Frogman7777
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino from Barcelona
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Thanks for this . That's what I need some sort of definite route so I can look into it more deeply. With covid19 do you think I will encounter any extra difficulties or are the accomodations most likely open as normal? Im guessing it will be a lot easier to find accom than a normal year due to covid19?Okay, you can walk from Barcelona to Jaca and join up with the Aragones to join up with the Frances in Pamplona or Puenta la Reina. I have considered this route several times after walking the GR 78 from Oloron-Ste. Marie in France through Jaca in Spain. From my previous research most of the accommodations are modestly priced albegues and dehydration would not be an issue.
As a beginner, yes, that would be easier to navigate, have more pilgrims (but not tons right now), and have more infrastructure.How do I know where to go? Would I be better off as a beginner travelling to the start of the camino frances (the most popular?) Would that be easier to navigate?
I can get a bus from barcelona to St Jean Pied de Port ? Or Roncesvalles? I think I may be better off doing this and doing a section of the camino francesAs a beginner, yes, that would be easier to navigate, have more pilgrims (but not tons right now), and have more infrastructure.
You can bus, train or fly between Barcelona and Pamplona. From there one bus line will take you to SJPdP usually a few trips a day. Another bus line takes you to Roncesvalles once a day but I think not on Sunday.I can get a bus from barcelona to St Jean Pied de Port ? Or Roncesvalles?
You can start walking from there. Guidebooks suggest 9 days to get to Burgos. The next day is the start of the meseta if you want a taste of that. Otherwise get to the bus station in Pamplona and buy the ticket to your start point.So I get to Pamplona and then what?
Yes, you will need a sleeping bag. Given the season, you can pack a light weight bag which will probably weigh less than 1kg. A guidbook will certainly be useful.Ok perfect, thank you for the help
So train to Pamplona then bus to SJPdP , then get my pilgrim passport? Then find out where to start walking lol . Do I need to take a sleeping bag? Obv I want to travel light
I'm planning to pick up a guide book before I leave
Yes, you will need a sleeping bag. Given the season, you can pack a light weight bag which will probably weigh less than 1kg. A guidbook will certainly be useful.
Will do , thanks . Yes was going to take a mask of course , wasn't sure of sleeping bag given it will probably be pretty hot but I guess you need one for sanitisation reasons anywayLook at the reference I gave you for packing. A sleeping bag, masks, etc are required!
You will usually find yellow arrows outside the cathedrals or churches (in Pamplona old town, bronze camino markers are embedded on the road). Tourist info offices can give advice also, and a list of albergue accommodations in their region. The Jesus y Maria albergue in Pamplona (if open) can also give advice and you can get a credential.Thanks for all the replies
I think it may be best if I get the train to Pamplona and try to do the most popular route then maybe I will find it easier to get help if I need it etc
So I get to Pamplona and then what? Sorry I have been researching it but as I said I have difficulty retaining the info at the moment
Hi sorry in advance for the inevitably annoying noob threadbut I'm in a bit of a panic/rush
I have been suffering from an illness (no not that one) it was a mental one and I am mostly better now and on a whim I have decided to walk the camino as someone who inspired me said it changed their life. The trouble is the illness has left me quite anxious so it's kind of difficult for me to slowly assimilate info
I'm flying to Barcelona on tuesday but I have no clue as yet what to do
I know there is some route to Montserrat? and from there where do I go?
I have two week return flights. I am fit enough although not an experienced trekker but I won't get too tired but probably lost (definitely)
Looking for some help here . Can someone tell me the simplest way to go about this? When I am there how do I get water (my biggest concern with the heat). Where do I sleep? I am not fussy but I'm only taking a small ryanair size bag so no tent or anything
How do I know where to go? Would I be better off as a beginner travelling to the start of the camino frances (the most popular?) Would that be easier to navigate?
My concerns - dying of dehydration , getting lost or not knowing where to go in the first place , turning up at refugios or wherever I am supposed to stay only to be told they are closed or I had to book in advance etc etc
Trust in yourself. You have the ability to get to where you want. You have already taken the first steps.Hi sorry in advance for the inevitably annoying noob threadbut I'm in a bit of a panic/rush
I have been suffering from an illness (no not that one) it was a mental one and I am mostly better now and on a whim I have decided to walk the camino as someone who inspired me said it changed their life. The trouble is the illness has left me quite anxious so it's kind of difficult for me to slowly assimilate info
I'm flying to Barcelona on tuesday but I have no clue as yet what to do
I know there is some route to Montserrat? and from there where do I go? I have two week return flights. I am fit enough although not an experienced trekker but I won't get too tired but probably lost (definitely)
Looking for some help here . Can someone tell me the simplest way to go about this? When I am there how do I get water (my biggest concern with the heat). Where do I sleep? I am not fussy but I'm only taking a small ryanair size bag so no tent or anything
How do I know where to go? Would I be better off as a beginner travelling to the start of the camino frances (the most popular?) Would that be easier to navigate?
My concerns - dying of dehydration , getting lost or not knowing where to go in the first place , turning up at refugios or wherever I am supposed to stay only to be told they are closed or I had to book in advance etc etc
Again , sorry for these questions which Im sure I could find answers to eventually by reading other threads but as I said I have difficulty at the moment doing that so I'm hoping someone can give me a simple bit of guidance to at least get me looking in the right place for more info? I don't care what camino I do really. The goal is to be on my own in nature and have an experience and an accomplishment
Thanks if you can help ❤
EDIT : I'm on a tight budget too - should have mentioned that
Would I be better off as a beginner travelling to the start of the camino frances (the most popular?) Would that be easier to navigate?
I can get a bus from barcelona to St Jean Pied de Port ? Or Roncesvalles? I think I may be better off doing this and doing a section of the camino frances
If you are anxious my recommendation is to take the train to Pamplona and walk the Francés
There are sections of the route where accommodations for pilgrims are limited and at the present time not all of these facilies are open
If so you might want to get a train to Pamplona.
You might want to start there and walk toward Burgos?
Okay, you can walk from Barcelona to Jaca and join up with the Aragones to join up with the Frances in Pamplona or Puenta la Reina. I have considered this route several times after walking the GR 78 from Oloron-Ste. Marie in France through Jaca in Spain. From my previous research most of the accommodations are modestly priced albegues and dehydration would not be an issue.
Hi JoséHi, Biarritzdon,
I can see that you have a lot of experience on the Camino (might be the understatement of the year). I'm very interested to do the Oloron-Ste-Marie to Jaca when the weather and pandemia permit. Is there a link with details and resources (routes, difficulties, worthy and unworthy detours, auberges, luggage transport to Somport, etc) to which you can point me, particularly with regards to the French side (Oloron to Somport). I have found plenty of information about the Spanish side, but little in regards to getting there from Oloron. Any help or suggestion will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards, José
It is a very difficult climb to Somport the final day and not recommended in the rain, by me.
Accommodations are about 27 km apart and as far as luggage transport, forget it.
I had no problem with a solo place to sleep until I crossed one of the Pyrenees routes on day 3 where trekker were showing up for a good sleep and provisions for their sacks.
It is a lovely walk but major portions are along a path overlooking a very steep fall to a river below.
I would love to go back and improve the signage, the arrows are few and far between becuase you are basically going from one small mountiain village to aother, so who could possibly get lost, right?
Ok perfect, thank you for the help
So train to Pamplona then bus to SJPdP , then get my pilgrim passport? Then find out where to start walking lol . Do I need to take a sleeping bag? Obv I want to travel light
I'm planning to pick up a guide book before I leave
Hi @Frogman7777 - Welcome to the forum, which is an excellent place to get information about the Camino. You have already got some good advice.
I am concerned about whether this is a wise idea under the current circumstances. You said that you have been ill and are suffering from anxiety, and you really have no idea what you are getting into. It would seem to me that going on a trip to Spain during a pandemic, with almost no preparation, would increase my anxieties rather than help them. In fact, many forum members who are experienced walking various Caminos, who speak Spanish fluently, and who would LOVE to go, have decided not to go because there are too many unknowns and risks.
Many accommodations are closed, closures and travel restrictions are changing daily, and you may find yourself needing to isolate in one place for 14 days, or come home early if you can. You need to be able to cope with unknowns and changes in plans, but you said that you are having trouble assimilating and retaining information. Do you speak Spanish? Normally this would not be a problem on the Camino Frances, but it could be another source of stress for you.
If you decide to go, I strongly support the suggestion to take a train or bus to Pamplona (or even Leon, Burgos or Astorga) and keep things simple by starting there. Go to an albergue, ask the people where the arrows are, and start walking west the next day.
I assume that you will have a cell phone with data and voice service, appropriate documentation for medical services if you need them in Spain, and the ability to pay for whatever change in plans might be needed - early trip home, isolation on arrival home, hotels if no cheaper lodging is available, etc.
About your specific concerns...
If you decide to postpone your trip, or if you do start and then need to cut it short early, don't consider if to be a failure. Take the time to plan for a future trip when circumstances are more favourable.
- dying of dehydration - This is easily addressed by carrying a couple of 500 mL bottles of water and refilling them when you can.
- getting lost or not knowing where to go in the first place - Anybody can tell you where to find the first arrows that you need to follow out of Pamplona. Yes, you could get lost. You need to be able to cope with that, without panicking. Carry a map showing the route, and a phone with GPS location.
- turning up at refugios or wherever I am supposed to stay only to be told they are closed or I had to book in advance etc etc - Yes, this will very likely happen during this pandemic period. Many places are closed. Even those that are officially open may need to close on short notice. That is one reason many people are choosing not to walk at this time.
Sorry to be pointing out the negatives, but it is important that you understand them. Whatever your decision, please let us know how things progress for you. I wish you well!
Wow, @Frogman7777, it takes a lot of confidence to do that. I hope you're giving yourself a pat on the back right now — not everybody would have the strength of heart to be so flexible.It was actually a very difficult and significant decision to make re:cancelling the trip
@Frogman7777 I am encouraged by both your enthusiasm and courage. I agree with many that have posted so far the encouragement to walk as well as the support for you decision to delay. I have been planning my camino for about a year, after a year of pondering if we could even do it. Now convinced we were to begin in May, but due to "That" disease we have had to delay. Our current hope is that we will be able to proceed May or September of 2021.
But having said that I feel it is important to note that it took the better part of a year to prepare for the camino both mentally and physically. I have participated in triathlons, marathons, and century bike rides. But realized quickly that walking 15 - 25k a day is a different strain on the body than running 25 miles then resting. This group has been an invaluable wealth of knowledge and support. I sincerely hope you continue to check in here as you proceed with your planning.
Most of all, maybe we will see you on the camino or at the cathedral next year. Good health, good thoughts, and Buen Camino.
@Frogman7777, as well as this thread, there is a lot more to find through the entire forum. As you understand all members are just urging you on to succeed and start and finish your pilgrimage, when you are ready. It is your journey and I am sure you will travel it in style and enjoy every moment.
I see you live a bit closer to all these marvellous routes in Spain than me. So, when you do start, you may think of stopping when your comfort level is getting low. And next year, or whenever, return and continue some more. Rather than trying to complete a long route to Compostela in one "sitting". This approach might help with anxiety.
I continue to wish you every success. And hope to hear about them. Kia kaha
@Frogman7777 very glad you joined this forum!! In raw honesty, you were able to reach out to pilgrims here, and then, sort through the affirming, but concerned responses from your new camino family. I am joining the chorus of pilgrims who think you made a good decision for the current circumstances in deciding to postpone your journey.
Do consider your membership the beginning of your camino. Preparing, getting ready, reading, can really be an opportunity to begin to savor the camino experience. There are video links on this website as well as book recommendations that will also keep you engaged and motivated to walk it.
Keep in touch...
Just bear in mind that the camino experience that many are describing who have walked the most popular path, the Camino Frances, in recent years is just not there at the moment. For many, meeting other walkers and experiencing a sense of global community of like minded people, was an essential part of their experience. This global camino community is not there right now. Very few people are walking right now.I will stick around on the forum and read about other's journeys and try not to feel too envious
Hi sorry in advance for the inevitably annoying noob threadbut I'm in a bit of a panic/rush
I have been suffering from an illness (no not that one) it was a mental one and I am mostly better now and on a whim I have decided to walk the camino as someone who inspired me said it changed their life. The trouble is the illness has left me quite anxious so it's kind of difficult for me to slowly assimilate info
I'm flying to Barcelona on tuesday but I have no clue as yet what to do
I know there is some route to Montserrat? and from there where do I go? I have two week return flights. I am fit enough although not an experienced trekker but I won't get too tired but probably lost (definitely)
Looking for some help here . Can someone tell me the simplest way to go about this? When I am there how do I get water (my biggest concern with the heat). Where do I sleep? I am not fussy but I'm only taking a small ryanair size bag so no tent or anything
How do I know where to go? Would I be better off as a beginner travelling to the start of the camino frances (the most popular?) Would that be easier to navigate?
My concerns - dying of dehydration , getting lost or not knowing where to go in the first place , turning up at refugios or wherever I am supposed to stay only to be told they are closed or I had to book in advance etc etc
Again , sorry for these questions which I'm sure I could find answers to eventually by reading other threads but as I said I have difficulty at the moment doing that so I'm hoping someone can give me a simple bit of guidance to at least get me looking in the right place for more info? I don't care what camino I do really. The goal is to be on my own in nature and have an experience and an accomplishment
Thanks if you can help ❤
EDIT : I'm on a tight budget too - should have mentioned that
Some people cope better with walking in the heat, especially the younger they are I think; some people are happy to get up before 5 o'clock, walk without interruption and end their walking day long before 1 pm to escape the heat. I myself don't regard the heat as a challenge but as something that seriously restricts my freedom ☺. My freedom to start when I want, my freedom to stop during the day where I want and for as long as I want and my freedom to arrive really late. ☺The heat was going to be part of the challenge but you are right
That is an excellent plan!Ok guys,
Anyway I can literally walk out of my front door and join the coast path in about 15 minutes. From there to Land's End is 125km . I will take a pack , a tent , food etc and a phone of course. The plan is to make it to Land's Endbut if I want to continue after then I will.
I think that the best way to achieve the above is to tackle challenges that you want to do for their own sake or reasons other than proving yourself. Remember that sometimes (even most of the time) we do fail to accomplish the plan, and it is very important to benefit from the experience anyway.I wanted to prove to myself that I could also be determined and achieve something...
I want to be able to push myself to the limits
Fantastic idea, and I'm jealous.Ok guys,
I have thought about everything , obviously my flight has left already so I'm not going
However, I feel really bad about not going and I have come up with a solution which I think will work
I live in cornwall , england and we have the southwest coast path here which I have walked along for a few miles many times but never tried to do as a complete walk. It is 630 miles in total but I will be starting from where I live (Falmouth)
Anyway I can literally walk out of my front door and join the coast path in about 15 minutes. From there to Land's End is 125km . I will take a pack , a tent , food etc and a phone of course. The plan is to make it to Land's Endbut if I want to continue after then I will. This feels like a great entry point into having the walking experience without setting off my anxiety too much. I am really really happy to be doing SOMETHING and the weather is set to be nice for the next week, with no rain crucially (rare for England)
I am busy packing now , ready to leave tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone for the inspiration. I was taking it too lightly. This is a much better step for me
If it comes to it I can always phone a friend like who wants to be a millionaire and they can come and get me lol . Or I can get a bus home
With covid19 this seems like the best solution and I'm so glad because I felt really really bad that I wasn't going but actually it's made me realise I can do something from my own doorstep and it will mean a lot to me
Haha don't be jealous , I was in literally in tears earlier feeling so stuck and incapable of following through with the camino plan because making vague plans which never come to fruition is symptomatic of my ptsd . Then my friend said why don't you walk somewhere , start small and I can come and pick you up and that set me thinking... I don't even know if I can do it yet . I am definitely starting . I have already spent too much on gear and supplies not to but how far I get is another question entirely . Bear in mind I have been going through a serious crisis over the last year or so , particularly the last six months so I have no idea how big of a deal this will be for me but I have to at least tryFantastic idea, and I'm jealous.
Here's a beautiful read - you're i good company with that wonderful idea.Bear in mind I have been going through a serious crisis over the last year or so , particularly the last six months so I have no idea how big of a deal this will be for me but I have to at least try
Here's a beautiful read - you're i good company with that wonderful idea.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn: 9780143134114 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
"Polished, poignant... an inspiring story of true love."—Entertainment Weekly A BEST BOOK OF 2019, NPR's Book Concierge SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA BOOK AWARD OVER 400,000 COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE...www.penguinrandomhouse.com
Here's a beautiful read - you're i good company with that wonderful idea.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn: 9780143134114 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
"Polished, poignant... an inspiring story of true love."—Entertainment Weekly A BEST BOOK OF 2019, NPR's Book Concierge SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA BOOK AWARD OVER 400,000 COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE...www.penguinrandomhouse.com
EDIT : Am off now ! Take care
Enjoy the walking , even when the signs take you on a 4 mile trip round a headland only to end up a hundred yards from where you started.
Congratulations! That path is quite tough in places. I learnt quite early on to check the map for those shortcuts! Great that you could wild camp so you could save a lot on accommodation costs. Sadly I developed tendonitis in my ankle after about 10 days. When I spotted a lady putting her dog into her car to drive away after their cliff top walk, I limped over and asked if she could give me a lift into the nearest town. She kindly deposited me at the cheapest pub with rooms above, and she checked there was availability before she left. After 3 nights in the pub my sister was able to drive down and rescue me. It took another month before my ankle healed and I could walk normally again.
Congratulations! Thank you for letting us know how you are! Your quick departure left me wondering how you were? I rejoice with you and your ability to complete your desired route! Indeed, being mindful along the trail opens one up to breathe in the beauty of the moment or respond to current circumstances. In contrast, focusing on the destination diminishes the ability to be mindful of the here and now. Do continue to post on your various journeys. Blessings!
Wonderful, @Frogman7777 ! Thank you for coming back with your reflections. I see from @Marbe2's post that I was not the only one wondering how you were going. It sounds like you had a deep dive into the kind of inner world that opens up on a solo walk - and it will take a while to digest the experience. So the fact that those feet are in shock is not a bad thing; it'll give you some time to integrate it all.
Not to mention planning the next journey.
You could plan to do a small section, to see how you find it, at a time that seems right. An app like WisePilgrim & it’s associated book could be usefulThe heat was going to be part of the challenge but you are right
I think the issue is with acceptance . I don't want to be unwell (obviously) I want to be able to push myself to the limits , do something special etc but the reality is that if I try to jump in this headfirst it is reckless and could well damage me and the progress I have made so far. So it's with a heavy and painful heart that I have cancelled . I'm sure I will get used to the idea eventually. I need to take small steps and this would be too big a step , basically
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