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Hi Penny, you are so wright I had some beautiful day's walking the Meseta to.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
I can honestly say that the first week on the Meseta is out of this World!Thanks for the heads-up, MargLav. I'll be starting out from Burgos next spring.QUOTE]
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.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 ...
It's Roman actuallyOne of the wonders of the world!
Same same, but different, heh?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.....
ha ha....Same same, but different, heh?
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 amI'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
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...It's Roman actually
One of the few that remained more or less untouched/conserved under the gravel we walk on.
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 topicAnother 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...
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.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
Thank youBuen Camino, Penny. I'd tell you to stay strong, but then you are.
funny how at this stage a 17km walk would scare a pilgrim from st jean....do it!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?
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 meIt'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!!
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!!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
Too Funny .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!!
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.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.
Good advice. Especially if your walking partner is your life partner and you intend for that to remain the case.no further or faster than is comfortable for everyone (not some midrange between the fastest and slowest pace)
liking this a thousand times.Good advice. Especially if your walking partner is your life partner and you intend for that to remain the case.
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.[
Thanks Penny and I feel sure with your wonderful attitude, you'll conquer anything life throws at you! Ultreia!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.
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. EdBefore 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
Sounds exciting !!! What a story to tell once homePenny, 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
...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.
G'day Kinky - its an Australianism - and usually loses in the translations.Same same, but different, heh?
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
To a fellow Aussie, same-same but different describes it perfectly!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.....
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
Oh, that's so nice - Camino Forum meeting while on the wayHi 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
Of course I remember you. Sad news about Phil. I hope all is well now. Yes, I remember how uncomfortable that manager made me. Loved our time togetherOh, that's so nice - Camino Forum meeting while on the way
Ahm, I think you answered to wrong forum member.Of course I remember you. Sad news about Phil. I hope all is well now. Yes, I remember how uncomfortable that manager made me. Loved our time together
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!View attachment 29454 View attachment 29453 View attachment 29452
Look at those views....absolutely beautiful
I agree, the views are beautiful and I prefer to walk on dirt instead of crushed rock or pavement.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!
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?
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!
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). CheersI 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.
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".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!
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....
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