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. I want to be open to the experience of the camino and view it as an experience, not a hike to be conquered
I've finally taken the plunge and we will be doing the camino as a family (4 adults and five kids from 3-16). However my thinking is leaning in the direction of trying to experience each moment. If that then means that we walk 6km before discovering something incredible, then so be it. Similarly if we are inspired and walk over 25km, genuinely enjoying each moment then once again, so be it. It just feels strange the notion that we would push ourselves to complete the whole camino and consequently compromise the daily experience. This has led me in the direction to not think so much about how far we will walk, but how long we will be there. The point for me though is, does it matter if we don't finish in Santiago? I'd love the ideas of others who have already answered this question for themselves. Am I missing the central idea of pilgrimage ending in a destination? Something isn't ringing correctly in my own thinking.
This feels like a stupid question, so I'll explain myself. I'm wrestling with the notion of time. I want to be open to the experience of the camino and view it as an experience, not a hike to be conquered (I feel that there are many other adventure treks that provide that opportunity, not that I'm underestimating the physical demands of the camino, I know I will physically struggle).
I've read that people feel that the most enjoyable experience is derived from giving it time.
I've finally taken the plunge and we will be doing the camino as a family (4 adults and five kids from 3-16). However my thinking is leaning in the direction of trying to experience each moment. If that then means that we walk 6km before discovering something incredible, then so be it. Similarly if we are inspired and walk over 25km, genuinely enjoying each moment then once again, so be it. It just feels strange the notion that we would push ourselves to complete the whole camino and consequently compromise the daily experience. This has led me in the direction to not think so much about how far we will walk, but how long we will be there. The point for me though is, does it matter if we don't finish in Santiago? I'd love the ideas of others who have already answered this question for themselves. Am I missing the central idea of pilgrimage ending in a destination? Something isn't ringing correctly in my own thinking.
Paul:
It depends on why you are walking. If it is for religious reasons, then I would say arriving in Santiago and completing the Pilgrimage is important.
Should your family and you be walking as a family event/vacation etc., It is nice to spend a couple of days in Santiago to relax and spend time with those you have met along the way. That said, if this is just a family event, I think the family interaction is important and arriving in Santiago a bonus. You will definitely be creating memories.
Ultreya,
Joe
Hi Joe, there are many people who walk a Camino for religious reasons but don't always intend to finish in Santiago -- myself included. I consider the whole path a sacred site because it has been walked in faith by millions. In addition there are many very special churches and places with religious significance all along the Camino, and not just on the Camino Frances.
So please don't suggest that Santiago is the only religiously valid destination.
Paul, in my view the journey is the destination.
If you take things day by day, then each becomes a little Camino of its own.
Hi Paul,
It really sounds to me as if you have answered your own question here. It is the journey and not the destination ( at least not the physical destination) which is important. My wife and I have been doing the same thinking as you... The camino is something we want to do for the experience, but we do not see that it has to be a hardship or an endurance test. We are going to do it over a number of years in manageable stages. We may even skip areas, or walk extra kms in the mountains or national parks.
From what I can deduce, everyone's camino is their own experience and so the goal is yours to set... You may well find that it changes once you're on your 'Way'
The Camino is something very important to my wife and my eldest girls. My sons 11 and 3 don't seem to care either way, although the 3 year old loves walking. (Probably more than anyone else in the family!) We walk a lot as a family and walk in national parks and other tracks (state forests too in NSW, Australia). They are very different to how we envision the Camino.I'm curious why you chose the Camino de Santiago for an extended family outing? Not that you should NOT choose this route but it may not be the most interesting thing for the really little ones. There are other means by which a family can have an interactive experience like this. There are incredible locations all over the world perhaps more suited for families with a wide variety of ages. National Parks come to mind where there are interpretive and interactive activities all day long.
If you're set on the Way of Saint James, it is YOUR journey. I personally don't hold any agenda for how anyone should take this on. Finish or not, it does not matter. Remember Lao Tzu (or at least I think so) "The greatest journey begins with a single step.
We walk quite a bit. He's only 2 1/2 now and he almost always walks (he seems to only know how to run which makes things a challenge!) about 12km before getting tired (bush tracks with limited incline/decline) when he crashes very quickly. We are quite used to both carrying and chasing him. He tends to sleep for an hour or so, and then is keen to go again. So far it's a perfect pattern for walking for our family, and I'm optimistic that it will lend itself well to the Camino routine. We are giving ourselves about 60 days too, to allow for numerous short days (especially when we know that enough is enough) and rest days, as well as anticipating staying in a variety of different types of accommodation to cater for both ourselves and fellow pilgrims.Paul, for me it was always the way and never the destination.
So however far you wish you go, enjoy it and smell the roses along the way. As you are walking as a family with rather young ones, I would say take your time. You may then choose to come back later and do a bit more walking. A three-year old may need quite some attention. Are you prepared to carry the child on your back(s), when/if the child does not wish to walk further?
annelise
We are going to let him walk as far as he wants to, then we will carry him, rest or call it a day and stay somewhere when possible. He seems to like the view from my shoulders.OMG, are you really gonna let a 3 year old walk all the way ? Please tell me you are taking some form of buggy for the kid? Or are you prepared to carry him? And your backpack?
pfjew...
We walk quite a bit. He's only 2 1/2 now and he almost always walks (he seems to only know how to run which makes things a challenge!) about 12km before getting tired (bush tracks with limited incline/decline) when he crashes very quickly. We are quite used to both carrying and chasing him. He tends to sleep for an hour or so, and then is keen to go again. So far it's a perfect pattern for walking for our family, and I'm optimistic that it will lend itself well to the Camino routine. We are giving ourselves about 60 days too, to allow for numerous short days (especially when we know that enough is enough) and rest days, as well as anticipating staying in a variety of different types of accommodation to cater for both ourselves and fellow pilgrims.
I think it's almost necessary to "nudge rule 2"! If the dialog in a thread such as this is enlightening then the differences in each person's post can be just that, enlightening and not necessarily become contrary.With some trepidation because I am nudging rule 2: Jesus said "I am the Way", and you will encounter Him in those you meet. Sufficient pilgrimage in my opinion, though personally Santiago is important to me - St James being an old friend of mine.
This feels like a stupid question, so I'll explain myself. I'm wrestling with the notion of time. I want to be open to the experience of the camino and view it as an experience, not a hike to be conquered (I feel that there are many other adventure treks that provide that opportunity, not that I'm underestimating the physical demands of the camino, I know I will physically struggle).
I've read that people feel that the most enjoyable experience is derived from giving it time.
I've finally taken the plunge and we will be doing the camino as a family (4 adults and five kids from 3-16). However my thinking is leaning in the direction of trying to experience each moment. If that then means that we walk 6km before discovering something incredible, then so be it. Similarly if we are inspired and walk over 25km, genuinely enjoying each moment then once again, so be it. It just feels strange the notion that we would push ourselves to complete the whole camino and consequently compromise the daily experience. This has led me in the direction to not think so much about how far we will walk, but how long we will be there. The point for me though is, does it matter if we don't finish in Santiago? I'd love the ideas of others who have already answered this question for themselves. Am I missing the central idea of pilgrimage ending in a destination? Something isn't ringing correctly in my own thinking.[/QUOT
Please don't compromise anything -- listen to your own feelings and let the Camino guide you. At some point you'll know what makes the most sense for you and your family!... I've finally taken the plunge and we will be doing the camino as a family (4 adults and five kids from 3-16). However my thinking is leaning in the direction of trying to experience each moment. If that then means that we walk 6km before discovering something incredible, then so be it. Similarly if we are inspired and walk over 25km, genuinely enjoying each moment then once again, so be it. It just feels strange the notion that we would push ourselves to complete the whole camino and consequently compromise the daily experience...
Yes indeed. You could take this a bit further and say it could be a reason for deliberately not finishing. That could be something you leave for your children to do for themselves when they're old enough, forming a symbolic link between their dependent childhoods and the independence of adulthood. A rite of passage as such.What a gift!
I believe that you will lay such a wonderful foundation in the life a child., creating such a momentous shared experience that will be the source of inspiration and strength for the rest of their lives.
Good on ya, buen camino!!
I've been reading about that tonight, how incredible the timing. Thank you for thinking of us.Also be aware than children under 8 do not get a Compostela, no matter how far they have walked. It is a religious matter; until they are 8 they are not considered to have the intellectual understanding necessary. They may be eligible for the distance certificate or the non religious certificate - anyone know?
I've been reading about that tonight, how incredible the timing. Thank you for thinking of us.
Whilst I understand that my two little ones won't get one, is there any problem with them getting a passport and getting it stamped? I think it will be their Compostela.
Welcome to the Forum, Valeriina
Valeriina and her family are the real heroes.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/6731502363/
Take a look at her profile (family) picture taken at the zero km in Finisterre.
Dear Paul, you will do just fine, whatever route or distance you will choose - as long as it is the one that suites you. Camino is a wonderful experience and especially if you are lucky enough to be able to do it with your family. I'm sure you will find your way
PS. I'm the lady mentioned before: pushing two children (3 and 4 years old) in a buggy with my blind husband and his guide dog.
Wow! So inspiring. Thank you for your encouragement.Dear Paul, you will do just fine, whatever route or distance you will choose - as long as it is the one that suites you. Camino is a wonderful experience and especially if you are lucky enough to be able to do it with your family. I'm sure you will find your way
PS. I'm the lady mentioned before: pushing two children (3 and 4 years old) in a buggy with my blind husband and his guide dog.
Awesome. We are getting really excited now. I'm very heartened by all of the responses. I don't doubt the pull of Santiago and how significant it will be to get there. I love that now I can see the destination will be Santiago, however the time frame will not be mine to set. We may have to return to finish, but we will. Hopefully this time, but maybe next. So exciting.!!! Hey! I have to tell you! Yesterday we had the pleasure to meet a german family! They had 4 children, 1, 4, 6 and 9. They were doin' the camino from Sarria t Santiago. They had it great! To day we met an english fam, 4, 7 and maybe 9 or 10!
Best regards from Arura, 40 km to go...
Wow! So inspiring. Thank you for your encouragement.
We've been debating buggy or carrier. We've been debating buggy or carrier. I can see positives with either. How have you found the terrain for a buggy?
Dear Paul, you will do just fine, whatever route or distance you will choose - as long as it is the one that suites you. Camino is a wonderful experience and especially if you are lucky enough to be able to do it with your family. I'm sure you will find your way
PS. I'm the lady mentioned before: pushing two children (3 and 4 years old) in a buggy with my blind husband and his guide dog.
Valeriina, you are wonderful! Your family has inspired us all. I am so pleased you are on this forum; we often get inquiries from parents with young children who would like to walk the Camino. Your experience is unique.
My question - I gather your husband joyed it and the children were fine, but how was it for you?
I assume my experience was unique, as it is for everyone. My camino was rewarding and challenging. It was different from most pilgrims, I suppose. Walking and pushing the buggy was hard - especially hills were hard to push up (and down). But the more we walked, the easier it game. When we got to the hostal / albergue / hotel we had booked before, unlike others, we couldn't sit down and relax. I and my husband might had been tired, but our kids were full of energySo we had a shower, did some laundry, ate "menu del dia" and went to the nearest playground. And before 8 p.m. we went to sleep.
On our last night in Santiago, I realized that we hadn't experienced the warm and dark nights of Spain - not once. I had wanted to see those, because the summers here are bright. But it was ok. We were able to see camino from totally different angle than most peregrinos. We met hundreds of new people and got many great friends. Every time we needed help, we got it. We were really lucky with accommodation (not easy with a guide dog, almost impossible with a pet dog), paths, weather, company etc. I'm sure, that we got more from camino than what we gave to it. It was an experience I will carry with me the rest of my life.
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