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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Moving on from the Meseta and Leon

MargLav

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
September - October 2016 Camino Frances
The last few days on Meseta (from Carrion de Los Condes ) were tough - I recommend you think about these stages carefully as there are some long stretches without accommodation. A rest day in Leon was wonderful - there was a beautiful festiva and the Cathedral is amazing (although €6 with no pilgrim discount). However, I am very happy to be back in the countryside at Villavante looking forward to the upcoming days and changing scenery. Nice to be walking again Buen Camino everyone!
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Before I left for my Camino I had read so many comments about the Meseta. I dreaded it because of the less than positive reviews. I have to be honest...long stretches ...yes...but uniquely beautiful. I loved it. Be proud of your accomplishment...it's behind you. Well done.
Buen Camino
 
Before I left for my Camino I had read so many comments about the Meseta. I dreaded it because of the less than positive reviews. I have to be honest...long stretches ...yes...but uniquely beautiful. I loved it. Be proud of your accomplishment...it's behind you. Well done.
Buen Camino
Hi Penny, you are so wright I had some beautiful day's walking the Meseta to.
Wish you well, Peter.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
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Before I left for my Camino I had read so many comments about the Meseta. I dreaded it because of the less than positive reviews. I have to be honest...long stretches ...yes...but uniquely beautiful. I loved it. Be proud of your accomplishment...it's behind you. Well done.
Buen Camino

Look at those views....absolutely beautiful
 
I didn't enjoy the Meseta much either. It was good at first, but there was just so much of it ;) My plantar fascitis was really acting up too, which made the long, flat days harder. I walked to Sahagun and then took the train to Leon, had a rest day in Leon and headed back out. I liked Leon a lot.
 
Proves we are all uniquely different. This is why I urge people about to embark on this amazing adventure to keep an open mind. I also think giving birth to my 5 children without any Meds was an amazing beautiful experience. My 2 daughters, mothers to my 6 grandchildren, think I'm nuts. Again each person perceives experiences differently. Working through pain to achieve greatness and beauty. As much as I loved the sounds of the Camino...I did take some of my favorite music. This way when the steps became long and painful...the music gave the mind something to focus on instead of the foot pain. My husband threw in some crazy ones that made me laugh during some hard walking days. Bare naked ladies...If I had a Million Dollars had me craving Kraft Mac and Cheese. Remember to have fun, be silly, it's not a marathon but a walking moment through time.
This is not intended to sound judgmental just thought provoking....Hugs
Buen Camino
 
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I had read descriptions of the Meseta that had me concerned, and at the same time want to walk it: dry, barren, hot stretches of desert, but also walks with noone around, walking on moss paths. Neither were right ;0)

I really don't understand why anyone would be concerned about the Meseta, as long as they carry enough water for the one 17 km stretch with nothing but big blue sky. And that's assuming thr vending truck is not there ready to supply you with treats and liquids.

You are not walking on moss paths, nor alone, but the impression of space you get is second to none.The villages and towns are fine, the albergue with a pool a plus.
 
I really don't understand why anyone would be concerned about the Meseta, as long as they carry enough water for the one 17 km stretch with nothing but big blue sky.
On that stretch there is one entrepreneur with his outdoor cafe, including barbeque, ca. 9 kms after Carrion. Nice man. No problem.No need to carry much water: The guy sells cold beer. Only 8 kms more to the next cafe/albergue.

The Meseta is a place for reflection. Skip it and don't think...
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
On that stretch there is one entrepreneur with his outdoor cafe, including barbeque, ca. 9 kms after Carrion. Nice man. No problem.No need to carry much water: The guy sells cold beer. Only 8 kms more to the next cafe/albergue ...

Careful! That entrepreneur is only there if there is enough pilgrims traffic - if walking in low season, better don't rely on him and take enough water and snack for the whole stage. Also, as far as I know that is a one man operation, so any family emergency or similar and he can't turn up ... Buen Camino, SY
 
I enjoyed walking the meseta on the CF. I think its lovely (reminds me of some parts of the US) and some of my favorite parts of the CF to walk, and was a nice break from uphill/downhill which is tough on my old knees.
The only really long stretch on the meseta that lacks places to stop is that stretch right out of Carrion de los Condes.
Not at all like a desert. No sand. No lack of water, and even on the hottest northern Spain day, doesn't break 50 degrees Celsius during the day. Nope, just lovely rolling hills and fields of sunflowers.

Desert_landscape_on_the_Cabeza_prieta_national_wildlife_refuge.jpg El Camino 11 007.jpg
desert ............................. meseta
 
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Ah, Meseta, my love :)

And really, the longest stretch on CF without accommodation is that famous 17kms after Carrion de los Condes. Beautiful walk. As compared to counting sheeps, you just let your thoughts wander... and there you are, either halfway with cold beer or at the end with cold beer and a pool ;)

What about VdlP or Levante or Sanabres then? :D:D:D
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
We began our walk at Carrion de los Condes and just loved it! Didn't even realise we were on the 'dreaded' meseta until much later. We found ourselves sitting in ditches beside the roads with other pilgrims and taking advantage of any tree shade we could find, and had the most amazing conversations with people from all over the world! Bliss.... rolling hills, wonderful views, sunflowers, blue skies that stretched forever, hot sun and warm breezes.
Coming from Australia it was kind of same-same in some ways but oh so different in many others! Roll on 2017.....
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
I'll call this my Hip Camino.
Today was my 3 month anniversary of walking into Santiago.
Upon my return home I attempted a return to water skiing, promptly dislocating my L hip. After a 7 week wait for a M.R.I. I was informed it was a labral tear from 12 to 8. Today I finally had an appointment with a surgeon to see about a repair. He states it's not torn... but shredded. He gives me a 50/50 prognosis of a successful repair...but states he feels ??? As he hasn't seen one this bad. This is one time I wish I wasn't an over achiever . Trying to keep my sense of humour. So we are going to try a three step process. First we try ultrasound directed injections to help cushion the joint to alleviate pain.( but it could take a month to get in ) 2nd step ...try to repair. 3rd a probable hip replacement. Damn now I really wish I did that final walk from Santiago to Muxia and Finisterre. Please no worries I refuse to believe it's as bad as it sounds. Ok Manchu Picchu may have to wait...but I refuse to believe I won't conquer this.
So guys I encourage because I'd hate you to have regrets. I dream of my return. Never....Ever limit yourself. June 6th of 2015 I was diagnosed with M.S. One week later Skin Cancer which was removed four times from then to December. Prompting two topical Cemo treatments. Between those two treatments was when I decided I would do my Camino leaving for Paris May 27 2016. I booked my tickets one week from that decision. My Cancer Specialist cautioned me. My Neurologist strongly cautioned me encouraging my husband to convince me not to go. Well I went, and it was hard as my M.S. Pain and spasming targets mainly my feet and legs. I completed my Camino in 37 days which included two rest days. I found if you smile ...you feel better...if you laugh ...you hurt less. If you have long held dreams...do them... ❤️❤️
Buen Camino
 
We began our walk at Carrion de los Condes and just loved it! Didn't even realise we were on the 'dreaded' meseta until much later. We found ourselves sitting in ditches beside the roads with other pilgrims and taking advantage of any tree shade we could find, and had the most amazing conversations with people from all over the world! Bliss.... rolling hills, wonderful views, sunflowers, blue skies that stretched forever, hot sun and warm breezes.
Coming from Australia it was kind of same-same in some ways but oh so different in many others! Roll on 2017.....
Same same, but different, heh? ;):D
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I'll call this my Hip Camino.
Today was my 3 month anniversary of walking into Santiago.
Upon my return home I attempted a return to water skiing, promptly dislocating my L hip. After a 7 week wait for a M.R.I. I was informed it was a labral tear from 12 to 8. Today I finally had an appointment with a surgeon to see about a repair. He states it's not torn... but shredded. He gives me a 50/50 prognosis of a successful repair...but states he feels ??? As he hasn't seen one this bad. This is one time I wish I wasn't an over achiever . Trying to keep my sense of humour. So we are going to try a three step process. First we try ultrasound directed injections to help cushion the joint to alleviate pain.( but it could take a month to get in ) 2nd step ...try to repair. 3rd a probable hip replacement. Damn now I really wish I did that final walk from Santiago to Muxia and Finisterre. Please no worries I refuse to believe it's as bad as it sounds. Ok Manchu Picchu may have to wait...but I refuse to believe I won't conquer this.
So guys I encourage because I'd hate you to have regrets. I dream of my return. Never....Ever limit yourself. June 6th of 2015 I was diagnosed with M.S. One week later Skin Cancer which was removed four times from then to December. Prompting two topical Cemo treatments. Between those two treatments was when I decided I would do my Camino leaving for Paris May 27 2016. I booked my tickets one week from that decision. My Cancer Specialist cautioned me. My Neurologist strongly cautioned me encouraging my husband to convince me not to go. Well I went, and it was hard as my M.S. Pain and spasming targets mainly my feet and legs. I completed my Camino in 37 days which included two rest days. I found if you smile ...you feel better...if you laugh ...you hurt less. If you have long held dreams...do them... ❤️❤️
Buen Camino
All I can say is that you're a real trooper!!! I've done it in 47 days to Fisterra completely healthy but, admit, very lazy as I am ;)
And I can feel you already got that Camino bug! No medicine against that :D
 
It's Roman actually ;)
One of the few that remained more or less untouched/conserved under the gravel we walk on.
Another Roman road on the Primtivo, just past Esclampero, on the way to Grado. Also paved over. Guidebooks show pictures of the layers but you have to be in fields to get that perspective alas...
 
Another Roman road on the Primtivo, just past Esclampero, on the way to Grado. Also paved over. Guidebooks show pictures of the layers but you have to be in fields to get that perspective alas...
Havent seen that one Anemone, but there are plenty just people usually doesn't know about them. And I think it's better that at least some of them are (as said previously) conservated/hidden with light gravel paths. Most of them have been destroyed while constructing highways. Which are mostly in the exact directions of the old Roman vias. Nothing much we can do about that now. And of course we are again off topic :D
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
All I can say is that you're a real trooper!!! I've done it in 47 days to Fisterra completely healthy but, admit, very lazy as I am ;)
And I can feel you already got that Camino bug! No medicine against that :D
Oh I have the Camino Bug. My family was and is so supportive...I just don't think they expected to hear me wishing to return. I think they hoped for ...been there done that.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
the meseta is a important piece in the whole camino...it is the time for letting go..your physical demand has been met..dont be greedy..the meseta sets u up for all the later stages...be open minded about endless flat..i and dave chose to motor in doing 35km a day...the whole camino is unique and permissive...journey on pilgrims let the way teach u...how dare you feel its unworthy..those are then face with o' ceiabro...good luck then impatience will crush you
Ah, Meseta, my love :)

And really, the longest stretch on CF without accommodation is that famous 17kms after Carrion de los Condes. Beautiful walk. As compared to counting sheeps, you just let your thoughts wander... and there you are, either halfway with cold beer or at the end with cold beer and a pool ;)

What about VdlP or Levante or Sanabres then? :D:D:D
funny how at this stage a 17km walk would scare a pilgrim from st jean....do it!
 
It's funny how misconstrued my comment became ...and how completely unique everyone's experience is. I was not referring to the 17 km stretch (and there was no van there - I had quietly been looking forward to him being there though). At the moment it is unseasonably hot and dry - completely different to the green photos (but no less beautiful). We found ourselves (through lack of planning ) doing 35kms because I was determined to stop at Bercianis del real Camino. We also don't start walking before dawn so it was very hot on that wide white path. Hence my comment about planning - we could have avoided 35km with better planning. Walking in pain lessens the experience so take care of yourself always! It was the only time so far that I used my music to get me through!!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
It's funny how misconstrued my comment became ...and how completely unique everyone's experience is. I was not referring to the 17 km stretch (and there was no van there - I had quietly been looking forward to him being there though). At the moment it is unseasonably hot and dry - completely different to the green photos (but no less beautiful). We found ourselves (through lack of planning ) doing 35kms because I was determined to stop at Bercianis del real Camino. We also don't start walking before dawn so it was very hot on that wide white path. Hence my comment about planning - we could have avoided 35km with better planning. Walking in pain lessens the experience so take care of yourself always! It was the only time so far that I used my music to get me through!!
35 Kms is crazy girl Being a person that also had to deal with constant foot pain...try letting them rule your timing. If they said rest...I rested...if they said stop...I stopped. I left Canada alone, with the plan of just going with the flow. I met people at Orrison and we started travelling together. I found myself fighting to keep up, pushing myself harder than I should have. I suffered, so I encouraged them to move on. This changed everything for me, I listened to my needs first. Being a loving mother of 5...a different thought process for me ❤️. There's an ebb and flow to travelling the Camino...they moved on but I'd still catch up with them and others who I befriended along the way. In life I'm very competitive, I've always pushed myself to keep up or win a challenge. One of the best things I learned out there on the trail was acceptance of one limitations and for the first time letting my bodies feelings rule my decisions instead of my mind. I don't think anyone was judging you...just expressing views. Stay strong...stay safe...Buen Camino
 
35 Kms is crazy girl Being a person that also had to deal with constant foot pain...try letting them rule your timing. If they said rest...I rested...if they said stop...I stopped. I left Canada alone, with the plan of just going with the flow. I met people at Orrison and we started travelling together. I found myself fighting to keep up, pushing myself harder than I should have. I suffered, so I encouraged them to move on. This changed everything for me, I listened to my needs first. Being a loving mother of 5...a different thought process for me ❤️. There's an ebb and flow to travelling the Camino...they moved on but I'd still catch up with them and others who I befriended along the way. In life I'm very competitive, I've always pushed myself to keep up or win a challenge. One of the best things I learned out there on the trail was acceptance of one limitations and for the first time letting my bodies feelings rule my decisions instead of my mind. I don't think anyone was judging you...just expressing views. Stay strong...stay safe...Buen Camino
As a doting mother of 3, I understand your comment about putting yourself first for a complete change. I am also normally a bit competitive and am walking with my superfit and very tall husband and for our 30th anniversary so I obviously didn't want to part ways! He is actually the one learning lessons and now understands our different abilities and my limitations. We now agree on the day ahead together and listen to our bodies! Buen Camino!!
 
As a doting mother of 3, I understand your comment about putting yourself first for a complete change. I am also normally a bit competitive and am walking with my superfit and very tall husband and for our 30th anniversary so I obviously didn't want to part ways! He is actually the one learning lessons and now understands our different abilities and my limitations. We now agree on the day ahead together and listen to our bodies! Buen Camino!!
Too Funny .
I'm 5'4" my husband is 6'2" so understand ...they need to adjust their stride or we run like an eager puppy trying to keep up John and I had wanted to do it together when he retires....long way off yet. With all my health news I felt I really needed to do it now. I'm not a fatalist just knew if I never got to do it ...I'd be miserable. Funny I was always the super fit one...doing fitness competitions and hiking and biking 100km trips...just for fun while the kids were in school. So in the last few years it's been a lot of adjustment...for both my family and I. It was scary for my family to see me inactive. I wanted to show them as well as myself that I still could and would be me. I'll never give up....just adjust my process.
I wish you a very, happy, blessed 30th. ❤️
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Too Funny .
I'm 5'4" my husband is 6'2" so understand ...they need to adjust their stride or we run like an eager puppy trying to keep up John and I had wanted to do it together when he retires....long way off yet. With all my health news I felt I really needed to do it now. I'm not a fatalist just knew if I never got to do it ...I'd be miserable. Funny I was always the super fit one...doing fitness competitions and hiking and biking 100km trips...just for fun while the kids were in school. So in the last few years it's been a lot of adjustment...for both my family and I. It was scary for my family to see me inactive. I wanted to show them as well as myself that I still could and would be me. I'll never give up....just adjust my process.
I wish you a very, happy, blessed 30th. ❤️
Making sure people walk at a comfortable pace/distance for the smallest/slowest member is very important...especially if it's a mixed gender group. Not only are women usually shorter, but men have a biomechanical advantage in that the line from hip to knee to ankle is more or less straight, while in women it is bent. This puts additional strain on the joints, especially when trying to 'keep up' or in the case of overachievers, 'out do.' It's also a reason teenage female athletes may go through a period of suddenly loosing ability or becoming injured, as their pelvis widens and they lose the once straight line of the joints. Physics is a wondrous thing.

Women in the US military have a higher injury rate associated with runs and marches for this reason, often carrying more relative (to their size) weight and the pace being set by a unit that may be 85% or more male.
so...no further or faster than is comfortable for everyone (not some midrange between the fastest and slowest pace:eek:)
 
no further or faster than is comfortable for everyone (not some midrange between the fastest and slowest pace)
Good advice. Especially if your walking partner is your life partner and you intend for that to remain the case.

Sometimes I just didn't get enough walking my own way. Only once did I speed ahead (to ensure a bed.) So I would sometimes walk around town in the afternoon after we stopped for the day. Once I even walked to the town ahead and walked around it before heading back to Peg. A local who saw me leave town and then come back was a bit perplexed though.
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
IMG_0169.JPG IMG_0177.JPG IMG_0170.JPG I'd encourage all to slow down their pace. It was amazing to discuss things seen and missed along the way. I watched a goat being born one day....beautiful. One day capturing a heart in the sky feeling like it was love sent from home. Just breathe....soak your feet in a cool stream...notice the bee...the beauty of a spiders web...and I at first I would leave early to try and beat the heat...later it was the pull of the sunrise. People would be rushing forward...I'd tap them on the shoulder and encourage them to stop and turn around. When they did they'd realize the beauty they were missing. We spend our lives rushing...the Camino is not the time.
 

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View attachment 29470 View attachment 29468 View attachment 29466 I'd encourage all to slow down their pace. It was amazing to discuss things seen and missed along the way. I watched a goat being born one day....beautiful. One day capturing a heart in the sky feeling like it was love sent from home. Just breathe....soak your feet in a cool stream...notice the bee...the beauty of a spiders web...and I at first I would leave early to try and beat the heat...later it was the pull of the sunrise. People would be rushing forward...I'd tap them on the shoulder and encourage them to stop and turn around. When they did they'd realize the beauty they were missing. We spend our lives rushing...the Camino is not the time.[
Too Funny .
I'm 5'4" my husband is 6'2" so understand ...they need to adjust their stride or we run like an eager puppy trying to keep up John and I had wanted to do it together when he retires....long way off yet. With all my health news I felt I really needed to do it now. I'm not a fatalist just knew if I never got to do it ...I'd be miserable. Funny I was always the super fit one...doing fitness competitions and hiking and biking 100km trips...just for fun while the kids were in school. So in the last few years it's been a lot of adjustment...for both my family and I. It was scary for my family to see me inactive. I wanted to show them as well as myself that I still could and would be me. I'll never give up....just adjust my process.
I wish you a very, happy, blessed 30th. ❤️
Thanks Penny and I feel sure with your wonderful attitude, you'll conquer anything life throws at you! Ultreia!
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Before I left for my Camino I had read so many comments about the Meseta. I dreaded it because of the less than positive reviews. I have to be honest...long stretches ...yes...but uniquely beautiful. I loved it. Be proud of your accomplishment...it's behind you. Well done.
Buen Camino
Penny, I have to say that I am a big fan of the Meseta as well. I have fond memories of the entire Francis including the Meseta. Even the time I was chased by a pack of three wolves!!!!! #GoodTimes. Ed
 
On my 2 first caminos I definitely did not love the meseta. On my 3., in 2009, having walked from Le Puy en Velay in France, with ups and downs from rivers and valleys for weeks, the meseta was heaven to me. I did no longer have to consider every step and where I put my feet. I could walk in my own mind thinking of everything else than the path.
Haven't been at that strech of the camino since then and going back in the middle of this month for a short camino.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
...the meseta was heaven to me. I did no longer have to consider every step and where I put my feet. I could walk in my own mind thinking of everything else than the path.

Exactly the reason why I love it so much :)
Apart from obvious reasons like vast views over neverending cereal fields, gently rolling hills, the most beautiful late afternoon light etc.

...
 
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35 Kms is crazy? I found myself fighting to keep up, pushing myself harder than I should have. I suffered, so I encouraged them to move on. This changed everything for me, I listened to my needs first. Being a loving mother of 5...a different thought process for me ❤️. There's an ebb and flow to travelling the Camino.. Stay strong...stay safe...Buen Camino

Hi Penny - so you finally discovered the one Camino Rule = listen to your needs first. If you ignore your body (feet/toes/legs/whatever) it will come back to bight you. The swahili term pole pole (slowly slowly) was probably meant for the first 100 km of the Camino. If this first 100 km takes 6 days or 7 instead Brierley's 4/5 then that's how long it takes. As you discovered your short days or slow pace still allowed you to catch up with your Orrison friends. Best wishes for your future endeavours (I will resist calling them struggles). Cheers
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
We began our walk at Carrion de los Condes and just loved it! Didn't even realise we were on the 'dreaded' meseta until much later. We found ourselves sitting in ditches beside the roads with other pilgrims and taking advantage of any tree shade we could find, and had the most amazing conversations with people from all over the world! Bliss.... rolling hills, wonderful views, sunflowers, blue skies that stretched forever, hot sun and warm breezes.
Coming from Australia it was kind of same-same in some ways but oh so different in many others! Roll on 2017.....
To a fellow Aussie, same-same but different describes it perfectly!

Space enough for the mind to dream, the heart to sing and the soul to breathe...
 
I liked the Meseta, in places it reminded me of the California desert where I live. The long straight stretches were tiring, challenging and enriching a la alma.
The three of us left Leon yesterday afternoon going to La Virgen Del Camino accompanied by many citizens of Leon going to Fiesta. Walking the 7Km is part of the celebration of the Saint. The streets were very crowded, but we enjoyed the town and the people.
Buen Camino!
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
I donated my Brierleys guide on day 3...arrows and the info given at the Pilgrims office in St Jean my only guide. I didn't think in stages just abilities.
Buen Camino Saint Mike II

Hi Penny!
Remember Phil and I from dinner at the hostel in Calsadilla de la Cruzada with the "uber-friendly" manager? Glad to know you made it. Thought of you often and hoped you were doing well. Phil got very sick in Melide and we had to stop, but I'm sure well be back and we hope you will, too.
Janet
 
Hi Penny!
Remember Phil and I from dinner at the hostel in Calsadilla de la Cruzada with the "uber-friendly" manager? Glad to know you made it. Thought of you often and hoped you were doing well. Phil got very sick in Melide and we had to stop, but I'm sure well be back and we hope you will, too.
Janet
Oh, that's so nice - Camino Forum meeting while on the way :)
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I'm better now thanks. It was a terrible stretch of days of some kind of bad stomach bug which had me going at both ends. Hope to go back and finish up the last few days, then walk on to Finistere and Muxia.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
The views are beautiful. What I'm not liking is the crushed rock wide path. Seems like dirt is leaving the camino everywhere. In my opinion, crushed rock is not an improvement!
I agree, the views are beautiful and I prefer to walk on dirt instead of crushed rock or pavement.
 
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Ah, Meseta, my love :)

And really, the longest stretch on CF without accommodation is that famous 17kms after Carrion de los Condes. Beautiful walk. As compared to counting sheeps, you just let your thoughts wander... and there you are, either halfway with cold beer or at the end with cold beer and a pool ;)

What about VdlP or Levante or Sanabres then? :D:D:D

@KinkyOne Haha! And what about the Plata or the Mozárabe? Just to mention two more...

I walked a few of the Meseta stretches this past month and saw SO MANY fountains! As it had been years since I had been on the Francés, I had completely forgotten that most (if not all) towns have fountains with drinking water. I was grateful as was my dog!
 
I thought I would hate the Meseta but I think it ended up being one of my favorite stretches. Yes, it's dry, barren, long, maybe lonely, and tough to keep you mind on track. But it's not up hill (much) and it makes the beer and bocadillos taste so much better at the end of the day. :)
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
The last few days on Meseta (from Carrion de Los Condes ) were tough - I recommend you think about these stages carefully as there are some long stretches without accommodation. A rest day in Leon was wonderful - there was a beautiful festiva and the Cathedral is amazing (although €6 with no pilgrim discount). However, I am very happy to be back in the countryside at Villavante looking forward to the upcoming days and changing scenery. Nice to be walking again Buen Camino everyone!

Hi, I'm writing this in Santiago, on the evening of (well, early in the morning following) my arrival at the end of my first Camino Frances. So, with all the authority of a first-timer, I'd like to weigh in on the side of the Meseta. Such wide open spaces! Such a huge sky! Such endless vistas! A place for head-space, for contemplation.

It has even occurred to me that if someone with limited time on their side were to ask my advice, I'd suggest they go straight to Burgos and walk from there for seven days. Avoid the frenetic excitement of the rush out of St. Jean, or the (possible) crowds from Triacastela onwards.

Go for the solitude, the space and the serenity!
 
I thought I would hate the Meseta but I think it ended up being one of my favorite stretches. Yes, it's dry, barren, long, maybe lonely, and tough to keep you mind on track. But it's not up hill (much) and it makes the beer and bocadillos taste so much better at the end of the day. :)
The beers yes, bocadillos NO - anything but those large bread rolls. Still you can usually find something different. I rode the Meseta last year (brown in Sept) this time I am walking in May (hoping for a green vista). Cheers
 
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View attachment 29470 View attachment 29468 View attachment 29466 I'd encourage all to slow down their pace. It was amazing to discuss things seen and missed along the way. I watched a goat being born one day....beautiful. One day capturing a heart in the sky feeling like it was love sent from home. Just breathe....soak your feet in a cool stream...notice the bee...the beauty of a spiders web...and I at first I would leave early to try and beat the heat...later it was the pull of the sunrise. People would be rushing forward...I'd tap them on the shoulder and encourage them to stop and turn around. When they did they'd realize the beauty they were missing. We spend our lives rushing...the Camino is not the time.
I agree totally, Penny! I spent days alone just meandering the Camino once my speedy male friend went ahead and quit waiting for me (sigh of relief). I was a little disappointed in how many pilgrims got started an hour or more before daylight (even once temps cooled down). It felt like many pilgrims were just on a physical challenge of "how early and how far can I make it today". None of us know how long we'll be able to "stop and smell the roses".
Imho I wished pilgrims around me looked like they were enjoying themselves instead of just enduring!
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I agree totally, Penny! I spent days alone just meandering the Camino once my speedy male friend went ahead and quit waiting for me (sigh of relief). I was a little disappointed in how many pilgrims got started an hour or more before daylight (even once temps cooled down). It felt like many pilgrims were just on a physical challenge of "how early and how far can I make it today". None of us know how long we'll be able to "stop and smell the roses".
Imho I wished pilgrims around me looked like they were enjoying themselves instead of just enduring!

I totally agree. My first Camino I flew all the way from SJPDP to SSDC in 26 days. My second (and better) camino i slowed way down and smelled every Rose I walk up to. Much better....
 
I totally agree. My first Camino I flew all the way from SJPDP to SSDC in 26 days. My second (and better) camino i slowed way down and smelled every Rose I walk up to. Much better....

Ha!! In fact, I am going soooo slow the second time it is taking me three trips from the USA to do the Camino Francis.....Loving every slow day of it also!!!!!
 

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