Introduction

[Martythepilgrim]

Hello!

Martythepilgrim here...making my first post and wondering if my dream will come true. I'm looking to make the walk in the Fall of 2014. I've been doing lots of reading and thinking. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to walk the French Route. (The route through Portugal looks tempting too) I'm trying to decide on a good start time that will still have decent weather but maybe a few less people on the route???

I also ponder whether to take advantage of the "luggage transfer/hotel w/ breakfast/dinner" packages that are out there.

About me...male, 51, have done some hiking in my past, but nothing this long. (Longest hike ever was 50 miles with a backpack) I am looking to walk for religious/spiritual reasons, although I am not Catholic. I'll be coming from Michigan and don't like what I've read about how to get to SJPP. Seems like a lot of connections....and since I don't speak anything but English, I am concerned about getting there.

But first things first. I'm enrolled in a conversational Spanish Language class this Fall. I'm also enrolled in a Spiritual Direction program that will take 2 years to complete, with graduation being in May 2014.

So far, I've read the following books: To The Field of Stars by Kevin Codd, The Way is Made By Walking by Paul Boers, The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coehlo, and Seven Tips to Make the Most of the Camino de Santiago by Cheri Powell. (Yes....I watched The Way too!)

I'm looking forward to these next few years. I believe I've heard the call from Santiago and now have to trust that I will be kept in God's care as I look to complete the tasks that are set before me. I hope to meet some fellow Pilgrims here...for friendship, advice, and support.

 

[mspath]

Marty,

Welcome to the Forum!

Browsing these Forum threads hold a wealth of information to help you plan your future Camino. Past pilgrims love to share their advice and experiences. Such sharing is a large part of the Camino spirit; besides being informative for future pilgrims it help keeps memories current for experienced pilgrims as we recall our journeys anew.

Autumn is a wonderful time to walk the Camino. Since the crowds of summer are past you will find the welcome at those albergues which are open to be most sincere. By mid October not all albergues will be open but the hospitaleros usually know who is on the next stage. Most will either be heated or have blankets. However you must be prepared for varied weather. Nights can be chilly or cold and freezing rain or even snow might occur in some places by late October. Be prepared!

Whatever route you finally choose be sure to make practice hikes before starting out. No Camino is a walk in the park! Just because so many pilgrims have been successful does not guarantee that all will be. Anybody any moment can fall or pull or break anything. The most common injury is the result of trying to walk too far too quickly carrying too much! Take it easy!!

Happy dreaming, planning and Buen Camino!

Margaret

 

[Deleted member 3000]

A package will commit you to their schedule. You will do better to arrange your trip as you walk, just one or two days in advance. Accommodations will not be a problem during the fall, and your hostal/hotel can arrange your next night bed and the baggage transfer daily for 3 to 5 Euro per stage. I cannot even imagine having a dinner pre-arranged! If there is more than one bar/restaurant in town, Murphy's Law says that your meal will be in the worst one. Breakfast is a pretty standard bread, butter, jam, coffee, and juice for about 3 Euro. If you like to start on a full belly, eat at your accommodation if it offers breakfast. Otherwise, walk a short distance to the first bar, and eat there.

You increase your possibility of injury if you have a distance commitment that is too long, so even arranging baggage transfer each day can lead to walking further than you should. Going more slowly while carrying your very light pack may be something you will want to consider. Even if you start with 8 to 10 km days carrying your pack, you will eventually get to Santiago! It is not difficult physically to walk for a half-mile, then take a fifteen minute break. By the end of the day, you have covered a surprising distance.

You will find that the Camino Frances accommodates English-only better than other routes. Don't expect anyone to speak English except fellow pilgrims, but everyone is accustomed to the language challenged, and is likely to understand your hand gestures and smiles.

 

[Martythepilgrim]

Margaret,

Thank you for your gracious reply and shared wisdom. I look forward to reviewing the links you suggested.

Ideally, I'd have the time and money to walk the complete route, all the way to the ocean. That's the dream....and my daydream has me doing this over a period of 6-8 weeks.

I suspect we'll be talking more in the days to come....

Buen Camino!

 

[gnhale]

Fellow pilgrim
I plan on walking in 2014 as well and around the same time. Perhaps we will meet, peace be with you as you plan. Burn Camino