Three week Camino is on!

[JP]

I was planning to complete the Camino Portugues with my girlfriend that we had to abort last year because of injuries. Infortunately, she hurt her back at work last week and I do not want to finish it without her so that is on hold for this year. I only have three weeks so not enough time to do a full Camino Frances. I am thinking of doing stretches of some of the Alternative paths of the Camino that I did not do in 2014. Walking to Pamplona using the Val Carlos path instead of the Napoleon. Taking the train and then walking from Terradillos de Los Templerios to Leon (missed that bit in 2014). Taking the train again to Ponferrada and then a final run to Santiago via Samos Monastery. Bad idea and wait to do a full Camino or just go for it?

 

[nycwalking]

Follow your heart. Just go.
Buen camino.

 

[FLEUR]

Samos is worth seeing

 

[trecile]

How about walking the Primitivo?

 

[Davie Blisters]

I think you already know JP!
The big mistake is to do nothing!
Buen Camino

 

[Kitsambler]

Doing Caminos in stages is a time-honored European tradition, so no need to feel that this is inadequate in any way. To paraphrase a bumper sticker seen occasionally: "The worst day on a Camino is better than the best day at the office"!

 

[TD Justus]

I had a similar dilemma last year- only 3 weeks off work but wanted to walk CF. I favored starting in SJPP & walking till we (sister & I) ran out of time, then train forward to SdC. My sister pointed out the possibility we may never return (from US) to complete CF so we should "jump forward" to places we did not want to miss, which is what we did. Though I'm glad I saw interesting places I would have missed if we walked my way, I felt we lost some of the spiritual & emotional connection because the trip felt "disjointed" to me. Choose what feels right for you but remember, flexibility is the key to rewarding travel. If how you begin the walk isn't working for you, then reflect on WHY, explore options, decide, then head out! There's not really a wrong way; just keep moving. Buen Camino

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

There was a fellow a few years ago that did the Camino Frances in 3 weeks but that requires 40 km days, every day to get it done. If that distance is attainable, go for it.

 

[JP]

If I was 20 years old again the Camino in 3 weeks would have been possible, but I will be 62 in May and with a bad knee and a bad back it is impossible! I guess in the end the Camino Frances is really in your head, no matter which part you are walking. Nothing like getting up a mountain and seeing the landscape unfold below you or seeing a long lazy road with Pilgrims walking in the distance. In the end it is the feeling of the Camino Frances I am after and nothing else. So I need to get a plane ticket and hit the ground running, the rest will sort itself out!

 

[JP]

Went to see a Travel Agent about some tickets today, waiting on availability for the dates I requested.
I finally decided on a Shorter Camino 3 week Camino in three stages. My walking partner hurt her back at work, so we won't be completing the Camino Portuguese this year. I decided to walk a partial Camino Frances on my own.

- Number 1: St Jean Pied de Port via Val Carlos to Pamplona. I did the Napoleon Route in 2014.

- Number 2: Pamplona to Terradillos de Templarios by train & taxi.

- Number 3: Hitting the trail again from Terradillos de Templarios to Santiago de Compostella.

 

[Mike Savage]

It sounds wonderful JP. I would really like to walk the Valcarlos route one day, I know it is beautiful from the car and a couple days in Pamplona would be wonderful. Three weeks is a good length of time to walks in my opinion too.

I hope you enjoy every step.

Buen Camino!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

The only bad idea in my book is not going on a 3 week Camino.

 

[JP]

Well tickets are bought! I got a direct flight from Montreal to Bordeaux and now I have to figure how to get the train from Bordeaux to St-Jean Pied de Port. I should start walking on the 13th of May.

 

[Matt Forget]

Congrats!!!! Buen Camino

 

[JP]

Took delivery of my plane tickets from the Travel Agent today and received my Credential by mail from our Provincial Camino Association this afternoon. Only have to get my backpack ready, may have to pack and repack it a few times to get my weight to 9 or 10 kilos. My plane leaves for Bordeaux (direct flight) on the 11th and a then I take a train to St Jean Pied de Port. I booked a room at Hotel Ramuntcho to get over Jet Lag and I will start walking on the 13 of May!

 

[Mike Savage]

Walking a few days with a pack that is too heavy will help encourage anyone to lighten the load. What is too heavy to one person is just right to another though.

Buen Camino!

 

[JP]

I wish I could get the pack down to 8 Kilos, but that won't happen. If I do not go over 10 Kilos I will be happy!

 

[JP]

Tic Toc......................In 7.30 hours I will on a plane for France! Arriving in Bordeaux tomorrow morning at 6.40 AM the 12 of May 2017.

 

[JP]

In Valcarlos now, heading to RonceValles tomorrow
morning.

 

[JP]

Third part or the trip has started, and I am now in Burgo El Ranero.

 

[Mike Savage]

You are doing great JP!

 

[JP]

I am in El Ganso tonight, going to Cruz de Ferro tomorrow. Saw David at Casa de Dios yesterday, he was doing great. I Will post a photo when I return to Canada.

 

[JP]

In Melide this afternoon, short day of walking and rest before the final run. I will be in Santiago on the 4th of June.

 

[JP]

My second Camino is over tonight, I am in Santiago with all the gaps of the first one filled in
Very tired, but very happy also!

 

[Mike Savage]

Congratulation JP! Enjoy your last few hours in Santiago.

 

[SYates]

Congratulations on finishing your pilgrimage and Buen camino de la Vida, SY