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I booked our flights for London just last night, and we will take the train up to Bonny Scotland for the John Muir Way!I meant short, spontaneous Caminos/pilgrimages in your own country or in countries nearby. What about Scotland? The West Highland Way or the John Muir Way for example? SY
Al, follow in Magwoods, aka Tepidatious Traveler, foot steps, all 1200 miles of it. Buen CaminoIt's happening again. It does every January. In the time between my last day's walking on a Camino (in September again) and Christmas I decide upon my next year's fun. I have already decided and booked my outward flight. After a few Caminos I don't have any equipment decisions to make or things to buy. So I am in a total limbo. This is where it gets dangerous. Especially if I go anywhere near a airline site. Time for the annual gathering of Caminoholics-not-anonymous to rally in support of poor old me? Help!
It's happening again. It does every January. In the time between my last day's walking on a Camino (in September again) and Christmas I decide upon my next year's fun. I have already decided and booked my outward flight. After a few Caminos I don't have any equipment decisions to make or things to buy. So I am in a total limbo. This is where it gets dangerous. Especially if I go anywhere near a airline site. Time for the annual gathering of Caminoholics-not-anonymous to rally in support of poor old me? Help!
OK...here's one 'from left field'...(honestly, it feels risky to suggest this but here goes) ask yourself why there is a difference between being home and being on the camino.
No, not in terms of the outside conditions. That's obvious.
But what is it in the heart that is unsatisfied and wants to be somewhere else? Dangerous but good question. I figure I'll be walking (and doing my meditation practice) until there is no difference between life and practice, and life and the Camino. (They're two different but very similar and mutually supportive processes....)
In the meantime at least it is a wholesome and useful addiction. Why not go, if you can?
Sorry, you have my sympathy but maybe the above helps explain my quandary?Sorry, there is no sympathy from me on this one, just pure jealousy.
It absolutely explains your quandary. How are you filling your spot when you leave? What have you done in the past?The difference is an ageing Mother Virani. I love her dearly and enjoy having the chance to look after her. But I also love my Spain and my Camino life. So like in most things in life it's all a balancing act. But yes the winter weather in the UK doesn't help at all!
Sorry, you have my sympathy but maybe the above helps explain my quandary?
Deb I've started planning for the West Highland Way in Scotland for September..MaggieI booked our flights for London just last night, and we will take the train up to Bonny Scotland for the John Muir Way!
Feeling smug about finding a way to get the husband on the road a bit
Funny isn't it? That's exactly what I was referring to, Nuala.That's a really good observation @Viranani. I was thinking the other day about the irony of how I manage to be almost completely mindful whilst on the Camino, but then spend many more months with my feet on my home soil, but my mind wandering back to Spain.
Well, yes, a problem in that no-one can be in two places at once. So you are pulled in both directions. I really feel for you, Al...caring for a parent is a huge challenge, and one that usually requires sacrifice.The difference is an ageing Mother Virani. I love her dearly and enjoy having the chance to look after her. But I also love my Spain and my Camino life. So like in most things in life it's all a balancing act.
I wish you two a fabulous walk together!]I booked our flights for London just last night, and we will take the train up to Bonny Scotland for the John Muir Way!
Feeling smug about finding a way to get the husband on the road a bit
Deb I've started planning for the West Highland Way in Scotland for September..Maggie
Help!
... in your own country or in countries nearby ...
... What is wrong with getting on a plane ...
Al...you could teach us all a thing or two about that!I am a glass is completely full kind of fellah but there really are upsides to everything if you look for them!
OK...here's one 'from left field'...(honestly, it feels risky to suggest this but here goes) ask yourself why there is a difference between being home and being on the camino.
No, not in terms of the outside conditions. That's obvious.
But what is it in the heart that is unsatisfied and wants to be somewhere else? Dangerous but good question. I figure I'll be walking (and doing my meditation practice) until there is no difference between life and practice, and life and the Camino. (They're two different but very similar and mutually supportive processes....)
In the meantime at least it is a wholesome and useful addiction. Why not go, if you can?
... somehow perhaps these 2 poles of your life can come together as two sides of the same coin you are polishing?
My Mom visits the bathroom very frequently in the night. Because she is a falls risk I wake up each time, resulting in some pretty poor nights sleeps. So for me when in an albergue, because I don't have to listen to make sure she is OK, I can just sleep! So in some ways my Caminos refresh me physically as well as mentally! Yippee for St James! Yes I know I am a glass is completely full kind of fellah but there really are upsides to everything if you look for them!
I can be happy too...So a quick jaunt might be just the tune-up you need for your long summer perambulation. Those of us who cannot walk so easily will just have to find a way not to be tooooo envious. Maybe we can be happy for you!? Well, you make that easy!
Al - I understand completely.I also love my Spain and my Camino life. So like in most things in life it's all a balancing act. But yes the winter weather in the UK doesn't help at all! Sorry, you have my sympathy but maybe the above helps explain my quandary?
OOoooo yeah, I'd like to walk the West Highland Way someday too.I meant short, spontaneous Caminos/pilgrimages in your own country or in countries nearby. What about Scotland? The West Highland Way or the John Muir Way for example? SY
Try www.camminando.eu you will see the cammino de Santu Jacu. You can go to the English version. Remember to write double mm in Cammino, as that's the Italian spelling for Camino! There is also a link on Facebook, where I get the up to date information, but that's in Italian. There are a lot of PDFs files that you can download. Jacu is Sardinian for Giacomo or Jacopo, otherwise known to us as Santiago!Annakappa, yes, please, I'd LOVEto know more about that camino.
The john muir way is amazing. It's through East Lothian, an absolutely lovely ramble along a beautiful coastline. The path is new and it misses out the mouth of the River Tyne between North Berwick and Tyningham. It's worth taking a wee detour to explore. It's absolutely beautiful - the best bit - and you can probably cross the river with your breeks over your shoulders but take care.Deb I've started planning for the West Highland Way in Scotland for September..Maggie
The john muir way is amazing. It's through East Lothian, an absolutely lovely ramble along a beautiful coastline. The path is new and it misses out the mouth of the River Tyne between North Berwick and Tyningham. It's worth taking a wee detour to explore. It's absolutely beautiful - the best bit - and you can probably cross the river with your breeks over your shoulders but take care.
For anyone who is planning this 'Bird of Prey' experience I highly recommend reading 'H Is For Hawk' by Helen MacDonald - a beautifully written memoir who, through her grieving process over the sudden loss of her father, takes up Falconry and discovers the grace of its heart. Couldn't put it down.
Roddy, how timely to see your post about the John Muir Way. It was my original plan, but began hearing more and more that it has gained much popularity with cyclists. Don't get me wrong; some of my best friends are cyclists. I started looking into walking West Highland Way, but after learning that one needs to have strong mapping and navigational skills, I thought best not to proceed. It's not my forte (I do so much better just following yellow arrows!) and I will be solo. Now it's down to the John Muir Trail or St. Cuthbert's Way which by the looks of it, seems quite beautiful as well. I want to do this in September, then next year, plan another walk in Spain - looking at the Del Norte and a couple of others. Loved the CF.
For anyone who is planning this 'Bird of Prey' experience I highly recommend reading 'H Is For Hawk' by Helen MacDonald - a beautifully written memoir who, through her grieving process over the sudden loss of her father, takes up Falconry and discovers the grace of its heart. Couldn't put it down.
Thanks SY; very helpful. Yes, in Canada we call the midges 'no see ems'!Regarding the way marking of the West Highland Way (also on my bucket list) have a look here: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=49799
The John Muir Way shares ~10KM with it and the marking was excellent! Also I walked quite a bit in the UK and way marking of the established routes is usually on a very high standard. The John Muir Trail in the USA is the one where you need strong navigation skills. Also in September neither way in Scotland shouldn't be too crowded. But beware of midgiesss ;-) Buen Camino, SY
Regarding the way marking of the West Highland Way (also on my bucket list) have a look here: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=49799
The John Muir Way shares ~10KM with it and the marking was excellent! Also I walked quite a bit in the UK and way marking of the established routes is usually on a very high standard. The John Muir Trail in the USA is the one where you need strong navigation skills. Also in September neither way in Scotland shouldn't be too crowded. But beware of midgiesss ;-) Buen Camino, SY
Good advice alipilgrim. I dope to get a few skills under my belt. I understand St. Cuthbert's Way is also quite doable.Actually, strong navigational skills are NOT need on the John Muir Trail in California. It is a much used, well-marked trail. I hiked it July 2014. In my limited walking experience in Great Britain (3 HF Holidays, including Scotland near the WHW), map & compass skills are much more necessary. Saying that, everyone should have basic navigational skills for any long-distance hike, in case of inadvertently getting off-trail or encountering hazardous weather cnditions.
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