My week from St Jean to Estella

[Cailin O Eire]

This is just a general post so I'll keep it short and sweet. Firstly, I left Ireland on my own to walk this stretch of the camino, nervous and excited. I wasn't alone for long I met others at the airport and then more in Saint Jean and we soon became a camino family. I never felt alone or afraid and I enjoyed learning a few bits of Danish from my Danish walking comrades and some American lingo from Anny the Taiwanese/American lady and the Dublin lingo from Brian. So that is just for those who may be nervous about setting out on this journey alone, you wont be alone. I can't recall a section of the path without others in front of behind. It's really busy.
The trails, day 1 been the first day full of energy and enthusiasm I got through it, even with all the false summits and thoughts of am I there yet?! feeling tired and weary at the end but doable. Maybe I would stay in Orisson next time just to ease the body into the journey.
The other days also beautiful, each day we took breaks to take the shoes off and let air get to the feet, I think this helped my feet a lot.
On route home now waiting on a bus to Biarritz, thanks to falcon, Nuala and most recently whariwharangi for useful travel info for the route home. To all those who were on this forum giving advise. Thanks so much.
I'm going to try to wean myself off the forum for a while or I'll be longing to come back every day.
For all those wondering should they go alone, yes do, you wont be alone unless you want to this time of year.
Best
Rita

 

[Tincatinker]

Au revoir pilgrim. Come back any time you like.

 

[Bernard duffy]

Nice one,see you again real soon

 

[natefaith]

Oh, Rita, I'm so happy for you that you had a great week! I know you were nervous with all the news coming out about solo hikers getting harassed and I'm so glad it all went well. You sound so calm and content in your post here! Have a good transition back to home and we'll see you on the Forum, whenever you decide you want to read all of us again !
Take care,
Faith

 

[Cailin O Eire]

Oh, Rita, I'm so happy for you that you had a great week! I know you were nervous with all the news coming out about solo hikers getting harassed and I'm so glad it all went well. You sound so calm and content in your post here! Have a good transition back to home and we'll see you on the Forum, whenever you decide you want to read all of us again !
Take care,
Faith

Thanks so much, it was such a lovely week. The only down side was having to say good bye to the great friends I made.
I'm back on the forum again ha ha

 

[wayfarer]

Delighted you had a great Camino Rita, you might as well start planning the next one now as you probably have the Camino bug already .
Come back to the forum when you can as up to date info is important and is always welcome.

 

[Mjb99]

I hava a feeling you will become a repeat offender

 

[Cailin O Eire]

Delighted you had a great Camino Rita, you might as well start planning the next one now as you probably have the Camino bug already .
Come back to the forum when you can as up to date info is important and is always welcome.

I will be on regularly, I just need to reduce my log in'a from every hour to once a day ha ha. Such a super time, I'll be back to do another week for sure.
Buen Camino

 

[Cailin O Eire]

I hava a feeling you will become a repeat offender

This was my second trip, I have definitely caught the camino bug, looking forward to my next stage already, just need to figure out when?!
Rita

 

[Mjb99]

This was my second trip, I have definitely caught the camino bug, looking forward to my next stage already, just need to figure out when?!
Rita

I'm off in ten days doing Burgos to Santiago. What is the next stage for you?

 

[Cailin O Eire]

I'm off in ten days doing Burgos to Santiago. What is the next stage for you?

If probably try and do from Estella to Burgos, I only ever have about a weekso I'd be planning to join the dots on the Camino Frances over the next few years. You are lucky to be going, lots of lovely people on the way and lots of sunshine. Wishing you a beautiful journey

 

[7wood]

Nice to hear you enjoyed the start of the long walk. Estella to Burgos is a little easier on the feet, not as hilly,but every bit as challenging.

 

[DurhamParish]

I'm glad you enjoyed your week on the Camino.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

 

[Angelo]

So Happy for you Rita! Your personal experience of camaraderie and hearing how secure you felt with your Camino friends (family, really because it feels like you have one whist on the pilgrimage) only shows that We never walk alone on the CF. People look after each other and that should positively inspire others who plan to walk alone and naturally feeling apprehensive about their security.
I bet you're already planning the next phase of your Camino Frances.
I wish you Buen Camino peregrina!

 

[Cailin O Eire]

So Happy for you Rita! Your personal experience of camaraderie and hearing how secure you felt with your Camino friends (family, really because it feels like you have one whist on the pilgrimage) only shows that We never walk alone on the CF. People look after each other and that should positively inspire others who plan to walk alone and naturally feeling apprehensive about their security.
I bet you're already planning the next phase of your Camino Frances.
I wish you Buen Camino peregrina!

Yes, I want to do Estella to Burgos next time. I do honestly feel that this time of year to be alone, you would have to choose to be alone. I wouldn't be apprehensive about setting off again in the morning
Thank you
Rita

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Sounds like you had a wonderful Camino Rita. Keep us posted as to when you can get away to continue your next Camino. Ed