Sorry

[Blade]

I've been following various threads since I joined in July and was really looking forward to my first Camino (the Levante) in January. I've got my credentials, guidebook and everything. It would have been part of a longer walk I'm doing but would have added a further spiritual dimension. I came back from a few days walking in the hills of the Costa Blanca last week and I've reluctantly decided to follow the mountains up the eastern side of Spain and then walk up the Ebro valley and over the tops to the French Atlantic coast instead of the Levante. I've done a few long distance walks where I don't see anybody and I love the loneliness of the mountains particularly. I can't envisage walking a way that gets busier. I'm sorry. Good luck all and I'm sorry. Feel upset writing about it but I can't.

 

[wayfarer]

Don't be sorry Blade, you must do what you feel is right for you. Travel safely on your camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[SYates]

It is the pilgrim that makes the way, not the other way round ;-) You are just off to your own unique life pilgrimage - no need to feel sorry and keep us updated how it goes for you. Buen Camino! SY

 

[Anniesantiago]

Savor the solitude.
Buen Camino.

 

[Bala]

It sounds like a wonderful journey, what I envisioned the Camino Francés to be when I first heard of it 15 years ago. All the very best to you. Buen Camino!

 

[jmcarp]

It is the pilgrim that makes the way, not the other way round ;-)...Buen Camino! SY

Wonderful insight, and excellent response to the OP. I'll endorse that advice.

 

[susanawee]

Enjoy your way Pilgrim Blade....You must walk the way which feels right for you..Ultreya.

 

[filly]

I've been following various threads since I joined in July and was really looking forward to my first Camino (the Levante) in January. I've got my credentials, guidebook and everything. It would have been part of a longer walk I'm doing but would have added a further spiritual dimension. I came back from a few days walking in the hills of the Costa Blanca last week and I've reluctantly decided to follow the mountains up the eastern side of Spain and then walk up the Ebro valley and over the tops to the French Atlantic coast instead of the Levante. I've done a few long distance walks where I don't see anybody and I love the loneliness of the mountains particularly. I can't envisage walking a way that gets busier. I'm sorry. Good luck all and I'm sorry. Feel upset writing about it but I can't.

I am just back from the via Tolosana and the Aragones.

I completed the Levante a few years back... we were very few on the journey and I met several who gave up en route. The highlights were Toledo and Avila. I cannot say the landscapes enthralled me. It was often confusing, arid and unmemorable. (I know others may not agree...)

I have much preferred my journey this summer with the highlight being veering off track after Jaca and heading up to the Monastery of San Juan de la Pena - fabulous views back over the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. Amazing sculptures in the monastery which made up for the church at Eunate being closed all day on Mondays!

The section between Montpelier and Toulouse over the passes was equally demanding, gorgeous and solitary. 25% fewer pilgrims this year after 25% fewer pilgrims last year.... I covered my approx 1,000 kms in 28 days.

The real fun started when I headed 'backwards' from Puenta la Reina to Pamplona and faced the hordes of day trippers, backpack-less easy walkers and bona fide peregrinos many of whom pointed me in the 'right' direction!

 

[AJ]

I completed the Levante a few years back... we were very few on the journey and I met several who gave up en route. The highlights were Toledo and Avila. I cannot say the landscapes enthralled me. It was often confusing, arid and unmemorable. (I know others may not agree...)

I completely agree.