Just returned from camino, sooner than expected

[AnnieBobanny]

Hello everyone,
I needed to stop my camino for now, so I'm back in London. What a let down being in the city. lol
I made it to Logrono. I feel on top of the world about that, because I honestly never expected to make it to Roncasvalles. lol. I met some amazing people, saw some stunning vistas, and discovered I am stronger than I realised. If I can make it over the Pyrenees (by myself no less), then I can do anything

I was only gone 2 weeks, but being on the camino changed me, and I fully expect to get hit with some blues about being home and away from the camino.

Some random thoughts now that I've been on the camino: Take twice as much money as you expect it to cost, allow at least 50% more time to walk than you expect it to take, don't bother with more than 2 sets of clothes, get a water bag with a drinking tube, take compeeds, LISTEN TO WHAT EVERYONE SAYS ABOUT KEEPING YOUR PACK LIGHT! Unless it's absolutely essential, DON'T take it. I thought I had my rucksack pared down to the basics. Ha! I ended up stripping things out of my bag 3 times (for example a bottle of bug spray which I never needed one time), and in the end posted my (expensive) sleeping mat (never used), pillow (bag of clothes can work as a pillow), flashlight, and extra waterproof bag home.

I could probably chatter on for days about the camino, but I'll leave it there for now. Thanks to everyone who offered me support and friendly words before and during my trip.

Love and peace to everyone,
Annie

P.S. The cheesy cliche is true: The camino really DOES give you what you need.

 

[Olivares]

Congrats Annie! making it to Logrono is indeed no small feat and you should be very, very proud of that. Take in the Lessons Learned (thanks for sharing!) and next time....ALL THE WAY TO SANTIAGO!!

Be ready for the Camino Blues; I came back in early June and there is not a day that goes by that I don't miss the Camino terribly :cry: !

You are a seasoned veteran now so on to planning your next installment!!

 

[AnnieBobanny]

Thanks, Olivares. Yes, already thinking ahead to the next stretch of my journey. I think the camino is something I will do many times, if possible! It sort of gets in your blood

 

[tyrrek]

Yes, congratulations! And excellent advice. I think you've walked one of the most beautiful parts of the Frances in many ways. The day I left Pamplona walking towards Alto de Perdon will stay with me forever, with the wind moving through the crops and the shadow from the clouds moving across the hill. You just can't photograph that. Also most people start where you did so it's a great place to meet new friends and learn about the initial triumphs and disasters together!