West Yorkshire guy needs to find himself out of the rat race

[futurefjp]

Hi Fellow Pilgrims,

I am planning doing as much of the route through France and Spain from the end of May as possible.

Its going to take a little research I guess - if U needed to recommend one book to read (other than fiction) to give me a good idea of what equipment I need to take and what plans I need to make...

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi Futurefjp,

Welcome to the best, though perhaps most poorly edited, "book" on the Camino you will ever encounter.

There are guidebooks galore, there are books of reportage sufficient to make 24 News channels wince and there is printed fiction of every hue from the nearly factual to the barely credible. But this forum may well contain everything that the aspiring or the inspired pilgrim might ever require (other than good boots and a fair wind). If you feel the need for research, for data, information or just re-assurance then this is the place. If you like to read books...
I have enjoyed both Nicholas Crane and John Hillabys' accounts of their encounters with the Camino, though neither wrote specifically about it, and returned Paul Coehlo's book to the Library after 1 chapter.

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Futurefjp. If you're anywhere near Halifax we could have a chat over a beer. I know nothing about the French routes, though. Send a personal message if you'd like any info. Buen Camino!

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

In terms of practical guides I recommend you look at and buy the CSJ guides. http://www.csj.org.uk.

Lots of people here love John Brierley, but I am not a fan.

The Cockershell Pilgrim by Katherine Lack is of no use to the modern pigrim, but it a great read and will provide a map on which to build the ethos/spirituality of your pilgrimage. You should pick up a sense of standing in the long line of pilgrims who have walked the way.

I am wary of the modern accounts because they tell you nothing that you cannot discover for yourself if you walk the Way. (Stands back having lit a fuse!).

Focus on the practicalities rather than the biographies.

 

[Al the optimist]

Just to be tongue in cheek (and cheeky). The best way for a West Yorkshire guy to get out of the rat race is surely to go to red rose country? :twisted:

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

The best way for a West Yorkshire guy to get out of the rat race is surely to go to red rose country?

which is what I did when I defected from South Yorkshire. :twisted:

 

[Al the optimist]

Lol Methodist!