As only a 2nd Grade Pilgrim (2 so far, moving up to 3rd Grade next year) I don't have multiple Caminos to compare yet. Still very much a 'junior' Pilgrim. But so far.
-------------------------- Past
#1. 40 days alone on the CF. To unplug from everyday day life and unclutter my head. To find myself and true purpose. To maybe find Faith. To finds answers? All objectives were met
#2. 10 days on the CF with my wife Pat. To return to a place where I felt most at home and authentic? A 'place' being used in the broadest sense. More a 'place' as in State of mind perhaps? To let Pat have a 'taste' of the Camino and see if she would like to undertake a longer / deeper journey. All objectives met
--------------------------- Future ?
#3. (2018) 50 days together on the CF. To totally unplug and enjoy that walking meditation and contemplation we both enjoy. To share quality time with Pat without Worldly distractions. To build on the inner Peace I find on Camino. To enjoy that Spiritual 'connection' , just me and 'Him' that I seem to more easily find out there on the Path. No great expectations..........just to walk......and whatever happens, will happen.
#4. (2019 maybe) VDLP alone I think. To just be alone with my thoughts......for longer....let life slow down....and relax and see what pops up along the way.
At this stage I haven't quite 'cracked' retaining the spiritual, emotional and calming elements of the Camino for long on returning home. (2-3 months) I seem to leave them on the Way to a degree. I'd like to work on that......making the benefit more permanent.
But I think the Camino will become an annual fixture in my life in some way. Maybe 2020 will be Le Puy. Pat will probably come on that one as she loves French food! If she is still talking to me of course after 50 days on the road together in 2018
This is going to sound Weird. But there are some things in life that we learn in a group, even if we are somewhat alone in a group setting, like the Camino. But then we have to learn to do it, or maintain it alone. And sometimes that is harder.