- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23
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Hi Robo, I'm thinking aloud here also.OK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
.I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about.
OK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
What a lovely post. Seriously what are you worried about? It can be seen from your post the love,respect and regard that you have for your wife shines through in bucketfuls and You sound like a lovely caring person andthink this will be a wonderful experience for both of you. It will be a different experience of course from what you described but it might even be a better one for yourself. Of course she won't have the very same experience as you did simply because she is not you but an individual in her own right and that's the same for everyone surely? Our first Camino was a wonderful experience in 2005 and we were surprised that this years one was even better. This time we stayed in hotels or pensions as we did not walk as pilgrims and did not think we should take a pilgrims bed, but it did not stop us meeting some wonderful people or wanting to walk then on our own,and group walking for us is a definite no no I'm afraid. We often walk together or sometimes at a different pace. We often chat and we often argue! We laugh a lot and talk to many along the way about where they come from etc. We listen to our own music or just enjoy the scenery and have have lots of coffee stops. Really I guess much the same as when we are at home but without the responsibilitys that brings. Would you think of walking the Meseta with the wide open spaces or the lovely section after hospital origba? Also why not get a bus now and then if your wife feels tired and not able to walk long distances or spend a few nights in a place that you both might like. The fact that pat wants to walk the Camino with you is testament to the peace that you so obviously found there. Like Pat I would not like to walk alone and have never walked distances on my own so can't comment on that. We walk thousands of km each year and so far so good! We are just lucky I guess to enjoy the same walking and you might find the same thing too. Walking anywhere really is a time for reflection whether on your own or with your significant other. Please forgive me if I have rambled too much but I feel in my bones that this will be a good time for you and your wife .OK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
Hi Robo do you remember we met each other. Just approaching Melide my wife and me,we had a drink together and shared our joys profound experiences and also our sufferings. You may remember that my wife walked the same distances as myself but not always at the same pace, so she was often in front of me. We made arrangements like "see you at the next bar" but most of the time we were in sight of each other but able to make our own way in silence or with making new friends. This worked out well for us both agreeing to do our own camino's. Annie also has some good ideas I like so Buen Camino mate. b
The Camino tends to give you the time we lack in our busy lives to dredge buried issues up to the surface, and force us to face them.
It can be a little scary for a couple, as well as being a great adventure!
Go with an open heart.
Be ready to communicate.
Let it REALLY be HER Camino.
You've done it.
Let her do it now.
Be helpful but not intrusive.
If you have plans to walk 28 kilometers and she is ready to quit at 20k, don't try to convince her to keep going... just stop and find lodging.
If she has only walked 4k and wants to stop because her feet are hurting and you know there is a bar 2k up the road, don't nudge her to "just go 2k more.".... just stop.
Don't prod her to go "just a little further."
Follow her lead.
And have a Buen Camino!
If you have 2 to 3 weeks consider Porto, Portugal to Santiago. Beautiful walk. Not a lot of steep climbs. Great verity of accommodationsome and food venues. Buen CaminoOK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
I am also thinking out loud here. I have both walked alone and walked for almost two weeks with someone I met on the Camino. I agree, it is totally different. Each has its own pros and cons so I am not certain which I would choose. Luckily the person I walked with had already walked the Camino and he almost never had any "avoid this", "wait for this" agenda or comments. We walked together at my (slower) pace although we had always walked about the same daily distances. I had been very comfortable walking alone but I learned that the same things are a lot more fun when doing them with another person.
@Robo, I am in a similar position - planning to walk with my wife next year. When I showed her your post, her immediate reaction was 'Oh, no. I'll team up with Pat.'
As others have said, walking alone or largely alone is just one way, and the experience of walking for a large part of the way with someone else is a different way with different experiences. In my case, I walked with someone else out to Muxia and then Finisterre. We did not need to walk together, but found we both walked at much the same pace, wanted to stay in the same places, etc. I think walking with one's partner will require different approaches again, whether it is to the physical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual dimensions of how I will accommodate the needs of my wife. I also don't think this accommodation will be a one-way street. I know that I am likely to have demands on how things are done, perhaps unconsciously, that will need to be negotiated at the same time as I need to accommodate what my wife will want or need to do.
I think of these things as boundaries. When I walk alone, I have different boundaries to those times we do things together. The physical boundaries are perhaps more obvious, but the same phenomena exists in all dimensions of our lives. As others have suggested, there are times when you might undertake separate activities, such as walking apart and meeting up during the day, so that both of you can achieve your own goals. My wife and I do this, but try to make it a relatively small proportion of the time that we can be together. For us, after all, the time we can spend together is precious and we want to make sure that we get the balance right.
If you have 2 to 3 weeks consider Porto, Portugal to Santiago. Beautiful walk. Not a lot of steep climbs. Great verity of accommodationsome and food venues. Buen Camino
Happy Trails
That's certainly worth thinking about.
Though I suppose I'm thinking of the CF because I 'know' it and can therefore make an informed decision if Pat wants to slow down, miss a section or whatever. I'll know what we are 'getting into' as it were. A 'new' Camino could cause additional challenges. "Why didn't you research this better"? "Didn't you realise there were no places to stay here other than the Albergue"?
If I know what's ahead.......we stand a better chance of finishing still married
I'm being a bit unkind. But hey. Guys. Help me out here! Am I the only Husband that plans in this way?
Robo, I see things a bit different.
At one point you said that you'll "actually have each other for company all the time. " If you are concerned about being together all the time it could mean that you two are not enough used to be with the other. Maybe you don't spend enough time together at the end of the day, maybe you don't have enough common things to do and enjoy, maybe you see things and life quite differently (as you said: "These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.").
I must say I went alone, so I don't have the experience of a companion all the way. Instead, I've seen couples having hard times when they shouldn't have, when they should have enjoyed walking on the Camino.
Also, she didn't have her Camino yet , despite the fact that you are very willing to consider the next camino as such. It seems to me that you felt a kind of urge of going on the Camino, while your wife feels like walking with you on the Camino, not otherwise.
In short, keep in mind that it is not about walking together, it is about walking together on the Camino.
It does sound like you had the ultimate experience whilst alone. And if your wife is not at the same place of certainty and contentment, is there even a remote possibility that she would do a section on her own? ..allowing her the chance to let it wash over her...as her.All Good points. We do actually spend a lot of time together. I often jest that being married to a Thai lady is rather like having a Vulcan Mind Meld
My comment about having each other for company was more from the perspective that it would be 'comfortable'. In that we wouldn't feel the 'need' to engage with other Pilgrims as much.
I think we'll just set out and see what happens. No pre conceived ideas or expectations....
It does sound like you had the ultimate experience whilst alone. And if your wife is not at the same place of certainty and contentment, is there even a remote possibility that she would do a section on her own? ..allowing her the chance to let it wash over her...as her.
personally speaking I think the camino, as a searching or spiritual journey is a solo gig.....
Don't undermine her, or let her undermine herself. Why on hearth would she not be able to walk alone? When I fist walked, going down the El Perdon I ran into. 74 year old Aussie woman who married at 18 and had since then NEVER spent a night away from her hubby. She felt like. 12 year old again, happy, light hearted, free, proud, and in love like never before.I tend to agree.
But for those who for whatever reason, would not be able to walk alone, maybe we cam let them have an experience that is close.....
I have been enjoying this thread. My wife and I are walking the Camino March and April 2016. We have been married 43 years and do everything together. She has traveled independently internationally and so have I, but when we are together we are. We have backpacked in Germany, Switzerland and Africa, but this will be the first time on the Camino. We hike in the Cascade and Olympic mountains here in Washington sometime at our individual paces or together paces. We talk when we want and also live in silence for long periods of time. My wife had a complete knee replacement last January and another knee surgery in March, so we will take as much time as we need. For all of you individually or together.
Ultreya
Bien Camino
Don't undermine her, or let her undermine herself. Why on hearth would she not be able to walk alone? When I fist walked, going down the El Perdon I ran into. 74 year old Aussie woman who married at 18 and had since then NEVER spent a night away from her hubby. She felt like. 12 year old again, happy, light hearted, free, proud, and in love like never before.
but, on the upside, there'll be two sets of eyes to spot those elusive arrows and you'll both be a great support to each other when one is tired or aching.We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of.
You obviously don't want her with you-that doesn't make you a bad guy
Hey you!
I must admit, that these thoughts you have seem funny to me. I just turned 21, and when I was walking the camino, I was indeed walking it with my significant other, my one true love of 22 years. I don't know how old you are, but this is your wife you're talking about, right? Shouldn't these thoughts be long gone by your years of marriage?
I know that I am young, but my experience from walking the camino with my boyfriend was wonderful. Absolutely. I don't regret anything and I would do it again if he was up for it. Actually I invited him to my second camino, but he is not sure whether he is ready to walk again at that time.
Don't trouble yourself with these worries. If you truly love her, which I believe you do, because you wouldn't marry her if you didn't, you will experience, that it will not be a problem at all. Sore back? She will massage you. She has a sore ankle? You will massage her. You will talk forever, and sometimes not at all. Believe me. It is wonderful.
Much love,
Skandinaviangirl
Not sure where you get that idea from ?I actually do want to walk with my wife, very much.
She is not the kind of person who would normally do something like the Camino though. Very much a City girl.
But if walking with me, she can even experience a part of what I did walking alone early this year, she'll have an amazing experience. And therefore so will I
It will be a challenge I have no doubt. I suspect that walking alone is so much easier in comparison.
OK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
OK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
OK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
OK, let me explain.... she's not 'that' scary
This year I walked the CF from St Jean and found it to be a deeply profound experience. I think mainly because I walked alone. The solitude was what I needed. And I found the loneliness to be a really positive factor. It allowed me to ponder and reflect.
I sought out company when I felt I needed it. Company found me when others needed it. The journey was a challenge and a joy on so many levels.
OK....
Next year my wife Pat wants to walk with me. We plan to just walk from Sarria. She wants to 'sample' the Camino and also get a Compostella. So the 'final 100' seemed ideal.
But I've suggested we might try a couple of short earlier sections, to get a flavour of the other 'environments' the Camino has to offer. I mean let's be honest here. The final 100 kms is a very different section and not the best....
So we planned to walk a day to pass the Cruz de Ferro. And maybe a day on another really beautiful section. Pat is not really 'up to' a significant distance physically or emotionally. (just accept that for now)
Tonight we started talking about the 'meaning of life' our life's purpose, what makes us happy and so on. These things I managed to sort out very clearly in my head whilst walking this year. For her it's still confused and gets her down at times.
So I broached the idea of a longer walk together. Maybe three weeks. I found that two weeks got me into the 'zone' in terms of reflection and seeking answers. Three weeks was ideal. She's quite keen on the idea.
I explained that in my view, it's not at all about how far we walk, but merely hours, days and weeks on the road'. That time spent 'away from the World' and its distractions. Time to reflect, ponder, pray, question....
But now the scary bit.....
I found that it worked really well walking on my own. The isolation and loneliness actually enhanced the experience.
What on earth is it like walking with a 'significant other'? I can't imagine? It would totally change the experience.
I'm totally happy that it will be 'her Camino'. We'll walk at her pace etc. But we'll actually have each other for company all the time. We'll have each other to be concerned about. We'll have two sets of feet to take care of. We won't feel the need at times to 'seek out' the company of other Pilgrims. Or welcome the company of a lonely Pilgrim on the road. Because we'll have each other...
I suppose what I'm thinking, is that she won't be able to have the same experience I had, because that would mean walking alone. (which she would never do. Again, just accept that)
And will the 'partnered' experience be as valuable in terms of the soul searching element of the Camino. I would have found that really difficult being 'in company' all the time.
Sorry if this is not very coherent!
When we just planned to walk from Sarria, I was totally cool with the idea. After all, it's really just an extended Sunday walk in the company of a thousand, sometimes noisy, friends.
Whereas for me, in my very limited experience of one Camino, a walk of 2-3 weeks is a totally different thing....and a very different experience.
Maybe if you have walked alone and with a partner you could share your thoughts on what the main differences were? What you gained? What you missed out on?
Just thinking aloud here....
Hi Robo,
. . . . . . . . . . . We both had bad days, when we were either in pain or just grumpy, but thankfully we were not in pain or just grumpy on the same day and this was great because a big hug or telling each other to dig deep was what we needed to get through the day. . . . . . . . . . .
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