- Time of past OR future Camino
- C.F. 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021
C.P. 2022
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Thank you for sharing your report. It sounds like a welcome escape from the election madness happening in the US at the moment. With your previous Camino experience, hopefully you were better prepared to begin your journey than Bill Bryson was when he started the AT (see his book A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail)! Good for a few laughs if you have not yet read this book.I decided I needed to get away from the US election for a few days, what could be nicer than a long walk with barely a soul around. I also had a new Gregory Stout 45 that I wanted to field test (I found it a competent pack). I’m lucky enough to be just a few hours away from numerous sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT) along the North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee borders. I’ve been walking sections of the AT since the late 90’s, though it had been years since my last trip. It was my enjoyment of walking the AT that got me started looking for other long walks, which led me to Spain and the CF. After having walked the Camino Frances it’s hard not to make comparisons.
The first thing that becomes apparent is you need a lot more stuff on the AT. By the time I’d placed my sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, and food in the Stout 45 there wasn’t a whole lot of room left. I added a couple of pairs of socks, a raincoat, some outerwear and the pack was more or less full. There’s a lot to be said for tortilla and Cafe con Leche served in a warm bar 50 meters from the trail and a bunk in a room full of snorers.
View attachment 87268 Stout 45
I also realized how special it is to walk through multiple historic towns and villages in a day. From where I was on the AT it was three days hike to the nearest town, Damascus Virginia. It does keep one from stopping every hour or two to study a ruined church or a town centuries older than the United States, so I hiked farther in a given period of time than on the CF. One advantage of the AT is you can pitch a tent nearly anywhere, so I could walk until I was tired then set up camp.
This time of year there a very few thru hikers on the AT, so I only met 3 or 4 other hikers over the three days. The conversations were very similar to those on the CF. Where are you from? How far are you going today? Do you have two of those chocolate bars? One group that was out in full force were deer hunters. Not sure how it is in other countries, but in this part of the U.S. the hunters are dressed head to toe in camouflage and wear a bright orange hat so not to be mistaken for a deer. Unfortunately I didn’t bring anything bright orange and had to make due with singing loudly and out of tune.
View attachment 87269 A typical AT trail.
It was great to disconnect from U.S. politics and just walk. Though I sure missed the menu perigrino, the wine and coffee, and the camaraderie of Camino. Here’s to hoping the vaccine really will be shortly available and we can all return to the Camino of our choice in 2021. Peace
frm
I've read Bill Bryson's book and also a movie was made of the same, starring Nick Nolte and Robert Redford...hilarious.Thank you for sharing your report. It sounds like a welcome escape from the election madness happening in the US at the moment. With your previous Camino experience, hopefully you were better prepared to begin your journey than Bill Bryson was when he started the AT (see his book A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail)! Good for a few laughs if you have not yet read this book.
Camino Chrissy,
No doubt about it, self sufficient backpacking is a tough way to travel. At 60 years old I’m no longer willing (or fit enough) to endure it for more than a few days. The Camino is a kinder and gentler way to walk a long distance.
frm
see his book A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail)!
I'm not sure how close you are to Asheville, NC but the local APOC there has set up a 15 mile CF route and a shorter CN route to simulate the Camino experience. There is even cafe con leche and Spanish tapas along the route.I decided I needed to get away from the US election for a few days, what could be nicer than a long walk with barely a soul around. I also had a new Gregory Stout 45 that I wanted to field test (I found it a competent pack). I’m lucky enough to be just a few hours away from numerous sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT) along the North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee borders.
Asheville is just an hour and a half from me. I’ll definitely look into this. Thanks for the info.I'm not sure how close you are to Asheville, NC but the local APOC there has set up a 15 mile CF route and a shorter CN route to simulate the Camino experience. There is even cafe con leche and Spanish tapas along the route.
I'm not sure how close you are to Asheville, NC but the local APOC there has set up a 15 mile CF route and a shorter CN route to simulate the Camino experience. There is even cafe con leche and Spanish tapas along the route.
Asheville Camino Trail | Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site
Designed to simulate a day on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Asheville Camino is a 16-mile walking route through the River Arts District, West Asheville and Downtown Asheville. It takes people on greenways, through city parks and along quiet streets. It also passes many local eateries and...www.exploreasheville.com
Thanks for sharing your photos of the AT. I hiked the full trail and finished on Mt Kathadin on my 60th birthday and also became a Triple Crown hiker having all ready hiked the PCT and the CDT. Photos brought back happy memories.I decided I needed to get away from the US election for a few days, what could be nicer than a long walk with barely a soul around. I also had a new Gregory Stout 45 that I wanted to field test (I found it a competent pack). I’m lucky enough to be just a few hours away from numerous sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT) along the North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee borders. I’ve been walking sections of the AT since the late 90’s, though it had been years since my last trip. It was my enjoyment of walking the AT that got me started looking for other long walks, which led me to Spain and the CF. After having walked the Camino Frances it’s hard not to make comparisons.
The first thing that becomes apparent is you need a lot more stuff on the AT. By the time I’d placed my sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, and food in the Stout 45 there wasn’t a whole lot of room left. I added a couple of pairs of socks, a raincoat, some outerwear and the pack was more or less full. There’s a lot to be said for tortilla and Cafe con Leche served in a warm bar 50 meters from the trail and a bunk in a room full of snorers.
View attachment 87268 Stout 45
I also realized how special it is to walk through multiple historic towns and villages in a day. From where I was on the AT it was three days hike to the nearest town, Damascus Virginia. It does keep one from stopping every hour or two to study a ruined church or a town centuries older than the United States, so I hiked farther in a given period of time than on the CF. One advantage of the AT is you can pitch a tent nearly anywhere, so I could walk until I was tired then set up camp.
This time of year there a very few thru hikers on the AT, so I only met 3 or 4 other hikers over the three days. The conversations were very similar to those on the CF. Where are you from? How far are you going today? Do you have two of those chocolate bars? One group that was out in full force were deer hunters. Not sure how it is in other countries, but in this part of the U.S. the hunters are dressed head to toe in camouflage and wear a bright orange hat so not to be mistaken for a deer. Unfortunately I didn’t bring anything bright orange and had to make due with singing loudly and out of tune.
View attachment 87269 A typical AT trail.
It was great to disconnect from U.S. politics and just walk. Though I sure missed the menu perigrino, the wine and coffee, and the camaraderie of Camino. Here’s to hoping the vaccine really will be shortly available and we can all return to the Camino of our choice in 2021. Peace
frm
Wow, hiking just one of those three famous US trails is a huge accomplishment as there is very little lodging or food available for long stretches of time on any of them. Carrying a tent and a week's supply of food at a time is mandatory, along with a 6 month commitment of time allocated for each of them. Being a "Triple Crowner" is remarkable...kudos to you!Thanks for sharing your photos of the AT. I hiked the full trail and finished on Mt Kathadin on my 60th birthday and also became a Triple Crown hiker having all ready hiked the PCT and the CDT. Photos brought back happy memories.
Jim,Thanks for sharing your photos of the AT. I hiked the full trail and finished on Mt Kathadin on my 60th birthday and also became a Triple Crown hiker having all ready hiked the PCT and the CDT. Photos brought back happy memories.
I find I feel similar to you when I walk locally. I much prefer the stimulation of the ancient villages and towns on the caminos mixed with a variety of different terrain and meeting people from other countries.I find myself getting a bit bored. On the Camino the villages and towns breaking up the day meets some need I have when walking long distances.
Hello, of the 3 big trails, the AT is the most social, towns are more frequent. On the CDT apart from a town roughly once every 5 to 7 days where I saw people from Middle Wyoming to Mexican border I only saw 5 hikers altogether on the trail. I was hiking alone. I am happy hiking on my own, I have now done 7 camino, only 2 with another person. I have never joined others on camino, but nice to see others though. The American trails are a totally different experience to caminos.Jim,
I’m very impressed by the triple crown. On the couple of occasions I’ve been on the AT more than 2-3 days I find myself getting a bit bored. On the Camino the villages and towns breaking up the day meets some need I have when walking long distances. Have you experienced anything similar?
frm
That book was truly "laugh out loud" funny!!!I've read Bill Bryson's book and also a movie was made of the same, starring Nick Nolte and Robert Redford...hilarious.
Are you familiar with LeConte Lodge? You can hike up, spend the night in a cabin with dinner, and hike down the next day. I wanted to hike the Lakeside Trail early this month from the Tunnel Bypass to Fontana Dam, but had to cancel.Camino Chrissy,
No doubt about it, self sufficient backpacking is a tough way to travel. At 60 years old I’m no longer willing (or fit enough) to endure it for more than a few days. The Camino is a kinder and gentler way to walk a long distance.
frm
Yes, and I thought the movie quite humorous, as well...gotta love those two "oldsters" in the lead roles!That book was truly "laugh out loud" funny!!!
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?