Hello everyone, longtime lurker but first-time poster. Sorry if this post doesn't belong here. I'm scheduled to start the CF from Leon Feb. 5, but with COVID raging in my country (US) and climbing in Spain, I'm on the fence about whether or not I should go. I'm not worried about getting sick myself - I had it late November - but I'm worried about being alone for long stretches. I was supposed to walk with someone, but they're no longer going. I've read some fairly current reports saying that there are empty albergues and seeing just one or two people on the trail. Is anyone on/near the CF now that can say how many people are walking/whether to expect many in three/four weeks?
I thought I was prepared to walk alone if need be, but it turns out that I'm not mentally ready for it. I was always counting on finding a trail family or at least people at the albergues to spend nights with. If they're not there, I'm not sure that is the experience I want for my first Camino.
Thanks for the help, advice or even the pep talk in advance!
Aloha Scholky,
I think your post is an important one. Generally, I'm one who says here, keep pushing forward a little with the self-awarded caveat that you give yourself consent to change your mind at any point. With your post in mind though I'm going to word this a little differently.
I give you much credit for recognizing the health of your mind and emotions, and, your internal barometer for potentially more disconnect from people when you are craving it most. Isolation has been something I think nearly every human being has experienced these last two years and it has created very real anxiety, depression, and fear, amongst other things. COVID PTSD is not something to make light of. Long COVID, initially associated with the physical leftovers has now transitioned to the injuries to our mental and emotional health. Here are some questions for you:
* Are you willing to truly listen to yourself and abandon the journey if you need to?
* If you cannot go in March, is there another time during the year you could go where you might feel more secure (or the following year)?
* Are you willing to be creative on your journey? Plan volunteer or immersion activities in locations along the way, or at least check in here each day if you needed to, to ensure you have the human contact you need right now?
* If you go and this Camino does not turn out how you want it to, are you able to come back and do it again another time, or will this outcome further weigh upon you?
I would be happy to hang out if we were on the journey at the same time, though mine does not start until the first week in April. Whatever you decide there is no wrong answer, and it looks as if you have a good internal guide. Oh...and I think you have already developed a Camino family
Sending a hug from Hawaii...
Buen Camino!