Looking for input, please...

[Naturalpace]

We are arriving on the 9th of August in Barcelona, staying for 3 nights and then on to SJPP to begin the Camino Frances August 14th. As an "add on" we have volunteered at Diverbo for one week, August 25th- September 1st. ( look it up, it is AWESOME) SO, we thought...hey, why don't we WALK from either Madrid to join the Camino Frances or from Salamanca (where the Diverbo "school" is) and join Via de la Plata. We think we will get as far as Logrona on the CF and then take the bus/train to Madrid (where we will be picked up for the "school"). What are your thoughts? should we walk from Madrid? and do the Camino till it joins the Camino Frances? (we get a ride back to Madrid), just walk from Salamanca? or take the bus back to where we left the Camino Frances? (that is what we originally thought) This is our first Camino and we have 9 weeks in Europe to complete it to Finisterre including the week we spend at Diverbo. Any other ideas??
Thank you all so much!!! Donna

 

[C clearly]

Hi! I'm a little confused, but it looks like you have 10 days to walk (August 14-25) before you interrupt it to do your volunteer work, and then you have another 6 (?) weeks to fill.

I like the original plan to walk from SJPP for 10 days. That will give you a good taste of the experience and you can decide whether you want to return and pick up the Camino Frances, or if you would like a less-populated path. In the latter case, you would have time to walk from Salamanca to Santiago and then Finisterre.

 

[SYates]

I really think you are confusing/complicating things for yourself here. Just after you got used to walking every day, you will interrupt your pilgrimage, leave all your new won friends, volunteer a week somewhere else, go back to finish/restart/start a new pilgrimage. Why don't you do your volunteering at the end/before you start your pilgrimage, but not in the middle? Buen Camino, SY

 

[Kitsambler]

Whichever, remember the heat. July was beastly.

 

[KinkyOne]

Exactly what @SYates wrote!
It is your first Camino as I see from your avatar and you will be cutting it in half for no apparent reason that has been known to us (whom you are asking for advice)??? Think about it. OK, it can be a hike, but it is (and should be) much more than just a hike.

Anyway, have a nice time in Spain!

 

[Naturalpace]

Hi! I'm a little confused, but it looks like you have 10 days to walk (August 14-25) before you interrupt it to do your volunteer work, and then you have another 6 (?) weeks to fill.

I like the original plan to walk from SJPP for 10 days. That will give you a good taste of the experience and you can decide whether you want to return and pick up the Camino Frances, or if you would like a less-populated path. In the latter case, you would have time to walk from Salamanca to Santiago and then Finisterre.

Thank you!

 

[Naturalpace]

Exactly what @SYates wrote!
It is your first Camino as I see from your avatar and you will be cutting it in half for no apparent reason that has been known to us (whom you are asking for advice)??? Think about it. OK, it can be a hike, but it is (and should be) much more than just a hike.

Anyway, have a nice time in Spain!

Yes....I agree it is much more.....we were just wondering how it would be joining another camino to meet the Camino Frances or just take the bus back to where we left off. We tried to get an earlier spot at Diverbo but there was nothing available. We think we will be as far as Logrona on the CF...and can certainly return there.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

We are arriving on the 9th of August in Barcelona, staying for 3 nights and then on to SJPP to begin the Camino Frances August 14th. As an "add on" we have volunteered at Diverbo for one week, August 25th- September 1st. ( look it up, it is AWESOME) SO, we thought...hey, why don't we WALK from either Madrid to join the Camino Frances or from Salamanca ( where the Diverbo "school" is) and join Via de la Plata. We think we will get as far as Logrona on the CF and then take the bus/train to Madrid (where we will be picked up for the "school"). What are your thoughts? should we walk from Madrid? and do the Camino til it joins the Camino Frances? (we get a ride back to Madrid), just walk from Salamanca? or take the bus back to where we left the Camino Frances? (that is what we originally thought) This is our first Camino and we have 9 weeks in Europe to complete it to Finisterre including the week we spend at Diverbo. Any other ideas??
Thank you all so much!!! Donna

First of all, if Diverbo used to be Pueblo Ingles and you are staying at La Alberca, you will have a fantastic and rewarding experience. I volunteered twice for Pueblo Ingles, and have always wanted to return for another stint. Based on your post, I agree with CClearly's suggestion because it leaves you with options. However, if this is your first camino, I would recommend completing the Camino Frances. You have the time, and September should be less crowded. Buen camino!

 

[Naturalpace]

First of all, if Diverbo used to be Pueblo Ingles and you are staying at La Alberca, you will have a fantastic and rewarding experience. I volunteered twice for Pueblo Ingles, and have always wanted to return for another stint. Based on your post, I agree with CClearly's suggestion because it leaves you with options. However, if this is your first camino, I would recommend completing the Camino Frances. You have the time, and September should be less crowded. Buen camino!

YES! it is the "old" Pueblo Inglis..I have wanted to go there for some time and feel very fortunate to have both of my dreams realized this trip! Thank you!!