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I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him.
So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
I feel the same way. Something about following those yellow arrows...The funny thing is that I have a lot of hiker friends, and sometimes I just feel so bored to go hiking in other places with them. Yeah, nature is gorgeous and the exercize is good, but sometimes it just does not click.
Now, ask me if I want to do any stage of any camino, I will go in a heartbeat, no matter if the scenary will be urban, natural, uphill or rain.
I usually think that I like to have a purpose when I walk. But maybe it is just unexplainable.
Good! One less person on the Caminos…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
No need to be embarrassed.So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
There should never be any embarrassment in not finishing a camino...ever, and for any reason. My opinion.So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
A dear friend of mine who is an avid hiker really REALLY wanted to walk a pilgrimage. "Come with me" I said and together we walked the Camino de Madrid/ San Salvador/Primitivo before arriving in Santiago. It took one...maybe two...days to realize that pilgrimage is NOT a hike. In simplest terms, you NEVER come back to where you started.... I read a bit deeper into your post. I have walked with people of all faiths, and none. "A journey's a journey for all that" sez I.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
My rational mind agrees with you. But my gut feeling does not. On the two occasions when I have been forced to end a Camino early because of injury I have felt acute embarrassment. And anger. All of which has ultimately been due to punctured vanity on my part. In my mind I am first and foremost a walker. If someone asked me to describe myself in one single word that is probably what I would choose. And suddenly to be unable to walk - even temporarily - destroys my own self-image and self-worth. Very stupid but trueThere should never be any embarrassment in not finishing a camino...ever, and for any reason. My opinion.
My rational mind agrees with you. But my gut feeling does not. On the two occasions when I have been forced to end a Camino early because of injury I have felt acute embarrassment. And anger. All of which has ultimately been due to punctured vanity on my part. In my mind I am first and foremost a walker. If someone asked me to describe myself in one single word that is probably what I would choose. And suddenly to be unable to walk - even temporarily - destroys my own self-image and self-worth. Very stupid but true
Well, your friend is maybe correct: It may seem boring.(…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
I keep going because I love walking each step and seeing the landscape and ancient villages unfold slowly before me...on a hill it slowly becomes larger as I approach, and after I leave, turning around I see it diminish in the distance. Being in another land makes me feel like an adventurer, and it makes me feel young...although I am not young!I was wondering if maybe that is what keeps us returning again and again. Simple ego. But nah, it is the promise of joy and pleasure that comes once we get going.
In my case I did - on both occasions. The first was the most dramatic: having walked a little over 1,000km from my home in Wales I fell over and suffered a prolapsed spinal disc 20km from my destination in Saint Jean Pied de Port. After several days of care from the kind people in Beilari I limped home by train and plane (via Lourdes!) but returned several months later to walk that last 20km and then later on to Santiago for the third time. The second occasion was on the Via de la Plata when a long day ended in serious knee pain which was eventually diagnosed as osteoarthritis. On hearing the diagnosis I thought my long distance walking might have come to an end. But as I have walked several thousand km without mishaps in the couple of years since then that might have been a premature thoughtAaargh...but you can always start a Camino de Las Cosas Incompletas....fill in the gaps as you can, sez I. I do understand...I walked with a dear friend a year or two ago who would have described herself as a 'walker'...but the grind of Camino took its toll and she too had to question herself. Trite as it may seem, Camino is what it is and sometimes it brings to light weaknesses we never thought we had. But at the same time it highlights strengths we have never acknowledged. You will walk forward another day.
I think joy and pleasure are the most important part. There are moments when walking which are simply numinous. But speaking only for myself I would be dishonest if I did not recognise that ego is in the mix somewhere too.I was wondering if maybe that is what keeps us returning again and again. Simple ego. But nah, it is the promise of joy and pleasure that comes once we get going.
Don't try...
People are drawn to it...or not.
I was about 700 km into my 3rd Camino - del Norte, when I had to abandon it due to injury. I did feel very embarrassed, being a seasoned peregrina, to succumb to injury that was totally my fault.My rational mind agrees with you. But my gut feeling does not. On the two occasions when I have been forced to end a Camino early because of injury I have felt acute embarrassment. And anger. All of which has ultimately been due to punctured vanity on my part. In my mind I am first and foremost a walker. If someone asked me to describe myself in one single word that is probably what I would choose. And suddenly to be unable to walk - even temporarily - destroys my own self-image and self-worth. Very stupid but true
@RecCareySo your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
You say it exactly as you wrote it and then you abandon trying to “pass the virus on to him”.a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
So right. I know that there are millions of people who love skydiving, and many might think that everyone should love it too, but fortunately, we are all different.
The only person who needs to know if you did not "finish" is you. No need for embarrassment. AND you can always come back and do the next stage. Many people walk in stages.So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
I agree. People are drawn to pilgrimage. If someone can only see the hike and not the pilgrimage, it will be a different experience for him/her. All of us "Camino Lifers" have been drawn to the walk, the journey, the lifestyle.Don't try...
People are drawn to it...or not.
My husband was 74 when we walked from Roncesvalles to Santiago, taking around 6 weeks. We've been back 4 times since then, exploring routes off the "main" CF as well as walking the Baztan. We walked (probably) our last short Camino this May, when my husband was 80. That time we chose our sections carefully as I had spent wonderful hours beforehand to ensure we only walked those parts which we knew, from experience, we would enjoy. Local buses are wonderful and cheap. No need for embarrassment by the way; just enjoy the experience.So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
No, it is not a hike; it’s a pilgrimage and no matter one’s religious tradition - or lack thereof, there is the undeniable spiritual pull of the Camino. For the believer, it is a time to be alone with God and encounter him in the natural world and in the people we meet.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
I think there is a KFC next to it. If you want a good fast food burger fly in n’ out of Madrid (isn’t it brilliant I came up with that?! and go to 5 Guys much better but not as good as In-n’-Out.Have you mentioned that there's a burger king in Santiago? That thought kept me going for over 1100km
O, please please, don’t spread the virus. We don’t want more people on on the Camino - certainly not on CF. It’s just right just as it is…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
Every Camino or hike has it own different personality and feel. The Camino takes one out of one’s comfort zone. You have to want to step out of your box. If not keep doing the same thing within your own world.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
Because on the Camino, you are walking into the West and can finish at Finisterre. You can not do that anywhere else in the world. Besides, there are no oceans in Switzerland!…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
Like they say on the AT, “hike your own hike.”…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
Me too! But "ego" will try always try to find it's insidious ways into the cracks of our joy, if we let it. With each pilgrimage I find it easier and easier to see ego for what it is (an illusion) and experience the true joy on the Camino that is our birthright.I think joy and pleasure are the most important part. There are moments when walking which are simply numinous. But speaking only for myself I would be dishonest if I did not recognise that ego is in the mix somewhere too.
Apparently there must be three types of people. I like both.They say ther’re two sorts of people in this world : some want to relax at the sea – doing absolutely nothing – others want to climb the mountains ...
Yes I am with Robo on this they just dont get it . I live in New Zealand and we have wonderful scenery and walking tracks. I get it all the time what about our walks. IT IS NOT THE SAME. I have just written a book about this effect. I don't quote the title in fairness to other authors but you can find it in my past posts.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
What he does not understand is that it is about the pilgrims you encounter. I tell people that the pilgrims on the Camino live like we are all supposed to live and we take care of one another. That is something your friend will not encounter the way it is on the Camino.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
@pepi Maybe give your friend a gift of a credential and shell, he could then try the Swiss section of the Camino, amazingly it even starts from his own front door!
I understand your friend. I'm a mountaineer ( I have done many mountains in Spain). I was completely indifferent to the Camino de Santiago till 6 years ago despite I'm Galician.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch.
I like all three!Apparently there must be three types of people. I like both.
The USA is the same...beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, but still not the same! And who wants to carry a tent and your food for a week...now that's suffering!Yes I am with Robo on this they just dont get it . I live in New Zealand and we have wonderful scenery and walking tracks. I get it all the time what about our walks. IT IS NOT THE SAME. I have just written a book about this effect. I don't quote the title in fairness to other authors but you can find it in my past posts.
Good luck and God bless.
You should try connecting with a local chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. You will find others locally who are passionate about the Camino and helping newbies.The majority of my friends and members of my family's including my husband think I’m crazy for wanting to do the Camino Frances. Many worries around safety, some re: being gone so long, wanting to go by myself, wanting to connect with my spirituality, walking so far...with my « house « on my back and sleeping in albergues. I’m getting only thisat home. Lately sucking the joy out of me. I’m struggling. There is this huge pink elephant now that follows me. I know I have to let go of their feelings about this but it’s challenging. I can’t share my joy and it’s making me very very sad. Thank you to this forum. Here I feel accepted and understood. You are all helping me more than you can ever know. ❤
There is no chapter in my city however this forum is allowing me to be passionate and joyful and helping me greatlyYou should try connecting with a local chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. You will find others locally who are passionate about the Camino and helping newbies.
I like all three!
Well, one of the attractions I cherish in the mountains is, that I can be totally alone - only 'with myself' as we say, while at the same time pointing upwards... They feel that their camino experience is universal and not individual.
If you maintain zero expectation, then you will never "embarrass" yourself. You don't need to reach Santiago to "finish" your camino. You finish when your body and mind tell you: 'enough already'. BTW, I'm 72, just so you know.So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
And for me, I can be on the PCT in less than half an hour, but it holds very little appeal to me for most of the same reasons.I like to say "When the Camino calls...You listen" , but if it doesn't call someone, they will never hear.
I have ready access to the Appalachian Trail and the Presidential Range here on the east coast of the States, but it doesn't appeal to me at all. It's not the walking or the mountains that bring me to the camino, but rather the experiences and Spanish culture. For me, it's the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and make the world a more intimate place. I suspect the opposite view would be seeking complete solitude...?
Your son?And who wants to carry a tent and your food for a week...now that's suffering!
Nah, but you do get more of it.I suspect the opposite view [hiking in New Hampshire] would be seeking complete solitude...?
Yes, Rick. My son has carried over 40 pounds after resupplying food for 7-10 days at a time on the AT, Colorado Trail, and John Muir Trail...he never understood why I wasn't interested in joining him.Your son?
Nah, but you do get more of it.
Yes, that is something I have never understood. The questioning of why one would want to do one activity over another? People I know who do the same type of holidays every year or so find it odd that I want to walk the Camino so many times. I tell them I never once wondered why they would want to say go on a cruise every two years or so, why do they wonder why I walk the Camino more than once? I can only attribute it to some degree of harmless intolerance on their part. Intolerance to an activity they do not understand or relate to.The majority of my friends and members of my family's including my husband think I’m crazy for wanting to do the Camino Frances. Many worries around safety, some re: being gone so long, wanting to go by myself, wanting to connect with my spirituality, walking so far...with my « house « on my back and sleeping in albergues. I’m getting only thisat home. Lately sucking the joy out of me. I’m struggling. There is this huge pink elephant now that follows me. I know I have to let go of their feelings about this but it’s challenging. I can’t share my joy and it’s making me very very sad. Thank you to this forum. Here I feel accepted and understood. You are all helping me more than you can ever know. ❤
Your post touches me - please don’t let others take away the joy of doino a Camino from you. I did my first Camino by myself in 2017 at 70 years old - had a ball - didn’t feel unsafe at all - wonderful experience. Find your courage to tell others to keep their thoughts to themselves and go for it - you won’t regret it.You should try connecting with a local chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. You will find others locally who are passionate about the Camino and helping newbies.
So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
Tell your 63 year old friend the Camino is "boring landscapes, paved roads, traffic....." - AND MORE…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
I had a very intelligent elder make a comment that the significance of the pilgrimage is diminished because so many are doing it. Like it was nothing to walk across Northern Spain for 5 weeks with a heavy pack on your back. Hmmmmmmmm. The older I become the less enchanted I am with others.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
In 2013 I led a small group of not-so-able pilgrims on the Camino. One fellow from the US (we called him Uncle Bob) was 89 years old had 9 Compostelas and didn't think he'd be able to do a 10th because of a triple heart bypass and a hip replacement a few years earlier. He did it beautifully - and he joined us on the Camino Ingles walking ± 10 km per day (one day 16km) at age 90. You're a spring chicken! Go for it ♥So your 75! I’m 76 and am thinking of hiking this May but am concerned I will embarrass myself by not finishing. Or worse not be able to differentiate between physical strain from something much more serious.
…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
Doesn't sound like a very intelligent elder to meI had a very intelligent elder make a comment that the significance of the pilgrimage is diminished because so many are doing it. Like it was nothing to walk across Northern Spain for 5 weeks with a heavy pack on your back. Hmmmmmmmm. The older I become the less enchanted I am with others.
Rosemary [Canada]
So true...we are indeed "all different", yet this forum unites us due to the one common interest we share, however varied our interpretation of "Camino" may be to each of us.You can not convince any one to do the things you must love.We are all different..
It sounds like the real issue is that you "need" your friend to understand that part of you and he doesn't. Sounds like you might have to make another Camino to let go of that need . . .The camino is boring landscapes, paved roads, traffic . . . says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids. . . . I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. . . . how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
I am no mystic but…..I have to admit there is a something mystical about the Camino. I read about the “boring landscapes, paved roads, traffic”…… it sounded awful and yet for some unexplainable reason I wanted to go. Now for some unexplainable reason I keep coming back. Clearly not everyone feels this way hence the term “Camino Bore” in another thread.
Funnily enough I feel a strong pull to do another Camino walk even though I agree the landscape looks exactly like where I live in California, the food is mostly terrible for vegans, I found people in stores and hotels cranky even though I tried really, really hard to learn Spanish. I don't think there is anything inherently special about the Camino but I am drawn to it so I add my own beauty to the experience. It's what you bring to it I guess.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
I've seen a number of groups of people that have split apart on the Camino, due to some of them being persuaded to go. Best to let people decide on their own. The Camino is not for everybody.…says a friend of mine, when I show him my pics and vids.
He is 63 y old, a keen mountain hiker and does not understand my camino addiction. I tried in vain to pass the virus on to him. «I have all the natural beauty, the real mountains, lakes, the crisp air, clean refuges and good food, all just an hour away from my porch (he is Swiss), why should I go to Spain?». Of course he is right, but how do I explain him that the camino is not a hike, but a long pilgrimage into ones inner self.
Problem is, that even with my four CF’s and a CN under my belt and in spite of age (I am a good dozen years older than him), I still don’t know why I am doing it, just happens that it makes me feel good. Anyone in this forum more eloquent to phrase out the difference between his sort of hiking and the camino pilgrimage? (We are both agnostics)
An interesting observation. I wonder quite what they meant by that. Is there some fixed finite amount of "significance" available which has to be shared out ever more thinly amongst those who walk? If we go by the Compostela figures then there are now seventy times as many people walking the Caminos as there were in the year I first walked. I must admit I struggle sometimes with that scale of change but I would not go so far as to suggest that the pilgrimage is now only 1.5% as significant as it once was....I had a very intelligent elder make a comment that the significance of the pilgrimage is diminished because so many are doing it.
..and your response touched me. Thank you for your kind words. I did a “hard reset” this past Monday and took my mojo and joy back. My mantra this week is “I am enough.” I realize that when the Camino calls you this should be joy enough. You can read my post called “Synchronicity” and you will see how loud it is calling. Thank you again for reaching out to me with your empathy.Your post touches me - please don’t let others take away the joy of doino a Camino from you. I did my first Camino by myself in 2017 at 70 years old - had a ball - didn’t feel unsafe at all - wonderful experience. Find your courage to tell others to keep their thoughts to themselves and go for it - you won’t regret it.
Yes, the Swiss Camino sections are beautiful and recommendable, but there is a different spirit, more deeply religious, more serious than the tolerant Spanish ways....and as @Terry W says: IT IS NOT THE SAME! Too close, too familiar, no La Rioja, no Meseta, no....
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