¡Hola! I'll be walking the Camino for the first time from roughly 20 Oct through 29 Nov and was originally planning on walking Norte, but the more research I do, the rainier and colder it sounds like it's going to be. It also sounds to be a lot more desolate, and while I'll be walking for myself, I am looking forward to meeting and sharing the road with other peregrinos.
Should I instead opt for walking Frances, or will the Norte route still be a great experience that late in the year?
¡Gracias!
I have the Frances (22 months ago) and Norte (2 months ago) under my belt.
Prior to doing the Norte (yet deep in the planning of it) this question was asked. I answered that I thought everyone should have a Frances experience! I felt passionate about that answer...I loved it so! I thought everyone needed that social association and that it would leave them drooling for more Camino experiences, it did me. I am really happy that I did the Frances and the Norte in that order. However...after doing the Norte I will honestly say I would never give that same advice again. That does not mean I don't recommend that for a huge chunk of the population but I no longer can "slam dunk" recommend that.
I will give you the example that keeps popping up in my head. I live in a pretty social neighborhood. I walk my dog with my dear friend through this neighborhood. I will stop and talk to everyone that we pass...she on the other hand will always be waiting for me at the sidewalk and wanting to push ahead and continue walking. I slow her down...she does not need (nor want) the social interaction that I gravitate to (asking about the kids, the dogs, discussing the breed of dog etc... etc...). As I walked the Norte I thought of my advice given here prior to leaving and thought I need to take that advice back. A person such as my friend should, in my opinion, do the Norte first. 80% plus of the folks I met on the Norte had not done the Frances.
With that said I have no favorite Camino...loved them both for different reasons. The Frances gave me the social Camino that I needed, the Norte gave me the cerebral Camino that I didn't know I wanted, it gave me nature, it gave me tons of opportunities to socialize with the Spanish residents along the way.
For some reason in your first question I thought "Frances" but in your response down in the thread I thought "Norte".
I believe there is a population of folks that can only answer this question for themselves ( with some research)...deep down I think you might fall into that.
With that said whatever you decide you will be thrilled with your choice.
Sorry I am no help but your question gave me the perfect opportunity to take back my previous "must do Frances first"...
Coming from the States and far from retirement year many of us must really think about this question, it is difficult for many to just hop on the plane and feed our obsession.
Edited to add I am not voting in the poll as I really don't knwo what to tell you
Wish I did!