- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23
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With only a few sleeps to go until my first Camino, I can only wonder how ill prepared I would have been had I not found this Forum....
Over the last 18 months, thanks to this wonderful community I feel about as prepared, physically and mentally, as I could be.
Well not quite true. I'm still over weight, suffering training tendonitis, have limited Spanish, but you know what I mean hopefully! Perhaps not being worried about all that stuff, has been my greatest lesson.
What has been yours? This is probably more aimed at members who are starting out soon on their first Camino, or have recently returned from their first one....
Apart from the mental preparation, I think one of the best lessons I learnt (too late) here was..........Don't rush out shopping as soon as you decide you are going to walk a Camino!
Unfortunately, I was offered a staff discount at a Hiking store soon after I decided to undertake a Pilgrimage.....
I bought everything I thought I would need. And I mean everything! Hi tech sleeping bag, self inflating mat, two different backpacks, pants, shirts, boots, socks, you name it, I bought it.
And how much of that original 'purchase' am I taking? The boots. I think that's it.......... About $3,000 blown on equipment that either I did not need, or that was unsuitable........ The good news is that if anyone comes to visit and wants to go Bush Walking, I can equip about 6 people
But at least thanks to the 'trial testing,' as well as the feedback and advice on this Forum, I'm going with the right gear........ Well I think I am!
So my major lesson? (One of many probably)
Plan your equipment needs carefully. Read all the advice here. Don't rush out and buy anything, until you are really sure what you need.
What were your major lessons?
Of course my major lesson is a pre Camino one. I'm sure there will be many more once I return, along the lines of.............I'm so glad I read about that, was prepared for that.....
Congratulation! you almost there. Buen CaminoBiggest lesson I have noticed thus far is, as a first timer, we all seem to feel the same. Many of the posts I can relate to the energy, excitement, and the anticipation with a hint of uncertainty.
Looking forward to continued correspondense with this new camino family.
Buen Camino!
You are right!In this forum are people of all ages,genders,religions,nationalities and no doubt political persuasions,yet they share the same hopes and fears for the Camino,and a willingness to pass on any information and assistance they can to others.If only our world leaders could emulate them.
Scroll down to the bottom, you will see the rectangular words call treats, then click in the one you need as packing.How to pack lightly and what is not really needed.
You...........I've learned that both new and veteran pilgrims ARE trainable.
Thank you!In Porto Marin tonight...I've learned that UEFA Football is like the Camino.
In the beginning you have big hopes, as time goes on some come true and by the second half the end result remains in question.
Then you have to add extra time because the Camino takes over. The result...you walk (play) on till the end...your arrival in SdC.
Did you win? Did you tie.
Whichever...you have not lost!
The Camino breeds winners...we are all on the same team in the end.
Buen Camino,
Arn
Oh my word yes!What was the #1 or most valuable thing you have learnt from being a member here?
That I am not totally mad (as people at home seem to think I am), that I am not the only one who wants to walk several hundred kms across Spain, and that there are lots of us doing it (and nobody really knows why). Jill
Yes, you said it. Prepare but also"Let it go"!Less is indeed more. Less stuff, less worry, less control, less expectation, less judgment and prejudice. Walk. Breathe. Enjoy.
My gosh, @bystander, I hope, hope, hope that this is tongue in cheek ... in every sense ... not only for the Valcarlos devotees, but to suggest that having a Caesarean is a cop-out method of child delivery is going to offend an awful lot of women. Maybe a little editing might be in order ?? Just a gentle suggestion ..
Oh Lord, Icacos, it is now edited.
I had never contemplated anyone taking that comment as anything other than "tongue in cheek".
I know that in text punctuation there are equivalents of normal punctuation as intents of text meaning i.e. sarcasm is indicated by /s, but, sadly, I am not aware of any for irony or humour!
Quite apart from the old canard that Americans and other foreigners don't get English irony or understand the subtleties of our inflexion, I should have learnt from previous misunderstandings on this forum and my own experiences abroad that some people do tend to take some things at face value.
As to crossing the Pyrenees - the Valcarlos route is the one that I intend to take
Oh Lord, Icacos, it is now edited. I had never contemplated anyone taking that comment as anything other than "tongue in cheek". [/QUOTE
I loved the analogy, for what it's worth.
Very true. I take everything as an opinion no matter how it is stated. I have learned how to cull thru them and take what I want and leave the rest behind. The challenge for me comes from leaving the rest behind without comment. There is a lot of good information to be gleaned here.That there is a vast difference between a fact and an opinion: and that distinguishing the two can be challenging
--don't take the digital SLR Canon Rebel:
that is an amazing post.....big hugsI've learned...there is never any one thing. I have learned, though, that...
--there is no perfect way
--boots vs runners really depends on each person, and also on the season
--trail runners are a hot topic, and especially so for thru hikers (PCT / AT), but only with smart wool...lol!
--one pair pants / one change pair is really enough
--you don't need a pillow, just perhaps a case
--it may be silly to worry about bedbugs, but do keep your eyes open
--obey albuerge curfews, lest you be locked out
--don't worry about getting the credential before, but Ivar can sell ya one and get it to you fast!
--the coolest buffs are sold in England, and check my profile buff! I am such a nerd.
--breaking in boots is great exercise, as is breaking in equipment and trying it
--REI stands for "Return Everything If" it doesn't work
--packing really does depend on the season: know what to expect in July vs. October
--don't need to worry about packing spend soap. Get Castilian soap there: it's good stuff.
--don't take the digital SLR Canon Rebel: use the i phone or small digital
--take a dual charger / adaptor and share with a friend
--don't get fussy if you get the top bunk. Just deal with it and smile.
--don't put your pack on the chair at a table or near the bunk, as it looks unwelcoming.
--use hiking poles to increase workout and save your knees
--don't overdo vino tinto unless you want a massive hangover on a dehydrated body!
--enjoy yourself so much, but don't do the Camino before the Camino
Fall in love with the best friends ever on this forum. Learn them through their words, their small but special avatars, what they like, what they argue with. Listen to those with experience. Respect them.
that is an amazing post.....big hugs
Yes, so true. That was the best thing I did on my first Camino FrancesAll the above, and stop at Orrison! Not only that, but make a reservation to do so. I think I would have been so discouraged almost before I'd started if I'd not had the tip about that. Thank you everyone, I am so grateful for all the information here.
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