Who has been on the Camino for more than 12 months? How was it?

[Bschilling]

Hello pilgrims,
Íve been on the Camino 6 times in the last 6 years, each time approximately 4 weeks.
I do dream of going for a whole year but ím kind of afraid of the winter.
Who has did a pilgrim all year around and what was your experience like?

Ben

 

[believer22]

I agree, the winter is an issue for me too. I too am wondering if anyone has done a full year.

 

[grayland]

Many (most) of us here would not be able to be there for more than 90 days in a 180 day period.

Then again....which camino are you referring to? There are many routes in Spain and France (and other European countries) that link and end up in Santiago.
Plus...the long route from Canterbury to Rome.

...and there are several members that actually live on the camino.

 

[domigee]

Even walking from London to Jerusalem only took six months... I guess you could walk back, too!

 

[grayland]

@domigee...I am impressed by the walk to Jerusalem. However, not enough to try it.

 

[domigee]

@domigee...I am impressed by the walk to Jerusalem. However, not enough to try it.

However tempting it still is, I wouldn't try it again either.

 

[nycwalking]

Alvaro Lazaga Busto is currently walking his 55TH camino. His videos are on YT.

He seems to walk almost continuously along the way. He takes off a month here, a few weeks there, then back on camino along different routes.

In 2014, I meet a Frenchman who lived on camino. He walked back and forth only on CF. How he managed the feat, I know not.

That same year I met an American who lived on the camino as both a pilgrim and a hospitalero.

He did not have a legal right to be in Spain. He said he stayed under the radar by walking then volunteering at many albergues on the way.

 

[JabbaPapa]

My last Camino was 373 days total, though that was in four stages -- my fourth and final stage was about 8½ months though.

I am very slow now, which is the only reason why it took so long, though my route was exceptionally lengthy (~5,000 K) and included Santiago > SJPP > Lourdes (I had wanted to walk home, but I reached SJPP on the 1st January last year, and the winter conditions prevented me going further than Lourdes ; if I had reached SJPP a month earlier, it would have been fine and I'd have walked another ~800K to home).

Someone healthy should do about 25-30 K/day average on any very long Camino (most people would quite naturally start to get faster), and 365 * 25 = over 9,000 K ; even just 365 * 20 is over 7,000 K, and that's significantly longer than Jerusalem to Santiago. Personally, at my old very fast speeds, a year's walking would have been about 13,000 to 15,000 K, and honestly about 10,000K would be a reasonable expectation for a full year's hiking ...

So really, the only way for a normal, healthy pilgrim to manage 10,000 K on a single Camino one way to Santiago / Fisterra would be do something like start from home somewhere in North America or wherever, preferably the midwest or further West, walk to a port on the East Coast, get passage to European port very distant from Santiago, then walk on from there. Unless you're walking from home in Asia or something.

In practice (withstanding exceptions like my own), the only pilgrims (and others) who are on the Camino Ways for such lengthy periods of time either living on the Camino full time or, more rarely, are walking Camino after Camino after Camino for non-hobo reasons, though the few that I've met in the latter case most often spend about 6 to 9 months doing that, then winter at home. You do come across the occasional semi-pilgrim oddball, such as one fellow I met on my first day out from home in January 2019 who was walking to Nepal from IIRC Valencia via Santiago and Rome.

The Camino in Winter is OK on major routes like the Francès or the Le Puy routes, and should be OK on the Portuguese, in other cases it would be better in Winter to be in places like Mediterranean France or southern Spain or Portugal and so on.

On the more inland routes that aren't the Francès or the Le Puy, as well as those in Mediterranean France or southern Spain or Portugal, there is very little pilgrim accommodation in Winter (unless you're wealthy enough), and if you need to sleep out and whatever (which will occasionally be necessary, finances regardless), best be where the Winters are warmer.

---

Honestly, unless you have some meaning and purpose for it, or like me some disability slowing you down, there are not many good reasons for spending a year on the Camino. Some pilgrims do take about a year to walk Santiago > Jerusalem or the other way, but in those cases they typically take not rest days, but rest months.

I guess you could do something like a Rome > Cádiz > Faro > Lisbon > Fátima > Santiago > SJPP/Somport > Lourdes > Rome which could take a healthy walker about 9 to 12 months ? Or something like Canterbury > Rome > etc. or another similarly circuitous route ?

I guess that a route comprising every major Christian foot pilgrim sanctuary destination in Western Europe -- so Walsingham, Canterbury, Chartres, Paris, Vézelay, Le Puy, "Arles" (i.e. actually Saint-Gilles), Rome, Lourdes, Manresa, Montserrat, Fátima, Santiago -- plus a Mediteranean route such as Rome > Cádiz for wintering purposes might add up to a year ?

But it really has to be something with both purpose and meaning beyond just "spend a year on the Camino", less it turn into an aimless wandering.

 

[Tincatinker]

I’ve been on Camino since 1969. I’ve just taken the odd break now and again. Winter? Winter is a good time for the southern routes. Agadir to Oujda via Ouarzazate works well.

I may have misunderstood your question. Spending a year in Spain, assuming you have rights under Schengen or the appropriate visa is easy. Spending a year on Camino is going to require some serious planning

 

[Robo]

It probably has a lot to do with health and fitness too.
My last Camino was 60 days and my body was needing a rest by then.
I've often thought about much longer Caminos but I suspect in reality I would need R&R time along the way. Or walk much shorter days......
To have walked more last time, I would have needed a 7-10 day rest I think.

But it's still a retirement plan at the back of my mind..........6 months would be nice.
I would probably stick to Spain and tick off the various routes.

 

[Kiwi-family]

However tempting it still is, I wouldn't try it again either.

Is that because of the political situation now?

 

[nilesite]

I just finished a fantastic winter walk on the Camino Inglés. It’s not scary at all. You just need to know what’s open before you get there.

 

[J Willhaus]

You could of course buy an albergue and keep it open year round. I admire those who are up to that challenge and of course there are people I have met who do "live" on the Camino. A retired German woman with an income of only 300 euros per month was doing this in 2018 when we served at Grañón in the winter. She had good gear for camping and often stopped at donativos where she could get a meal as well as a bed. In 2018 you could probably do this for 10 euros per day if you were careful with some 5 euro per night albergues being common.

 

[AnaRosario]

Alvaro Lazaga Busto is currently walking his 55TH camino. His videos are on YT.

He seems to walk almost continuously along the way. He takes off a month here, a few weeks there, then back on camino along different routes.

In 2014, I meet a Frenchman who lived on camino. He walked back and forth only on CF. How he managed the feat, I know not.

That same year I met an American who lived on the camino as both a pilgrim and a hospitalero.

He did not have a legal right to be in Spain. He said he stayed under the radar by walking then volunteering at many albergues on the way.

I would love to volunteer but do not speak a lick of Spanish, only english

 

[Kiwi-family]

In 2018 you could probably do this for 10 euros per day if you were careful with some 5 euro per night albergues being common.

You couldn't do it for that now, could you? 300 euros might cover your food, but wouldn't cover accommodation any more, would it?

 

[J Willhaus]

You couldn't do it for that now, could you? 300 euros might cover your food, but wouldn't cover accommodation any more, would it?

Might if you stayed only at donativos and wild camped, but otherwise, probably not.

 

[grayland]

You couldn't do it for that now, could you? 300 euros might cover your food, but wouldn't cover accommodation any more, would it?

…nor luggage transfer

 

[Walkalong]

On a dark and rainy night in February, at an albergue in Portugal, I met a woman who had been on Camino for 9-10 months. At the rate she was walking would likely take a couple of months to walk to her home in France. We only met due to heavy rain having driven her indoors as tent was impractical.

After working around the world with her partner for a couple of years, they had decided to settle down to raise a family. But before doing so would complete a Lourdes. On route to Lourdes they decided to continue their pilgrimage to Santiago. In Santiago she decided to continue to Fatima while her partner returned home to prepare for the wedding. In Fatma she decided to walk to Lisbon. In Lisbon .....

In Lisbon, or the Algarve, she decided to walk home. When I met her she was pleased with the experience and had glowing commentary about the Spanish and Portuguese women and men who had been so kind and helpful to her.

She was satisfied that her pilgrimage had been worth the effort. Her partner had accepted a job and prepared for the wedding, but had not waited for her before proceeding.

 

[domigee]

Is that because of the political situation now?

Yes.
Not because what is happening in Israel now (let's face it, it has always been 'dangerous' in Israel) but what has been going on in the neighbouring countries for a few years.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Yes.
Not because what is happening in Israel now (let's face it, it has always been 'dangerous' in Israel) but what has been going on in the neighbouring countries for a few years.

Yes, that’s what I was thinking - southern Turkey and Syria have been challenging to walk through for some years now. Of course, Israel itself is more volatile than usual at this moment too.

 

[TravellingMan22]

It probably has a lot to do with health and fitness too.
My last Camino was 60 days and my body was needing a rest by then.
I've often thought about much longer Caminos but I suspect in reality I would need R&R time along the way. Or walk much shorter days......
To have walked more last time, I would have needed a 7-10 day rest I think.

But it's still a retirement plan at the back of my mind..........6 months would be nice.
I would probably stick to Spain and tick off the various routes.

I have had similar thoughts about dedicating a European summer to maybe walking for 6 consecutive months with the caminos very much top of the list.

Whilst something like the PCT sounds fantastic, it would be tricky for me (European citizen and passport holder) due to various phobias (snakes, bears, heights (not sure if relevant on PCT)), length of stay, insurance costs and so on. I have poor upper body strength too and there would be lots of carry I assume). And a fair bit of preplanning which I don’t like! Plus I am rubbish at ‘outdoors stuff’ and cannot even put a tent up though I would learn if I did a 6 months Camino in Europe.

The infrastructure, costs, weather, and relatively simplicity all make camino walking super attractive and make it something I may do possibly April to September 2025.

I do chop and change my mind all the time though and the fact that I wouldn’t have to do any planning would mean I could change plan at any moment (both a good thing and a bad thing)!

I have done the Frances, Norte and Portuguese (from Porto), so wouldn’t prioritise those, VDLP would be top priority, and then work the others around that. I need to acquire more knowledge about the various walks and routes.

Walking from UK to Spain (obv with ferry across water) to start sounds attractive too!

 

[Robo]

I have had similar thoughts about dedicating a European summer to maybe walking for 6 consecutive months with the caminos very much top of the list.

You got me doing some 'rough' back of the envelope numbers

6 months = 180 days roughly.
Minus
rest day 1 in 10 = 162.
maybe three longer breaks of 7 days = 141 walking days.
at my 'easy' average daily distance of 22 kms = 3,100 kms.

I think I would focus on the Spanish Caminos to the South and East.
So in no specific order.

VdlP via Sanabres 1,000 = 2100 remaining
Mozarabe 390 = 1710
Levante 900 = 810
Madrid 320 = 490
Lana 672 = -182

Might need a bit more than 6 months

 

[TravellingMan22]

You got me doing some 'rough' back of the envelope numbers

6 months = 180 days roughly.
Minus
rest day 1 in 10 = 162.
maybe three longer breaks of 7 days = 141 walking days.
at my 'easy' average daily distance of 22 kms = 3,100 kms.

I think I would focus on the Spanish Caminos to the South and East.
So in no specific order.

VdlP via Sanabres 1,000 = 2100 remaining
Mozarabe 390 = 1710
Levante 900 = 810
Madrid 320 = 490
Lana 672 = -182

Might need a bit more than 6 months

Ah good work. Your knowledge is far greater than mine so I need to look though all the different options. Outside what I consider the ‘hero’s’, the Frances, Norte, Portuguese, and VDLP my knowledge is extremely low.

I would probably just work to a time limit of say 6 months, and start with a priority list and see how far I could get. I probably wouldn’t plan any rest days ( I tend to do just as much walking on rest days!) but take them and as when required and would maybe take a week break at the end of the Camino.

I am a very slow walker but can cover long distances if I put a ‘full day’ in.

I have pencilled in April 2025 to Sept 2025 as the first opportunity. Long time between now and then but let’s see.

 

[Robo]

Ah good work. Your knowledge is far greater than mine so I need to look though all the different options. Outside what I consider the ‘hero’s’, the Frances, Norte, Portuguese, and VDLP my knowledge is extremely low.

I would probably just work to a time limit of say 6 months, and start with a priority list and see how far I could get. I probably wouldn’t plan any rest days ( I tend to do just as much walking on rest days!) but take them and as when required and would maybe take a week break at the end of the Camino.

I am a very slow walker but can cover long distances if I put a ‘full day’ in.

I have pencilled in April 2025 to Sept 2025 as the first opportunity. Long time between now and then but let’s see.

I tend to plan to 'have' rest days in the overall plan, but not when and where they will be......
Probbaly to many allowed in this case.
Only added some to work out number of walking days and hence overall distance I could cover in 6 months.
Planning is always fun

 

[JabbaPapa]

It probably has a lot to do with health and fitness too.
My last Camino was 60 days and my body was needing a rest by then.
I've often thought about much longer Caminos but I suspect in reality I would need R&R time along the way. Or walk much shorter days......
To have walked more last time, I would have needed a 7-10 day rest I think.

But it's still a retirement plan at the back of my mind..........6 months would be nice.
I would probably stick to Spain and tick off the various routes.

What I've found over the years is that there seems to be a 2½ to 3 months "barrier" that's hard to break through, physically certainly, but psychologically even more so.

When I finally overcame it on the 4th and final stage of my last Camino, it was fairly rough psychologically for a couple of weeks or so, but then my head finally adapted into this new situation of being away from home for so long, and so I adjusted to it as a "new normal".

As to the physical element, your body really does just adjust, so that walk - eat - sleep - repeat just turns into a standard living routine you don't have to worry about, nor even fatigue really except for the necessary rest days, so that you're left to just occupy your mind with itinerary choices, organisational stuff, whatever you might be reading, sightseeing, churches, and so on and so forth, to the extent that you really just import more types and manners of activities you might engage in at home into the Camino rather than your Camino time being special and different to your normal habits, as tends to be the case on shorter Caminos. It's more like living a part of your life on the Camino rather than being something apart from or separate from your normal life.

On Camino, I've never had to rest more than 2 nights in any one place BTW. Your body really does recover more quickly than one might expect, even after several months of continuous effort.

You got me doing some 'rough' back of the envelope numbers

6 months = 180 days roughly.
Minus
rest day 1 in 10 = 162.
maybe three longer breaks of 7 days = 141 walking days.
at my 'easy' average daily distance of 22 kms = 3,100 kms.

That's a good start, but truth is if you're healthy enough, and you seem to be, your K/day might increase over time and you may need fewer rest days after the second month onwards.

You might IMO be physically capable of 3,500 to 4,000 K ... though psychologically is a different matter.

As to planning in advance, it doesn't really work on these very lengthy ones, because you need to be far more adaptable than usual.

 

[TravellingMan22]

What I've found over the years is that there seems to be a 2½ to 3 months "barrier" that's hard to break through, physically certainly, but psychologically even more so.

When I finally overcame it on the 4th and final stage of my last Camino, it was fairly rough psychologically for a couple of weeks or so, but then my head finally adapted into this new situation of being away from home for so long, and so I adjusted to it as a "new normal".

As to the physical element, your body really does just adjust, so that walk - eat - sleep - repeat just turns into a standard living routine you don't have to worry about, nor even fatigue really except for the necessary rest days, so that you're left to just occupy your mind with itinerary choices, organisational stuff, whatever you might be reading, sightseeing, churches, and so on and so forth, to the extent that you really just import more types and manners of activities you might engage in at home into the Camino rather than your Camino time being special and different to your normal habits, as tends to be the case on shorter Caminos. It's more like living a part of your life on the Camino rather than being something apart from or separate from your normal life.

On Camino, I've never had to rest more than 2 nights in any one place BTW. Your body really does recover more quickly than one might expect, even after several months of continuous effort.


That's a good start, but truth is if you're healthy enough, and you seem to be, your K/day might increase over time and you may need fewer rest days after the second month onwards.

You might IMO be physically capable of 3,500 to 4,000 K ... though psychologically is a different matter.

As to planning in advance, it doesn't really work on these very lengthy ones, because you need to be far more adaptable than usual.

Thank you!! That’s really insightful! I have been wondering what it is like psychologically when walking the Camino becomes the ‘norm’, the everyday experience, as compared to a ‘off the plane, walk, back on the plane’ and then back to ‘normal life’ scenario.

I don’t know how that will be for me. I guess I will start out with the intention of 6 months and then if that becomes too much/boring/mundane I will do something else!

 

[Kiwi-family]

The longest I have done is 1 May to 3 July, and I must say I was not ready to go home....although, that said, some of the days near the end felt longer than usual, even though they were shorter. It's almost like our bodies knew we were coming to the end.

 

[William Garza]

I’ve been on Camino since 1969. I’ve just taken the odd break now and again. Winter? Winter is a good time for the southern routes. Agadir to Oujda via Ouarzazate works well.

I may have misunderstood your question. Spending a year in Spain, assuming you have rights under Schengen or the appropriate visa is easy. Spending a year on Camino is going to require some serious planning

1969, thats breathtaking! What an adventure..what adventures you must have had!

 

[jungleboy]

She was satisfied that her pilgrimage had been worth the effort. Her partner had accepted a job and prepared for the wedding, but had not waited for her before proceeding.

That must have been weird for him to attend his own wedding without the bride!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That must have been weird for him to attend his own wedding without the bride!

That had confused me, too. It had me wondering if he married someone else.

 

[Walkalong]

That had confused me, too. It had me wondering if he married someone else.

When I told the story to half a dozen young ladies, sitting around the patio of an albergue in Baiona, the youngest girls thought it a sad story, but their new friends explained that it was a good outcome in that she had kept walking until her apprehension had been resolved.

After 9+ months, she was heading home while she 'still had my sanity', and her freedom. He had headed home after Santiago and found someone else. A good outcome for all.

In a very brief time, while offering to help me with a serious foot infection, she provided great insight into her journey and the wonderful people she had met in both Spain and Portugal. Had it not rained so heavily we would never have met as she rarely stayed in albergues.

She spoke most glowingly of the many Portuguese women who so kindly offered her food, a bed, and odd jobs to help her along her way.

Our paths never crossed again.

 

[Gobsmacked by the World]

However tempting it still is, I wouldn't try it again either.

I’ve been dreaming of doing this as well…it “sounds” awesome, then you could celebrate by getting at tattoo at the famous Razzouks Tattoo parlour, in business since 1300.

 

[Luka]

The longest I have done is 1 May to 3 July, and I must say I was not ready to go home....although, that said, some of the days near the end felt longer than usual, even though they were shorter. It's almost like our bodies knew we were coming to the end.

Similar here. My longest Camino was 3rd of May till 20th of July. I loved it, but after arriving in Santiago I didn't want to walk on to Finsterre anymore (which was the original plan). Somehow I felt like I had reached my destination and I also was all of a sudden fed up with albergue life.

 

[Tincatinker]

1969, thats breathtaking! What an adventure..what adventures you must have had!

William, I’ve always assumed that all of life is an adventure. Meandering the backroads of Spain or Morocco. Hacking it from Barcelona to Dieppe and hoping for a lift in a lorry across the channel (those were the days eh?) Service; Career; marriage; children. Exploring the arse end of nowhere whenever the opportunity arose. Discovering that the world was full of bitter and twisted people just like me and that we all had our reasonable explanations. And slowly getting to understand, with the help of the Beloved and the loved that all will be well.

And so to Camino. That strangest adventure of them all. No need for weapons drill, no night navigation, no slimy politician telling me it was an excellent audit that had come to the wrong conclusion, no audit committee asking if I had sufficient budget ( a laughable question)…Just an imperfectly random bunch of people meandering a random set of paths to a place that has, for each, some significance or none.

Sorry, bit of a meander there. Yes. I’ve had some great adventures

 

[William Garza]

William, I’ve always assumed that all of life is an adventure. Meandering the backroads of Spain or Morocco. Hacking it from Barcelona to Dieppe and hoping for a lift in a lorry across the channel (those were the days eh?) Service; Career; marriage; children. Exploring the arse end of nowhere whenever the opportunity arose. Discovering that the world was full of bitter and twisted people just like me and that we all had our reasonable explanations. And slowly getting to understand, with the help of the Beloved and the loved that all will be well.

And so to Camino. That strangest adventure of them all. No need for weapons drill, no night navigation, no slimy politician telling me it was an excellent audit that had come to the wrong conclusion, no audit committee asking if I had sufficient budget ( a laughable question)…Just an imperfectly random bunch of people meandering a random set of paths to a place that has, for each, some significance or none.

Sorry, bit of a meander there. Yes. I’ve had some great adventures

What a beautiful life
Of all the lives lived,all the stories made,among all the stories traveled along side each other on the Way!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I have had similar thoughts about dedicating a European summer to maybe walking for 6 consecutive months with the caminos very much top of the list.

There's a recently created walk in Romania that may take up two months. It has been reported that starting in April time spent there will count against the 90 day Schengen limit. There are bear and wolf warnings for the Transilvanica.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-via-transilvanica-a-walk-through-rural-romania.77379/

 

[Ryan Alexander]

Hello pilgrims,
Íve been on the Camino 6 times in the last 6 years, each time approximately 4 weeks.
I do dream of going for a whole year but ím kind of afraid of the winter.
Who has did a pilgrim all year around and what was your experience like?

Ben

Not me but I'd never thought of this, could be a new travel ambition Like a wayfaring stranger, wandering roaming pilgrim, not sure if the Spanish authorities would appreciate that though or allow it, I think you have to leave the area after a certain amount of months, and then re enter, got to double check that though

 

[Bschilling]

Many (most) of us here would not be able to be there for more than 90 days in a 180 day period.

Then again....which camino are you referring to? There are many routes in Spain and France (and other European countries) that link and end up in Santiago.
Plus...the long route from Canterbury to Rome.

...and there are several members that actually live on the cami

Not me but I'd never thought of this, could be a new travel ambition Like a wayfaring stranger, wandering roaming pilgrim, not sure if the Spanish authorities would appreciate that though or allow it, I think you have to leave the area after a certain amount of months, and then re enter, got to double check that though

Well I'm from Germany, so I don't have any restrictions as of that. It doesn't necessarily have to be the Camino, but generally doing a pilgrimage in the winter seems very difficult. That's why I'm interested in others experiences.

 

[Bschilling]

I'm referring to all caminos in Spain. 1 year would be way too much for just the Frances or Via de Plata. So wandering around Spain doing all sorts of caminos would be amazing. Well I'm gonna start In march that's for sure and let's see what happens. Thx for the reply

 

[Bschilling]

Similar here. My longest Camino was 3rd of May till 20th of July. I loved it, but after arriving in Santiago I didn't want to walk on to Finsterre anymore (which was the original plan). Somehow I felt like I had reached my destination and I also was all of a sudden fed up with albergue life.

I can imagine getting tired of albergue life too. Even after a few weeks I'm sometimes tired of it and getting a hotel room isn't all the time isn't in the budget.
I do have a car and a trailer which I could drive down to Spain with, that would be a way of getting good rest sometimes and having my home with me.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Planning is always fun

Is that another way of saying "dreaming"

which is the category I am in at present

 

[Blister Bill]

Even walking from London to Jerusalem only took six months... I guess you could walk back, too!

What route only took 6 months ?

 

[CWBuff]

I do have a car and a trailer which I could drive down to Spain with, that would be a way of getting good rest sometimes and having my home with me.

Suuure... rub it in why don't you?!?!?!


as to the original question.... some of my musings...
so just on a thought would say return trip also constitute "a Camino"? Like the Pilgrim of Ye Olde Times?
perhaps start in, say Paris do Le Puy-en-Velay to SJPdP switch to del Norte get to SdC continue on to Finisterre\Muxia
Aim to finish that by say mid-November and now go do Portuguese and somehow make you way back East on a southern coast of Mediterranean.... through winter months....
Would that be possible?
(obviously starting date\time pivots on previously indicated mid-November arrival to SdC)

 

[domigee]

What route only took 6 months ?

From Uk (London) to France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel…

 

[Walkerooni]

I’ve been dreaming of doing this as well…it “sounds” awesome, then you could celebrate by getting at tattoo at the famous Razzouks Tattoo parlour, in business since 1300.

You better hope that tattoo doesn't get infected, since as a Canadian, surely you know that being out of Canada for over 6 months disqualifies you from access to Canadian health care ? Came across a European man in 2023 who claimed to have been on Camino for over 2 years. Strange stories of COVID, dead wife, lost job. All sympathy was lost by all who encountered him when he felt those things justified theft, begging, and exposing himself. Perhaps 2 solid years on the Camino drove him to this madness?

 

[JabbaPapa]

You better hope that tattoo doesn't get infected, since as a Canadian, surely you know that being out of Canada for over 6 months disqualifies you from access to Canadian health care ? Came across a European man in 2023 who claimed to have been on Camino for over 2 years. Strange stories of COVID, dead wife, lost job. All sympathy was lost by all who encountered him when he felt those things justified theft, begging, and exposing himself. Perhaps 2 solid years on the Camino drove him to this madness?

This is a difficult matter.

There are some people who try and "live" on the Camino, but unless you choose to become an outright tramp, it's often a non-starter.

Having said that, there are some semi-tramps along the Way who are mostly pilgrims, even if they are sleeping rough.

Plus some outright tramps who aren't.

OTOH there are some who can spend 1 or 2 years getting about on various Caminos nonstop, except that they are happy with some retirement plan.

Then there are some lunatics like myself, but then we lack dead wives or a desire to expose ourselves -- and most importantly, there's an end point to it all.

IMO the Camino is a means to an end, and sadly some people choose to make it the end in itself, and can get lost in its pathways.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

Agadir to Oujda via Ouarzazate works well.

Morocco? I'm looking for southern routes for this winter. Can you help me with any information about this? A quick Google search didn't yield any specifics...?

Although maybe it isn't an organized trail, just a long walk?

 

[JabbaPapa]

Otherwise, I think that people are confusing Time with Space.

I see no particular virtue in spending X number of days on the Camino for the purpose of X, but rather I would think that X is a function of where to (& wherefrom) and how far you wish to walk.

 

[Tincatinker]

Morocco? I'm looking for southern routes for this winter. Can you help me with any information about this? A quick Google search didn't yield any specifics...?

Although maybe it isn't an organized trail, just a long walk?

Stephan, it was a while ago now. I think we employed about three different guides over various sections and occasionally busked it (as in made it up as we went along) or bussed it ( which was often more of an adventure than the hiking).

I’ve previously posted a link to a co-op of the Royal School trained guides but I’m in a pub and on my phone so I can’t go groping for that now. And those old friends are as old as I am mostly. They may have taken the opportunity to retire.

Things may have changed but I wouldn’t then and would not now venture that trip on foot without a guide(s). But it is doable with local knowledge and support. I know that after a couple of days in Agadir we went, in desperation, to the local Bureau de tourisme who referred us to the Royal School who referred us to a choice of guides. We set out with a guide, a muleteer and a boy.

I have absolutely no idea how one could reconstruct that journey now; but then I had absolutely no clue as to how to do it when we started either

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I have absolutely no idea how one could reconstruct that journey now; but then I had absolutely no clue as to how to do it when we started either

Well, I think hiring guides are probably beyond my budget, even in Morocco. But I don’t know much about Morocco, and I think you’ve started me off on doing some fun research. I had always planned to go down there on one of my Winter Mediterranean trips. I’ll start by taking a look at those towns, thanks.

 

[Tincatinker]

Stephan, from Marrakesh, or Agadir you can get local and long distance buses to places up in the Atlas (Berber country) like Imlil and Oukaimden which give you access to Toubkal and its environ. Hitchhiking is also both easy and acceptable. A cash contribution for fuel is expected and you’ll be expected to eat at wherever the driver decides to. It’s part of the trade. Finding a bed for the night is usually easy too. Just standing in the village looking lost and confused worked for me often as did making my way to the mosque and asking for the Iman.

That said I’ve no experience in the last 20 years or so. The past may well be a different country now

 

[Gobsmacked by the World]

You better hope that tattoo doesn't get infected, since as a Canadian, surely you know that being out of Canada for over 6 months disqualifies you from access to Canadian health care ? Came across a European man in 2023 who claimed to have been on Camino for over 2 years. Strange stories of COVID, dead wife, lost job. All sympathy was lost by all who encountered him when he felt those things justified theft, begging, and exposing himself. Perhaps 2 solid years on the Camino drove him to this madness?

Thanks for the tip, I didn't realize that being out for 6 months made one ineligible (!?) for health care. I presume once you are back, one can requalify. I don't think that I would want to be on the road for that long. I'm in the Vancouver area and like the summers here. Re: weird guy you met. Was he from the UK? In 2022 I met a weird guy from the UK, he was basically a homeless guy on the Camino and was displaying markers of mental illness. I think the Camino gave him a cover story for being rootless, and the weather and food is better than the UK I'd venture.

 

[Tincatinker]

Well, I think hiring guides are probably beyond my budget, even in Morocco. But I don’t know much about Morocco, and I think you’ve started me off on doing some fun research. I had always planned to go down there on one of my Winter Mediterranean trips. I’ll start by taking a look at those towns, thanks.

Stephan, these are the guys I used years ago when my legs were young, they are still active so far as I can see: https://www.atlastrekshop.com/about-us.html

 

[Stephan the Painter]

Stephan, these are the guys I used years ago when my legs were young, they are still active so far as I can see: https://www.atlastrekshop.com/about-us.html

Thanks. That looks great.

 

[Walkerooni]

Thanks for the tip, I didn't realize that being out for 6 months made one ineligible (!?) for health care. I presume once you are back, one can requalify. I don't think that I would want to be on the road for that long. I'm in the Vancouver area and like the summers here. Re: weird guy you met. Was he from the UK? In 2022 I met a weird guy from the UK, he was basically a homeless guy on the Camino and was displaying markers of mental illness. I think the Camino gave him a cover story for being rootless, and the weather and food is better than the UK I'd venture.

Yes, if out of country for 181+ days, you reapply, but there is a 3 month gap before you can do so. Would be a shame to get a bad diagnosis in the interim...

No, the fellow I encountered was from Europe, but otherwise the description fits.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

You better hope that tattoo doesn't get infected, since as a Canadian, surely you know that being out of Canada for over 6 months disqualifies you from access to Canadian health care ?

And a warning for non-US citizens collecting US Social Security who want to do a really long camino, I learned this morning that SS payments may be stopped for them after six months out of the country (but probably in an administrative hell if more than five months).

 

[CTLawGal]

IMO the Camino is a means to an end, and sadly some people choose to make it the end in itself, and can get lost in its pathways.

Good point! We still need to go back to the "real world" and work to apply the lessons learned in our daily lives - it can be easier to be kind, helpful and generous on the Camino, the trick is keeping that vibration going once you return home and go back to your routines

 

[TravellingMan22]

Good point! We still need to go back to the "real world" and work to apply the lessons learned in our daily lives - it can be easier to be kind, helpful and generous on the Camino, the trick is keeping that vibration going once you return home and go back to your routines

Why do you think it’s easier to be kind, helpful and generous on the Camino, and more tricky at home? I don’t understand?

 

[CTLawGal]

Why do you think it’s easier to be kind, helpful and generous on the Camino, and more tricky at home? I don’t understand?

I think of it this way (sorry for the long and somewhat circuitous response) - I am always striving to be a better person, be more kind, more compassionate, less judgmental, but I am an imperfect human being, I imagine we all think of ourselves as imperfect in this way. I also imagine there are some who are already the best person they can be in every instance; I bow in respect to those people, it is what I strive for.

When you're on the Camino, your life is stripped down to the bare essentials - walk, find food and lodging, rinse and repeat. Be good, do good, open your heart to beauty. The little frustrations we encounter along the way are an opportunity to practice equanimity and not pass judgment, and when we find ourselves getting frustrated, it's easier to see it and remind ourselves that getting angry, or impatient, or being judgmental is not our best selves. The trick is bringing it back to our day-to-day lives when we are back home.

As many people have noted in this forum, they feel like they are their "best selves" while on the Camino. To me, and I apologize for repeating this analogy which I've made in earlier posts, it's a little like the yoga practitioner feeling spiritual while on the mat, but then snapping at a clerk in a grocery store or some such similar "not nice" reaction - have you really absorbed the lessons you've learned (in your yoga practice, on your Camino) or is it just exercise? So maybe it's easier for the guru to be spiritual in the cave on the mountain, but we who practice yoga have to bring that into our daily lives while trying to deal with all the relevant frustrations.

So what I meant is that on the Camino we can get fooled into thinking we are living as our best selves, and frustrated when we return home, because sometimes it is easier in this simple stripped-down undertaking to help one another, be kind, be compassionate, but we have to bring that home and keep doing it even if it's harder. In that way, I was agreeing with @JabbaPapa that it is a means to an end, to becoming a better person, because it gives us the chance to see ourselves in a new light and practice these things that bring out our best selves, and then bring it home to our daily lives. But if you never get off the Camino, you're like the guru living in the cave - that might be ok, but from my perspective not ideal.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I think of it this way (sorry for the long and somewhat circuitous response) - I am always striving to be a better person, be more kind, more compassionate, less judgmental, but I am an imperfect human being, I imagine we all think of ourselves as imperfect in this way. I also imagine there are some who are already the best person they can be in every instance; I bow in respect to those people, it is what I strive for.

When you're on the Camino, your life is stripped down to the bare essentials - walk, find food and lodging, rinse and repeat. Be good, do good, open your heart to beauty. The little frustrations we encounter along the way are an opportunity to practice equanimity and not pass judgment, and when we find ourselves getting frustrated, it's easier to see it and remind ourselves that getting angry, or impatient, or being judgmental is not our best selves. The trick is bringing it back to our day-to-day lives when we are back home.

As many people have noted in this forum, they feel like they are their "best selves" while on the Camino. To me, and I apologize for repeating this analogy which I've made in earlier posts, it's a little like the yoga practitioner feeling spiritual while on the mat, but then snapping at a clerk in a grocery store or some such similar "not nice" reaction - have you really absorbed the lessons you've learned (in your yoga practice, on your Camino) or is it just exercise? So maybe it's easier for the guru to be spiritual in the cave on the mountain, but we who practice yoga have to bring that into our daily lives while trying to deal with all the relevant frustrations.

So what I meant is that on the Camino we can get fooled into thinking we are living as our best selves, and frustrated when we return home, because sometimes it is easier in this simple stripped-down undertaking to help one another, be kind, be compassionate, but we have to bring that home and keep doing it even if it's harder. In that way, I was agreeing with @JabbaPapa that it is a means to an end, to becoming a better person, because it gives us the chance to see ourselves in a new light and practice these things that bring out our best selves, and then bring it home to our daily lives. But if you never get off the Camino, you're like the guru living in the cave - that might be ok, but from my perspective not ideal.

Ah thank you. That’s a fantastic post. I wasn’t being snarky and was genuinely interested in your thoughts. It’s a really interesting area for me… how folks perceive their behaviour on versus off Camino, and indeed how folks perceive other people’s attitude to them on Camino versus off! And how / if it can be transferred to the ‘real world’. I think it’s an underdiscussed topic on here. Thank you again!

 

[JabbaPapa]

Why do you think it’s easier to be kind, helpful and generous on the Camino, and more tricky at home? I don’t understand?

It isn't -- but it's somehow easier to learn these things on the various foot pilgrimage Ways, and not always easy to bring them back home.

 

[TravellingMan22]

It isn't -- but it's somehow easier to learn these things on the various foot pilgrimage Ways, and not always easy to bring them back home.

Thank you! Makes sense!

 

[CTLawGal]

Ah thank you. That’s a fantastic post. I wasn’t being snarky and was genuinely interested in your thoughts. It’s a really interesting area for me… how folks perceive their behaviour on versus off Camino, and indeed how folks perceive other people’s attitude to them on Camino versus off! And how / if it can be transferred to the ‘real world’. I think it’s an underdiscussed topic on here. Thank you again!

and thank YOU for confirming it wasn't a snarky question - I assumed it wasn't, which is why I took the time to try to articulate my thoughts on this. And thanks to @JabbaPapa as well for his clarification... Even if this discussion is a little off-topic from spending more than 12 months on the Camino, ha!

Walking a Camino is such a beautiful gift we give ourselves, and this Forum such a wonderful place to have these discussions - I can't wait to go back!

 

[henrythedog]

I’m in a pub

Is there an emoji for ‘Surely not?’

 

[J Willhaus]

Is there an emoji for ‘Surely not?’

I think I recall that he's used that same excuse a time or two before or maybe I am remembering incorrectly...

 

[domigee]

I think of it this way (sorry for the long and somewhat circuitous response) - I am always striving to be a better person, be more kind, more compassionate, less judgmental, but I am an imperfect human being, I imagine we all think of ourselves as imperfect in this way. I also imagine there are some who are already the best person they can be in every instance; I bow in respect to those people, it is what I strive for.

When you're on the Camino, your life is stripped down to the bare essentials - walk, find food and lodging, rinse and repeat. Be good, do good, open your heart to beauty. The little frustrations we encounter along the way are an opportunity to practice equanimity and not pass judgment, and when we find ourselves getting frustrated, it's easier to see it and remind ourselves that getting angry, or impatient, or being judgmental is not our best selves. The trick is bringing it back to our day-to-day lives when we are back home.

As many people have noted in this forum, they feel like they are their "best selves" while on the Camino. To me, and I apologize for repeating this analogy which I've made in earlier posts, it's a little like the yoga practitioner feeling spiritual while on the mat, but then snapping at a clerk in a grocery store or some such similar "not nice" reaction - have you really absorbed the lessons you've learned (in your yoga practice, on your Camino) or is it just exercise? So maybe it's easier for the guru to be spiritual in the cave on the mountain, but we who practice yoga have to bring that into our daily lives while trying to deal with all the relevant frustrations.

So what I meant is that on the Camino we can get fooled into thinking we are living as our best selves, and frustrated when we return home, because sometimes it is easier in this simple stripped-down undertaking to help one another, be kind, be compassionate, but we have to bring that home and keep doing it even if it's harder. In that way, I was agreeing with @JabbaPapa that it is a means to an end, to becoming a better person, because it gives us the chance to see ourselves in a new light and practice these things that bring out our best selves, and then bring it home to our daily lives. But if you never get off the Camino, you're like the guru living in the cave - that might be ok, but from my perspective not ideal.

Wow, thanks, what a fantastic response