Mary and Goody start walking May26

[Mary_Atherton]

I've got my gear. I've been walking 4 times a week. One long walk and 3 shorter walks each week since October 2015. I started walking with my pack. I still wonder if I will be ready and in shape to take on the Camino Frances. That just worries me a bit. I thought if I wrote it down it would ease my worries. Actually I'm not too worried about the walk....I'm worried about the flight in, how to get to St. Jean Pied de Port from Madrid, my limited Spanish (I'm using Duolingo), and other things just pop in to my head. I've read many many many post on this forum, but I still worry. I truly do hope "the Camino will provide" as I've read so many times.

 

[Anniesantiago]

You'll be fine Mary.
Have you figured out how to get from Madrid to SJPP?
I bet Whari can help you.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Mary, hi

You are doing the right things at home. Without worrying you do try to get some hill work into your trips. And you may want to think about a few multi-day trips so you get used to where things are in your pack, and getting walking at a reasonable time (for you) each morning.

Take it easy the first few days as there is so much to get used to. The signs will be different, the manners, the food. But once you start I expect you will encounter friendliness.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

You'll be fine Mary.
Have you figured out how to get from Madrid to SJPP?
I bet Whari can help you.

Thanks for the reply. Whari? Is that someone one the forum? I think I have figured it out. I've traveled to a lot of different places not knowing as much as I do for this, so I'm sure it will all work out. Still a bit nervous.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Mary, hi

You are doing the right things at home. Without worrying you do try to get some hill work into your trips. And you may want to think about a few multi-day trips so you get used to where things are in your pack, and getting walking at a reasonable time (for you) each morning.

Take it easy the first few days as there is so much to get used to. The signs will be different, the manners, the food. But once you start I expect you will encounter friendliness.

Thank you so much. Training here in SW Washington state in the US, I actually do have some hill work built in to my training plan. On my long walk training days I carry my pack like I think I'll be using it on the Camino. It helps to take stuff in and out and make sure I have things where I want. Everyone here has been so helpful. I wish I could make the nervous bits go away.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I have never gone directly from Madrid to St. John.
However, I fly every year from Portland, Oregon into Madrid, then hop on the bus to Pamplona (around €30) where I rest a couple of days and adjust to the time change.
From Pamplona, it's an inexpensive bus ride to SJPP (under €20) from the bus station.

 

[AlwynWellington]

I wish I could make the nervous bits go away.

I am quite sure they will disappear into the background within 30 minutes of starting to walk, maybe sooner.

And if they do surface again, get on the way as soon as you can.

Currently I expect to pass through SJPdP late April/early May and take several days off when I get to Logrono. We may pass one another on the way. I'll try to remember to hold a glass (of cranberry juice, of course) to my lips at all relevant times so you might recognise me.

Kia kaha

 

[Franco]

Hi Mary I start my camino on 26th April after arriving on the 25th in sjpp.maybe our paths will cross. I have booked in for orrison for the 26th also. Hope we both have a buen camino ☺.rgds. ..franc

 

[Mary_Atherton]

I am quite sure they will disappear into the background within 30 minutes of starting to walk, maybe sooner.

And if they do surface again, get on the way as soon as you can.

Currently I expect to pass through SJPdP late April/early May and take several days off when I get to Logrono. We may pass one another on the way. I'll try to remember to hold a glass (of cranberry juice, of course) to my lips at all relevant times so you might recognise me.

Kia kaha

Laughing. I may need something a bit......stiffer than cranberry juice, but I will look for you along the way. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Hi Mary I start my camino on 26th April after arriving on the 25th in sjpp.maybe our paths will cross. I have booked in for orrison for the 26th also. Hope we both have a buen camino ☺.rgds. ..franc

It looks like we may start on the 25th or 26th. Depending on how our flight from the US might be. It is going to be exciting to meet so many new folks along the way. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

I have never gone directly from Madrid to St. John.
However, I fly every year from Portland, Oregon into Madrid, then hop on the bus to Pamplona (around €30) where I rest a couple of days and adjust to the time change.
From Pamplona, it's an inexpensive bus ride to SJPP (under €20) from the bus station.

Thanks for the advice about the buses. I'm actually flying out of Portland,OR on the 24th and meeting up with my sister in Dallas, TX before we fly on to Madrid. Your information on the bus and cost is very helpful.

 

[Bloubird]

Hey, I'm in the same boat. We are beginning our walk on May 8th,2016. This forum has been great for information. I just read robscamino.com, it's a blog that Rob made during his pilgrimage last year at the same time we are going. It was really nice to see what the weather might be like and to see his journey everyday. I picked up good ideas and thought he did a great blog. Sorry to have no information about trains for you, but was excited to see you going the same time we are.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Hey, I'm in the same boat. We are beginning our walk on May 8th,2016. This forum has been great for information. I just read robscamino.com, it's a blog that Rob made during his pilgrimage last year at the same time we are going. It was really nice to see what the weather might be like and to see his journey everyday. I picked up good ideas and thought he did a great blog. Sorry to have no information about trains for you, but was excited to see you going the same time we are.

Good to hear from you. I think I will check out the blog you mention. I love this forum and have learned so much. I think I have the train/bus thing figured out based on some additional research and comments from Anniesantiago. There is really is a lot of good information here.

 

[Camino Ky]

Hi Mary, sounds like you are well prepared. I too was stressing about getting to SJPP, really stressed (self created) but have that all sorted. I have gone from freaking out (posted 'Hot and Cold' early December) to being ridiculously impatient to start. My bag is packed and I have been training. Although I don't like to wish my life away, I am busting for April to arrive. I am sure there will be challenges but also sure I will love it and come home wanting to go aga in. As the lovely people advised in my first post our journey has already begun.
Buen Camino.

 

[CanPete]

Don't worry . . . worrying makes your pack 21.85% heavier . ..

;o)

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Hi Mary, sounds like you are well prepared. I too was stressing about getting to SJPP, really stressed (self created) but have that all sorted. I have gone from freaking out (posted 'Hot and Cold' early December) to being ridiculously impatient to start. My bag is packed and I have been training. Although I don't like to wish my life away, I am busting for April to arrive. I am sure there will be challenges but also sure I will love it and come home wanting to go aga in. As the lovely people advised in my first post our journey has already begun.
Buen Camino.

That is true..."our journey" has already begun. I don't know if it's an age thing or not, but I seem to stress about things that never bothered me a few years ago. I'm sure we are both going to have a wonderful time on the Camino.

 

[Camino Ky]

[QUOTE="Mary_Atherton, post:. I don't know if it's an age thing or not, but I seem to stress about things that never bothered me a few years ago.
Funny you should say that, I mentioned something similar in my Hot and Cold post. Mid 40's I seem to have become overly anxious Hoping to improve that on Camino

 

[Mary_Atherton]

[QUOTE="Mary_Atherton, post:. I don't know if it's an age thing or not, but I seem to stress about things that never bothered me a few years ago.
Funny you should say that, I mentioned something similar in my Hot and Cold post. Mid 40's I seem to have become overly anxious Hoping to improve that on Camino

Thank you for your comment. I'm sure we will improve those things on the Camino. I really am getting excited about it and can't wait to get started. It's all good. Buen Camino.

 

[Bhirc]

I've got my gear. I've been walking 4 times a week. One long walk and 3 shorter walks each week since October 2015. I started walking with my pack. I still wonder if I will be ready and in shape to take on the Camino Frances. That just worries me a bit. I thought if I wrote it down it would ease my worries. Actually I'm not too worried about the walk....I'm worried about the flight in, how to get to St. Jean Pied de Port from Madrid, my limited Spanish (I'm using Duolingo), and other things just pop in to my head. I've read many many many post on this forum, but I still worry. I truly do hope "the Camino will provide" as I've read so many times.

Hi Mary
Hope you have the travel to SJPP

 

[Bhirc]

Thank you for your comment. I'm sure we will improve those things on the Camino. I really am getting excited about it and can't wait to get started. It's all good. Buen Camino.

Hi Mary
Hope you have the travel to SJPP figured out and ready to go. I leave from Toronto May24 and start from SJPP on May 26 for Roncevalles via Napoleon if weather ok.
I am 72 with a 1 year old new hip but can go at a fair speed. On the flat ,11 minute Km so I am not too worried about the whole deal other than finding spare parts if the new hip goes on the Fritz!
Watch for a blue MEC pack with a Canadian flag luggage tag obscuring
an ancient old geezer heading up the hill.
You will love the whole thing...Honest, apart from this, that ,and the other. Lol.
See you on the trail.
Buen Camino

George

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Hi Mary
Hope you have the travel to SJPP figured out and ready to go. I leave from Toronto May24 and start from SJPP on May 26 for Roncevalles via Napoleon if weather ok.
I am 72 with a 1 year old new hip but can go at a fair speed. On the flat ,11 minute Km so I am not too worried about the whole deal other than finding spare parts if the new hip goes on the Fritz!
Watch for a blue MEC pack with a Canadian flag luggage tag obscuring
an ancient old geezer heading up the hill.
You will love the whole thing...Honest, apart from this, that ,and the other. Lol.
See you on the trail.
Buen Camino

George

George, thanks for the comments. We will look for the blue MEC pack. I've got the Madrid to Pamplona figured out, but still haven't decided on the Pamplona to SJ
PP. we will get there. We are excited to start. Hope to see you on the trail.
Buen Camino