I am planning to begin my walk from SPP 30th April 2015 I am starting to get butterflies!

[jenny hall]

Will I be fit enough, will I manage on my own, will I have enough money etc, etc

 

[SYates]

If you aren't fit enough when starting out, you will certainly be fitter on arrival in SdC. Just take the first few days slowly and plan your way so that you don't have any stress about 'I need to walk everyday xyz kilometres'.
If will never be alone, unless you wish so, there are plenty of other pilgrims around that time of the year. You will soon find 'your' Camino family.
The cost of a simple living pilgrim are around 25 Euro / day, if you are living very frugal even less.
Butterflies are normal at this stage, they mean you are already falling in love with the Camino
Buen Camino! SY

 

[Pilgrim-S-414]

One lesson I learned on the Camino is letting go of worry... most of it at least ... and take things one step at the time.

Here is a summary of Camino tips I found useful
https://mywaycamino.wordpress.com/tips-and-advice/
... hope it helps.
Buen Camino!

 

[wayfarer]

Hi Jennie, butterflies are normal, a bit like stage fright, they will disappear after the first few steps. Enjoy your Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[tpmchugh]

Will I be fit enough, will I manage on my own, will I have enough money etc, etc

When I started out March 2013, I had all the same doubts and fears, when I went back September 2013, it was just as bad and at the minute I am suffering again as I prepare for my next trip April 15th. The thought of the Pyrenees, be it Route Napolean or Valcarlos is terrifying me but for me as for you, it will be allright on the night

 

[Former member 42123]

Hi Jenny,in 2013 I set off from SJPdP ,also very nervous.I had a 9pm arrival the day before due to train problems from Paris.I found a bed in a private house as all others taken.At 0700 I stood on the front doorstep,looking down the cobbled hill,checking my rucksack straps,when a little old lady came out of the house opposite.She obviously knew where I was going,she held a finger up as of to say"wait".She took each of my hands in each of hers and speaking in Spanish,of which I knew very little,moving myhands up and down.She then put my hands in the prayer position and placed hers outside them ,still speaking in what I now assumed to be a prayer.She then released my hands,pointed down the hill,said Buen Camino and Via Con Dios.I began my Camino with tears streaming down my face.That was my first Camino moment.I wish you many.

 

[wayfarer]

Hi Jenny,in 2013 I set off from SJPdP ,also very nervous.I had a 9pm arrival the day before due to train problems from Paris.I found a bed in a private house as all others taken.At 0700 I stood on the front doorstep,looking down the cobbled hill,checking my rucksack straps,when a little old lady came out of the house opposite.She obviously knew where I was going,she held a finger up as of to say"wait".She took each of my hands in each of hers and speaking in Spanish,of which I knew very little,moving myhands up and down.She then put my hands in the prayer position and placed hers outside them ,still speaking in what I now assumed to be a prayer.She then released my hands,pointed down the hill,said Buen Camino and Via Con Dios.I began my Camino with tears streaming down my face.That was my first Camino moment.I wish you many.

What a beautiful moving moment, thank you Philip.

 

[Mark Lee]

No worries. It will all be good, and later you will wonder why you were worried in the first place.

 

[Felipe]

Will I be fit enough, will I manage on my own, will I have enough money etc, etc

Abridged logbook from my first pilgrimage (that could be yours, too).
Day 1. Finally! I am delighted to be here, after so many doubts and planning.
Day 2. I am tired..a blister seems growing in my right foot...
Day 3. I am exhausted! It hurts! Not sure If I can do this.
Day 5. No problem at all. I can walk no matter what distance. This is great!

Buen camino!

 

[Al the optimist]

Lovely Philip. Maybe this exemplifies what surprises can (and do) occur on one's Camino. Normal to be a little agitated but once there everything falls into place. Then all you have to do is walk!

 

[Kathy F.]

Jenny, do you have faith that you will make it all the way to Santiago? Then don't worry. The Camino will provide in ways you can't imagine right now.
Buen Camino!
P.S. - This forum is populated by people who have walked the Camino, many of them several times, starting in all stages of fitness, of all ages, from many origins and for uncountable individual reasons. Ninety-nine percent have succeeded (and that one percent is still planning). Of course you're ready! You're here. That means you're one of us! Welcome and get ready for an adventure..

 

[Bernard duffy]

Hold on to those butterflies,you may need them to get you over the Pyrenees

 

[jenny hall]

Hi Jenny,in 2013 I set off from SJPdP ,also very nervous.I had a 9pm arrival the day before due to train problems from Paris.I found a bed in a private house as all others taken.At 0700 I stood on the front doorstep,looking down the cobbled hill,checking my rucksack straps,when a little old lady came out of the house opposite.She obviously knew where I was going,she held a finger up as of to say"wait".She took each of my hands in each of hers and speaking in Spanish,of which I knew very little,moving myhands up and down.She then put my hands in the prayer position and placed hers outside them ,still speaking in what I now assumed to be a prayer.She then released my hands,pointed down the hill,said Buen Camino and Via Con Dios.I began my Camino with tears streaming down my face.That was my first Camino moment.I wish you many.

wow I have tears in my eyes now!! thank you for sharing that with me I too am looking forward to some memorable moments!!

 

[BuenCamino]

So excited for you, I walked my camino last year.
My tips:
Use Vaseline on your feet every day - helps prevent blisters
get yourself a buff - so many uses, shower cloth, hair towel, under your hat to protect your neck from the sun, hair tie, protect face from dust or cold, neck warmer, head band... Etc
Have a water bladder with a hose in your pack - you'll drink more hands free
Use walking poles, stops hands from swelling, good for knees ankles etc and helps you balance in some of the rough or muddy terrain - great biceps/triceps by the time u get to Santiago!
Get good sandals like Teva's, I sometimes walked 10 or more kms in them - let your feet air, great in the shower, quick drying, strong shoes for long distances.
For €3-5 you can have your bag transported. I took a light waterproof satchel large one for my pack and transported whatever I did not need for the day to wherever I was staying. I had major foot pain so the reduction of the weight in my pack meant I could walk 20-30 km.. That and the teva's so I could get out of my boots..
Buen Camino!
Ps the camino shop in St Jean sells the poles and rubber tips for a fraction of what you pay in Australia

 

[jenny hall]

So excited for you, I walked my camino last year.
My tips:
Use Vaseline on your feet every day - helps prevent blisters
get yourself a buff - so many uses, shower cloth, hair towel, under your hat to protect your neck from the sun, hair tie, protect face from dust or cold, neck warmer, head band... Etc
Have a water bladder with a hose in your pack - you'll drink more hands free
Use walking poles, stops hands from swelling, good for knees ankles etc and helps you balance in some of the rough or muddy terrain - great biceps/triceps by the time u get to Santiago!
Get good sandals like Teva's, I sometimes walked 10 or more kms in them - let your feet air, great in the shower, quick drying, strong shoes for long distances.
For €3-5 you can have your bag transported. I took a light waterproof satchel large one for my pack and transported whatever I did not need for the day to wherever I was staying. I had major foot pain so the reduction of the weight in my pack meant I could walk 20-30 km.. That and the teva's so I could get out of my boots..
Buen Camino!
Ps the camino shop in St Jean sells the poles and rubber tips for a fraction of what you pay in Australia

Thanks so much I will take that all on board

 

[david g]

Jenny, I'm starting the same day as you and if it's any consolation I'm feeling the same thing, and this is my second time out. Part of it is the anxiety I feel whenever I'm getting ready to travel somewhere. (Did I remember to pack everything? Have I given my info to the people who need it? Where's my passport? WHERE'S MY PASSPORT??!!) But this time is a little different for me, since it is the second time. Will I be able to be as open to the entire experience in the same way I was last time or am I going to be comparing this time with the last? I just don't want to have preconceived ideas. I want to go with the flow and let it be what it will be. Maybe that's my challenge for this Camino, learning how to appreciate it in a slightly different way this time.

 

[hunsta]

Will I be fit enough, will I manage on my own, will I have enough money etc, etc

You only have butterflies at this stage Jenny? I have emus flapping around in my gut and Im only a week behind you.

 

[Robo]

One lesson I learned on the Camino is letting go of worry... most of it at least ... and take things one step at the time.

Here is a summary of Camino tips I found useful
https://mywaycamino.wordpress.com/tips-and-advice/
... hope it helps.
Buen Camino!

Useful tips on your Blog. Thanks