The way beckons

[WayneG]

I am retiring in September 2017 and intending to walk the Camino setting off on 1st October. The close of one of life's chapters and towards new beginnings....
I have a countdown clock on my iPad!

 

[stratophile]

Nice! Not planning on wasting any time, clearly! LOL

 

[C clearly]

Great plan. I did that (retire and set off) last October. In fact, I think I'll do it every October.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I retire this year, and my walk begins 1 October 2015!

 

[WayneG]

Great plan. I did that (retire and set off) last October. In fact, I think I'll do it every October.

Some have told me it is a little too late in the season? Any thoughts?

 

[WayneG]

I retire this year, and my walk begins 1 October 2015!

I'm two years behind you then deb. To the day.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I'm two years behind you then deb. To the day.

I noticed that. I'm wondering what you are retiring from?

I've been a high school teacher for the last twelve years or so, but have been mostly a teacher since the early 90's.

 

[WayneG]

I noticed that. I'm wondering what you are retiring from?

I've been a high school teacher for the last twelve years or so, but have been mostly a teacher since the early 90's.

Fire and emergency services...

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I wish I could begin my Camino the first of May, but I've got to finish teaching and that will end on 10 June. By then, Oregon--in the Pac NW--will be rolling out an amazing summer, and I've got lots of fun plans....such as Diamond Lake, Crater Lake, and Inn at Spanish Head....along with farming, biking, hiking, and all the fun stuff that Oregon offers in its glorious summers! I so love summer here that I'd rather be here than anywhere else. Come Fall though, I'll be off and away. By September, I'll be a hiking machine, and physically ready to head to Spain

 

[C clearly]

Some have told me it is a little too late in the season? Any thoughts?

Anyone who told you that has either not walked at that time, or happened to encounter very bad luck. You will find many on this forum who think it's the best time. I walked for 2 weeks in November 2012 and 3 weeks in Oct-Nov 2014. In 2015 I will start again in mid-October in SJPP.

The big crowds have gone but there are still enough people for lots of socialization. The weather can be very pleasant in October, although there will be rain in Galicia. You do have to come prepared for any weather from heat to snow, but that is part of the challenge.

 

[WayneG]

Anyone who told you that has either not walked at that time, or happened to encounter very bad luck. You will find many on this forum who think it's the best time. I walked for 2 weeks in November 2012 and 3 weeks in Oct-Nov 2014. In 2015 I will start again in mid-October in SJPP.

The big crowds have gone but there are still enough people for lots of socialization. The weather can be very pleasant in October, although there will be rain in Galicia. You do have to come prepared for any weather from heat to snow, but that is part of the challenge.

Many Thx.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I am retiring in September 2017 and intending to walk the Camino setting off on 1st October. The close of one of life's chapters and towards new beginnings....
I have a countdown clock on my iPad!

Good for you , wish you happy planning and a Buen Camino , Peter . p.s. October is great to walk , my wife did that in 2013 .

 

[natefaith]

The weather in October is beautiful - not too warm, and rainy season hasn't started yet in earnest in Galicia (although it may still rain). There will also still be plenty of pilgrims out on the trail (assuming you'll be doing the Frances?). Enjoy all the planning and Buen Camino!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

The weather in October is beautiful - not too warm, and rainy season hasn't started yet in earnest in Galicia (although it may still rain). There will also still be plenty of pilgrims out on the trail (assuming you'll be doing the Frances?). Enjoy all the planning and Buen Camino!

Natefaith: thanks for commenting about the October weather; I really appreciate all of the positive and helpful comments. In truth, I am so glad that my Camino will begin on the first of October. I am working out a lot, going on hikes and on my feet a lot. I'm wishing I could depart the USA right after I retire in early June, but I don't think that would be a great time for my first journey. I don't mind the heat, but I don't always want to hang out with really large groups. I think there will be plenty of pilgrim friends out there, and fewer younger pilgrims, perhaps. I love young people, but am hoping to have some--just a little!--slightly quieter time. I'm fine with the chat, music, songs, wine I just have the sense that October will be a wonderful time for me.

 

[natefaith]

Natefaith: thanks for commenting about the October weather; I really appreciate all of the positive and helpful comments. In truth, I am so glad that my Camino will begin on the first of October. I am working out a lot, going on hikes and on my feet a lot. I'm wishing I could depart the USA right after I retire in early June, but I don't think that would be a great time for my first journey. I don't mind the heat, but I don't always want to hang out with really large groups. I think there will be plenty of pilgrim friends out there, and fewer younger pilgrims, perhaps. I love young people, but am hoping to have some--just a little!--slightly quieter time. I'm fine with the chat, music, songs, wine I just have the sense that October will be a wonderful time for me.

I think you've picked a perfect time to go for you, Deb. You're right - it will be quieter than in the summer, with fewer large groups. May it be a wonderful time of contemplation and celebration for you. Finish your teaching career strong, happy almost-retirement, and Buen Camino!
Faith

 

[WayneG]

Deb, you can forget about the two years. Lol. Tick, tick, tick, Not wishing my life away but I am so looking forward to this endeavour.

 

[Urban Trekker]

I've walk the ways in May/June and September/October. Wet, check. Cold, check. Hot, check. Just right, check. Go have fun, check.

Happy Trails

 

[WayneG]

I've walk the ways in May/June and September/October. Wet, check. Cold, check. Hot, check. Just right, check. Go have fun, check.

Happy Trails

thx urban

 

[CaminoDebrita]

View attachment 17583 Deb, you can forget about the two years. Lol. Tick, tick, tick, Not wishing my life away but I am so looking forward to this endeavour.

Hey Wayne, I have an app just like that : ) Seriously, I am not wishing my time away or anything, but there is a lot of healthy preparation that goes into this walk anyway. I think that any activity that gets you hiking, eating clean, or considering lofty thoughts and ideals is a good activity!

I'm still playing with the calendar....I think I chose well with October, but if I weren't teaching, I would be on a plane within a week. I am an "immediate gratification" sort of person, and typically, I know what I want, make a plan, and get it, do it, or travel to it! This has been a wonderful exercise for me (and it's kind of like losing weight--which I'm always working on--a daily focus will yield a strong result).

I do love my job, and love teaching the teens (who love to be entertained, and don't so much love writing essays and reading what I choose) so that sure helps a lot. It is 5 AM west coast, and here I sit grading and taking a break from it....

Hoping that your job is great fun for you, and that you are loving your time, each and every day!

Deb

 

[WayneG]

 

[WayneG]

Hey Wayne, I have an app just like that : ) Seriously, I am not wishing my time away or anything, but there is a lot of healthy preparation that goes into this walk anyway. I think that any activity that gets you hiking, eating clean, or considering lofty thoughts and ideals is a good activity!

I'm still playing with the calendar....I think I chose well with October, but if I weren't teaching, I would be on a plane within a week. I am an "immediate gratification" sort of person, and typically, I know what I want, make a plan, and get it, do it, or travel to it! This has been a wonderful exercise for me (and it's kind of like losing weight--which I'm always working on--a daily focus will yield a strong result).

I do love my job, and love teaching the teens (who love to be entertained, and don't so much love writing essays and reading what I choose) so that sure helps a lot. It is 5 AM west coast, and here I sit grading and taking a break from it....

Hoping that your job is great fun for you, and that you are loving your time, each and every day!

Deb

Hey. Deb, Are you still on target for an October 1 start?

 

[CaminoDebrita]

S

Hey. Deb, Are you still on target for an October 1 start?

Yes, SIR!!

And I am feeling very cheerful about that. Am I going to see you there?

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I will keep good track of everything. I have a feeling that I"m going to encounter some rain, but as a Pacific NW gal, I have no fear!

 

[WayneG]

I wish

S

Yes, SIR!!

And I am feeling very cheerful about that. Am I going to see you there?

i am two years behind you to retirement and Camino!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

You do look like a young pup! I've decided that I'm not really retired, and honestly, I'm not...I am now a substitute teacher! I will be doing a lot of that in order to make money for my next Camino---in 2016! Already trying to figure out how to package this one to the family! (need to sneak out either early spring or early fall).

 

[WayneG]

 

[LauraK]

Wayne: What a fantastic way to transition into retirement. Lots of time to reflect and experience yourself in a completely different environment. As others have said, it's a great time to walk! Buen Camino!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Time is flying!

Have you noticed that the 2 is going to SOON be a 1? Wow...

 

[WayneG]

Time is flying!

Have you noticed that the 2 is going to SOON be a 1? Wow...

How did your first Camino go?
Happy?
The two is a one!

 

[WayneG]

 

[CaminoDebrita]

How did your first Camino go?
Happy?
The two is a one!

It was absolutely, positively wonderful!!!!!!!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Oct 1 is the best day to start!

 

[MichaelB10398]

You have a great goal and enough time to do a lot of preparation. You might consider reading several books on the Camino that cover the history and architecture that can be found along the various Caminos. Good time to learn Spanish also. You have a wonderful time to look forward to and the Camino will be a superb stepping stone into your future. Buen Camino and God bless you.

 

[Cecy]

I wish

i am two years behind you to retirement and Camino!

Ohhh why wait until you retire...take a pre reitrement walk!!!

Planning my 1st Camino this sept, and I wish it was tomorrow already!!

Congrats on your future retirement!! Buen Camino

 

[Cecy]

You have a great goal and enough time to do a lot of preparation. You might consider reading several books on the Camino that cover the history and architecture that can be found along the various Caminos. Good time to learn Spanish also. You have a wonderful time to look forward to and the Camino will be a superb stepping stone into your future. Buen Camino and God bless you.

Any book suggestions?

 

[MichaelB10398]

The one book that I have recommended before is a book by Derry Brabbs, "The Roads to Santiago", the subtitle is The Landscapes and Architecture of the World's Greatest Pilgrim Route. This is an excellent book for the novice, but interested student of the Camino's history and architecture. Brabbs does a good job of reviewing the major Chemins of France and then moving into Spain and its various Ways. There are a lot of pictures with a good Index to look for items of particular interest. However, there are almost no references, but with the amount of information provided anyone will be able to focus on particular buildings or places of interest and know where to find additional source material.

Once you get past this there is are a number of areas to study and read to enhance the beauty of the Camino for a pilgrim; however, the books are broader in scope and address history, architecture, and art separately.

There are several books that address the cultural beauty of the Camino. A good one is "The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural Handbook".

These books are only my opinion and I am sure that others will have additional references that they have found beneficial. I hope that you will find these two books as enjoyable as I did.

 

[WayneG]

268 days to go! Booked my flight to Paris today.....

 

[WayneG]

 

[WayneG]

Training commenced in earnest. Hotels booked! Friends and family starting to believe I might be serious!

 

[Camino Chris]

Great plan. I did that (retire and set off) last October. In fact, I think I'll do it every October.

That's just what I've been doing...
Retired Sept. 2014.
Walked the Camino Frances April 2015
Walked the Norte/Primitivo April 2016
Walking the Frances again April 2017!

 

[WayneG]

That's just what I've been doing...
Retired Sept. 2014.
Walked the Camino Frances April 2015
Walked the Norte/Primitivo April 2016
Walking the Frances again April 2017!

Wonderful. You must have enjoyed your first two!