AlanS
AlanS
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2013 SdeC, 2014 Leon to SdeC, 2015 SJPP to Estella, 2016 SJPP to Burgos, 2017 SJPP to SdeC
This time last year I saw many queries about walking the last section of the Camino which has had a mix of replies ranging from enthusiastic to discouraging. If any are considering it next year perhaps this may be of interest.
About this time last year I decided to realise my desire to walk a section of the Camino. I signed on to the Forum and read many blogs and postings none of which gave me any reason not to do the walk only more determination. unfortunately work and holiday entitlement dictated a week only.
Internet investigation of companies providing guided routes and accommodation proved helpful but whilst several appeared to give good service they were unfortunately too expensive for my budget. A purchase of Camino guide books firmed a decision to organise my own.
A flight (ÂŁ86 return from Gatwick, plus ÂŁ57 to park the car!!) and hotel accommodation through an internet booking site took a week to decide on and book.
The following six months were used to get distance walking fitness and check out my gear.
The decision to start at Sarria saw me arrive in Santiago Saturday 22nd June to an almost deserted airport and catch a bus to Lugo and from there another to Sarria.
The experience walking the (part of) Camino far exceeded that of my previous year when walking the UK Coast to Coast walk, meeting a wide and friendly international mix along the route, especially in the evenings at the hotel stops, as has been said it is easy to make friends on the Camino and meet some great people.
The culmination of walking on the Camino was arriving at Santiago on the Thursday and receiving the Compostela followed by the pilgrims mass in the cathedral on Friday.
In all a truly rewarding experience and one that has stayed with me all year that in reflection was surprisingly easy to organise.
I am now looking into a week next year starting in St. Jean. and wish all a great Camino and a rewarding time.
About this time last year I decided to realise my desire to walk a section of the Camino. I signed on to the Forum and read many blogs and postings none of which gave me any reason not to do the walk only more determination. unfortunately work and holiday entitlement dictated a week only.
Internet investigation of companies providing guided routes and accommodation proved helpful but whilst several appeared to give good service they were unfortunately too expensive for my budget. A purchase of Camino guide books firmed a decision to organise my own.
A flight (ÂŁ86 return from Gatwick, plus ÂŁ57 to park the car!!) and hotel accommodation through an internet booking site took a week to decide on and book.
The following six months were used to get distance walking fitness and check out my gear.
The decision to start at Sarria saw me arrive in Santiago Saturday 22nd June to an almost deserted airport and catch a bus to Lugo and from there another to Sarria.
The experience walking the (part of) Camino far exceeded that of my previous year when walking the UK Coast to Coast walk, meeting a wide and friendly international mix along the route, especially in the evenings at the hotel stops, as has been said it is easy to make friends on the Camino and meet some great people.
The culmination of walking on the Camino was arriving at Santiago on the Thursday and receiving the Compostela followed by the pilgrims mass in the cathedral on Friday.
In all a truly rewarding experience and one that has stayed with me all year that in reflection was surprisingly easy to organise.
I am now looking into a week next year starting in St. Jean. and wish all a great Camino and a rewarding time.
