New to Camino experience

[West]

Hello,
This will be my first Camino. I'm a senior female who is looking to join a group
I was thinking this October, but Spring 2024 would work too.
If it matters, I am from Northern California.
Any ideas would be welcome. Many thank yous, West

 

[lovelyshell]

Hi, Southern Californian here! I recommend checking out American Pilgrims on the Camino. They probably have a chapter near you and hopefully you can find a group. https://americanpilgrims.org/local-chapters/

 

[J Willhaus]

Hello,
This will be my first Camino. I'm a senior female who is looking to join a group
I was thinking this October, but Spring 2024 would work too.
If it matters, I am from Northern California.
Any ideas would be welcome. Many thank yous, West

Groups form formally or informally. There is a group on Facebook called Camigas which might also be a resource for you. Otherwise, you will probably find an organic connection once you begin walking.

 

[trecile]

Hello,
This will be my first Camino. I'm a senior female who is looking to join a group
I was thinking this October, but Spring 2024 would work too.
If it matters, I am from Northern California.
Any ideas would be welcome. Many thank yous, West

I know that there are chapters in Sacramento, San Francisco and Silicon Valley. If you are in very Northern California you can join us in the Southern Oregon chapter.

Southern Oregon Chapter - American Pilgrims on the Camino

The Medford-area chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino hosts events and walks for people interested in walking or who have walked the Camino de Santiago.

americanpilgrims.org

 

[Vacajoe]

Hello from NorCal, Sacramento specifically! We have a VERY active APOC chapter and are open to folks from our area and anyone nearby (or even just visiting our little village!). There’s also an active chapter in the SF Bay Area and Chico. I encourage you to contact one of these groups for advice, training, and camaraderie.

Feel free to DM me for more direct information.

As for walking with a group, I think you’ll find that even if you go alone, you’ll quickly make friends and end up walking with a group that organically forms based on your walking pace, accommodation choice, and a dozen other factors that matter more than whomever you choose ahead of time based on them simply leaving when you do.

 

[Robo]

As for walking with a group, I think you’ll find that even if you go alone, you’ll quickly make friends and end up walking with a group that organically forms based on your walking pace, accommodation choice, and a dozen other factors that matter more than whomever you choose ahead of time based on them simply leaving when you do.

Very sound advice! If you arrive as part of a group it will be hard to know if it will work out. There are so many factors to consider.

When a group forms naturally on the Camino, it's because they just 'fit' naturally

 

[trecile]

When a group forms naturally on the Camino, it's because they just 'fit' naturally

And nobody is obligated to stay with the group if it's not working for them.

 

[Robo]

And nobody is obligated to stay with the group if it's not working for them.

Great point! Groups can be as tight or as loose as you like