tillyjones
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances June 2015
VDLP May 2017
del Norte Sept 2018
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Thanks Sharon. I don't think I want to change plans. And I'm too stubborn to use wheels for any part! I'm landing in Seville May 3rd and I see that the heat is already a factor!Hi Tilly. Have just finished the 2nd day of VdlP. There are about 20 pilgrims walking the last two days that I have seen. So there are sightings of others and greetings etc as you go along. However, we came across a French lady yesterday who was being harassed by 2 dogs. There are 4 of us and the dogs went back into the bush. They were only small, but a nuisance.
Perhaps you could bus the first day to Guillena and skip the dogs.
In the albergue tonight there are 2 women who are walking alone.
Have you considered other caminos? Also, when do you plan to start? It is getting hot already here on VdlP.
Tillyjones, you are where you need to be and what you feel (your doubts) virtually all of us on this forum have felt at some time.
All of us, like you, have at some point been called to give up our humdrum lives and go out and find our true passion. For me there is no better place to do that than on the VdlP. It becomes a Hero's Journey where I can find something greater than myself. I've walked with Claude, David, Mary and Michael, pilgrims like you who quit their jobs, sold their houses and walked off across the farm roads of Spain looking for a new life. They all found something wondrous.
If you decide to pursue that journey and walk the VdlP, it's guaranteed that someone or something will pop up when you least expect it and try to persuade you to give up, to reject the call (" I am suddenly not excited anymore and quite worried"). I've walked the VdlP twice and I've lost count of the number of times I wanted to give up. Every time I had good, objective reasons for quitting. The trick is the Camino, the Hero's Journey, isn't supposed to make sense or be objective. It's a journey of the heart.
So, what does your heart tell you to do?
A bit?! Wow, Tilly, that's huge amount of change and uncertainty to absorb in one go.It's all a bit stressful.
I am using the Camino to mark a major transition. I lost my job some time ago, couldn't find a job, went back to school, used my savings, so had to sell my house (closes next week). So, I am purging all of my belongings down to what fits in my car (using Camino packing thinking). I am first walking the VDLP and then returning to Canada, getting in my car and driving...to where I don't know, and will hope to find a job and somewhere to live. It's all a bit stressful.
Anyway, perhaps these feelings come from the overall chaos and stress I'm experiencing. I was so looking forward to this Camino to leave all of the stress of the past two years behind. I thought, doing what I enjoy, nature, outdoors, walking, travel, etc. will be just what the doctor ordered.
BUT, I am suddenly not excited anymore and quite worried that it's going to make me even more sad. I am now reading many posts of people unhappy on the Camino, or at least encountering a lot of stressors. And a lot of people seem to be struggling with the isolation of the less traveled routes right now. While I am the ultimate 'introvert', I do like people to be around sometimes, even if I don't interact with them, for a sense of comfort for safety purposes and a distraction from the tediousness of my own thoughts. I'm starting to worry that I'm not going to enjoy this Camino, and giving up 6 weeks from job searching and relocating may be something that I end up regretting.
Anyway...just venting.
(and somewhat side note...I'm terrified of dogs and now the fear of dogs has crept in...being alone with an aggressive dog is terrifying to me. This got me thinking about worst case scenarios. What is the emergency number to call (i.e., 911) in Spain??)
quite worried that it's going to make me even more sad.
Tilly, I just want to let you know that I have appreciated many of your comments and insights on this forum. I think the other pilgrims walking along the VDLP (or any path in life) would truly miss out on all you have to offer if you chose not to walk. I wish you a Buen Camino wherever it may be.
Genuinely heartfelt.That's sweet. Thanks for that.
I am using the Camino to mark a major transition. I lost my job some time ago, couldn't find a job, went back to school, used my savings, so had to sell my house (closes next week). So, I am purging all of my belongings down to what fits in my car (using Camino packing thinking). I am first walking the VDLP and then returning to Canada, getting in my car and driving...to where I don't know, and will hope to find a job and somewhere to live. It's all a bit stressful.
Anyway, perhaps these feelings come from the overall chaos and stress I'm experiencing. I was so looking forward to this Camino to leave all of the stress of the past two years behind. I thought, doing what I enjoy, nature, outdoors, walking, travel, etc. will be just what the doctor ordered.
BUT, I am suddenly not excited anymore and quite worried that it's going to make me even more sad. I am now reading many posts of people unhappy on the Camino, or at least encountering a lot of stressors. And a lot of people seem to be struggling with the isolation of the less traveled routes right now. While I am the ultimate 'introvert', I do like people to be around sometimes, even if I don't interact with them, for a sense of comfort for safety purposes and a distraction from the tediousness of my own thoughts. I'm starting to worry that I'm not going to enjoy this Camino, and giving up 6 weeks from job searching and relocating may be something that I end up regretting.
Anyway...just venting.
(and somewhat side note...I'm terrified of dogs and now the fear of dogs has crept in...being alone with an aggressive dog is terrifying to me. This got me thinking about worst case scenarios. What is the emergency number to call (i.e., 911) in Spain??)
Forgive me for injecting a negative note, @tillyjones, but I bought a Dogdazer on Amazon last year and took it with me on my CF. I kept it in the small stretchy pocket on my backpack waist strap. I never had to use it. BUT I've tested it at home (before and) since as it didn't seem to be working. After repeated tries (mostly on dogs on the other sides of fences), I have to say that mine doesn't work. It could be faulty, but the little battery light comes on when I press the button!? I've read posts by others who have said that this device works, and there's more than one recommendation here on the forum. I hope I'm wrong about this, for your sake.(and somewhat side note...I'm terrified of dogs and now the fear of dogs has crept in...being alone with an aggressive dog is terrifying to me. This got me thinking about worst case scenarios. What is the emergency number to call (i.e., 911) in Spain??)
I lost my job some time ago, couldn't find a job, went back to school, used my savings, so had to sell my house (closes next week). So, I am purging all of my belongings down to what fits in my car (using Camino packing thinking). I am first walking the VDLP and then returning to Canada, getting in my car and driving...to where I don't know, and will hope to find a job and somewhere to live. It's all a bit stressful.
I don't think I want to change plans. And I'm too stubborn to use wheels for any part!
Was due to start on 25th April but due to an accident requiring some sutures i am now hoping , hoping to start circa 2nd May. If i do get going , hope to meet you on the way from Seville . Paddy from Dublin , wary of dogs , wary of lots of things but in love with life.We just finished the VDLP at the end of March. We saw a total of 26 different people on the entire walk, that being said, the alburgues were just opening up and we usually saw people at the end of the day in the alburgues. It is less traveled than CF and has its own charm because of that. More people are walking and I understand the busiest months are may and june. I will write about dogs! I like dogs, but loose dogs are worrisome. Very seldom were there loose dogs, There were dogs in fields protecting animals, but there was good fencing to keep them in. Dogs in peoples houses, again good fences. Occasionally small villages had dogs loose, but usually they were not interested in us so long as we stayed on the camino path. We had our walking sticks handy, but not held in a threatening manner, as dogs seem to know if you are going to hurt them. There is a lot of barking, which I am not used to so I translated it as dogs, cheering us on saying Buen Camino...silly perhaps but positive and diffuses fear.
Hi Tilly, I hope this works (I have never posted on this site, and I might mess this up). Anyway, I have been an hospitalera on the VDLP now for a month. I am so sorry for what you have been going through, and I hope that you find some joy and answers while walking. With regards to people, there are a lot of people coming through the VDLP at the moment (albergues basically full, etc.) For dogs, you should be fine as long as you have ´bastones´ (sticks) . If you are afraid and are approached by a dog, just lift your stick, and the dog will retreat. Also, you can use your sticks for other animals in the way (cows, pigs, etc.) and for balance, etc. It is starting to get hot on the Sevilla-Salamanca leg, however, so please be careful . It is still cool-cold between Salamanca and Santiago. Blessings and best of luck to you. Buen Camino!!I am using the Camino to mark a major transition. I lost my job some time ago, couldn't find a job, went back to school, used my savings, so had to sell my house (closes next week). So, I am purging all of my belongings down to what fits in my car (using Camino packing thinking). I am first walking the VDLP and then returning to Canada, getting in my car and driving...to where I don't know, and will hope to find a job and somewhere to live. It's all a bit stressful.
Anyway, perhaps these feelings come from the overall chaos and stress I'm experiencing. I was so looking forward to this Camino to leave all of the stress of the past two years behind. I thought, doing what I enjoy, nature, outdoors, walking, travel, etc. will be just what the doctor ordered.
BUT, I am suddenly not excited anymore and quite worried that it's going to make me even more sad. I am now reading many posts of people unhappy on the Camino, or at least encountering a lot of stressors. And a lot of people seem to be struggling with the isolation of the less traveled routes right now. While I am the ultimate 'introvert', I do like people to be around sometimes, even if I don't interact with them, for a sense of comfort for safety purposes and a distraction from the tediousness of my own thoughts. I'm starting to worry that I'm not going to enjoy this Camino, and giving up 6 weeks from job searching and relocating may be something that I end up regretting.
Anyway...just venting.
(and somewhat side note...I'm terrified of dogs and now the fear of dogs has crept in...being alone with an aggressive dog is terrifying to me. This got me thinking about worst case scenarios. What is the emergency number to call (i.e., 911) in Spain??)
Thanks Kerin. Where are you located?Hi Tilly, I hope this works (I have never posted on this site, and I might mess this up). Anyway, I have been an hospitalera on the VDLP now for a month. I am so sorry for what you have been going through, and I hope that you find some joy and answers while walking. With regards to people, there are a lot of people coming through the VDLP at the moment (albergues basically full, etc.) For dogs, you should be fine as long as you have ´bastones´ (sticks) . If you are afraid and are approached by a dog, just lift your stick, and the dog will retreat. Also, you can use your sticks for other animals in the way (cows, pigs, etc.) and for balance, etc. It is starting to get hot on the Sevilla-Salamanca leg, however, so please be careful . It is still cool-cold between Salamanca and Santiago. Blessings and best of luck to you. Buen Camino!!
I am using the Camino to mark a major transition. I lost my job some time ago, couldn't find a job, went back to school, used my savings, so had to sell my house (closes next week). So, I am purging all of my belongings down to what fits in my car (using Camino packing thinking). I am first walking the VDLP and then returning to Canada, getting in my car and driving...to where I don't know, and will hope to find a job and somewhere to live. It's all a bit stressful.
Anyway, perhaps these feelings come from the overall chaos and stress I'm experiencing. I was so looking forward to this Camino to leave all of the stress of the past two years behind. I thought, doing what I enjoy, nature, outdoors, walking, travel, etc. will be just what the doctor ordered.
BUT, I am suddenly not excited anymore and quite worried that it's going to make me even more sad. I am now reading many posts of people unhappy on the Camino, or at least encountering a lot of stressors. And a lot of people seem to be struggling with the isolation of the less traveled routes right now. While I am the ultimate 'introvert', I do like people to be around sometimes, even if I don't interact with them, for a sense of comfort for safety purposes and a distraction from the tediousness of my own thoughts. I'm starting to worry that I'm not going to enjoy this Camino, and giving up 6 weeks from job searching and relocating may be something that I end up regretting.
Anyway...just venting.
(and somewhat side note...I'm terrified of dogs and now the fear of dogs has crept in...being alone with an aggressive dog is terrifying to me. This got me thinking about worst case scenarios. What is the emergency number to call (i.e., 911) in Spain??)
Hi Jim , hoping my Doc will clear me to go after removing some sutures on Thursday, fingers crossed. Might get to meet you guys yet. Avoid the dog problem ( and others ) by taking a local bus to Santiponce , outskirts of Seville which is recommende by many pilgrims.Hi Tilly. When will you start walking? I'm currently walking the Via Augusta and will arrive in Sevilla on Thursday, April 27th. I plan to take a rest day there and start walking the VdlP on Saturday, 29 April. I don't know when you will start walking, but if you are starting your VdlP on the 29th of April I would be more than happy to walk with you on the first stage to get you past the dogs if you want. Let me know.
I've been planning this Camino for months (tickets booked, pack ready to go) and just a few days before my flight, I seriously had one of those "what the hell am I doing?" moments. I came anyway and am currently sitting in El Cuervo de Sevilla, after my walk from Jerez de la Frontera, very happy I did and so grateful for the Camino. I'm sure you will feel the same when you come. Sending you courage to follow your heart.
Hi Jim. I don't arrive in Seville until May 3, or I would take you up on your offer! As many have said to catch a ride to Guillena I probably should but I am stubborn and need to see myself why people would say that.Hi Tilly. When will you start walking? I'm currently walking the Via Augusta and will arrive in Sevilla on Thursday, April 27th. I plan to take a rest day there and start walking the VdlP on Saturday, 29 April. I don't know when you will start walking, but if you are starting your VdlP on the 29th of April I would be more than happy to walk with you on the first stage to get you past the dogs if you want. Let me know.
I've been planning this Camino for months (tickets booked, pack ready to go) and just a few days before my flight, I seriously had one of those "what the hell am I doing?" moments. I came anyway and am currently sitting in El Cuervo de Sevilla, after my walk from Jerez de la Frontera, very happy I did and so grateful for the Camino. I'm sure you will feel the same when you come. Sending you courage to follow your heart.
Hi Jim , hoping my Doc will clear me to go after removing some sutures on Thursday, fingers crossed. Might get to meet you guys yet. Avoid the dog problem ( and others ) by taking a local bus to Santiponce , outskirts of Seville which is recommende by many pilgrims.
Hi Jim. I don't arrive in Seville until May 3, or I would take you up on your offer! As many have said to catch a ride to Guillena I probably should but I am stubborn and need to see myself why people would say that.
Thanks Kevin. I'll watch for you in Seville. Ha! I am booked into the Triana May 3 and 4 with plans to start walking on the 5th.Hi Tilly my wife and I are arriving in Seville on the 3rd may and ,after a visit to Cadiz ,plan to start walking on the 6thMay . You are more than welcome to walk with us if our paths cross. This is our 3rd Camino and I hope to walk all the way,my wife is walking the first week and hopefully can join me later again
Hi Jim , hoping my Doc will clear me to go after removing some sutures on Thursday, fingers crossed. Might get to meet you guys yet. Avoid the dog problem ( and others ) by taking a local bus to Santiponce , outskirts of Seville which is recommende by many pilgrims.
There you go Tilly,,,,,,, just meet a crazy Irishwoman and just like Markus you will enjoy the " Craic ". Craic is an Irishism for fun , frivolity, madness ,kindness , love and enjoyment of life . Wish i could have been the Irishman to share it with you but a simple accident confines me to Irelands shore Had planned the Via for 25th April but now i think it will be 2018. What the hell , thats life . Enjoy your walk , have fun ,,,,,,,,,,,,,live . Vaya con Dios ,,,,,,,,,,,,,PaddyHi Tilly
Congrats on your courageous life changes! The camino is an adventure and so is life
I want to give you advice but I think that may rob you of something so instead I will tell you my experience.
I went to do the Norte a couple of years ago, but with a very open mind. I wanted solitude. Mountains. Testing. Introspection. All very serious.
I got kidnapped by a crazy Irish lady at Biarritz airport and ended up on the Frances. The fun, the community spirit, the joy, everything, was the exact opposite of what I was looking for and exactly what I needed.
Last year I went back to the Norte. It was tough, I nearly quit, at my lowest ebb I found strength and thearfter frie nds and then everything got better. It was wonderful. But again I found something I needed not what I thought.
But I realised the Frances was right the first time.
If you are worriwant d about feeling alone maybe doing a quieter route is a different thing for you. I wanted to be along and found I needed people. Then when I went to find people I found myself alone.
You will likely find what you need, but for me, that meant keeping a flexible open mind.
Have a great time whatever you do
There you go Tilly,,,,,,, just meet a crazy Irishwoman and just like Markus you will enjoy the " Craic ". Craic is an Irishism for fun , frivolity, madness ,kindness , love and enjoyment of life . Wish i could have been the Irishman to share it with you but a simple accident confines me to Irelands shore Had planned the Via for 25th April but now i think it will be 2018. What the hell , thats life . Enjoy your walk , have fun ,,,,,,,,,,,,,live . Vaya con Dios ,,,,,,,,,,,,,Paddy
Sorry you can't make it Paddy. I was going to be on the lookout for you.
I contemplated not going up until three days ago, but I am all in now and leave in the morning. I need more time to get my head straight before I embark on part 2 of my life.
Bon Voyage Tilly or as we say in Gaelic " Go Neiri an bothar leat " may the road rise with you..........I am so jealous of you guys , Have fun , PaddyGreat, Tilly! Have a wonderful Camino - even when it's hard hope it ends up being exactly what you needed for this time in your life. Bon voyage and Buen Camino!
Bon Voyage Tilly or as we say in Gaelic " Go Neiri an bothar leat " may the road rise with you..........I am so jealous of you guys , Have fun , Paddy
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