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My first Camino

KellysMom

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances - May (2019)
I will be leaving for my first Camino in 9 days. Not just my first Camino but my first time over seas, my first time away from my family for this length of time and my first time doing anything of this magnitude in my entire life. I will be doing the Camino Frances starting from SJPDP and there have been several times that I have wanted to jump on here and ask a ton of questions but, without doing that, I have received all the answers thru this forum. What I do best is stress out over the unknown but as the trip gets closer and closer I am really trying to have the mind set that it is going to be what it is going to be. I have tried to train but with a full time job and all the other responsibilities of my life - it's hard to find the time. I've been planning this since last August and yet I still feel unprepared. I am so excited, nervous and ready to shut down, unplug and just walk - but not before thanking all of you for all of your wonderful comments and all the support that I have seen all of you give others like me who have doubts, questions and fears. Bag is packed (and re-packed and probably re-re-packed before I leave) and I am looking forward to meeting some of you along the trail.
Buen Camino!
 
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I will be leaving for my first Camino in 9 days. Not just my first Camino but my first time over seas, my first time away from my family for this length of time and my first time doing anything of this magnitude in my entire life. I will be doing the Camino Frances starting from SJPDP and there have been several times that I have wanted to jump on here and ask a ton of questions but, without doing that, I have received all the answers thru this forum. What I do best is stress out over the unknown but as the trip gets closer and closer I am really trying to have the mind set that it is going to be what it is going to be. I have tried to train but with a full time job and all the other responsibilities of my life - it's hard to find the time. I've been planning this since last August and yet I still feel unprepared. I am so excited, nervous and ready to shut down, unplug and just walk - but not before thanking all of you for all of your wonderful comments and all the support that I have seen all of you give others like me who have doubts, questions and fears. Bag is packed (and re-packed and probably re-re-packed before I leave) and I am looking forward to meeting some of you along the trail.
Buen Camino!
Wow, this could have been written by me in 2015 before embarking on my first camino, except I was newly retired. Wish you the best...you will be fine. Most of the worries dissolve within the first few days!
Buen Camino!
 
1. New experiences are often the Best!
2. Start Slow with Shorter Distances .... if you overdo it early, it is much harder to recover. Suggest 2 nights in a few places as your muscles and tendons need 48 hours to fully recover. You'll know where your stride is after about 5 days.
PS: and you won't be alone, you'll meet hundreds of your new 'best friends'.
 
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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.
KellysMom,

I’m 62, very well travelled and felt the same way when I left in May of 2017 to walk the CF, I think most of us did. Enjoy the adventure, the down time, scenery, history and spirituality. Most of all, you’re not leaving your family, you’re adding to it. You’ll understand this better in a month. Buen Camino. BTW, departing for my second Camino, the Inglès on May 30.
 
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It will be great. The magic as a firsttimer is fantastic.

You will have so many great experiences. With other pilgrims and with Y O U. There is no " I have to...." on the Camino, but so much space for "I want...." and also "I don´t want....". Fantastic ;)

No one expects anything from you except "normal" kindness. Everyone is open like never before. You didn't promise anyone to be in a place at a time. You are your own boss for a few weeks. Enjoy it.
 
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One other thought. I’m a very proud father and grand-Father. But for a 42 days, I got to be Keith from Texas, nothing more.


Absolutlely love this message Keith. Assuming you travel solo the camino allows you to be the purest form of you there is.
 
Buen Camino, you’ve got this!

A bit of nervousness is perfectly normal and healthy, but you clearly have the right approach (it will be what it will be).

I wish you a wonderful adventure.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I will be leaving for my first Camino in 9 days. Not just my first Camino but my first time over seas, my first time away from my family for this length of time and my first time doing anything of this magnitude in my entire life. I will be doing the Camino Frances starting from SJPDP and there have been several times that I have wanted to jump on here and ask a ton of questions but, without doing that, I have received all the answers thru this forum. What I do best is stress out over the unknown but as the trip gets closer and closer I am really trying to have the mind set that it is going to be what it is going to be. I have tried to train but with a full time job and all the other responsibilities of my life - it's hard to find the time. I've been planning this since last August and yet I still feel unprepared. I am so excited, nervous and ready to shut down, unplug and just walk - but not before thanking all of you for all of your wonderful comments and all the support that I have seen all of you give others like me who have doubts, questions and fears. Bag is packed (and re-packed and probably re-re-packed before I leave) and I am looking forward to meeting some of you along the trail.
Buen Camino!
If it is any consolation, I had one month between decision and leaving and it was also my first trip to Europe. I went last September-October. I was not an avid hiker and had no time to train. I am 62 yo. I did the entire camino from SJPDP to Santiago. It was an absolutely amazing journey. With the exception of getting food poisoning (from virtually raw fish) that had subsided by the next day (I didn't eat much of it), I had absolutely no issues (no blisters, knee issues, etc.). And I met some very amazing people. I am planning my next camino next year (Portugal) and plan to do the Frances again in the next few years God willing. What a spiritual journey!!! I actually got depressed for a while when I got home because I missed it so much. Have a great time and remember to stop and smell the roses (or cow poop! haha). Buen Camino!
 
One other thought. I’m a very proud father and grand-Father. But for a 42 days, I got to be Keith from Texas, nothing more.
Thank you so much everyone for your comments. Keith from Texas, I am 51 very proud mother of a wonderful son (Kelly :) ) but for 39 days I am so looking forward to just being Colleen from British Columbia. Nothing more :)
 
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Thank you so much everyone for your comments. Keith from Texas, I am 51 very proud mother of a wonderful son (Kelly :) ) but for 39 days I am so looking forward to just being Colleen from British Columbia. Nothing more :)
Rock it Colleen from BC!
 
Wow, this could have been written by me in 2015 before embarking on my first camino, except I was newly retired. Wish you the best...you will be fine. Most of the worries dissolve within the first few days!
Buen Camino!
Ditto. Retired in July and walked Sept/Oct 18. Enjoy and in no time you will have completed your journey.
 
I will be starting my fifth Camino on October 29. I have found things to stress about for every single Camino. I always walk different Caminos so I always worry. Did I train enough? Now I live in a tropical climate and I can’t really train outside. But I’ve made it over 4,000 kilometers already.The first time I worked for Frances and I worried about everything. The second time I did the Camino from Le Puy and I stressed about walking almost 1400 km. The third time I started in Lisbon and worried about the road walking and my knees. Last year I walk to the Norte and was completely freaked out about all the hills. That plus worrying about blisters, injuries, distances per day, a bed, and pain suffering and a host of other things that never leave me you’re always going to have doubts and stress before you go. At least I do. Right now I’m completely stressing out about whether to wear boots or my trailrunnera how much warm weather layering I should bring and blah blah blah blah. As soon as I take my first step I know it’s going to be OK. All that pre-planning you’ll throw out the window. You’ll learn as you go. Just listen to your body and it’s one step at a time.
 
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Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
I will do my first Camino in July this year.
The only stressing thing I encountered was the search for a cheap flight to Bayonne.
Since I've found that I'm flying with AirFrance, all stress went away.

For every problem you and I will encounter on the Camino there will be a solution. It will be a great time, no reason to be anxious or nervous.

I hope that you'll have a great walk, meet wonderful people and turn home without any stress and mentally revived.

Buen Camino!
Roland
 
Wow!! How exciting - and what a huge 'first step' after all the years of not travelling!

I am sitting here green-eyed! don't worry about the nervousness (you may even wail "why am I doing this?" before you start) - this is normal stuff as there is no way you can predict what happens next and that leads to fear, that lack of certainty .. but here is the thing .. that fear transmutes to wonder and joy - walk a few days, get used to how it all works, stop at the top of a hill and look back and see how far you have come and you will know, with utter certainty, that you can do anything - even walk round the world!

If possible don't make the mistake of phoning home all the time .... leave it at home that if there is an emergency they send a text, then switch your phone off and check it once a day, maybe send a text once a week saying "All is well" - this way you can really let that 'other life' go for those 39 days and just immerse yourself totally in Camino as Colleen, not as KellysMom or any other label - you cannot be in two places at the same time .. so be on Camino, you deserve it, the whole experience xx

Buen Camino - to you, and to all virgin pilgrims taking that big first step - enjoy!!
 
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Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
I will do my first Camino in July this year.
The only stressing thing I encountered was the search for a cheap flight to Bayonne.
Since I've found that I'm flying with AirFrance, all stress went away.

For every problem you and I will encounter on the Camino there will be a solution. It will be a great time, no reason to be anxious or nervous.

I hope that you'll have a great walk, meet wonderful people and turn home without any stress and mentally revived.

Buen Camino!
Roland
Thank you and I hope you have a great walk as well!
Buen Camino :)
 
I will be leaving for my first Camino in 9 days. Not just my first Camino but my first time over seas, my first time away from my family for this length of time and my first time doing anything of this magnitude in my entire life. I will be doing the Camino Frances starting from SJPDP and there have been several times that I have wanted to jump on here and ask a ton of questions but, without doing that, I have received all the answers thru this forum. What I do best is stress out over the unknown but as the trip gets closer and closer I am really trying to have the mind set that it is going to be what it is going to be. I have tried to train but with a full time job and all the other responsibilities of my life - it's hard to find the time. I've been planning this since last August and yet I still feel unprepared. I am so excited, nervous and ready to shut down, unplug and just walk - but not before thanking all of you for all of your wonderful comments and all the support that I have seen all of you give others like me who have doubts, questions and fears. Bag is packed (and re-packed and probably re-re-packed before I leave) and I am looking forward to meeting some of you along the trail.
Buen Camino!
It all depends on your health. It will take 3 days to get your body attuned to walking. The first day is the toughest because of the elevation change. and the 14 mile distance. You might want to stop between 1 and 2 for a few days to see how your body is adjusting. I am 74 and will be heading over again next April to celebrate my 75th birthday. At this point just relax and go with your plan.
 
I will do my first Camino in July this year.
The only stressing thing I encountered was the search for a cheap flight to Bayonne.
Since I've found that I'm flying with AirFrance, all stress went away.

For every problem you and I will encounter on the Camino there will be a solution. It will be a great time, no reason to be anxious or nervous.

I hope that you'll have a great walk, meet wonderful people and turn home without any stress and mentally revived.

Buen Camino!
Roland
Have an amazing journey. You will be hooked!
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I will be leaving for my first Camino in 9 days. Not just my first Camino but my first time over seas, my first time away from my family for this length of time and my first time doing anything of this magnitude in my entire life. I will be doing the Camino Frances starting from SJPDP and there have been several times that I have wanted to jump on here and ask a ton of questions but, without doing that, I have received all the answers thru this forum. What I do best is stress out over the unknown but as the trip gets closer and closer I am really trying to have the mind set that it is going to be what it is going to be. I have tried to train but with a full time job and all the other responsibilities of my life - it's hard to find the time. I've been planning this since last August and yet I still feel unprepared. I am so excited, nervous and ready to shut down, unplug and just walk - but not before thanking all of you for all of your wonderful comments and all the support that I have seen all of you give others like me who have doubts, questions and fears. Bag is packed (and re-packed and probably re-re-packed before I leave) and I am looking forward to meeting some of you along the trail.
Buen Camino!
So, first of all- Congratulations! You are going to have a really interesting Odyssey. Maybe stop the first day in Orisson, to break up the first mighty exertions. Give you some time to absorb what is happening and enjoy it. You are going to a wonderful area of the world. Soak it in and remember to go at your own pace! It is YOUR Camino...
 
I second the suggestion to stop at Orisson on the first day -- mainly BECAUSE it is the first day and you will not be acclimated. There is a certain bitter irony that the first day out of SJPdP for many includes one of the steepest and longest ascents on the CF as well as the knee-busting (for me, anyway) descent into Roncevalles. It sure would be more convenient if both of these came later in the trek. Those old pilgrims should have thought this out better. LOL
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
My recommendation after the Collado de Lepoeder when its going down to Roncesvalles:

Think about to walk the street, going to the right side.

It is good to walk, not steep, Gronze says only 400 meters more.

When you enter the Nationalstreet at the church the way goes to the left through the bushes, so no need to walk at the street.

Both times I was there I didn´t walk straight ahead through the forest to Roncesvalles, so I can´t say anything about it.
But if you have problems with your knees or you are really tired, the street could be the better way. 🤔
 
My recommendation after the Collado de Lepoeder when its going down to Roncesvalles:

Think about to walk the street, going to the right side.

It is good to walk, not steep, Gronze says only 400 meters more.

When you enter the Nationalstreet at the church the way goes to the left through the bushes, so no need to walk at the street.

Both times I was there I didn´t walk straight ahead through the forest to Roncesvalles, so I can´t say anything about it.
But if you have problems with your knees or you are really tired, the street could be the better way. 🤔
Thank you everyone for your suggestions, recommendations and well wishes. Two more sleeps and the adventure begins!
 
I agree with others on the Orisson suggestion. It IS ironic that the first day out of SJPdP for many includes one of the steepest and longest ascents on the CF. But after having thrown in Orisson at the last minute I found it to be one of the most memorable experiences of the journey. The community dinner on your first night out where everyone introduces themselves and their reason for the journey provided a chance to meet some amazing people that I bonded with for the rest of the journey and beyond.
 
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Buen Camino KellysMom! Are you traveling with Kelly? I'm leaving in 6 days to walk the Caminho Portuguese and I too am excited! As a scoutmaster in a boy scout troop I've done tons of hiking, but as you mentioned, the mind set is where I'm most excited. You can only prepare just so much because life long memories and experiences happen when you're planning or in spite of planning! Be flexible yet strong like bamboo and think of being right where you are right now, otherwise you'd be somewhere else doing something else. Peace!
 
I will do my first Camino in July this year.
The only stressing thing I encountered was the search for a cheap flight to Bayonne.
Since I've found that I'm flying with AirFrance, all stress went away.

For every problem you and I will encounter on the Camino there will be a solution. It will be a great time, no reason to be anxious or nervous.

I hope that you'll have a great walk, meet wonderful people and turn home without any stress and mentally revived.

Buen Camino!
Roland
I think you have a great attitude. You will start to get those butterflies as you get closer to your departure. Hopefully it will be the kind of butterflies you get before a date with someone you really like and not the butterflies before you go to the dentist!! haha. Buen Camino and keep that attitude up when you are walking and meeting the challenges we all face as we go.
 
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Oh how wonderful! You will have so many beautiful experiences!! I look forward to reading about your journey!

Buen Camino!
 

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