- Time of past OR future Camino
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Alicia, I appreciate your concerns, and each of them is totally legitimate. I recently returned from a 28 day Camino from Leon to Oviedo to Santiago to Muxia. The narrow paved roads were the most terrifying part of my trip. We also walked the Valcarlos route in 2014, and we did not see a single other pilgrim for both days! I remember how thrilling it was to here "Buen Camino" about 200 times on the third day, after rejoining the main Camino. I wrote about it on the blog near the end on September 2014. Buen Camino!So I'm a newbie here days into my first camino Frances.
Being unsure of my fitness level I opted for the Valcarlos route, splitting it into two days, SJPP to Valcarlos, VC to Burguete.
The first lap to VC couldn't have been more idyllic. Rolling hillsides,, bucolic country lanes, even an empty casa rural in VC. the map provided by the credential office has a great picture of where you turn off to get the secondary roads.
It was day two, the up over the pass day, that my vigilance kicked into overdirve. One pergrino,s experience.
1. Hunters. they seemed to be everywhere. while I only saw them once I must have heard at least 50 rounds of shots fired. Some so close I started yelling "estoy aqui, estoy aqui caminando). not sure when hunting season begins and ends in france and spain but something to be aware of
2. The isolation. I've read so much about so many pilgrims I didn't expect to feel so alone/isolated in what felt like a very remote area. I obviously made it up and out ok but it was a concern. I only saw 3 other pilgrims who were travelling together. my advice would be travel in pairs, at a minimum have a working cell phone so authorities can be alerted if need be.
3. the road sections. I asked at least 3 locals if the road sections were safe, was told be all yes. Let's just say I felt less than safe on the road sections. I clung to the right where at least there was usually a drainage ditch. while traffic was not heavy there were several large trucks.
4. weather. my day couldn't have been nicer. however the trail is leaf covered and I can see where one could slip and fall, in some cases far, if the trail were wet. or miss it entirely. just a possibility.
anyway these are my thoughts. I was a good hike, I just had my concerns.....personally if weather was bad and I was travelling alone again a taxi would probably be my first option. at least for day 2. just saying....
So I'm a newbie here days into my first camino Frances.
Being unsure of my fitness level I opted for the Valcarlos route, splitting it into two days, SJPP to Valcarlos, VC to Burguete.
The first lap to VC couldn't have been more idyllic. Rolling hillsides,, bucolic country lanes, even an empty casa rural in VC. the map provided by the credential office has a great picture of where you turn off to get the secondary roads.
It was day two, the up over the pass day, that my vigilance kicked into overdirve. One pergrino,s experience.
1. Hunters. they seemed to be everywhere. while I only saw them once I must have heard at least 50 rounds of shots fired. Some so close I started yelling "estoy aqui, estoy aqui caminando). not sure when hunting season begins and ends in france and spain but something to be aware of
2. The isolation. I've read so much about so many pilgrims I didn't expect to feel so alone/isolated in what felt like a very remote area. I obviously made it up and out ok but it was a concern. I only saw 3 other pilgrims who were travelling together. my advice would be travel in pairs, at a minimum have a working cell phone so authorities can be alerted if need be.
3. the road sections. I asked at least 3 locals if the road sections were safe, was told be all yes. Let's just say I felt less than safe on the road sections. I clung to the right where at least there was usually a drainage ditch. while traffic was not heavy there were several large trucks.
4. weather. my day couldn't have been nicer. however the trail is leaf covered and I can see where one could slip and fall, in some cases far, if the trail were wet. or miss it entirely. just a possibility.
anyway these are my thoughts. I was a good hike, I just had my concerns.....personally if weather was bad and I was travelling alone again a taxi would probably be my first option. at least for day 2. just saying....
I'm in puenta dlr tonight and very tired. As it seems hardest stages are at the beginning I'm hoping to feel less tired in coming days thanks for the thoughts!Hi Alicia!
I have been wondering how you were doing!
The stretch from Roncesvalles through to Pamplona had many stretches of hard services which weren't there in 2010 so I apologize for telling you that there weren't. Afterwards it does get beter, don't worry. I am now in Nájera walking through dirt paths through the vineyards of Rioja. Luckily we have had lovely weather but today it changed to clouds.
I wish you well.
Take care and Buen Camino.
p.s. for those reading this and wondering about the numbers, there were 59 leaving Roncesvalles on Tuesday. And there were many walking the Route Napoleon - I was only alone walking down through the forest.
@aliciag56I'm in puenta dlr tonight and very tired. As it seems hardest stages are at the beginning I'm hoping to feel less tired in coming days thanks for the thoughts!
So the route Napoleon is not closed yet?Hi Alicia!
I have been wondering how you were doing!
The stretch from Roncesvalles through to Pamplona had many stretches of hard surfaces which weren't there in 2010 so I apologize for telling you that there weren't. Afterwards it does get beter, don't worry. I am now in Nájera walking through dirt paths through the vineyards of Rioja. Luckily we have had lovely weather but today it changed to clouds.
I wish you well.
Take care and Buen Camino.
p.s. for those reading this and wondering about the numbers, there were 59 leaving Roncesvalles on Tuesday. And there were many walking the Route Napoleon - I was only alone walking down through the forest.
It is closed from 1st November until 31 March, every year. And there area heavy fines, if somebody wants to know...So the route Napoleon is not closed yet?
Normally I would but there was no shoulder, steep drop offs on other side of guard rails, blind curves, and oncoming large vehicles. For me no easy choices.Walking far to the right? UK, Australia, Hong Kong, yes but no matter where we are in the World, always walk facing oncoming traffic.
Normally I would but there was no shoulder, steep drop offs on other side of guard rails, blind curves, and oncoming large vehicles. For me no easy choices.
Slow up a fraction mate as the damage is usually done early and a short day leading into Logrono is worth it as its a great town for food.I'm hoping to feel less tired in coming days thanks for the thoughts!
Normally I would but there was no shoulder, steep drop offs on other side of guard rails, blind curves, and oncoming large vehicles. For me no easy choices.
Hi Alicia,Normally I would but there was no shoulder, steep drop offs on other side of guard rails, blind curves, and oncoming large vehicles. For me no easy choices.
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