Newbie with many questions!

[Liltravlr]

Hola, brand new here. Proposing to walk Francés in May 2020. Questions:
1. My sister wants to do it with me, but she is in much better shape and can easily walk 20 to 25 km per day. I can only walk 10 km per day, maybe up to 12. Is there a way for us to do it together? I would like to break up my required 100 km for the compostella into two trips which is more easily doable for my fitness level.
2. How do I go about getting a stamp? Do you show up at the albergue and they just give it to you? Or do you have to prove it somehow that you have walked that day? What if you take more time, for example have a rest day in between? I hear Burgos & Léon are cool & would like to explore there.
3. I want to assure ourselves that we will have accommodation, so I propose to book accommodation for the daily Camino distance for my sister (ie every 18-25k), but I would like to stop after 10 km and take a taxi the rest of the way. How can I validate the 10 km that I have done, to get half the stamps?
4. Is there phone service all the way along so I could call a taxi to pick me up when I’m tired?
Money is really not an object.
5. I would love to be with others sometime in hostel or hotel but I need to have my own room because I’m very light sleeper. I’m also not an early riser because of meds so would never be able to run for bed competition, and I do not want to cook at all en route. Is there a solid company I can use for booking these flexible terms?

Thank you in advance for your help. I am not much of a hiker, but I do walk about 5-8K a day. I failed to complete Mount Kilimanjaro in 2006 because I got sick on the last night, gave away my poles & sleeping bag and I haven’t worn my hiking boots since. I simply can’t do more than 10 or maximum 15 km a day, less if there’s any elevation. I’ve been wanting to do this for so long! I would love to do many sections of the caminos, all over Spain, in short bursts (ie 50k over 5-7 days), even if it takes me 16 years over 16 annual trips

 

[Mark McCarthy]

To qualify for the Compostela, you have to walk the whole of the last 100km. You do not need to do this in one go. Stamps during the last 100km are very easy to come by. You can get them in every albergue and every bar along the way. I have put together a plan for walking the last 100km in 18 days of very short stages which maybe of some help. Your Camino may require more planning the most but it is definitely worthwhile. Buen Camino!

 

[Liltravlr]

So basically, if I only wanted to do 10K day, & stay together with my sister, she would have to do the same and she would not be able to get the whole Camino in 5 days. Correct?

 

[Mark McCarthy]

If you want to do it together I suggest doing it in two 1 week chunks. However, I would say all the feedback from people who do the Camino very slowly as you propose get much more from the experience from those who walk it quickly. To walk the Camino slowly is a real priviledge and a truly wonderful experience.

 

[trecile]

but I would like to stop after 10 km and take a taxi the rest of the way.

You can't receive a Compostela if you taxi or bus any part of the last 100 km.

I think that you need to decide if it's more important to do it with your sister, or get a Compostela.

Also May 2020 is 8 months away. With a little training you might be surprised that you can walk 20 km per day. And remember, you will be taking breaks throughout the day, so perhaps think of doing three 6 - 7 km walks each day. I find that I can walk farther in one day on the Camino than I can in my daily life because there is nothing else to focus on.

 

[Liltravlr]

Hi, aside from the fact that I’ve heard so many stories of blisters (!), I know in my ordinary life of walks, I can get along fine with running shoes. I don’t want to buy hikers that I have to break in & that I’m never going to wear again. I’d be traveling elsewhere in Spain & don’t want to carry another pair of shoes. I guess I could leave them behind, but I also know I get bored with walking after an hour or 2. I probably could work up to it but truthfully I don’t want to spend 4-6 hrs a day walking. I’d rather do sightseeing or dancing, etc.
I’ll see if I can convince my sister to be content with half. I’ll propose Sarria to the halfway point, wherever that is, & I guess I’ll have to return there the next year to finish. I thought I might be able to get my 100 cumulatively, like 50 on that camino & 50 on another Camino somewhere else. I wod never lie, I just thought I could keep track of the mileage & get my stamps.

 

[henrythedog]

Hi, aside from the fact that I’ve heard so many stories of blisters (!), I know in my ordinary life of walks, I can get along fine with running shoes. I don’t want to buy hikers that I have to break in & that I’m never going to wear again. I’d be traveling elsewhere in Spain & don’t want to carry another pair of shoes. I guess I could leave them behind, but I also know I get bored with walking after an hour or 2. I probably could work up to it but truthfully I don’t want to spend 4-6 hrs a day walking. I’d rather do sightseeing or dancing, etc.
I’ll see if I can convince my sister to be content with half. I’ll propose Sarria to the halfway point, wherever that is, & I guess I’ll have to return there the next year to finish. I thought I might be able to get my 100 cumulatively, like 50 on that camino & 50 on another Camino somewhere else. I wod never lie, I just thought I could keep track of the mileage & get my stamps.

You’re possibly over-thinking this.

You’ve got eight months to be able to walk more than you believe you currently can, or you have your sister find a way of slowing to your pace, or you spend that portion of your short life doing something you would rather do - the possibilities are endless.

If you had the willpower to embark on Kili (and you would be one of the many every day persuaded to try too much too quickly and not acclimatise properly) then you’ve got the mental resources to walk less than 70 miles village to village in one of the most developed countries on the planet.

Or just don’t bother - there’s a whole world of other stuff to do and if you get bored with walking perhaps one of the many alternatives would feel more rewarding?

The whole ‘compostella’ issue is secondary.

 

[Liltravlr]

Yes, the passport will probably gather dust eventually somewhere in my house. But I want to be able to say I did “It”., & celebrate with the other pilgrims in front of the cathedral in Santiago. I know what I like - leisurely walks in good weather with pretty environs, a comfy quiet bed, good food. I don’t need introspection, done lots of that. I’m quite happy with my own company during the day but would like to be part of the community at times. I love Spain & I’m sure I will get the Compostella one way or the other!

 

[Kanga]

@Liltravlr the shoes you use for walking at home will definitely be fine for the last 100km and you absolutely do not need hikers for that section.
On the distance each day - how about splitting the difference between yourself and your sister and walk 15km a day? You should be able to work up to that by the time you leave, and that way you and your sister can stay together. There is lots of socialising during the last 100km so even if you sister arrives before you at each day's destination, she's sure to find plenty of company while waiting for you.

 

[Liltravlr]

Not a bad idea but I don’t think we have 7 days plus arrival & departure days for transit, were thinking 5+2.

 

[Liltravlr]

I mean she doesn’t.

 

[VNwalking]

I know what I like - leisurely walks in good weather with pretty environs, a comfy quiet bed, good food.

I get bored with walking after an hour or 2. I probably could work up to it but truthfully I don’t want to spend 4-6 hrs a day walking. I’d rather do sightseeing or dancing, etc.

I’ve heard so many stories of blisters (!)

I don’t need introspection, done lots of that.

@Liltravlr, it might be useful to ask yourself why you want to do this.
Because if you just want to say you did it, you will actually have to do it.
And that means learning to get over your preferences - and how to put up with boredom, blisters, discomfort, and crummy weather with equanimity (or at least resignation). If you really don't want that, this may not be for you, because it's an inevitable part of the package.
Bottom line? If you really want to walk the camino you'll have to find a way to 'suck it up,' and get over those preferences.

 

[Liltravlr]

Perhaps
But can’t it just be a pretty walk? With the meaning being the achievement and the camaraderie at the Cathedral or at the accommodation along the way?
Does it have to hurt to have meaning?

 

[Lifeisgood]

I couldn't agree more with VNwalking. If you want to walk the last 100 km to get the Compostela you have to walk them Also, you need two stamps per day on that section. About preferences: It is good to know what you like but especially on a small pilgrimage I would advise to let go a little of expectations. Some towns along the way offer something to see and explore, others are vey small and quiet and everyone will be in bed early. You may find great company - you may not... so many possibilities! Remember that it is not a "booked vacation" but a path that may bring new things! Get surprised!

Also I was a bit confused since you mentioned Leon and Burgos as possible break days - but as I understood it you two have just 5 days for walking? Hence you wanted to walk the last 100 km only? In general it is possible to have a break day!

I hope it all works out and I wish you both a great Camino!!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Perhaps
But can’t it just be a pretty walk? With the meaning being the achievement and the camaraderie at the Cathedral or at the accommodation along the way?
Does it have to hurt to have meaning?

No, it doesn't 'have' to hurt, but it is exceedingly common for discomfort to occur - from any number of causes - as a frequent companion when doing any long distance walking. You may avoid discomfort or pain, but you would be in a most unusual cohort if that were the case.

The meaning behind the achievement is what you make it. First, one needs to define what that 'achievement' is. It can be anything from an opportunity to take a pretty walk on a famous route in a foreign country, or it can be a self-flagellating penance as part of a religious observance. Both tourists who arrive by transportation, and pilgrims (who arrive by walking, biking, or horseback) alike stand in front of the Cathedral in awe and appreciation.

Those who wish a Compostela have some specified requirements to meet, including distances and doing the Pilgrimage as a religious or spiritual undertaking. Those who do not care for a Compostela can walk any length they wish into SdC and take taxis or buses to break up the walk even in that last 100 kilometers.

So it may be beneficial for you to clarify exactly what you want out of your walk.

 

[trecile]

I also know I get bored with walking after an hour or 2. I probably could work up to it but truthfully I don’t want to spend 4-6 hrs a day walking. I’d rather do sightseeing or dancing, etc.

Perhaps the Camino is not your thing then. Just because many love it doesn't mean that it's for everyone.

 

[Liltravlr]

I wantd the stamp, pretty walk, I just don’t understand why I have to do 25 km/day to get the certificate! Pretty sure not all the pilgrims did

 

[trecile]

I wantd the stamp, pretty walk, I just don’t understand why I have to do 25 km/day to get the certificate! Pretty sure not all the pilgrims did

I want to complete a marathon, but I don't want to have to run the whole distance...

 

[C clearly]

truthfully I don’t want to spend 4-6 hrs a day walking. I’d rather do sightseeing or dancing, etc.

Well, then, you should do that.

I want to be able to say I did “It”., & celebrate with the other pilgrims in front of the cathedral in Santiago.

I want to win an Olympic medal and stand on the platform.
Whatever "It" is, you are free to dance and celebrate in front of the cathedral. Maybe just print yourself a certificate and show up.

I wantd the stamp, pretty walk, I just don’t understand why I have to do 25 km/day to get the certificate!

Hmmm. Maybe I shouldn't respond to this.

 

[Liltravlr]

I never said I wouldn’t do the 100k, I don’t see why it has to be done in 5 days.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I never said I wouldn’t do the 100k, I don’t see why it has to be done in 5 days.

It doesn't HAVE to be done in 5 days. Some take two days, a lot of folks take 7 days. You can do in any time frame you wish. You can do 1 km per year for 100 years as long as your Credencial shows a continuous progress. The only requirement is that if you want a Compostela, that you walk (if you are walking) 100 km into Santiago.

 

[Mark Barnes]

I walked from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela in 2017. I weighed 320 pounds,57 years old, diabetic , use a CPAP, had both hips replaced in 2006. I do not know what you struggle with as far as health and or fitness and do not judge. I will not be one to say anyone can do this as I do not think everyone can, but if your Dr. Says you can do it from a health stand point then I would say if you want to do it you could. Walking 10 to 15 a day is doable as far as accommodations is concerned. It took me 43 days to do what most do in 30 days, I am a slow walker and on uphills I do no more than 8 to 10km a day. It is hard let no one fool you on that. I wanted to quit on day one. After 10 days it changed for me and I was much better physically and mentally. Best of luck to you and if your Dr clears you then I say do it!!!!

 

[GettingThere]

I never said I wouldn’t do the 100k, I don’t see why it has to be done in 5 days.

It absolutely doesn't have to be done in five days. You can take as long as you like to walk this distance, and walk as little or as much of it each day as you are able.

I wonder if there may be some misunderstanding here about terminology. Forgive me if the following is unnecessary clarification - you probably know all of this already in which case just ignore!

The Camino, whether you do it as a walk or as a religious or spiritual pilgrimage, is a walk (or walks, rather) that anyone can do as much or as little of as they have time or the physical capability to undertake. You can start as far from Santiago as you like, just walk a section and end up in Santiago if you want, or not if you don't. You can walk it over a period of years as you mentioned, a little at a time - many people do this who have limited time.

The Compostela is a certificate which is given by the Cathedral authorities in Santiago to those who walk (at least) the last 100km of a Camino on one of the recognised routes (or cycle 200km), all on the same route but can be done over a period of years. The Compostela is given to those who "make the pilgrimage for religious or spiritual reasons, or at least an attitude of search", and who met the distance and route requirements, and who have collected at least 2 stamps per day in their credencial (pilgrim passport) during that last 100km. It's only the final, continuous 100km before Santiago that counts for this.

The credencial or pilgrim passport is the document you carry with you along the way, get stamped at places you stay and anywhere in between, and which serves the dual purpose of admitting you to accommodation that is restricted to pilgrims, and as evidence for claiming a Compostela in Santiago. Plus it's a really great record of your walk and the places you have visited! Every albergue or other accommodation provider, bar, church, tourist office and many others will have their own stamp, especially in the last 100km, and will be happy to apply it to your credencial. Some people collect many more than two per day, just because!

Not everyone wants a Compostela - many, many walk part or all of the Camino without any intention of seeking a certificate at the end of it. Many like to collect the stamps in their credencial and see that as a better/more meaningful record of their Camino.

So, @Liltravlr unless you really want a Compostela, there are really no "rules" you need to follow. You and your sister can walk the distances that you can, on the parts of the Camino that seem the most meaningful or interesting to you. If you are walking you can get a credencial and get it stamped wherever you stop - you don't even really need that if you are not staying in pilgrim accommodation (albergues) but you mentioned that you wanted the stamps. You can mix up the routes as you suggested, walk part of one Camino next year and part of another the next time you can get there, or different parts of the same Camino in whatever order you like. Or you can do just what you suggested and walk all or parts of the final 100km so that you have that experience of walking into Santiago - which is indeed a wonderful feeling when you have walked to get there, whether or not you plan to ask for a Compostela.

I hope this is of some help. Whatever you decide, if you manage to walk any of the Camino I hope you have a rewarding time and wish you a very Buen Camino.

 

[VNwalking]

But can’t it just be a pretty walk

You don't get to cherry-pick life. And you don't get to cherry-pick the camino either. Is it written anywhere that we get to be happy all the time, or to just have nice experiences? No.

Nor can we reap the rewards of something we haven't done.

Walk as far as you want each day. But don't try to avoid the ineviable challenge. Because ultimately you can't.

 

[trecile]

As I said in my first response here

I think that you need to decide if it's more important to do it with your sister, or get a Compostela.

It sounds like your sister is happy to complete the 100 km in five days. You want to do it in around ten days. Your walking styles are not compatible. It doesn't sound as if you are good Camino partners. Have you thought of going solo, or finding someone who wants to do it your way?

 

[Turga]

With the kind of preferences you have, which are all right ‘per se’, you may be in the wrong place in this forum that are primarily populated with people who like to walk (for many hours) and who like the simplicity of the Camino.

I would suggest you find a tour company that can help you arrange your trip according to your wishes, book accommodation, etc. They can also arrange for your luggage to be transported, so the daily walking will be easier. Many people do that and you would still qualify for the Compostela, provided you comply with the ‘2 stamps a day for the last 100 km’ rule.

 

[ivar]

I am closing this thread since the OP seems to have gotten the help he/she was looking for.