, and walk with bunnies and butterflies, not listen to a rehash of the previous night's drunken antics or how one's GF back home doesn't understand them. See how harsh I sounded describing the "social" Camino...let's try not to do that to the social or solitude versions, ok? Everyone walks for their own reason.

I enjoyed meeting new people every night for dinner (I'm blessed with a thick skin and an aviator's ego, so I walked right up to groups of strangers). The OP sounded like he was equally comfortable with that...but to veer for a moment to something someone mentioned here: the less thick skinned solo pilgrim seeking company--and unable to find it. I might suggest that along with encouraging that lonely pilgrim to "just say hello" (an impossible task for some), we might remind those traveling in a pair or group to be on the lookout and make an effort to invite others to join them (for dinner or the next day's walk). It broke my heart to read on a different thread that someone stopped their trip due to feeling so alone.

So solitude seekers--choose the road/time less-travelled, be social when you feel like it, and be kind and cheerful when declining invitations to be more social than you like (each time you are asked...they are offering you what they prize most, human interaction). Understand that more pilgrims fall in the social group, so you may need to put in extra effort to be alone (be prepared to be pleasant while you do so).

And you glorious social butterflies, please remember solo pilgrims come in two versions. One is a solo pilgrim wishing they were part of a group, so be kind and outgoing and invite solos into the fold. If they turn out to be solos seeking solitude please don't take "no thank you" personally, it's not a rebuff of the fellowship you offer. they are just in need of quiet time for introspection, grieving, healing, or other private matters.

 

[LauraK]

So many good (and funny) suggestions, and I hope the OP had a great time. FWIIW, I had similar concerns so for others of a like mind as they prepare: yes, you can find solitude if you want. I walked on most of the Caminos over 90 days; going off-peak season, taking a less travelled route, and choosing non-peak morning departure times makes it easier, but even on the CF in June I managed (the Norte and Primitivo in April --some days I only saw birds, dogs, horses, and cows).

People choose solitude over a walking party for many reasons. I'm a vet with PTSD, and was sorting out my life and remembering lost friends. I wanted to hear the birds, and walk with bunnies and butterflies, not listen to a rehash of the previous night's drunken antics or how one's GF back home doesn't understand them. See how harsh I sounded describing the "social" Camino...let's try not to do that to the social or solitude versions, ok? Everyone walks for their own reason.

I enjoyed meeting new people every night for dinner (I'm blessed with a thick skin and an aviator's ego, so I walked right up to groups of strangers). The OP sounded like he was equally comfortable with that...but to veer for a moment to something someone mentioned here: the less thick skinned solo pilgrim seeking company--and unable to find it. I might suggest that along with encouraging that lonely pilgrim to "just say hello" (an impossible task for some), we might remind those traveling in a pair or group to be on the lookout and make an effort to invite others to join them (for dinner or the next day's walk). It broke my heart to read on a different thread that someone stopped their trip due to feeling so alone.

So solitude seekers--choose the road/time less-travelled, be social when you feel like it, and be kind and cheerful when declining invitations to be more social than you like (each time you are asked...they are offering you what they prize most, human interaction). Understand that more pilgrims fall in the social group, so you may need to put in extra effort to be alone (be prepared to be pleasant while you do so).

And you glorious social butterflies, please remember solo pilgrims come in two versions. One is a solo pilgrim wishing they were part of a group, so be kind and outgoing and invite solos into the fold. If they turn out to be solos seeking solitude please don't take "no thank you" personally, it's not a rebuff of the fellowship you offer. they are just in need of quiet time for introspection, grieving, healing, or other private matters.[/QUOTE

Well said. I'm off tomorrow on what I hope is a quieter Camino Del Salvador. I will be looking to hear those birds and walk with bunnies and butterflies too!

 

[Anniesantiago]

As far as I'm concerned, if you want to have solitude, take a different route, like the Aragones or the Madrid route.
Or, walk in late fall, winter.

 

[Icacos]

As far as I'm concerned, if you want to have solitude, take a different route, like the Aragones or the Madrid route.
Or, walk in late fall, winter.

Annie, I don't think it is as straightforward as that. Some persons may want, or may know they need, some exposure to others but, for whatever reason, may only be able to handle intermittent interaction with them, and only in very small doses. People walk the Way for many and varied reasons. Peregrinos walk with a wide range of physical conditions and, I'm sure, with an equally wide range of mental conditions. If a peregrino, seeking or needing solitude for whatever reason, opts to walk a heavily peopled route like the Francés, it may be because he needs the comfort and security of having others around (to say nothing for the infrastructure), despite his inability to easily socialize. Some emotionally fragile people may be fortunate enough to have companions to walk with - to provide a buffer between them and having to socialize - but not everyone can be so fortunate, and I think that it behooves us, kind and caring fellow-pilgrims that we are, to bear this in mind. I feel that @Smallest_Sparrow said it best, particularly in the last two paragraphs of his post.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Annie, I don't think it is as straightforward as that.

Well, I have to respectfully disagree.
For me, it's pretty straight-forward.

The question as I read it was, "Is it quite possible to be more solitary on the Camino without feeling that you're being a party-pooper?!"

My answer was based on my own experience and needs, since with MCS, I physically NEED to be more solitary on the Camino.

If I walk with the crowds on the Camino Frances, then I DO feel like a party pooper, because people will ask me to dinner or drinks, or maybe to stay in a particular place. I'm usually unable to attend gatherings where people are wearing fragranced laundry products and lotions and perfumes. So when people walk too close, or invite me to dinner or drinks, and they're not meeting outside, I often cannot attend. I'm also unable (generally) to sleep in albergues where they are using fragranced soaps and other products. So I feel like a third wheel.

When I take groups, they know ahead of time they should not wear fragrances, and when I book lodging, I request no fragrance in the room.
I have to control my environment as much as possible.
Not so easy on the CF as on other, less traveled routes.

My solution: When walking on my own, I take a less-busy route or walk off-season.

 

[MTtoCamino]

So many good (and funny) suggestions, and I hope the OP had a great time. FWIIW, I had similar concerns so for others of a like mind as they prepare: yes, you can find solitude if you want. I walked on most of the Caminos over 90 days; going off-peak season, taking a less travelled route, and choosing non-peak morning departure times makes it easier, but even on the CF in June I managed (the Norte and Primitivo in April --some days I only saw birds, dogs, horses, and cows).

People choose solitude over a walking party for many reasons. I'm a vet with PTSD, and was sorting out my life and remembering lost friends. I wanted to hear the birds, and walk with bunnies and butterflies, not listen to a rehash of the previous night's drunken antics or how one's GF back home doesn't understand them. See how harsh I sounded describing the "social" Camino...let's try not to do that to the social or solitude versions, ok? Everyone walks for their own reason.

I enjoyed meeting new people every night for dinner (I'm blessed with a thick skin and an aviator's ego, so I walked right up to groups of strangers). The OP sounded like he was equally comfortable with that...but to veer for a moment to something someone mentioned here: the less thick skinned solo pilgrim seeking company--and unable to find it. I might suggest that along with encouraging that lonely pilgrim to "just say hello" (an impossible task for some), we might remind those traveling in a pair or group to be on the lookout and make an effort to invite others to join them (for dinner or the next day's walk). It broke my heart to read on a different thread that someone stopped their trip due to feeling so alone.

So solitude seekers--choose the road/time less-travelled, be social when you feel like it, and be kind and cheerful when declining invitations to be more social than you like (each time you are asked...they are offering you what they prize most, human interaction). Understand that more pilgrims fall in the social group, so you may need to put in extra effort to be alone (be prepared to be pleasant while you do so).

And you glorious social butterflies, please remember solo pilgrims come in two versions. One is a solo pilgrim wishing they were part of a group, so be kind and outgoing and invite solos into the fold. If they turn out to be solos seeking solitude please don't take "no thank you" personally, it's not a rebuff of the fellowship you offer. they are just in need of quiet time for introspection, grieving, healing, or other private matters.

Very well written!