Some of my biggest advice for newbies

[shefollowsshells]

I'm not certain this advice is needed for alum of the Camino that choose to return here to live it daily, for we obviously love our Camino.

Newbies , I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.
I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

Neve

 

[simply B]

Neve -

1000% agreement here!

The Meseta was where a lot of "interior work" got done for me. I had no plan in that direction, it just happened.

Visually, it is not stunning. And so one finds the self exploring the mindscape instead.

If you do not have the time, okay.

If you do have the time, do not be afraid of the traverse.

B

 

[RobertS26]

In many ways I enjoyed the Meseta way more than Sarria to Santiago. In fact, I did my best thinking on the Meseta.

 

[mspath]

After Castrojeriz along the lonely Meseta comes the steep ascent up the Mostelares plateau. However, the gravel path is broad and the panorama from the top is superb! One can see widely for many kilometers; to the east the path taken and to the west the path to take. All is a vast emptiness of ocher and beige crossed apparently only by the singular ribbon-like Camino. For kilometers nothing built nor anyone else can be seen. In such peaceful solitude one feels miniscule, nothing more than another blade of grass.

 

[wayfarer]

Fully agree, enjoy every step.

 

[rector]

Could not agree more I found to be all part of the experience and once you start listening to others you stop listening to yourself and that has to be balanced with the acceptance of good advice, after all who in their right mind would walk for 500miles sleep on floors get soaked get blisters get cold roast in sun and smell because you have not washed properly. Just do it

 

[george.g]

Mesata boring??? Just look up! Where else do you get such huge horizons.
Regards
George

 

[simply B]

Where else do you get such huge horizons.

Dakotas and Montana in the US, George.

But, I have to admit that the Meseta has them all outclassed in terms of availability of cafe con leche!

B

 

[Phillypilgrim]

I loved it!
I am all for the changing landscapes. I even enjoyed the car dealerships on the way into Leon!

 

[AnnieH61]

Bring it on!

 

[Anniesantiago]

After walking (and having a meltdown on) the Meseta, I came home and left a long term (15+ years) relationship that needed to end. Take your problems with you and work them out on the Meseta. It's a GREAT place to think!

 

[newfydog]

I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring".

No need to describe it: a picture is worth 1000 words. (I'll withhold what that picture does for me---some are drawn to such places, some are not.)

 

[annelise]

I for one loved the Meseta - and in several places it is certainly not flat! - And in Najera I kind of wondered about the the number of pilgrims standing at the bus stop ... - not that I am a purist though, they might have had time restrictions ...

annelise

 

[MTtoCamino]

"Simply be" on a previous post mentions Montana & the Dakota's, if from the pictures shown, my ranching, hunting grounds do appear to be the same special isolation. A person can find alot of good in the "special" in these places. I find they remind you of how wonderfull a planet we live on. Makes me even more excited to leave in 2 weeks.
Keith

 

[Pelegrin]

The movie "Nebraska" shows great mesetas perfect to set up a Camino through Montana, Dakota and finally in Lincoln (Nebraska) get something (no compostela remember copyright).

 

[headinclouds]

Now that's the sort of place I want to walk through, thanks for sharing!

Phil
totallyphil.blogspot.com.au

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I have lived on the meseta for eight years. Its quiet, severe, big-sky Zen suits me right down to my soul.
It is the heart of the camino. It´s not engineered for people who must be always entertained, so those who skip by for the sake of "boringness" probably wouldn´t get it anyway.
Hats off to those who take it on, and eventually feel it take them in.

 

[unadara]

I was taken in entirely.. into Hontanas from Burgos-what a day, Carrion! through Moratinos (hadn't heard of Rebekah then) but saw the wine stores, oh the windy paths, the heat (walked in a heat wave) and the social evenings-one spent very sick after a First Aid intervention by the Camino Red Cross, when I go back this is the part I look forward to most.

 

[Metropolly]

Totally agree. Also, taking a bus through the 'not very pretty' bits... come on, it's a pilgrimage! Even the unpleasant industrial outskirts, the roadside trudge, the night in the too-expensive unsanitary hotel. If it was all gorgeous mystic scenery, they'd have a version of it in Disney

 

[alexwalker]

Do NOT miss the Meseta: It is a wonderful walk. Going up from Castrojeritz, then plain flat, and LOTS of time for thinking. It is a great (maybe the best) part of the Camino. You will benefit greatly.

 

[howard v]

Thats exactly my plan i would not want to mis a single inch of my camino.BUEN CAMINO!!!

 

[emonty]

I'm not certain this advice is needed for alum of the Camino that choose to return here to live it daily, for we obviously love our Camino.

Newbies , I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.
I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

Neve

Every picture of the meseta looks like my home on the high plains, wheat country of far western Nebraska, and others have said the same when they have seen pictures. Classically beautiful? Depends on your viewpoint I guess, but I see beauty in "big places"' and I am looking forward to it....two more weeks.

 

[Green Tortuga]

The Meseta was one of my favorite places of the entire trail--that and the Pyrenees. =) Such huge, open skies! Seems like you can see forever! And the wind that will blow so powerfully it can knock a guy over! (I get a bit of a thrill out of walking around in a really strong wind--a lot of people find it annoying, though.)

But I absolutely loved the Meseta. I remember thinking two or three days out of Burgos how awesome the area was and if this was considered the boring part, I couldn't wait to see what the rest of the trail was like! Somewhat surprisingly, my least favorite section was Galicia where the hills are relentlessness (I do like walking on flat ground), the rain was persistent, and the views less common because all those darned trees got in the way!

But I'll also say.... I took pretty much every alternative path I could find on the Meseta. A lot of the Camino runs alongside busy highways which isn't my idea of fun, so I deliberately dodged them every chance I had. It's a much quieter and nicer experience if you avoid the path more traveled.

And since we're sharing photos....



All of these were taken between Burgos and Leon, and everyone who bussed between the two missed it all. *shaking head* Beauty is everywhere! =)

-- Ryan

 

[jayree]

"I hate the Meseta. I love the Meseta. I am the Meseta."

 

[quietwun]

I am appreciating this thread. I have always felt drawn to open landscapes. Maybe a reaction to having grown up in green trees, mountains, oceans and lakes. The openness feels freeing, like I can breathe, so ever since hearing of the Meseta, I have looked forward to it.

Thus, knowing I will do slow short days (when possible) I have chosen to start in Burgos, the week after Santa Semana spent in Burgos and still get to SdC in time period I have.

I actually leave home Sunday (EEK!) to do some visiting, Camino meeting in Victoria BC, etc. and fly April 10. Almost good to go...

The only thing that would concern me on the Meseta is thunderstorms but hoping I am early enough in the season to avoid them. I do know theoretically what to do, but I am just uneasy....or honestly...scared.

Lynda

 

[Thornley]

And if you ever get a full moon , feel fresh because you have stopped early or are doing it easily
*****Walk into the night.
Safe and very, very beautiful ........something special.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

When three of us climbed the first hill onto the Meseta in early June 2008, this was the view at the top. All we could see was wheatfields and sky. It completely took our breath away, all three of us. A moment to remember.
Margaret

 

[Bear]

I loved the Meseta, but I loved the whole experience - even the senda!

Can't wait to go back towards the end of May.

 

[Lillianb]

We are starting our first camino on the 25th of April . One of the things that we are looking forward to seeing and experiencing is the Meseta. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures,Green tortuga and kiwinomad06.

 

[emonty]

The Meseta was one of my favorite places of the entire trail--that and the Pyrenees. =) Such huge, open skies! Seems like you can see forever! And the wind that will blow so powerfully it can knock a guy over! (I get a bit of a thrill out of walking around in a really strong wind--a lot of people find it annoying, though.)

But I absolutely loved the Meseta. I remember thinking two or three days out of Burgos how awesome the area was and if this was considered the boring part, I couldn't wait to see what the rest of the trail was like! Somewhat surprisingly, my least favorite section was Galicia where the hills are relentlessness (I do like walking on flat ground), the rain was persistent, and the views less common because all those darned trees got in the way!

But I'll also say.... I took pretty much every alternative path I could find on the Meseta. A lot of the Camino runs alongside busy highways which isn't my idea of fun, so I deliberately dodged them every chance I had. It's a much quieter and nicer experience if you avoid the path more traveled.

And since we're sharing photos....

View attachment 8782 View attachment 8783 View attachment 8784 View attachment 8785 View attachment 8786 View attachment 8787

All of these were taken between Burgos and Leon, and everyone who bussed between the two missed it all. *shaking head* Beauty is everywhere! =)

-- Ryan

Looks so much like my home!

 

[CanPete]

Gotta love those open plains ! Less interference with the almighty above !

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

I loved the Meseta. It was just me, nature and my thoughts. I found it beautiful, just after harvest. Here are some of my photos between Burgos and León.

 

[homa_bird]

Loved the Meseta as well, for all the beauty and struggle and quiet and boredom and glory and drudge and spaciousness: newbies do remember a hat with a good brim and a scarf for the flies, which were everywhere. I was there in late Sept. and the flies can drive you mad: in your eyes and mouth and nose. A somewhat begruntled local told me it was the peregrinos that brought them: the leavings of the peregrinos to be indelicate.

So, respectfully watch your hygiene on the Meseta, especially on the Meseta: take care of things when you are near a flush toilet. That is my love letter to the Meseta.

 

[indyinmaine]

Loved the Meseta as well, for all the beauty and struggle and quiet and boredom and glory and drudge and spaciousness: newbies do remember a hat with a good brim and a scarf for the flies, which were everywhere. I was there in late Sept. and the flies can drive you mad: in your eyes and mouth and nose. A somewhat begruntled local told me it was the peregrinos that brought them: the leavings of the peregrinos to be indelicate.

So, respectfully watch your hygiene on the Meseta, especially on the Meseta: take care of things when you are near a flush toilet. That is my love letter to the Meseta.

Ah yes, the flies. If you weren't careful they became afternoon snacks.

 

[Sraaen]

I'm not certain this advice is needed for alum of the Camino that choose to return here to live it daily, for we obviously love our Camino.

Newbies , I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.
I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

Neve

Hear, hear!!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

when you guys pass through Moratinos, stop in and say hello.

 

[JP]

We will also be going by Moratinos, probably second week of May, if we see a lady walking her dogs we will certainly say, Bonjour!

 

[susanawee]

The Meseta was one of my favorite places of the entire trail--that and the Pyrenees. =) Such huge, open skies! Seems like you can see forever! And the wind that will blow so powerfully it can knock a guy over! (I get a bit of a thrill out of walking around in a really strong wind--a lot of people find it annoying, though.)

But I absolutely loved the Meseta. I remember thinking two or three days out of Burgos how awesome the area was and if this was considered the boring part, I couldn't wait to see what the rest of the trail was like! Somewhat surprisingly, my least favorite section was Galicia where the hills are relentlessness (I do like walking on flat ground), the rain was persistent, and the views less common because all those darned trees got in the way!

But I'll also say.... I took pretty much every alternative path I could find on the Meseta. A lot of the Camino runs alongside busy highways which isn't my idea of fun, so I deliberately dodged them every chance I had. It's a much quieter and nicer experience if you avoid the path more traveled.

And since we're sharing photos....

View attachment 8782 View attachment 8783 View attachment 8784 View attachment 8785 View attachment 8786 View attachment 8787

All of these were taken between Burgos and Leon, and everyone who bussed between the two missed it all. *shaking head* Beauty is everywhere! =)

-- Ryan

Totally agree ....

 

[susanawee]

I am appreciating this thread. I have always felt drawn to open landscapes. Maybe a reaction to having grown up in green trees, mountains, oceans and lakes. The openness feels freeing, like I can breathe, so ever since hearing of the Meseta, I have looked forward to it.

Thus, knowing I will do slow short days (when possible) I have chosen to start in Burgos, the week after Santa Semana spent in Burgos and still get to SdC in time period I have.

I actually leave home Sunday (EEK!) to do some visiting, Camino meeting in Victoria BC, etc. and fly April 10. Almost good to go...

The only thing that would concern me on the Meseta is thunderstorms but hoping I am early enough in the season to avoid them. I do know theoretically what to do, but I am just uneasy....or honestly...scared.

Lynd

Totally agree ....

I loved the Meseta - its' huge a beautiful vistas - I never thought of it as flat and boring at all. At times I hated it, especially when my feet hurt, my head hurt and I was so tired that I could not think straight, but then, someone would come up beside me and smile and help me to 'get up and going again', the sun would still be shining, or the rain would be falling, but overall, it was BEAUTIFUL......all part of the greater experience of The Camino.....smiles.

 

[roving_rufus]

I might be strange as am actually really looking forward to the mesata part of the camino frances - I'm hoping to do Burgos to Leon in October - its a landscape that doesn't really exist here in Ireland - too many green rolling hills (or here in Donegal the hills are a little wilder with heather & bog). But the photos above of the sense of space and sky are stunning- Thank-you for sharing them!

 

[naplesdon]

The beautiful panorama early in the morning after leaving Castrojeriz.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

when you guys pass through Moratinos, stop in and say hello.

Hi Rebekah, I am just in the process of reading your blog, and have your book. For my flight to Spain.

I look forward to seeing your little Kingdom.

Kris

 

[Deleted member 22638]

Very special place

 

[ecarey77]

I'm not certain this advice is needed for alum of the Camino that choose to return here to live it daily, for we obviously love our Camino.

Newbies , I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.
I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

Neve

Thank you so much for a wonderful post! I have read people complaining about the Meseta, but many more have described it's beauty and its impact upon them during the Camino.

 

[m108]

Last year when I arrived in Astorga, I said it was great, but this part would not be repeated again. This year in July, I walked from Burgos to Astorga!!!I feel that I must repeat

 

[koilife]

Dakotas and Montana in the US, George.

But, I have to admit that the Meseta has them all outclassed in terms of availability of cafe con leche!

B

And very cheap, very tasty wine!

And, yes, I quite enjoyed the Meseta as well. In simplicity there is a sublime beauty.

 

[Laurie Bryan Larson]

Dakotas and Montana in the US, George.

But, I have to admit that the Meseta has them all outclassed in terms of availability of cafe con leche!

B

Having lived and hiked in North Dakota(ND) for a year before I walked the Camino, upon reaching the Meseta, I knew that living in ND had been my preparation for the Meseta!!!

 

[fraluchi]

Can't complain about the meseta, except for the 17 km from Carrion de Los Condes. Once mastered that imho boring distance, from Lédigos onwards it becomes "palatable" again.

 

[Kanga]

Can't complain about the meseta, except for the 17 km from Carrion de Los Condes. Once mastered that imho boring distance, from Lédigos onwards it becomes "palatable" again.

Anything but boring in a full-on lightning and thunder storm! But even in quiet weather I love the far horizon and long perspective.

 

[High Endeavours]

The stage from Castrojeriz to Fromista will always be held closely in my heart. Last fall as I walked off the mesa where the 18% grade sign is posted (picture in barritzdon's photo - post #42) I made the decision to retire which will occur within the next 30 days. On the same day I also made the decision to return to walk again. I've selected the Via de la Plata to celebrate retirement and to consider next things, beginning 6 weeks from now in early May.

I found the days spent crossing the meseta to be amongst the most meditative and soulful experience of my Camino...conversations with others were typically deeper and life long friendships were forged there. Special things can indeed happen while walking across the meseta, and I wouldn't have missed a step of it for anything!!

 

[trevorcc]

Thank all Peligrinos for the wonderful photos which took me back to Oct. 2013 and why I am going back in September 2014 starting to buy (very little needed) equipment and tickets.

Trevor

 

[RobertS26]

Can't complain about the meseta, except for the 17 km from Carrion de Los Condes.

That desolate stretch gave me one of my most embarrassing memories of the Camino. The wind was blowing out of the west and it was raining. I was walking with my head down, hoping that the 17 kilometers would finally come to an end. I was deep in thought walking on the left hand side of the road when I literally ran into a female pilgrim who was not moving. Confused by her lack of movement, I asked her, "Is everything okay?" She looked at me, then looked off the path at her mother, who was voiding her bladder 5 feet away, and said, "It will be as soon as you continue walking."

 

[scott]

I have heard of this section. How long of a stretch is it? I will walk this part too. I was just wondering.

 

[RobertS26]

I have heard of this section. How long of a stretch is it? I will walk this part too. I was just wondering.

From the heart of Carrion de los Condes to Caldadilla de la Cueza, it's 17.1 kilometers without any cafes, restrooms or bars. Just you, the Camino, and farmland. There are however three different picnic areas. The road is relatively flat and wide enough for eight people to walk side by side. Not the most scenic stretch, but a great place to get some thinking done.

 

[scott]

Thats what I was thinking about it and then started reading this part. Thank you. Buen camino

 

[Pelegrin]

I haven't done the Camino Frances, but I have crossed the Meseta many many times to go from Madrid to my homeland in Galicia. When i was young i hated this part of the trip (it was always in summer) because by this time i only liked the green colours. Now i have learnt that life has more colours than green (fortunately) and now i like the Meseta, specially the stretches where i can see mountains in the distance (Mountains of Leon or Sierra de Madrid). The Meseta is not always the same, it has ondulations, pine and oak forests, rivers (Duero, Esla, Orbigo)) and of course the scenario in spring is completely different from the one in summer.

 

[Chip59]

I'm not certain this advice is needed for alum of the Camino that choose to return here to live it daily, for we obviously love our Camino.

Newbies , I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.
I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

Neve

i did the meseta in 2012 and to be honest it nearly broke me - nearly but not quite : ). as one hospitalero said to me: "St jean to burgos is physical, burgos to leon is mental and leon to santiago is spiritual."

i can vouch for the latter two and i am looking forward to finding out about the first part in july this year. it would never have entered my head to miss it out in spite of what people say and i can't understand why anybody would. as someone who loves the sky and the open road i wouldn't have missed those gorgeous vistas for anything. here's a link to a short video compilation of my meseta trip. http://bit.ly/1dsZ6pK . your advice is good. don't even think about missing the meseta.

 

[Joann]

I'm not certain this advice is needed for alum of the Camino that choose to return here to live it daily, for we obviously love our Camino.

Newbies , I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.
I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

Neve

I'm sorry I won't see it...

 

[bfletcher67]

"Simply be" on a previous post mentions Montana & the Dakota's, if from the pictures shown, my ranching, hunting grounds do appear to be the same special isolation. A person can find alot of good in the "special" in these places. I find they remind you of how wonderfull a planet we live on. Makes me even more excited to leave in 2 weeks.
Keith

Howdy Keith! I live in Bozeman and am so envious of your upcoming camino! My friend and I did the Frances exactly a year ago and I miss it every day. You are in for a real treat. I'd love to hear about your trip when you get back...if you ever find yourself in Bozeman, I'll buy you a beer and we can compare notes! In the mean time, let me know if you have any questions.
Buen Camino!
Brigitte Fletcher

 

[MTtoCamino]

Thanks Bridget I may just follow up on that as I have some items to drop off with my cousin in your neck of the woods, when I return. So far this is more of a calling, than a reason I can come up with. When the good lord is knocking it is best to answer the call.
Keith

 

[PilgrimFeet]

I'm not certain this advice is needed for alum of the Camino that choose to return here to live it daily, for we obviously love our Camino.

Newbies , I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.
I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

Neve

So true - the Meseta becomes a metaphor where we 'take our life for a walk'. Self-reflection is the purpose of pilgrimage. The mediaeval monks somehow knew that at a personal level all is solved by walking - solvitur ambulando. Things, situations etc may not change - but we do. Go for it!

 

[t2andreo]

The Meseta is what it is...God's canvas! Some people are inspired by it. Others are not so enamored of it. The basic outline is provided for you. It changes with the seasons. By definition, it is never the same. The challenge is for you to take that outline and make something of it - according to your own senses, thoughts and mediations.

So, I look forward, very much, to my upcoming Camino, starting on 27 April from St. Jean. I will be on the Meseta starting on or about 8 May, and until it is done. This year, I will be working as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago from 2 June.

See you out there, along The Way! Look for the tall fellow wearing a green Osprey Kestrel rucksack with forum patches and walking with poles. BTW - the beard is gone...

Later folks...

 

[CaminoKris2013]

Tom, how long will you be in Santiago? I think it is great that you are able to volunteer there...something I would love to do in the future.

Kris

 

[t2andreo]

Tom, how long will you be in Santiago? I think it is great that you are able to volunteer there...something I would love to do in the future.

Kris

I plan to arrive on or about 30 May. My service starts 2 June, through 16 June. I fly from Santiago to Belgium to visit friends on 17 June. If you will be there then, start a private conversation with me and I will provide my contact details.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

I plan to arrive on or about 30 May. My service starts 2 June, through 16 June. I fly from Santiago to Belgium to visit friends on 17 June. If you will be there then, start a private conversation with me and I will provide my contact details.

Unfortunately, I will probably be in the Meseta at that time. Thanks for the invitation to chat though.

Kris

 

[Tina D.]

This is exciting! I'm so happy to have found this particular post. I will be doing my very first camino, solo, starting April 27th, ending June 6th. I'm feeling overwhelmed with emotions! One thing I feel I'd like to have is a good route.... I'll be landing in Madrid (from California), taking a bus (instead of train) to Pamplona, and staying at the corazon puro the first night, before they drop me off at st jean the following day (exciting!!). Since I'm traveling solo I would love if I could gather a few different routes from past pilgrims that start from st jean and end in Santiago- that I could do from 4/27-6/6.... Also- any advice on how much cash (euro), and credit card, phone use-- would be so very helpful. I really appreciate any thoughts! So excited!!


Peace and cheers!

 

[t2andreo]

There are several of us, including a few experienced pilgrims, starting from St. Jean on the 27th. You are welcome to tag along.

Some of us, myself included, are only walking as far as Orisson (8.0 km) the first day to break up the initial challenge of getting over the Pyrenees pass. We continue to Roncesvalles the following morning (17 km). I suppose it is partially an age thing. But the scenery and camaraderie to be found at Orisson are unbeatable.

If you are interested in joining the highly informal group, start a private conversation with me and I will provide at least my contact details; e-mail and Euro cell phone number for text and voice.

I did this last year at about the same time and could not get enough. So, I am baaack! Personally, I arrive at St. Jean on the 25th and will play tourist for a day and two nights before starting out on the 27th April.

See ya!

 

[MTtoCamino]

I have lived on the meseta for eight years. Its quiet, severe, big-sky Zen suits me right down to my soul.
It is the heart of the camino. It´s not engineered for people who must be always entertained, so those who skip by for the sake of "boringness" probably wouldn´t get it anyway.
Hats off to those who take it on, and eventually feel it take them in.

Rebekah, I never took the time to look at your blog. Good Job!

 

[HeidiL]

I have a problematic hip. For me, the Meseta is the most comfortable stretch of the Camino Francés, the bit where I can just let my feet do the walking on their own while pondering Big Questions, like "What's for lunch?".

Rebekah, we'll drop in around the 17th.

 

[Thomr]

I loved the Meseta - I walked in April when it was a lot greener than I had seen in any pictures in guidebooks and it was beautiful. It was far from being empty and boring!

 

[weekjchammings]

The Meseta is very simply beautiful...........................................................

"Look and you will see!"
When Jesus was coming close to Jericho, a blind man sat begging beside the road. The man heard the crowd walking by and asked what was happening. Some people told him that Jesus from Nazareth was passing by. So the blind man shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" The people who were going along with Jesus told the man to be quiet. But he shouted even louder, "Son of David, have pity on me!"
Jesus stopped and told some people to bring the blind man over to him. When the blind man was getting near, Jesus asked, "What do you want me to do for you?"
"Lord, I want to see!" he answered.

Consider yourselves very fortunate that you can see, if you look.

 

[ZacM]

The Meseta is a scary thing for people to take on today... It demands that you go to a place so far inside yourself that you may not enjoy what you find.

Take a look at our culture... We have so many smaller good things in our lives (cell phones, tv, computers etc...) that we can forget that one main good thing like discovering who we are (I identify this as being a child of God, but if you don't believe in that- it still is a main good in our lives)

I recently saw a good explanation for this with a man at the beach picking up broken shells off the sand: they saw a giant starfish in the water and his soon ran back and forth trying an he began to get frustrated... He saw that both were good, but he was unable to grab hold of the starfish (that main good) because his hands were full with all these little shells (cell phones, technology, etc...)

The camino is filled with many good things! But we can try to take in everything... Even if that means taking a bus past the Meseta... I try telling everyone they should go on the Meseta because it is an opportunity to let go of all those good things that you don't really need and allow you to focus and to fully grasp that main one main good in life. At least it allowed me to do so in my life!

Buen camino!
Zac

 

[Mark Lee]

I thought the flat sections like the Meseta were nice. A pleasant change of pace for my aging knees, which were getting sore from uphill, and especially downhill sections of the Camino. I don't know why anybody would find it imposing or be scared of it. Just throw an extra bottle of water in your pack and slap on some sunscreen.

 

[Thornley]

Start early, finish early or on a full moon walk in the evening /night ........no need for sun screen Mark.
Early part of camino................. physical
Middle part .............................. mental
Last part................................... spiritual

Summer time of 14 ..............Norte mate after Castro Urdales as San Sebastian etc too full.
Buen Camino for this year,
David

 

[Ice]

Since I was born and raised in western Nebraska, I'm looking forward to the Meseta. It will probably feel a bit like home.

 

[Lotta]

I'm a "little" bit worried (actually - a lot) about the 17km of walk, with out any "stop". The heat in the beginning/middle of july... Is it easy to walk in the really early hours, even night?! Or, are there at least some tree's? Any recommendations to handle that part of meseta? Over all, I'm looking forward to this 2nd part of the camino.

I hav to add:
Ooops! Now - I saw some tips! I wrote before I had ended the reading! Sorry!

 

[RobertS26]

I'm a "little" bit worried (actually - a lot) about the 17km of walk, with out any "stop". The heat in the beginning/middle of july... Is it easy to walk in the really early hours, even night?! Or, are there at least some tree's? Any recommendations to handle that part of meseta? Over all, I'm looking forward to this 2nd part of the camino.

Don't be worried. First, it's virtually flat the entire way. Second, the path is in great shape on that stretch. Third, there is a relatively nice picnic area at about the halfway mark. And remember, 17 kilometers is only a little over 10 miles. Pack a picnic lunch, walk an hour and a half. Have lunch. Walk another hour and a half. Easy, peezy.

 

[weekjchammings]

I'm a "little" bit worried (actually - a lot) about the 17km of walk, with out any "stop". The heat in the beginning/middle of july... Is it easy to walk in the really early hours, even night?! Or, are there at least some tree's? Any recommendations to handle that part of meseta? Over all, I'm looking forward to this 2nd part of the camino.

I hav to add:
Ooops! Now - I saw some tips! I wrote before I had ended the reading! Sorry!

Hi Lotta,

It is all in the mind.............................................................
Walk an hour = 4km min then rest.......Walk another hour = 4km min then rest.....Walk another hour = 4km min then rest.....Walk another 5km you are there.
It's mind over matter, don't think about it and it will not matter. 4 - 5 km per hour is not a a problem for you.

Buen Camino and Ultreia.................Keith.

 

[mspath]

Do carry ENOUGH water, especially in summer on that long stretch between Carrion de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza. In Calzadilla there is an albergue plus a hostal/bar/restaurant for refills.

MM

 

[weekjchammings]

I'm a "little" bit worried (actually - a lot) about the 17km of walk, with out any "stop". The heat in the beginning/middle of july... Is it easy to walk in the really early hours, even night?! Or, are there at least some tree's? Any recommendations to handle that part of meseta? Over all, I'm looking forward to this 2nd part of the camino.

I hav to add:
Ooops! Now - I saw some tips! I wrote before I had ended the reading! Sorry!

Hi Lotta.
Yes it may not always seem obvious or maybe we forget to top up our bottles in the morning but without it you will be like a car without petrol. I took this photo last year to demonstrate the effects of dehydration on the wild life.

 

[Houlet]

IMHO every type of landscape has its own particular type of beauty.

The same place is different even from season to season and can change hourly with the weather.

 

[Thornley]

I'm a "little" bit worried (actually - a lot) about the 17km of walk, with out any "stop". The heat in the beginning/middle of july... Is it easy to walk in the really early hours, even night?! Or, are there at least some tree's? Any recommendations to handle that part of meseta? Over all, I'm looking forward to this 2nd part of the camino.

I hav to add:
Ooops! Now - I saw some tips! I wrote before I had ended the reading! Sorry!

Do as Keith says Lotta a little at a time,
Do as Margaret says and take an extra 500ml water
Do start early , its beautiful and most albergues in the meseta are empty by 7am.

By the time you reach Burgos you will be surprised by your fitness so the flatness of the meseta will make 20km a breeze.

Just remember at the start Lotta ,
Start like an old man and you will finish like a young one.
You will see the reverse of this on your camino , believe me.

 

[alexwalker]

This is exciting! I'm so happy to have found this particular post. I will be doing my very first camino, solo, starting April 27th, ending June 6th. I'm feeling overwhelmed with emotions!

Tina, like t2andreo (Tom), I will start out from SJPdp the 27th and staying at Orrison the first night (won't challenge my old bones the very first day). Will most likely bump into you.

About cash: I normally take out 300 Euros/weeek from any ATM: It normally carrries me through a weeek or so. But when I get below 100, I start looking for the next one. And I do not care too much about daily budget: I buy what I want/need.

My backpack:

 

[alexwalker]

The Meseta is a good place. Walk it. It will certainly give you time for reflections and thinking.

Pictures from a small hilltop on the Meseta: The road I had walked in the morning one day after Castrojeritz:



The road still ahead of me the same day:



Do not let that scare you: You will most likely stroll peacefully along with newfound friends, chatting and having one of those times of your life.

 

[Kanga]

Hi Lotta.
Yes it may not always seem obvious or maybe we forget to top up our bottles in the morning but without it you will be like a car without petrol. I took this photo last year to demonstrate the effects of dehydration on the wild life.

View attachment 9192

Very droll. And rather spooky!

 

[weekjchammings]

Very droll. And rather spooky!

If you have ever suffered personally from dehydration then you would soon change your views. It is rarely droll not at all spooky and can be fatal. I know I can please some of the people some of the time but it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time. So please keep your hydration levels up.

 

[Kanga]

If you have ever suffered personally from dehydration then you would soon change your views. It is rarely droll not at all spooky and can be fatal. I know I can please some of the people some of the time but it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time. So please keep your hydration levels up.

No, no, not your comment - I was referring to the accompanying photo! Which appears to be a stuffed doll on top of a km post.

 

[weekjchammings]

No, no, not your comment - I was referring to the accompanying photo! Which appears to be a stuffed doll on top of a km post.

No, no, not your comment - I was referring to the accompanying photo! Which appears to be a stuffed doll on top of a km post.

Kanga,
It is not just a " stuffed doll " it is the almost infamous Pink Panther as peregrina200, Oz Annie and KiwiNomad have spotted. But I do grant you he or she is on top of a km post. Therefore proving that no matter who you are you can get dehydrated if you walk without sufficient water.

 

[weekjchammings]

The Meseta is a good place. Walk it. It will certainly give you time for reflections and thinking.

Pictures from a small hilltop on the Meseta: The road I had walked in the morning one day after Castrojeritz:

View attachment 9196

The road still ahead of me the same day:

View attachment 9197

Do not let that scare you: You will most likely stroll peacefully along with newfound friends, chatting and having one of those times of your life.

Hi Alex,
Here's a few more pics..............including one person who would dearly love to see the Meseta one more time, R.I.P.

 

[alexwalker]

Hi Alex, Here's a few more pics..............

Nice. Re. pic.no. 2: I was bypassed by a maxi taxi while walking down. When I arrived to the albergue, all 6 passngers in the taxi had gotten nice, lower bunks... I saw it stopped on the outskirts, letting them walk into tha pueblo... Life.

 

[Kanga]

Hi Alex,
Here's a few more pics..............including one person who would dearly love to see the Meseta one more time, R.I.P.

Stunning pics.

 

[Kanga]

Nice. Re. pic.no. 2: I was bypassed by a maxi taxi while walking down. When I arrived to the albergue, all 6 passngers in the taxi had gotten nice, lower bunks... I saw it stopped on the outskirts, letting them walk into tha pueblo... Life.

So did you ask them (loudly) how much the taxi cost? Out of genuine interest, of course. Or just thank them for taking the beds closest to the floor - where the bed bugs hang out?

The saintly life is so hard (sighs to self).

 

[Rebekah Scott]

now, now. Those pilgrims might be undertaking cancer treatments, or fighting demons unseen that require taxi transport. Or they may be spoiled tourigrino cheaters -- which is itself a sad handicap on the camino. They can afford a cab, but still want to sleep in a saggy bunk in a dormitory full of smelly hikers! Something is WRONG with the poor people!

 

[alexwalker]

now, now. Those pilgrims might be undertaking cancer treatments, or fighting demons unseen that require taxi transport. Or they may be spoiled tourigrino cheaters -- which is itself a sad handicap on the camino. They can afford a cab, but still want to sleep in a saggy bunk in a dormitory full of smelly hikers! Something is WRONG with the poor people!

We better not judge, indeed: I am happy to be able to walk by my own means. If they didn't need the transport, maybe they will learn. If not, just stay away

I got my bed and didn't give it another thought. Their loss, my gain. And if they really needed the ride in order to do the Camino, so be it.

It is sort of like when my walking stick was stolen, the last night before Santiago: I soo wanted to bring my faithful stick back home and place it on the wall over the Compostela, but alas: In the morning of that very last day it was gone, and was replaced by a broken one in the reception. At first, I was really mad, but had to take in the mantra: He/she needed it more than me. But I must admit I missed it: It had become such a companion on the walk...

 

[Mark Lee]

Nice. Re. pic.no. 2: I was bypassed by a maxi taxi while walking down. When I arrived to the albergue, all 6 passngers in the taxi had gotten nice, lower bunks... I saw it stopped on the outskirts, letting them walk into tha pueblo... Life.

Yes, I saw a similar thing somewhere during the last 100 km to Santiago.

A taxi stopped about 200 meters from the town, and a very attractive (and fit) looking young lady exited it. The driver retrieved her backpack for her out of the trunk and she put it on, sort of looked around to see if anybody was watching and walked into town and into one of the albergues. She had on all the typical trappings of a peregrino. The clothes, boots, a shell hanging off the backpack, etc.

I laughed a little to myself, and in some ways feel kind of bad for somebody that does things like that. I guess she wants so bad to have a credential full of stamps, and show her friends and family that she is a "peregrino". She wants it bad, but does not want to work a little for it. She may even have framed the credentials and displays it proudly, but it's kind of a lie in a lot of ways and kind of sad.

I'm all for going on a cheap vacation, and staying in the albergues is a cheap way to travel Spain, but surely there are other ways.

 

[alexwalker]

I laughed a little to myself, and in some ways feel kind of bad for somebody that does things like that.

I'll second every one of your words. I don't feel bad about it, I just feel pity, hope they learn, and come back in a more real manner. But it is entirely up to themselves.

I should also mention: I have reflected upon the possibility of not finding a bed some afternoon. So what? I will ask in bar/restaurant(s) for a cama, and if not found, I shall roll out my sleeping bag on a church step or on a bench in a park, or on the ground, and sleep happily, for free. I am not afraid at all. But I am pretty sure some locals will bless me with a bed, from unexpected angles. Life is an adventure.

Ahh: Did you notice in my sig. line? I now have a BLOG!

 

[longwalker]

[quote ..Every picture of the meseta looks like my home on the high plains, wheat country of far western Nebraska, and others have said the same when they have seen pictures. Classically beautiful? Depends on your viewpoint .[/quote]

For a boy who grew up in eastern Washington, the mesata sure felt like home to me.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

My feeling is this, if they can't walk and need a taxi, so be it...it is their Camino. If they can, they only ones they are really cheating are themselves. They have this wonderful opportunity, and they are more focused on getting a bed than enjoying the experience.

Kris

 

[Adhemar78]

Newbies, I would ask you to consider not to let anyone ever describe the Meseta as "boring" or try to convince you the Meseta is "boring". Consider looking at the Meseta as a season in life.

I think others will say it way better than I ever can BUT I would just cringe when I heard others on trail say things like, "I hear the boring part starts tomorrow", "I'm taking a bus thru the boring part" etc... to say this implies that your camino experience has nothing to do do with other pilgrims or even meals missed along the way.
I had some of the best conversations with myself on the Meseta, most of my best walking was done there, and I looked at it as a great time to think things through.

I'll never forget a late start out of Burgos having chosen to sit behind in the city square with coffee and pastry and watch the street sweepers, and the hustle and bustle of the city in the morning. I felt the need to keep walking, passing San Bol that I had in my notes as a place I really wanted to stay. I kept walking , something told me to do it...and all of a sudden out of nowhere a steeple appears to be coming out of nowhere in the sands before me...each step revealing it more and more...till you walk into Hontanas. This was socially one of the best nights of my Camino.

I've been giving the Meseta a lot of thought lately and really wanted to just put the thought in newbies ears to not let anyone on trail influence you to think it is "boring".

I will definitely be walking through the Meseta. I have attended two Camino workshops here in Sydney held by people who have walked the Camino Frances - one walked all the way through the Meseta, and the other chose to take a bus through the Meseta. The one who walked through the Meseta insisted that we should do the same, and that it was an essential part of the Camino. That's good enough for me.

 

[Bernard duffy]

Ah i am in trouble,i don't really have anything to think about on the Meseta,mmmm well maybe a cold beer at the end of it ))