I'm Becoming Obsessed

[Julie Richards-Stanley]

I'm becoming obsessed with the Camino. Is this normal? I get on the forum whenever I can, I talk about it with friends, family and when teaching my fitness classes - responses run from negative (you can't do something like that on your own) to neutral(why do you want to walk for 2wks) to positive(done it, heard about it, go for it). I'm constantly looking at maps and making plans. Sometimes I get nervous about it sometimes excited but I really want to go with the flow and unwind. Am I going crazy?

 

[Bradypus]

Sadly all too normal. Many of us get that way about our caminos. It's a week since I finished walking the Portugues (central route) and I'm already plotting my next trip. Crazy? - probably but enjoy it anyway

Ultreia!

 

[Julie Richards-Stanley]

Sadly all too normal. Many of us get that way about our caminos. It's a week since I finished walking the Portugues (central route) and I'm already plotting my next trip. Crazy? - probably but enjoy it anyway

Ultreia!

Your Camino has finished already? I've been thinking about you since you left 'cos I will be using the same Bristol flight as you did. You must have had a great Camino if you're 'plotting' already. Can't wait to get started the countdown is on!

 

[Bradypus]

I arrived home in the early hours of Thursday morning. Thinking of walking a pilgrimage route from Sundsvall in Sweden (on the Baltic coast) to Trondheim on the Norwegian coast. 500-odd km. Probably in early summer. Not very well supplied with cheap accommodation so I will take a tent and camp most nights. Should be quite a contrast.

 

[Julie Richards-Stanley]

I arrived home in the early hours of Thursday morning. Thinking of walking a pilgrimage route from Sundsvall in Sweden (on the Baltic coast) to Trondheim on the Norwegian coast. 500-odd km. Probably in early summer. Not very well supplied with cheap accommodation so I will take a tent and camp most nights. Should be quite a contrast.

Hope you have a great time

 

[rometimed]

Missing them like crazy Walked for 6 months last year and this year has been quite a lot of sitting around *sigh*

 

[koilife]

Am I going crazy?

Yes. To take time away from the shallow poverties of life, the stresses of work, the distractions and noise of the everyday world . . . to slip into a world where all that matters is good conversation, kindness, gratitude, vino tinto and cafe con leche, the heart's posture of listening, the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other over and over again, and the amazing change in thought processes, values, and priorities . . .

The whole world should be so crazy!

 

[Bradypus]

Welcome to the Club! Rambled on this pm with the receptionist as I was leaving work. Poor man.

Someone posted this on the Facebook VF group recently. Sure they won't mind me sharing it here:

 

[Stivandrer]

Normal. Hmmm! probably not, and from whose perspective ?
- characteristic, Yes !!
But you can tell us, we understand all too well...
- it is under the pillow at nigt and you wake up early rearing to go....

 

[Kev]

Welcome to the club, admission free, life long addiction sure to result.

 

[Chacharm]

Oh man that is the best part! In the year after we walked my son and I were laughing over the (not so subtle) habit of trying to insert stories about the Camino into every conversation with everyone we met.
Last year I walked for a couple of weeks before I fell and messed up my ankle and ended my Camino rather abruptly. I left my pack and gear with my friend in France. It is killing me not to have my pack with me to comb through and prepare for next month when I am going again.
Become obsessed! Talk about it and read about it and watch The Way again and bore your friends - it really is half the fun

 

[Michael Caleigh]

Same here. I already packed and I am leaving in six months...lol

 

[Priscilla NC]

Yes. To take time away from the shallow poverties of life,

The shallow poverties of life.... love it! I'm so looking forward to my first camino -- 45 days!

 

[koilife]

The shallow poverties of life.... love it! I'm so looking forward to my first camino -- 45 days!

Buen Camino!

 

[Priscilla NC]

Buen Camino!

Thanks! And to you!

 

[gittiharre]

Haha! Me too. I have 2 designated drawers for my Camino gear. My pack can be ready in a flash. I have done 8 Caminos now in various countries since 2006. Somewhere in the region of 5000 km. This year I will be doing 2. Simply because I have been diagnosed with an aggressive early stage cancer and I do not know where I will be on the health front. So I decided to go for it so to speak.

 

[SusieQ2]

I'm obviously obsessed with planning mine. I feel as if it has all ready begun. I've been on several cross country camping trips in the past and when I return to "home sweet home", I always have a strange, indescribable "lost" feeling. As great as it is to return home, I almost feel like I don't belong in one place, even with what little routine or chaos my daily life has, I feel like I should not be inside four walls.

 

[gidivet]

Welcome, you're in good company. This is my new "normal". Always plotting the next walk.

 

[Icacos]

In the year after we walked my son and I were laughing over the (not so subtle) habit of trying to insert stories about the Camino into every conversation with everyone we met.

It's been three years, and I believe I've finally broken that habit; I can now hold my tongue. But it's time to go again. Buen Camino!

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Julie - what a fantastic thread! All the responses have been great. Thanks to you and to all who've responded.

I, like the majority of Forum members - am completely obsessed. At the moment I'm obsessed with preparations - weighing everything and discarding anything a bit bulky etc. - and it's over four months until I leave! Maggie's (Magwood) wonderful packing list is my model for my own list. The preparations have even included trialling Camino haircuts - ie a cut that will look reasonably stylish without using a hairdryer as obviously I can't take one on the Camino - way too heavy and bulky. I turned up at the physio a couple of weeks back with the new cut and Glenn (physio) said wow - you look different with the short hair. I explained why I had had the cut and he, knowing about ALL the other Camino preparations said to me: "Jenny, you're doing as much preparation as an astronaut who's going into outer space would do!" I have to say that sometimes it does feel a bit like that, but I'm loving it!!!

Cheers - Jenny

 

[Buz Radican]

Same here. I already packed and I am leaving in six months...lol

Ticket in hand. Leaving 4 October for Number 2.

 

[auldies]

Haha! Me too. I have 2 designated drawers for my Camino gear. My pack can be ready in a flash. I have done 8 Caminos now in various countries since 2006. Somewhere in the region of 5000 km. This year I will be doing 2. Simply because I have been diagnosed with an aggressive early stage cancer and I do not know where I will be on the health front. So I decided to go for it so to speak.

Wishing you healthy and safe Caminos this year and many more in the years to come.
Ultreia and Buen Camino
Carol

 

[Julie Richards-Stanley]

Welcome to the Club! Rambled on this pm with the receptionist as I was leaving work. Poor man.

Some of my spin class pupils volunteered themselves for one of my training walks today. Because of the forum I could answer their questions on such diverse subjects as why leaving human wee/other is not a good idea to tackling bed bugs to how many pilgrims do the Camino each year. Thankyou forum members and thankyou for everyone for making me feel 'normal' about my obsession.

 

[Julie Richards-Stanley]

Hi Julie - what a fantastic thread! All the responses have been great. Thanks to you and to all who've responded.

I, like the majority of Forum members - am completely obsessed. At the moment I'm obsessed with preparations - weighing everything and discarding anything a bit bulky etc. - and it's over four months until I leave! Maggie's (Magwood) wonderful packing list is my model for my own list. The preparations have even included trialling Camino haircuts - ie a cut that will look reasonably stylish without using a hairdryer as obviously I can't take one on the Camino - way too heavy and bulky. I turned up at the physio a couple of weeks back with the new cut and Glenn (physio) said wow - you look different with the short hair. I explained why I had had the cut and he, knowing about ALL the other Camino preparations said to me: "Jenny, you're doing as much preparation as an astronaut who's going into outer space would do!" I have to say that sometimes it does feel a bit like that, but I'm loving it!!!

Cheers - Jenny

I know all about weighing everything and I too am using 'Magwoods' packing list as a guide.

 

[Joodle]

I'm becoming obsessed with the Camino. Is this normal? I get on the forum whenever I can, I talk about it with friends, family and when teaching my fitness classes - responses run from negative (you can't do something like that on your own) to neutral(why do you want to walk for 2wks) to positive(done it, heard about it, go for it). I'm constantly looking at maps and making plans. Sometimes I get nervous about it sometimes excited but I really want to go with the flow and unwind. Am I going crazy?

If you are going crazy, then it's a trip we're all taking with you. All Aboard!!! I am totally obsessed with getting ready and planning for my May/June Camino. My husband takes on this funny look, that to me is saying, "I'm trying to listen and show you respect and I know you're excited, but how much can you talk about it" kind of face. We both laughed about it when I pointed it out. He said that's exactly how he feels, but I can still talk to him about my plans. He's a keeper!!

 

[Chacharm]

Oh I blame THIS thread for my shopping yesterday! I started thinking about my pack (the one in France) and all the little ways I had ended up not liking it last year. So naturally I went right out and found a new one I am absolutely certain will be the most perfect pack ever! (Not too big, not too small, mesh to keep my back cool, perfect hydration...) and NATURALLY I found some sweet Patagonia underwear on sale and a couple of new pairs of Smartwool socks.
Now I am really getting excited!

 

[Rupert Canales]

I'm becoming obsessed with the Camino. Is this normal? I get on the forum whenever I can, I talk about it with friends, family and when teaching my fitness classes - responses run from negative (you can't do something like that on your own) to neutral(why do you want to walk for 2wks) to positive(done it, heard about it, go for it). I'm constantly looking at maps and making plans. Sometimes I get nervous about it sometimes excited but I really want to go with the flow and unwind. Am I going crazy?

This is exactly why I read these posts. To deal with the emotional anxiety of planning the next camino or first in my case. Reading all the posts reassures my own emotions that I'm not alone. Thanks to all the wonderful posts from the amazing community of pilgrims.
Buen Camino.

 

[kristy one]

I'm becoming obsessed with the Camino. Is this normal? I get on the forum whenever I can, I talk about it with friends, family and when teaching my fitness classes - responses run from negative (you can't do something like that on your own) to neutral(why do you want to walk for 2wks) to positive(done it, heard about it, go for it). I'm constantly looking at maps and making plans. Sometimes I get nervous about it sometimes excited but I really want to go with the flow and unwind. Am I going crazy?

Familiar feeling Always visit me before traveling adventures. However I try to restrict the over-planing, which I feel is counterproductive. Instead having polished my packing list, I try to pack and unpack the backpack in complete darkness. I have found such skills to manage own stuff in a blind fashion add required confidence and are pretty useful on the trail.

 

[Kanga]

I can't walk into a clothing store without thinking how suitable each garment would be for the camino. Or not. And I confess to having just ordered a silk fitted sheet (instead of the shroud-like feeling of a liner).

 

[auldies]

I can't walk into a clothing store without thinking how suitable each garment would be for the camino. Or not. And I confess to having just ordered a silk fitted sheet (instead of the shroud-like feeling of a liner).

This is sooo...........funny.
I'm exactly like @Kanga.
Haven't bought any clothing that isn't lightweight, or merino, or blister friendly in quite a long time
It's all about the Camino!!!
42 sleeps and counting........

 

[Angie94]

I have found an additional "outlet" for being able to talk about the camino! I have zipped the lip with family members and longstanding friends, as I can sense they are quite happy about it but I don't want to wear out my welcome on the topic ~ but I frequently have opportunities to meet new people and so whenever I casually strike up a conversation with someone at the library, walking trails, nature center, museums, support groups I attend, or shopping (of which I am also now suffering from the same first thought in my mind "would this work on the camino?" type of thinking) anyway, I tell them what I have planned and then more times than not, their eyes light up and they tilt their head to side and say, "What? What is that? Tell me more!" and so I do....as someone so kindly did for me.

Even if this helps just one person hear the call and decide to go for whatever reason, it is worth it, because honestly it is has been a lifesaver for me this year and I haven't even walked yet. But like others have said "Your camino starts long before the walking begins" I am grateful.

Blessings...

 

[Joodle]

I am totally obsessed. I sit here today cuddled into my down sleeping bag, in my favorite chair feeling lucky that I'm sick with a terrible cold and sinus congestion, so I can just sit and read more info on the camino. I don't have the energy for anything else, so I am trying to plan my "stages". Other than feeling like my eyes are going to pop out of my head, it's a good day. Can anyone tell me what the halfway point on the CF is supposed to be? I need to get to Santiago in time for my trip home. I'm trying to plan rest days. Thanks

 

[Joodle]

Same here. I already packed and I am leaving in six months...lol

My pack sits at the end of our bed. My husband just laughs! I don't leave until May

 

[Bradypus]

Can anyone tell me what the halfway point on the CF is supposed to be?

Very near Sahagun apparently.

 

[Joodle]

Very near Sahagun apparently.

Thanks. I'll look for that on my map. It's probably somewhere in the middle?

 

[LouiseEdin]

I too am totally obsessed, but that was a good thing, spent many months fine tuning my packing list, and wouldn't change much for my second camino. Even had to buy another lipstick

 

[Joodle]

I too am totally obsessed, but that was a good thing, spent many months fine tuning my packing list, and wouldn't change much for my second camino. Even had to buy another lipstick

What is one "luxury" item you took that you are glad you did?

 

[kristy one]

I am totally obsessed. I sit here today cuddled into my down sleeping bag, in my favorite chair feeling lucky that I'm sick with a terrible cold and sinus congestion, so I can just sit and read more info on the camino. I don't have the energy for anything else, so I am trying to plan my "stages". Other than feeling like my eyes are going to pop out of my head, it's a good day. Can anyone tell me what the halfway point on the CF is supposed to be? I need to get to Santiago in time for my trip home. I'm trying to plan rest days. Thanks

What about the cold, then there is a wonderful remedy, scaring away everyone, including viruses, vampires and other nasty creatures It is a garlic. Not so popular nowadays, but in combination with camomile tee and some honey it brings me up in no time.
The halfway, yes it is about Sahagun. I felt there like in very special place. You can get there even a very nice certificate from a local church. Most importantly, leaving Sahagun, take the old Roman road, otherwise an alternative is pretty boring walk along a highway.

 

[LouiseEdin]

For me they were all essential, right down to the platypus as hot water bottle, have raynauds disease, so I could get warm after sitting outside of an evening

 

[Joodle]

What is one "luxury" item you took that you are glad you did?

and one thing that you wouldn'

What about the cold, then there is a wonderful remedy, scaring away everyone, including viruses, vampires and other nasty creatures It is a garlic. Not so popular nowadays, but in combination with camomile tee and some honey it brings me up in no time.
The halfway, yes it is about Sahagun. I felt there like in very special place. You can get there even a very nice certificate from a local church. Most importantly, leaving Sahagun, take the old Roman road, otherwise an alternative is pretty boring walk along a highway.

Thank you. I will remember to take the old Roman road.

 

[Liana]

I'm becoming obsessed with the Camino. Is this normal? I get on the forum whenever I can, I talk about it with friends, family and when teaching my fitness classes - responses run from negative (you can't do something like that on your own) to neutral(why do you want to walk for 2wks) to positive(done it, heard about it, go for it). I'm constantly looking at maps and making plans. Sometimes I get nervous about it sometimes excited but I really want to go with the flow and unwind. Am I going crazy?

I was the same way last year, when planning my first "Portuguese" in July and contemplating turning "50"! . Now looking back, it's amazing how everything "fell into place" because of "Him". He is now making it possible to walk again in July, but this time I will be walking with my 20 y.o, son, PRICELESS! I do the same thing when I am "out and about", I talk to anyone who seems interested and have "peaked" interest in others. I belong to a local camino chapter and have met
and walk with some wonderful and interesting people, that alone is worth it. I hosted out first camino potluck last week and it started my "obsession again", my poor husband, especially since he won't be able to join me in July. It is very true
that your "camino begins when you even just start thinking about walking" and how it continues long after returning home! Bom Camino