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What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
If you aspire to 'hike' the Camino, please do so.This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
The Camino is a journey, not a destination.
Slow down. Look around. Absorb what surrounds you and listen to yourself as you take the journey.
You are missing a critical bit of information, or three!What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
The Camino is a pilgrimage. That can mean a lot of different things to people, so you will see many different styles on the Camino. Some will walk long and fast, some will walk short and slow, some spend a lot of time socializing or visiting or sitting and contemplating, and some will even consider it to be a hike.The Camino is not a 'hike'.
Maybe......
The Camino is not a 'hike'.
Because it's not a race!
And if you go too fast it will be over too soon!
Sometimes they are interchangeable. However, the subtle distinction is part of the key difference between the Camino and wilderness hikes.I use the term "hike" and "walk"interchangeably.
I got to a certain point on the Camino and felt like it was going to be over too soon, and I wished that I had walked some shorter days, just so that I would have more time on the Camino.Thanks. I don't think of walking longer as a "race". Nor do I see walking longer as the same as walking faster.
@davebugg I guess the critical difference is that the hikes you have done are wilderness trails, and the only reason to stop is to admire a view, to look at an individual plant or tree, to rest because it is physically needed, or, as you say, to set up camp for the night.
The Camino is different. This is a walk in which the culture is at least as important as the physical environment - and the culture means people, customs, history, artefacts, buildings, legends, and experiences that blend all those elements. It is a walk from village to village and town to town. Stop in each and let it play upon your mind. To sit at an outdoor table with a coffee in hand, to talk to those who pass by, to hear the stories of other pilgrims and to make emotional connections, to watch the local children playing in the plaza, to visit the church and read the story told by the retablo - those are all as important as eating up the miles.
Congratulations, btw, I am in awe of anyone who finishes those two extraordinary trails. But if you expect the Camino Francés to be anything like them, you will be disappointed. There are far better places in the world to go for a long hike.
Sometimes they are interchangeable. However, the subtle distinction is part of the key difference between the Camino and wilderness hikes.
There is no reason you can't go on the Camino and hike long days! Many do. But you ask why so many people walk shorter days, so we are trying to explain why.
I don't mind at all if you like to walk longer hours. I am just a little surprised that you are surprised that others don't. Why stop when the day is young? Why not?
In other words, should I spend several hours resting in a park or enjoying a cathedral, an yet there is still daylight available to walk when I'm done, I just feel OK to keep walking. Who knows.... perhaps I'll be oft sidetracked to the point that I end up shutting down some days earlier than others.
Hiking is not trekking. You are trekking for 30/40 days. Then prepare food, shower, wash and dry clothes, make your bed and give your body recovery time and hit wAy again at daybreakThis post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young?
Hi, it's not a walk in the park.This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
I did the Camino in 2015 and am doing it again mid-May to mid-July. I often felt others were rushing and that I was the pokey one. I am big on photography and, for me, starting before dawn meant missed camera opportunities. I am not an early riser anyway, and I was often the last one out of an albergue. I moseyed along all day and often marvelled at others who would race through a picturesque town without so much as a single picture. I have to confess that I used the transport system and most always had a reservation for the night. That gave me the luxury to go at a more liesurely pace. I walked 36 days and stayed put for five, so I certainly didn't set any speed records. And this year I am giving myself two weeks longer so that I can maybe overnight in some nice towns that I had to quickly pass through before. I get bored just sitting around for hours but I do like to explore and be busy all day. So just do your own thing and do what works for you. Although I did meet people along the way, I was never a full fledged member of a camino family for the whole journey, because my slow pace and desire for lots of creative pictures never allowed it.This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
Hiking is not trekking. You are trekking for 30/40 days. Then prepare food, shower, wash and dry clothes, make your bed and give your body recovery time and hit wAy again at daybreak
I don't care for the repeated admonition that "it is not a race" or "slow down and smell the roses." Sometimes that can make a good point (and I have occasionally used the phrases myself), but it often comes across as a bit patronizing. Walking fast or long does not imply that one is racing, and the metaphorical roses can be appreciated in many different ways.What does puzzle me is how often I have encountered people who tell me that I must slow down, stop earlier and "smell the roses"
It's very helpful for a newbie to read these comments-- and very nice to see the courtesy and respect all are showing. Thank you.
I have noticed in many threads concerns around finding accommodations on the CF (with "Don't worry, The Camino will provide" sprinkled in as well.)
How practical-- in safety, comfort, etc.-- is the "sleep outside option" between mid-April to early October? Simply walk, stop, talk, eat, nap, photo however late you want in a day, and don't be concerned whether or not there's an albergue spot open.
This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
Hi @davebuggI hear thatI was on the Pacific Crest Trail for almost 6 months, and on the Colorado Trail for 3-1/2 weeks. Zero and nearo days as resupply required to hitchick from trail head into the nearest town.
I can say that I found the challenges of walking camino to be more foot-related than fitness-related, due to the hard surfaces, and the repetition of long days of 20+ miles on pavement and compacted surface. That's a kind of pounding you don't usually get in mountain treks.
Hi @davebugg
As a fellow Camino virgin (kickoff is now only 4 weeks away) my only advice to you is to approach the Camino with an open heart and mind. You do sound a little defensive, perhaps rightly so given your extensive hiking experience. To me it is an opportunity to do something completely 'different' from anything I have ever done before. ........ my most important preparation is of myself, physically, mentally and spiritually.
The best advice of all given to me is that as a tourist or a hiker or a backpacker or a walker, you have expectations.
As a pilgrim, you are grateful for everything that comes your way, in every possible way if you are open to it.
Make the most of it and do your own thing, and see where it leads you.
Making people grin is one of my aims in life, so thanks. Also I think you ring very true for a lot of people, as we are all so different, united by a common respect for each other and a shared future experience whatever form it takes. I have a reputation for saying trite ridiculous things on here that everyone thinks and no-one says...like' the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain', in the umbrella thread, so I will end by sayingYour posting made me grin; thank you. Isn't it a conundrum that, while one can write words down and post them, it can be difficult to attach the "tone" and "emotion" that is meant to accompany those words? Even emoticons can be lacking in achieving this. I want my words to convey one thing, but I cannot control how a reader filters those words. Eek. Hopefully, you and other readers will take my word that I am not feeling defensive, and have honestly value what each person has had to say.
Maybe......
The Camino is not a 'hike'.
This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
Buen Camino! !Thank you for your thoughts. Hopefully, I did not leave the impression that I think of the Camino in the same way as I would of a wilderness backpacking trip. I do not. I'm not looking to escape civilization. Nor do I look at the Camino as a "trophy" or badge to collect. I am doing the Camino because of deeply internal Spiritual/religious reasons. I intend to do as you have mentioned in observing and embracing the culture and the environment. To enjoy my time and participate with the things around me. I just see doing those things with a longer day of walking, allowing all of the above to occur as it naturally will, but with a later stopping time.
In other words, should I spend several hours resting in a park or enjoying a cathedral, an yet there is still daylight available to walk when I'm done, I just feel OK to keep walking. Who knows.... perhaps I'll be oft sidetracked to the point that I end up shutting down some days earlier than others.
You would be a perfect candidate for our Coast-to-Coast (Atlantic to Pacific) "camino", which is nowhere comparable to a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage but a pretty engaging hike.I hear thatI was on the Pacific Crest Trail for almost 6 months, and on the Colorado Trail for 3-1/2 weeks. Zero and nearo days as resupply required to hitchick from trail head into the nearest town.
Isn't the C to C a walk across England? No Pacific in sight?You would be a perfect candidate for our Coast-to-Coast (Atlantic to Pacific) "camino", which is nowhere comparable to a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage but a pretty engaging hike.
I believe he means South America.Isn't the C to C a walk across England? No Pacific in sight?
This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
Isn't that what we've been doing for the whole thread?I cant work it out either.
Maybe some old experienced traveller can explain this for us
I did my 1st Camino Francis in Sept 16. My shortest day was 6 hours and longest 10. I completed it in 33 days with no break days. It was great to finish early afternoon to enjoy the afternoon at your destination and catch up with your Camino friends for drinks or a meal. I think this was the highlight of the Camino catching up and talking about your day and your individual experienceThis post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
Hi Tigger. My friend and I start in 4 weeks also. Our first Camino as well....Hi @davebugg
As a fellow Camino virgin (kickoff is now only 4 weeks away) my only advice to you is to approach the Camino with an open heart and mind. You do sound a little defensive, perhaps rightly so given your extensive hiking experience. To me it is an opportunity to do something completely 'different' from anything I have ever done before. Whilst I have had the most fun on here and even more fun in the background testing equipment, getting competitive with @Kanga (who is a veteran and my walking partner) for ordering the cheapest and most outrageous items post free from China ( I think I am winning so far with my last order of 12 coloured nappy(diaper) pins postage free for $AUD 1.90 ) or maybe it was the 20 pairs of silk sock liners for $AUD 3.50 or my Vietnamese fisherman's hat for $AUD some ridiculously small amount)
my most important preparation is of myself, physically, mentally and spiritually.
The best advice of all given to me is that as a tourist or a hiker or a backpacker or a walker, you have expectations.
As a pilgrim, you are grateful for everything that comes your way, in every possible way if you are open to it.
Make the most of it and do your own thing, and see where it leads you.
One point I didn't see mentioned as well....not saying that your experience wouldn't already have taught you this, but for others that may not know.....
Alot of the camino is on hard surfaces (pavement, sidewalk, and farmer's fields compacted over 1000 years). I can easily walk 18mi through the scenic Appalachians on through rock and dirt and foliage. My feet don't bother me much at all. However walking on flat hard surfaces can wear me out in half the time. I recommend anyone preparing for Spain to spend some time walking in the city, or other paved surface.
Hi, I hope you have a great time.Hi Tigger. My friend and I start in 4 weeks also. Our first Camino as well....
My question is...tell me about these bargains. A website???
Walking the Camino is not always about speed, although some do it quickly do to other time constraints. Fast or slow, it is your Camino. There is much to be experienced along the way with people to meet, churches to visit, and vistas to enjoy. It is a very different experience than the PCT. Backpacking is not really needed as there are hostels (alburgues) along the whole way. I have foot problems do to plantar faciitis and have learned that I cannot cover the same distance that people like you can. It is your Camino and go the speed that you want.This post is not meant to be challenging or critical, but a genuine question to help me plan.
As background, I have a lot of backpacking and hiking experience. I have through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. From my childhood to now (63 years old), I have witnessed the evolution of backpacking gear transition from a base weight of forty-some pounds, to my current base-weight of 13 pounds.... all while keeping the same basic comfort level.
My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I say this because while backpacking, I will break camp at around 6:30 am, and continue to hike until an hour or so before dark. With breaks, my hiking day will last an average of 11-12 hours before I set up camp for the night.
What am I missing here? I feel like I am failing to recognize a critical bit of information.
Walking the Camino is not always about speed, although some do it quickly do to other time constraints. Fast or slow, it is your Camino. There is much to be experienced along the way with people to meet, churches to visit, and vistas to enjoy. It is a very different experience than the PCT. Backpacking is not really needed as there are hostels (alburgues) along the whole way. I have foot problems do to plantar faciitis and have learned that I cannot cover the same distance that people like you can. It is your Camino and go the speed that you want.
Walk as many hours as you want to. It's all fine.
But maybe keep in mind that you might fall into a different rhythm than you are used to, and allow that to happen in case it does happen. .....<snip>
I met people who told me they had walked the AT and still walked the same short(ish) distances per day as
Anyway... you'll know when to walk and when to stop, just let it happen!
Buen Camino
That's something fun about these older posts (although this one is not very old). I wonder what @davebugg might have as an answer to his own question, now from the perspective of an experienced pilgrim.My inquiry is, given the light loads one can carry, why does it seem, from my readings and research, that the vast majority of Pilgrims quit walking while the day is still young? I
That's something fun about these older posts (although this one is not very old). I wonder what @davebugg might have as an answer to his own question, now from the perspective of an experienced pilgrim.
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