- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF 2016 2018 2022
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Once I win the lottery my Camino ambition is to start from St. Jean early in the year and do no more than 10kms per day. I will be using GITLITZ'S BOOK and gawp at every stone that has a symbol on itAlexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
Four years ago I had 8 weeks to spend walking the Camino and I had great ambitions - the Frances and on to Finisterre, the English Camino, and who knows what after that. Well, that didn't happen! I hobbled into Santiago with a foot injury having skipped major sections of the Frances (but walking the last 100 km).Alexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
Great book. There is more than something for everyone and all our varied interests found within their book.Once I win the lottery my Camino ambition is to start from St. Jean early in the year and do no more than 10kms per day. I will be using GITLITZ'S BOOK and gawp at every stone that has a symbol on itI too have been fed up with myself at passing by all the "in-between places" with people in them aware of the local history . This would take me at least 80 days and well into summer. I would of course stop at the very finest paradors for my rest days Dream on eh? But then as I was typing this I saw my first pair of Swifts arrive ! Bliss. Buen Camino and the very best of luck.
Samarkand.
VN,I made a point on my last time on the Frances to stay in both San Anton and the Ermita San Nicolas, having passed both by previous times. So I hurried to get to SA early in the afternoon, thinking there would not be space later...only to find only three others there that night, while the steady stream of people marched past on their way to Castrojerez. The next day at San Nicolas it was the same, and this time I was more relaxed getting there, knowing there'd be no hurry.
It was definitely a different experience to stop 'early' and watch the grass grow and the world go by. It could definitely be addictive. What you said, @Stroller , is something many of us can probably relate to. It can feel like an almost compulsive need, to just keep going - or to cover a certain number of kms per day.
(And those two simple old shelters (without frills, but with hospitaleros full of heart)? So special!)
Sounds wonderful, I wish I could do thatAlexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
I lived in Braga 2 years while working for Habitat for Humanity and would definitely suggest spending some time there. One thing to do is to go to the shrine of Bom Jesus. Local pilgrims walk up the steps, or there is a funicular to the top. There are 4 cathedrals around one of the grand plazas; the oldest has elements built in roman days. One cafe has glass blocks in the floor so it's possible to see some Roman ruins. And there is the modern part of the city complete with shopping mall...I have 24/25 days this year to walk if I step on the Iberian peninsula, I was planning two Caminos, 1 from Braga and another(?) , but such is my lockdown frame of mind that I just want to plant my feet somewhere, start walking and take my time. Anywhere on a Camino would be nice, I have not gone further than 30 miles from Exeter since January of last year and I am feeling that constraint. Here is to dwaddling, sauntering, mooching* Caminos.
*British use of Mooching
That is exactly what I was planning to do in 2020. Hope to do so when allowed.Alexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
I think it's a great idea. Would jump at the chance to do a similar Camino if circumstances permitted. Go for it!Alexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
Well, since it was my post in another thread that triggered this thread, I'll chime in:Alexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
To first answer your direct question, I like a relatively slow itinerary but 5 or 6 km a day might be a little slow for me unless there was a lot to see or do in at least one of the endpoints, either before I left for the day's walk or after I arrived or unless I felt in need of a rest. I might get a little impatient with such short distances day after day. For me, 20 km +/- 5 is the sweet spot, though I am certainly willing to go less to stay at a particularly nice town or village. On my two most recent Caminos, there were occasions where I did about 15 km a few days in a row. That seemed "taking it slow and easy" to me.For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
Neither have I. Last time, I stayed in Atapuerca. Maybe next time...No, I meant El Acebo. Although Ages is another one of those small villages with charm that I have not stayed in.
I have a similar plan for this coming October. There is a lot to see along "The Way". This time I'm starting in Pamplona and probably going as far as Burgos. For me, it is about the journey and all you learn along the way.Alexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
Great idea some of my favourite evenings and meals were in some of the smallest towns. I also spent an extra day or two in each of the big cities along the way. My last Camino was 32 days with 28 walking. The next will be closer to 40. I met a young lady from Quebec who only did 20 km a day. She saw a lot of these places but never formed the friendships along the way like a standard paced pilgrim does. I think that is the only downside.Alexwalker over on the discussion about Camino physical preparation said:
"Here's throwing the torch into the conversation: I have all the time I want. I am retired and on a good pension (67). I am so determined to use my next Camino to the fullest: I have set aside 2 months (minimum/whatever) for my next CF. Too often, have I been "running" it, without paying enough attention to all the small villages.
The next time, I will walk some 15 kms/day (or whatever/don't care). I will stay in more small villages, just relaxing, reading, eating well, and watch the grass grow."
I have been thinking the same thing about a leisurely Camino. After two 30 day Caminos two years apart, I am going to slow down. I'm now thinking next Summer going over to Spain for the maximum 90 days, and just meander. One of my favorite sections of the Camino Frances is Astorga to O Cebreiro. Both times I have taken the typical Astorga-Fonceaddon-Ponferrada-Villafranca del Bierzo-O Cebreiro. This time I want to catch up on a bunch of places in-between, but also keep the original stops. Last year I posed a question on the forum about can't miss villages/towns. For 2022, my slow itinerary will be Astorga-Castrillo de los Polvazares-Rabanal-Foncebaddon-Ages-Molinseca-Ponferrada-Cacobelos-Villafranca del Bierzo-Vega del Valcarce-La Faba-O Cebreiro. My query then--what do you veterans think of, or maybe have experience with such a slow itinerary?
On a very rainy day on the VdlP, there was a sign pointing to a bar 500 m. off the Camino. I was in need of a comforting beer, so I followed the sign. It turned out to be a blessing: A very friendly bar. I got a free money pouch, which I used for years, and was pointed to a shortcut that saved me 5 kms. But where, I do not know.Has anybody walked to and spent time in a village off to the side of a major camino? As in walking to the north of the camino and then east to a town to have lunch and then south to reconnect to the camino and its lodgings. If so please describe your experience(s).
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