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I think it is relatively safe to use the stages from a reputable guidebook, such as John Brierley's, for planning. You don't have to stick to that plan once you are underway, but it is a good start point. If you are walking through to Santiago, consider adding at least one rest day, and I always plan to have a reserve day in case of injury or illness, or even just to give yourself the opportunity to have an extra day in Santiago.And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
Worst part? There is a worst part?Hello Annasofie,
I had the same issues and thoughts like you. But as I read this and another Camino-related forum, my fears and concerns went away.
You will never be really solitary on the CdS. For me the idea of being somehow "lonely" on the CdS is most relaxing. You can have company, if you want to, but you can be yourself, if you want, too.
The CdS is not the end of nowhere. You are in mid-europe, enjoying yourself, walking the trail step by step.
To determine how long you can walk, you should probably try it around your home. I'm not very well trained at the moment, but I can walk 11km in 1:45 in mild terrain on the hills next to my hometown. Packed with a rucksack and on steep terrain I should still be able to walk 3-5km/h. My goal is to be fit enough to walk the track of 11km in 1:30h with full loaded rucksack and accessories.
If you start from Burgos you leave the worst part of the CdS (IMHO) behind, the part from SJPdP to Roncesvalles.
Ditto.Worst part? There is a worst part?
I don't even remember any bad parts, let alone worst.
Hi Roland, I cannot determine if you have ever walked the Camino before but given what you wrote under your photo I would assume you are excitedly preparing for your first Camino. I am glad you are training for the Camino and getting your body in shape. If I may give you a word of advice. I am much older than you but my I trained like crazy for my first Camino and was walking every day and at least 4 days a week walked about 20 miles. Yes I was walking with a full backpack too.I was timing myself and proud of how far and how quickly I could walk. Let me tell you I was pretty confident that I had the walking part down before I started. That facade was quickly shattered the first day out of SJPP and it was a struggle to get out of bed for the first 8 or 9 days. You know what they say the CF is broken down in three parts, body, mind and spirit. I would tell you that now as I am approaching my 65th birthday I actually train less and less for each of my 4 caminos. Mind you I still train hard but I train less. I have learned, at least for myself really hard preparation and the ability to walk long distances in short amounts of time are not as important (especially the distance/time factor, which is meaningless, really) as two other things that to me are of paramount importance, that I know most peregrines will agree with me on. The first is listening to your body and submitting to it. Your body will be in touch with your brain in many different ways. It will tell you when to walk, when to stop, when to eat and drink, what to eat and drink, when to start walking again, and when to sleep. I have seen people get sick and break down because they do not listen to their bodies and think they have a "goal" or some other pre-conceived idea that they have to get somewhere or do things a certain way. You have to let go of that and even if you meet wonderful people. If they walk further than you and your body screams at you to rest and you continually go you will break down, blister and experience no joy but pain. The other important thing to learn is how to walk. Find your rhythm, every morning. If you put a clock to your body rhythm you will never find it. You also may think you have found it training but believe me you probably haven't found it yet. Walk at your pace, feel your feet and how you land, know the surfaces you are walking on, pay attention when you are on slippery or cobblestone, or walking along massive rocks that double for a path. Walk in silence to learn your rhythm. When you find it you will know because you will feel so in touch with your rhythm and so free from bullshit. When you learn your rhythm you will walk further and easier than any amount of training. Training is just a means to get you to an endow which is your rhythm and walking lighter and easier with less wear and tear on your body, less blisters and more peace and joy as you walk. It took me about 3 weeks on my first camino to really start to learn these lessons. Now when I walk down the street or take a morning walk and I get into my rhythm I can feel the Camino under my feet. Hope this unsolicited advice will help you some. Buen Camino one way or the other and enjoy every moment you are there. Walking 11K in an 1 1/2 hours??? Unless that is truly your rhythm, where is the fire?????Hello Annasofie,
I had the same issues and thoughts like you. But as I read this and another Camino-related forum, my fears and concerns went away.
You will never be really solitary on the CdS. For me the idea of being somehow "lonely" on the CdS is most relaxing. You can have company, if you want to, but you can be yourself, if you want, too.
The CdS is not the end of nowhere. You are in mid-europe, enjoying yourself, walking the trail step by step.
To determine how long you can walk, you should probably try it around your home. I'm not very well trained at the moment, but I can walk 11km in 1:45 in mild terrain on the hills next to my hometown. Packed with a rucksack and on steep terrain I should still be able to walk 3-5km/h. My goal is to be fit enough to walk the track of 11km in 1:30h with full loaded rucksack and accessories.
If you start from Burgos you leave the worst part of the CdS (IMHO) behind, the part from SJPdP to Roncesvalles.
I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
Hi Roland, I cannot determine if you have ever walked the Camino before but given what you wrote under your photo I would assume you are excitedly preparing for your first Camino. I am glad you are training for the Camino and getting your body in shape. If I may give you a word of advice. I am much older than you but my I trained like crazy for my first Camino and was walking every day and at least 4 days a week walked about 20 miles. Yes I was walking with a full backpack too.I was timing myself and proud of how far and how quickly I could walk. Let me tell you I was pretty confident that I had the walking part down before I started. That facade was quickly shattered the first day out of SJPP and it was a struggle to get out of bed for the first 8 or 9 days. You know what they say the CF is broken down in three parts, body, mind and spirit. I would tell you that now as I am approaching my 65th birthday I actually train less and less for each of my 4 caminos. Mind you I still train hard but I train less. I have learned, at least for myself really hard preparation and the ability to walk long distances in short amounts of time are not as important (especially the distance/time factor, which is meaningless, really) as two other things that to me are of paramount importance, that I know most peregrines will agree with me on. The first is listening to your body and submitting to it. Your body will be in touch with your brain in many different ways. It will tell you when to walk, when to stop, when to eat and drink, what to eat and drink, when to start walking again, and when to sleep. I have seen people get sick and break down because they do not listen to their bodies and think they have a "goal" or some other pre-conceived idea that they have to get somewhere or do things a certain way. You have to let go of that and even if you meet wonderful people. If they walk further than you and your body screams at you to rest and you continually go you will break down, blister and experience no joy but pain. The other important thing to learn is how to walk. Find your rhythm, every morning. If you put a clock to your body rhythm you will never find it. You also may think you have found it training but believe me you probably haven't found it yet. Walk at your pace, feel your feet and how you land, know the surfaces you are walking on, pay attention when you are on slippery or cobblestone, or walking along massive rocks that double for a path. Walk in silence to learn your rhythm. When you find it you will know because you will feel so in touch with your rhythm and so free from bullshit. When you learn your rhythm you will walk further and easier than any amount of training. Training is just a means to get you to an endow which is your rhythm and walking lighter and easier with less wear and tear on your body, less blisters and more peace and joy as you walk. It took me about 3 weeks on my first camino to really start to learn these lessons. Now when I walk down the street or take a morning walk and I get into my rhythm I can feel the Camino under my feet. Hope this unsolicited advice will help you some. Buen Camino one way or the other and enjoy every moment you are there. Walking 11K in an 1 1/2 hours??? Unless that is truly your rhythm, where is the fire?????
If that is your pace then that is great! I will be interested if it changes once you are on the Camino. Not to prove I am correct but it is always fun to see the changes people undergo as they walk. Buen Camino my friend!Hello fellow pilgrim,
Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.
You're just 15 years older than me.
Yes, I am in fact a very fast walker, I hiked different trails in the Harz Mountains last year, even very difficult trails (i.e. the Eckerloch up to the Brocken) three times in less than 1:30h (5.5k /500m rise).
My family suffers from my pace it they are with me, so I have learned to take advantage of it and take pictures while I wait for them to catch up.
For me the Camino itself is the goal, if you take the word goal not to serious. I "train" once a week on the weekend or if very bad weather occurs, I chill and take the chance on the next weekend. It is not a serious training for the Camino, I just want to loose a kilogram or two before the flight to Bayonne end of June. And I want to get used to the rucksack and the weight on my hips and want to break in my shoes.
All the other "training" will do the camino itself, I think.
Thank you, that is very helpful. I have been looking at some guidebooks and made a rough plan based on those, so between 20-25km each day.I think it is relatively safe to use the stages from a reputable guidebook, such as John Brierley's, for planning. You don't have to stick to that plan once you are underway, but it is a good start point. If you are walking through to Santiago, consider adding at least one rest day, and I always plan to have a reserve day in case of injury or illness, or even just to give yourself the opportunity to have an extra day in Santiago.
Usually I’m quite content travelling alone and travel a fair amount for work but there are times when I’m not happy. When that happens I kind of step back and think about what exactly am I worried about, is it being alone? Personal safety? Not enjoying myself? Wanting to be with family or missing out on something at home? Once you dig a bit deeper it’s sometimes easier to work out what to do next. Sometimes, I’ve said this isn’t the trip for me at this point in my life. Other times I’ve made simple changes that have made the ‘problem’ go away, like booking a taxi transfer from the airport to avoid certain situations. Other times it’s simply saying to myself what’s the worst that can happen and then thinking about what I would do if that happened and usually my concerns go away.
As others have said, unless you choose to be alone, I doubt you'll be lonely!
Thank you for sharing! And good advice on how to go about it. I walked 11km in 2:30h the other day (without gear), which I think is quite a normal average. How much are you planning on walking each day? I am thinking roughly 20-25km depending, but I want to go with the flow of how I feel instead of planning too muchHello Annasofie,
I had the same issues and thoughts like you. But as I read this and another Camino-related forum, my fears and concerns went away.
You will never be really solitary on the CdS. For me the idea of being somehow "lonely" on the CdS is most relaxing. You can have company, if you want to, but you can be yourself, if you want, too.
The CdS is not the end of nowhere. You are in mid-europe, enjoying yourself, walking the trail step by step.
To determine how long you can walk, you should probably try it around your home. I'm not very well trained at the moment, but I can walk 11km in 1:45 in mild terrain on the hills next to my hometown. Packed with a rucksack and on steep terrain I should still be able to walk 3-5km/h. My goal is to be fit enough to walk the track of 11km in 1:30h with full loaded rucksack and accessories.
If you start from Burgos you leave the worst part of the CdS (IMHO) behind, the part from SJPdP to Roncesvalles.
Thank you for sharing your experience, that is exactly what I am hoping will happen.If you stay in the albergues, then everyone is leaving within a couple of hours of each other, and everyone is headed in the same direction. Last year I took the train to Leon and walked out of the city to an albergue. While doing my laundry I started chatting with a woman and we went for dinner together. Then we chose to walk together the next day.
Even if you don't find someone ahead of time to walk with, there will be people passing you and you can start chatting with them while walking. Any time I was alone on the camino if I stopped, within a couple of minutes someone would come by. I don't think the meseta is anything to worry about. The biggest concern is the heat, and you won't have that in April. Buen camino!
Hello,
Last summer I walked alone from Burgos to SdC. I posted a similar question when I was planning my walk. I had traveled alone in the past, but taking on this emotionally and physically exhausting hike on my own made me nervous.
I learned that going alone was the best decision. First, I never felt alone. Lonely? Maybe here and there, but that is how it is in life too. However, I always felt surrounded by kindness and support. Never did I feel afraid or threatened.
Second, going it alone gave me the opportunity to meet people I would not have met if I was with a companion. I made good friends and have kept in touch with several of them.
I loved my solitary journey...so much that I am planning to do CP alone this summer. And I'd have it no other way.
Look to your fellow pilgrims for support if you need it. You will never feel alone.
Have a great journey.
I get you. You like a plan a and b and if this doesn’t work a plan c. If panning you helps, do it.
If training gives you the feeling you are already walking the Camino do it.
But is the issue here really walking alone?
I walked 90% of my time by myself, I loved it.
My live line was my WhatsApp pictures I sent every morning to my family and friends, so they would know I was alive and I could share it with someone who cared.
So if I needed it I could get in touch for help. I never needed it, only one time in a rainstorm after an exhausting walk way beyond my usual fill I got hold to a taxi and one of the view times I called home to complain. I am usually not a whiner.
Just remember:
“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish proverb.
Thank you for sharing! And good advice on how to go about it. I walked 11km in 2:30h the other day (without gear), which I think is quite a normal average. How much are you planning on walking each day? I am thinking roughly 20-25km depending, but I want to go with the flow of how I feel instead of planning too much
... my worst fear is to be on a long strech alone, or getting assulted because I am alone. I am not entirely sure how to go about that fear, but I am guessing I will just need to connect with others and share my fear of being 'left behind'.
Can I ask how long it took you to reach Santiago from Burgos?
How are you planning your first day? There are loads of pilgrims in Burgos but if you start walking later in the day I guess you might well end up 'alone'. If you're staying in an Albergue you can just follow everyone else. I'm sure you'll arrive and after a day or two wonder what on earth you were worried about!
thank you so much for sharing this, that is a great suggestion. and I will check that facebook group out, thank you!Several times, I didn't want to walk alone in the early morning darkness, so I asked a fellow pilgrim from the albergue where I was staying if I could walk with them until daylight. This worked out really well. I enjoyed finding various people to walk with throughout the day.
Thank you for sharing. That is also what I've been a bit surprised about, because I am used to travelling on my own. Feeling lonely doesn't scare me (as you say, it is how life is sometimes), but I think I am mostly scared of being 'left behind' so to speak. It is an irrational fear, but nevertheless, a fear that is there and I need to adress it. But thank you, logically I am also sure it will all be fine, and reading all these replys helps. Can I ask how long it took you to reach Santiago from Burgos?
Thank you! I'm sure that will be the case, it helps hearing all the comments! There are more albergues in Burgos, is there one in specific you can recommend?Hi Anna - No worries. I have walked solo both times on the CF, I was never alone. May I suggest you stay in the alburgue in Burgos, it's huge with lots of pilgrims to get to know. I'm sure you will find some peregrina's to set out with the next morning.
I think the meseta is great - wide open and beautiful - very green in Spring and most likely in March expect windy and chilly, possible rain.
I am so excited for you. Buen Camino
You're welcome!Thank you! I'm sure that will be the case, it helps hearing all the comments! There are more albergues in Burgos, is there one in specific you can recommend?
I'm sure a number of women heading out for their first camino, solo, have felt the same way. Unfortunately, it is a natural reaction coming from societies where violence against women is way too prevalent. And I wish I could tell you that you will be guaranteed a safe trip, without incident. Those guarantees don't exist anywhere there are other people.I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
Worst for couch-potatoes, not the average pilgrim
Yup, I am not a fast walker and found that 4K per hour was a relaxing pace. If you start at 8 am and continue for 6 hours plus 2 breaks, one arrives at 3 pm without angst.Hello Annasofie,
I had the same issues and thoughts like you. But as I read this and another Camino-related forum, my fears and concerns went away.
You will never be really solitary on the CdS. For me the idea of being somehow "lonely" on the CdS is most relaxing. You can have company, if you want to, but you can be yourself, if you want, too.
The CdS is not the end of nowhere. You are in mid-europe, enjoying yourself, walking the trail step by step.
To determine how long you can walk, you should probably try it around your home. I'm not very well trained at the moment, but I can walk 11km in 1:45 in mild terrain on the hills next to my hometown. Packed with a rucksack and on steep terrain I should still be able to walk 3-5km/h. My goal is to be fit enough to walk the track of 11km in 1:30h with full loaded rucksack and accessories.
If you start from Burgos you leave the worst part of the CdS (IMHO) behind, the part from SJPdP to Roncesvalles.
Hi Annasofie.I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
I really don’t think you will be that alone the end of March on Francis. Also there are many people like myself who keep an eye out for each other.I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta.
Hi @annasofie -
The second time I felt nervous walking alone was crossing the plateau before Hornillos del Camino, but only because the sky turned white, the birds went silent, the ground looked like oyster shells
I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
What nationality are you my name is Anna Sophia and I am South african I also want to walk just the last 100 km because I am 80 yrs old and walk 5-6 kms a day will push it up to walk 11-12 kilos a day 11 days for the last 100 from Sarria to San TiagoAnnasofie,
Many women, including myself, walk alone.
You will be just fine.
Take normal precautions you do in daily life.
Buen camino.
What nationality are you my name is Anna Sophia and I am South african I also want to walk just the last 100 km because I am 80 yrs old and walk 5-6 kms a day will push it up to walk 11-12 kilos a day 11 days for the last 100 from Sarria to San Tiago
I'm with Roland ... Just wayyyy slower. So far, with about 6kg pack, I've walked 7.5 k in an hour and a half. Not fast, but I'm not 25 any more. 69 years. So my plan is to book flight to Biarritz, taxi/ shuttle to SJPP, Albergue in SJPP and another in Valcarlos. DONE.I don't want to rush either.
But I'm trying to be in SdC after ~30-34 days. I try to pause my walk in the bigger cities or in Bars near the most crowded albuerges / best known attractions to eat and drink, maybe have a chat with fellow pilgrims and try to walk a little bit further to not so well known albuerges or the not so often mentioned villages / albuerges.
In example I try to avoid to stay over night in Pamplona. I know the city is beautiful and most of the albuerges there are very well kept, but I want to use my ability to walk in a higher pace than average to avoid crowds and try to keep my camino as simple as it could be.
The only thing that is planned and booked for me is my flight to bayonne. Anything else will hopefully teach me the Camino.
This was a very engaging read. Thanks!Hi @annasofie - Sorry I'm late to the conversation (I get the digest Saturday mornings). I can understand your trepidation; it's ok and totally normal for women. We always have to be on guard no matter where we are. I like to think of myself as a tough city woman with no fears (or rather, more internal fears of self-doubt, not finishing, getting hurt, ect). All of the advice here has been great -- you will find people to walk with, even on days you want to be alone; take a self-defense course to add another tool to your kit; be as cautious and on-guard as you need to be in everyday life, etc. I walked alone, but I wasn't really alone for most of the camino. Even when I had to be forward with new Camino friends and tell them "I need to walk by myself today," nine times out of ten those friends would be sitting at a bar in the next town for a check in. To be honest, there were a few people I met who didn't want to let me walk alone because they were worried for me -- one pilgrim from California who even came out and told me "you're the same age as my daughter, I don't want you to walk this alone, I'm worried for you" and I know he was genuine. We exchanged numbers and I appeased him by texting every few hours -- "I just passed so-and-so, I'm ok." Overly friendly patriarchy? Maybe... but I know he meant well.
I can only think of three times I was nervous to be alone, four if you count the private albergue owner who was way too friendly and wouldn't stop questioning me if I was really married or making it up (because he had a key to my room, I slept very light that night). The first time on the trail that I was nervous was between Valcarlos and Roncesvalles, but only because I was having my own physical/mental breakdown and not sure if anyone would find me if I collapsed on one of those narrow trails on the side of a mountain far from the highway. Not a gender-based security fear, more of a "my God, what have I gotten myself into?" fear. The second time I felt nervous walking alone was crossing the plateau before Hornillos del Camino, but only because the sky turned white, the birds went silent, the ground looked like oyster shells, and I wondered if maybe I had died and was in hell or purgatory (you know, city girl -- complete and total silence freaked me out). Now the third time my spidey senses were going insane was walking from Astorga to Rabanal: for two weeks people had been warning me not to be alone in that section, fellow pilgrims and locals alike. That is the section where the murder happened a few years ago, and locals kept warning me that robbers would drive up and down the highway in that section looking to rob solo pilgrims. I was depressed in Astorga and trying to get my mojo back on that day (which I did), and was dismissing these warnings by reminding myself that I always see other pilgrims walking either in front of me of behind. What was weird that day was that I rarely saw any other pilgrims on the path, only at the village stops. I was truly alone... except every 30 minutes or so a police jeep would drive by, honk, and wave to me out their window. OK! After the third or fourth driveby, I realized they were out there patrolling to make us feel safer and let us know they're nearby. It was comforting... until I reached that part of the path outside Rabanal where people created crosses with sticks and put them in the chain link fence. What kind of Blair Witch nonsense is that? ;-)
The only other advice I would give you is to bring a cheap ring to wear on your left hand. I left my wedding ring at home so I wouldn't chance losing or breaking it, but broke down and bought a cheap ring at a street market in Ponferrada with the hope of signalling non-verbally that I'm not interested, do not approach, to those who are on the Camino looking for... something I wasn't seeking. It worked so well I wish I had done it from the beginning.
Buen Camino! You're going to have a great time.
I am a 72 year old woman and have walked across the meseta 4 or 5 times Spring and Summer. I never felt threatened in any way and there were always enough, many times too many, people walking. I walk about 12 miles a day, but you can adjust it as you please. There are generally lots of places to stay in between stages.I am going a bit back an forth on this one - I really do like having the freedom do walk the distance I want, but I'm also finding myself scared of walking alone now, especially as I'm starting on la meseta. Which is strange, given I have travelled around India and Nepal on my own for a year. But anyhow, this is how it is. I am starting in Burgos in the end of March (I think I'll start the 29th, still need to get final plans done).
So my question is - did anyone else feel like this, and how did you handle it? Will there be enough people walking that time of year so it's easy to start out with someone?
And as a first-timer, how do you determine how much you can walk each day? I need to time it with meeting my boyfriend in Sarria so we can do the rest together, but unsure of what the best approach is.
I kid you not. Most surreal part of my Camino (as far as external environmental changes went, except maybe the Navarra flooding): https://caminojen.com/2018/04/21/to-hornillos-del-camino/Ummm, what?
I've walked that stretch five times. Just looked like farmland and Hornillos a quaint rural village.I kid you not. Most surreal part of my Camino (as far as external environmental changes went, except maybe the Navarra flooding): https://caminojen.com/2018/04/21/to-hornillos-del-camino/
I just read this post and I think you have the best plan a Pilgrim can have. You are open to everything!!!! The only thing I would tell you is get rid of your plan about big cities and where to eat. You never know what village, town, city, bar, restaurant or fellow pilgrim will pull you in for a memory of a lifetime.I don't want to rush either.
But I'm trying to be in SdC after ~30-34 days. I try to pause my walk in the bigger cities or in Bars near the most crowded albuerges / best known attractions to eat and drink, maybe have a chat with fellow pilgrims and try to walk a little bit further to not so well known albuerges or the not so often mentioned villages / albuerges.
In example I try to avoid to stay over night in Pamplona. I know the city is beautiful and most of the albuerges there are very well kept, but I want to use my ability to walk in a higher pace than average to avoid crowds and try to keep my camino as simple as it could be.
The only thing that is planned and booked for me is my flight to bayonne. Anything else will hopefully teach me the Camino.
Just to say that even were Spain to be a Muslim country (as much of it was when the relics of St. James were discovered) with all these Muslims everywhere, there would be no reason for any additional fears on that account.I was asked by my fanatical Catholic convert friend if I was not scared of all the muslims. Of all people that might've asked I was surprised it was her. Not at all I answered. Spain is still Catholic I reminded her. That's true of the towns where pilgrims stay, regardless of who is deeming the Camino this season to be an in-vogue trip.
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