- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2018
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I don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Camino. I don't even really need/want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
Well, OK then: Why the VdLP and not one of the other Caminos? I actually want to hear (read) your reasons for choosing that, because I know nothing about the VdLP (I have only walked the Francés and am thinking about which one to choose next time). Regards TorbenI don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
I think that "stupid" questions usually appear when people are too lazy to use Search function or Google the internet a bit and then they are asking so-called stupid questions. Like how to get from Biarritz airport to SJPdP? Hell, and how did you get from small town in Nebraska (for example) to Biarritz???I don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
What you said is so true.I think that "stupid" questions usually appears when people are too lazy to use Search function or Google the internet a bit and then they are asking so-called stupid questions. Like how to get from Biarritz airport to SJPdP? Hell, and how did you get from small town in Nebraska (for example) to Biarritz???
And similar...
Otherwise there aren't stupid questions.
Only stupid people.
PS (Oh, I already feel this post will be erased)
Oh, Torben, no no no, that wasn't a reply to your post. Not at all. I understood it well and it's completely legitimate . It was a bit of pun to Jill's OPWell, it is not because I don't know how to research or that I am to lazy to do the research on the VdLP. I am just curious about the personal reflections and thoughts behind choosing the VdLP and not I.e. the Norte or another one...
I don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
Interesting, because I had been thinking about the Norte and the Invierno. But the infrastructure doesn´t appear to be that supportive, if you as me are on a limited budget. Sadly enough because I would love to enjoy the scenery along both routes....I like to walk alone, in silence and think - and I like to enjoy the Company and cameraderie of other pilgrims, after the days walking and thinking. Especially the Cold beer in good Company to celebrate a good day of walking.@JillGat OK this gives me a chance to muse on the VdlP. And, @Torben Olesen - it was easy for me to choose the VdlP for my last camino - I like to finish in SDC, I like a long walk, I like supportive infrastructure, I like other pilgrims for company, I wanted a walk in Spain, and I'd already walked the CF, the Norte, and the Madrid.
I was not fit when I started, and it was tough. A bit of training would have made a big difference. Distances were tricky - they were either very long days, or very short days. I chose the latter, but that meant I had to skip the Salamanca to Zamora section to make up some time. Not that it mattered - I traversed that section last year when I was coping with a foot injury, and it is probably the most uninspiring of the whole Camino.
Early spring was an ideal time. The flowers were spectacular. Really spectacular. I was lucky in that there had been a lot of rain in the weeks before I arrived, but by the time I got there the flooding had pretty much cleared. The weather was cool, in fact downright cold in the early mornings. Overcast a lot of the time, and very grey. Which I do not mind, as I tend to burn very easily.
I absolutely loved the Sanabrés. Loved it.
Now, to think about where next....
As a newbie - what's the best way of cooling down your feet when they feel like they're on fire after the day's walk? Open to all ideas, suggestions. Even off the wall ones....I don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
As a newbie - what's the best way of cooling down your feet when they feel like they're on fire after the day's walk? Open to all ideas, suggestions. Even off the wall ones....
And you didn´t get blisters from getting the feet wet?@E Daly plunge them in a bucket of cold water. One of the delights of wearing sandals on the Via de la Plata was wading through clear cold streams. My feet loved it.
Lucky you!No blisters at all.
I hope the post WON'T be deleted because you are oh so rightI think that "stupid" questions usually appears when people are too lazy to use Search function or Google the internet a bit and then they are asking so-called stupid questions. Like how to get from Biarritz airport to SJPdP? Hell, and how did you get from small town in Nebraska (for example) to Biarritz???
And similar...
Otherwise there aren't stupid questions.
Only stupid people.
PS (Oh, I already feel this post will be erased)
Thank you, the more I hear about VdLP the more it sounds like a good Camino for me - for exactly the reasons you mention. I like a quiet Camino although I - as mentioned - like a beer and good company in the evenings. But the spiritual and meditative part is by far the most important part for me.@Torben Olesen most of us who enjoy the Vdlp do so because it is a long and contemplative walk filled with history where you can still stretch out on a lonley road. It's tough reputation and the need to be able to walk 30km a day while carrying your pack and enough water to get you through the day means it tends to attract those who are prepared to be stubborn enough to complete it. Churches are fewer and more humble, the spiritual element is more internal.
@JillGat I think the most stupid question I get is "why", trying to explain why to people who don't understand why we don't go to the beach for our holiday. The next set of stupid questions revolve around a heap of things but are usually just tyre kickers who ask and ask but never actually do. I am glad you are excited about your trip, even if it is still a year away.
Well, JillGat, as a discoverer, why not branch out at Alconetar - between Casar de Caceres and Cañaveral - on the Via Dalmatia? This, indeed, may even have been a route more frequented by Pilgrims than the one which follows the motorway and which has been promoted by the EU. The Via Dalmatia goes straight north to Coria, one of the oldest diocese in Spain, whose Cathedral has a Puerto del Perdon, via the beautiful Sierra de Gata with its Roman road up on to the Meseta. This is one of the gentlest routes on to the great Northern plateau and leads directly to Robledo which had an important pilgrim hospital. From there it is about 20 km to Ciudad Rodrigo where you would have the choice of heading to Santiago via Portugal on the Camino Torres http://caminosantiago.usal.es/torres/ or head for Salamanca to rejoin the VdLP. On his return from Santiago, St. Francis of Assisi spent several months in the area of Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful walled city, which like Merida, Salamanca and Zamora, the pilgrim enters by the Roman bridge.I don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
Me too, I think.Thank you, it sounds like my type of Camino. The spiritual part of walking the Camino is actually my reason for being there in the first place. I will definitely do some research on it and consider it seriously!
Hi AllVdlP is unique, the most spiritual of all Caminos, particularly in spring time. It is very different to Francés or any other Camino, but once you start feeling it, it is unique. Buen camino!
So a kind of virtual Camino Cafe where you can put your feet up, chew the fat and sip a cafe con leche?I don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
@JillGat OK this gives me a chance to muse on the VdlP. And, @Torben Olesen - it was easy for me to choose the VdlP for my last camino - I like to finish in SDC, I like a long walk, I like supportive infrastructure, I like other pilgrims for company, I wanted a walk in Spain, and I'd already walked the CF, the Norte, and the Madrid.
I was not fit when I started, and it was tough. A bit of training would have made a big difference. Distances were tricky - they were either very long days, or very short days. I chose the latter, but that meant I had to skip the Salamanca to Zamora section to make up some time. Not that it mattered - I traversed that section last year when I was coping with a foot injury, and it is probably the most uninspiring of the whole Camino.
Early spring was an ideal time. The flowers were spectacular. Really spectacular. I was lucky in that there had been a lot of rain in the weeks before I arrived, but by the time I got there the flooding had pretty much cleared. The weather was cool, in fact downright cold in the early mornings. Overcast a lot of the time, and very grey. Which I do not mind, as I tend to burn very easily.
I absolutely loved the Sanabrés. Loved it.
Now, to think about where next....
Mid february might be a bit early, I would say, if you can make it at least mid March, it would be better, more flowers, longer days, warmer weather... Buen camino!When you say you walked in early Spring when did you start? I am planning to walk from Seville next year and my current thoughts are to start at the end of February - any thoughts.
Simon
that is the best time of the year to start, and then when you reach Salamanca, the landscape and the temperatures change dramatically in 2 hours on foot! I just LOVE VdlP!!!Hi All
I agree the VDLP is unique. I was also fortunate to start in mid April this year after heavy rainfalls. Some areas were flooded and tricky but the overall walking tracks exceeded my expectations. Many hours walking through lightly wooded fields growing the oak trees the pigs feed on to produce the famous Iberian ham. The flowers amazed me as they just seem to have jumped out of the ground and were so vibrant. Extramadura was a delight with rolling fields and old ruins.
Yes some stages were tricky so I used some of the off track accomodation so I had manageable distances; 20 km a day is my preferred maximum. Mixed albergues from 5 star to 2 star; like life some days!
The other walkers were so different to the other 4 Caminos I have done; usually very experienced and with lots of interesting stories. Some had started in Cadiz or down at Almeria in SE Spain so had already walked 300-500 km before joining the VDLP.
Loved the history in the three main Roman towns up to Salamanca where I had to stop this year.
Would die if trying it now with 40C+ temperatures.
Yes a seriously great and yes unique in my experience also
Happymark
Yes some stages were tricky so I used some of the off track accomodation so I had manageable distances; 20 km a day is my preferred maximum. Mixed albergues from 5 star to 2 star; like life some days!
Happymark
Hi JillGatI don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
Would that be Celsius or Faren..... fahren.....degrees F? Or the number of steps to the nearest pub?Here's a stupid answer: 42.
Huh, too much steps. I'd go for a ground floor oneWould that be Celsius or Faren..... fahren.....degrees F? Or the number of steps to the nearest pub?
It could be 42 miles per day or it could be 42 minutes per bar visit but the first is too long and the second too short.Would that be Celsius or Faren..... fahren.....degrees F? Or the number of steps to the nearest pub?
And Hel&Scott, my walk is not a year away. It's only eight and a half months away!
Hardly. Unless you have a very different metric for what constitutes stupid.Maybe this is a silly answer.
I don't really have a stupid question right now, but I'm trying to think of one to post here. I now realize that the motivation for many on the Camino forum to post stupid questions is just to start a dialog with people who are like-minded and want to talk about their up-coming Caminos. I don't even really need or want too much advice, as I like to discover things for myself along the way. My VdLP walk is not until March 2019, but I just want to talk about it, dammit!
Greetings, we have walked the CF twice and met great people. My husband calls me a fence sniffer as i am always peering over stone fences at crops or gardens. I have had some lovely early morning chats with Spanish gardeners and farmers. We are planning on walking the VdLP February 2020 with a Canadian we met last year. Why VdLP? it reports to be a road less traveled and we are fascinated by the Roman history, our country is barely 150 years of european settlement. We are rural people and have enjoyed the rural parts of Spain. Cities are rather similar and cathedrals are stunning but often make me feel they are monuments to man not God. I wonder at the enforced poverty of the people to provide and build these monuments. My husband points out that faith and a place to worship also provided security and respite. anyway that's another controversial topic.Well, it is not because I don't know how to research or that I am to lazy to do the research on the VdLP. I am just curious about the personal reflections and thoughts behind choosing the VdLP and not I.e. the Norte or another one...
Yesterday a good friend, a clinical psychologist, after learning that I was planning yet another camino, said that her diagnosis of me is that I am "completely whacko"! She's right.
Hahaha, that's cute. Very niceWell, I'm a clinical psychologist and I'm walking my 4th camino in 5 years at 60 years old...her diagnosis is not correct
The Vdlp attracts a lot of Kiwis, I think because it is so different from tramping at home.Greetings, we have walked the CF twice and met great people. My husband calls me a fence sniffer as i am always peering over stone fences at crops or gardens. I have had some lovely early morning chats with Spanish gardeners and farmers. We are planning on walking the VdLP February 2020 with a Canadian we met last year. Why VdLP? it reports to be a road less traveled and we are fascinated by the Roman history, our country is barely 150 years of european settlement. We are rural people and have enjoyed the rural parts of Spain. Cities are rather similar and cathedrals are stunning but often make me feel they are monuments to man not God. I wonder at the enforced poverty of the people to provide and build these monuments. My husband points out that faith and a place to worship also provided security and respite. anyway that's another controversial topic.
I hope you enjoy the VdLP and we hear more about your preparation and camino experience.
Thank you, it sounds like my type of Camino. The spiritual part of walking the Camino is actually my reason for being there in the first place. I will definitely do some research on it and consider it seriously!
The Vdlp attracts a lot of Kiwis, I think because it is so different from tramping at home.
You never know. Careful what you wish for because you might get itThis thread isn't turning out exactly how I intended... that it might convince half this forum to join me on my tranquil walk on the Via de La Plata.
VdlP is remarkably varied. Having walked parts of it twice and all of it twice I quess I’d have to say it is my favorite Camino followed by the St. Marie-Somport-Jaca- Porta de Reina)Well, OK then: Why the VdLP and not one of the other Caminos? I actually want to hear (read) your reasons for choosing that, because I know nothing about the VdLP (I have only walked the Francés and am thinking about which one to choose next time). Regards Torben
Depending of course on weather and time of year, from my own experience on various camino, the Sanabres is the most challenging, naturally beautiful and quiet of caminos.The title of this thread caught my eye, and I glanced at the original poster. Then thought - "Stupid question from @JillGat?! Not likely!"
I love the VDLP. I have walked from Sevilla to Astorga but haven't done the Sanabres yet. One thing I especially like is that it is central, and there are many routes that join up with it, so I have several years of walks ahead of me where I can start or finish with a piece of the VDLP. For example, in 2018 I did the Mozarabe to Merida and had time left so I walked VDLP to Canaveral (then took the bus to Salamanca as I was out of time). In fact I have walked that piece for 3 years in a row and would happily do it every year.
The Sanabres is at the top of my list for next year.
Maybe not. There are some days (perhaps many) that are not for the casual sometime walker. Day 3 out of Seville (in my opinion) is more difficult than any on the French route including day 1 (except in the snow).This thread isn't turning out exactly how I intended... that it might convince half this forum to join me on my tranquil walk on the Via de La Plata.
You never know. Careful what you wish for because you might get it
So you fear the start of VdLP will be the "new Sarria" in peak time......;-)This thread isn't turning out exactly how I intended... that it might convince half this forum to join me on my tranquil walk on the Via de La Plata.
So you fear the start of VdLP will be the "new Sarria" in peak time......;-)
Kool, wait till you have us join you for fush and chips with some bears...Yes, I always enjoy it when Kiwis join me for Brickfast on the Camino.
I'll ask Pig.How do I make my sentences inflect up and sound like a question...
...but plausible.Well, I'm a clinical psychologist and I'm walking my 4th camino in 5 years at 60 years old...her diagnosis is not correct
My mistake! My own walk is a month away, no, make that 25 days... But then whose counting.
I can tell you I am starting my 4th Camino in September doing the Camino Norte. I have done the CF,Well, OK then: Why the VdLP and not one of the other Caminos? I actually want to hear (read) your reasons for choosing that, because I know nothing about the VdLP (I have only walked the Francés and am thinking about which one to choose next time). Regards Torben
We are rewalking the Vdlp, but starting in Merida. I am not one for going back or repeating, but I am making an exception in this case.What walk will you do?
The VDLP is quiet, beautiful and full of friendly people. I personally don't like the idea of walking with huge crowds of people every day, which is why I haven't done the Frances. I've done the VDLP several times and I can always find people to socialize with in town at night (other pilgrims), but it's nice and quiet while you're walking.Thank you, it sounds like my type of Camino. The spiritual part of walking the Camino is actually my reason for being there in the first place. I will definitely do some research on it and consider it seriously!
That was certainly my experience last year walking in October, then again in January & February. Especially in my winter walk where I only met 5 other pilgrims in 20 days. When a village is not swamped with pilgrims people have more time and inclination to stop and talk with someone who is just passing through. Far more like my early Camino Frances walks than my most recent one in 2016.Is it easier to meet and mingle with the locals on the VDLP?
I'd be up for it....and as a kiwi now canadian would seem to fit in well! Was thinking of starting a little earlier though i.e. Feb 2019.You never know. Careful what you wish for because you might get it
Another great quote from that movie (paraphrased by me)..."The Camino is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get"!To quote Forrest Gump’s mother: Stupid is as stupid does!
I too have recently finished some post grad study in this area and do not feel "whacko" heading off on my thrid camino (in two weeks) at age 60, to me it is a celebrationWell, I'm a clinical psychologist and I'm walking my 4th camino in 5 years at 60 years old...her diagnosis is not correct
I too have recently finished some post grad study in this area and do not feel "whacko" heading off on my thrid camino (in two weeks) at age 60, to me it is a celebration
Not when the question is "what is 6 times 7?"Here's a stupid answer: 42.
It's been pointed out that the problem with a virtual Camino Cafe would be who wipes down the tables and washes up the cups? Could be a very long thread this one!So a kind of virtual Camino Cafe where you can put your feet up, chew the fat and sip a cafe con leche?
Shall there be cake too?
You need to introduce an element of self-doubt in your voice and raise the last word by half an octave:Kool, wait till you have us join you for fush and chips with some bears...
How do I make my sentences inflect up and sound like a question...
Na mate, yoose got it wrong, it's Juff, right...You need to introduce an element of self-doubt in your voice and raise the last word by half an octave:
"Hi, my name is Jeff."
"Pardon?"
"Er, my name is Jeff?"
is a good start.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. The more I read and hear about VdLP I realise I have to walk it.
Hi GillGattI prefer walking 20K a day, too. Around 25K is when I start remembering that I have arthritis. CClearly posted her itinerary on the VdLP, that had shorter distances. HappyMarkos, Would you share some of your intermediate, off track stopping places? I'll make decisions as I go, but it would be nice to know some options.
I have ruminated on the Primitivo and Via Francigena in Italy for 2019, and hope to do those someday. I'm not sure what made me finally decide on the VdLP, but southern Spain appeals to me, I like open spaces with flowers and not many other walkers, I am interested in the Roman history, and how different it seems to be from the CF (which I also loved).
And Hel&Scott, my walk is not a year away. It's only eight and a half months away!
And when you are not running from those animals, you are simply bored to death by the terrain in the day and the company of crusty old pilgrims in the evenings.Actually, I hear the VdLP is not only a hard walk, with long distance stages across a desolate, dusty landscape, but you often have to run to escape the bulls, pigs and rabid dogs.
Here's a stupid answer: 42.
And don't panic.Rick is of course here the wise jester who gives us the answer to " The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe & everything" (- which is, of course : 42 )
The Hitchhiker Guide to the Galaxy !! read the book, watch the film and you will know to Always Bring a Towel
Rick is of course here the wise jester who gives us the answer to
" The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe & everything"
(- which is, of course : 42 )
The Hitchhiker Guide to the Galaxy !!
read the book, watch the film and you will know to
Always Bring a Towel
Try out something in Finisterre first and then work your way up.I am thinking of buying a restaurant.Any thoughts?
Bob M
"Well, Bob, I'm opening a boutique."I am thinking of buying a restaurant.Any thoughts?
Bob M
Try out something in Finisterre first and then work your way up.
And don't forget all the crusty old Roman ruins...And when you are not running from those animals, you are simply bored to death by the terrain in the day and the company of crusty old pilgrims in the evenings.
Ha ha ha . . . etc. . . . ad lib . . ."Well, Bob, I'm opening a boutique."
(At 01:17 and 02:10:)
And when you are not running from those animals, you are simply bored to death by the terrain in the day and the company of crusty old pilgrims in the evenings.
And don't forget all the crusty old Roman ruins...
Ha, ha. Nice try ;-) But I've already met wolves twice and aggressive dogs on one occasion. So that won't deter me......
Ouch.....THAT is serious .....snorring is the "weapon of mass destruction" on any Camino.....You have NEVER heard anyone snore like me.
Ouch.....THAT is serious .....snorring is the "weapon of mass destruction" on any Camino.....
I´ll probably rethink my VdLP plans now
Kool, wait till you have us join you for fush and chips with some bears...
How do I make my sentences inflect up and sound like a question...
Thanks for this, Wayfarer, for I am a stupid-question asker. (However, I do bother to search the archives first, then ask away if I don't find anything relative there.)There are no such things as stupid questions, only stupid answers.
Ask anything you want on the forum even if it has been asked many times before.
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