Do you keep in touch? Or are you incommmunicado?

[VNwalking]

Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:

But, when you are far from home and there are family members, loved ones, or friends who might reasonably be concerned for your well-being, you have a responsibility to them to provide this level of confidence.

The pilgrim should agree and develop a set contact plan for periodic text, email, video conversation, voice calls, or similar, and stick to it.

When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.

But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.

People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?

[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]

 

[SYates]

It really depends where and when I walk. If off season and/or on a less frequented Camino, I normally agree with a friend that I will text in at least every 2-3 days, especially if I am walking alone. BC SY

 

[Leibniz]

I checked in with my eldest daughter every night - she is 18, just saying hi and telling her which town or village I was in. We never really talked about this or what she should do if she didn’t hear from me for a few days.

I was brought up never to go incommunicado and if I was going to be home late from school as a kid/teenager I would RELIGIOUSLY let my parents know, by finding a pay phone etc. So I think if my family didn’t hear from me they would know something is seriously wrong.

But these two latest missing pilgrims threads have made me think I should have a chat with my family about what they should do if they didn’t hear from me (after how many days, who to contact, maybe I’ll make my run of the mill blue osprey a bit more recognisable and give them a photo of it etc.)

Btw when I’m on the Camino I’m very “go with the flow”, I don’t make bookings, I pack very light and only the bare essentials BUT I’m also very safety conscious.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I doubt that for those who own a smartphone, leaving it at home (even when choosing to be unplugged on the camino), is a rather rare occurance. If a walker tells their loved ones they will not be contacting them while away, then so be it.

However in the case of the missing daughter, and also the man who recently went missing...both had been in good communication with those back home prior to their absence. My opinion is that is a totally different situation and can be cause for alarm to their families. Thankfully it seems both situations have turned out well in the end. Hallelujah!

 

[mspath]

During my first caminos my husband and I communicated when necessary by land-line telephone; since 2008 I have carried a smartphone which also serves as a camera and computer on which I write my blog. Since we both are in our 70's whilst apart we text each other good morning, briefly cite our daily plans, and text again at day's end. Simple, swift and efficacious this helps keep us in the other's loop.

On several caminos in fog, heavy rain or snow I have come upon solitary pilgrims in DEEP trouble; they needed help FAST. By chance, my phone provided contact with emergency assistance at 112. Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.

 

[VNwalking]

It really depends where and when I walk. If off season and/or on a less frequented Camino,

Ah, good point - I hadn't thought of that.
Another thing I'm wondering is if those of us who grew up without cell phones or internet are more relaxed about keeping in touch - or is there no difference? I'd have thought there would be, but maybe not.

My opinion is that is a totally different situation and can be cause for alarm to their families. Thankfully it seems both situations have turned out well in the end. Hallelujah!

Indeed. An affirmation for the value of some sort of understanding - either "Ta taa, I'm outta here talk to you later," or "I'll send you an SMS each night," whichever - but to be consistent if there is contact. It seems that if people have a pattern of contact, going silent is out of the question without alarming someone. But if there is no expectation, there's more freedom to be quiet without causing concern.

Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.

Yes. If you are walking in the winter, especially....

[And...edit...just to be responsible, I'll just say that I am going incommunicado for the night. ]

 

[Turga]

When I am walking, I want to stay ‘incommunicado’ as much as possible. So I ask family/friends to not contact me unless some specific need arises and that the same goes the other way around. They know that I bring my phone and that I keep it charged and switched on so that they can reach me if needed.

I guess you could see this as a kind of ‘communication plan’, and I don’t see the need for something more specific; but that’s just me….

 

[Kitsambler]

I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is

Even if I am traveling, I am still a member of a community at home. And, I have supportive friends and family who are eager for details of my daily experiences. So, rather than having to write two dozen emails a day, I blog. Also, since I have caregiving responsibilities at home, I phone home for a short chat every evening. While this is old-school, social-media-wise, it meets everyone's needs without being intrusive on my pilgrim experience.

 

[Waka]

I'm slightly different when it comes to keeping in touch, I phone my In House Advisor everyday, once I tell her where I am for the n night she will check it out on Google Street View, it somehow makes us feel as if we're in the same place together.

 

[Stroller]

There is a need for quiet, privacy and, on occasions, solitude for us all whether we recognise it. These are good for your mental health self reliance and for me solo walking is one of those occupations which provides them. I tend to stay incommunicado when walking but am contactable at certain times if there is an urgent need to do so.

One of the problems with constant or regular contact is that if the contact is broken by, loss of phone, injury, or because you want to, then the pattern is broken and worry ensues. In truth if you are several hundred or thousand miles away there is little that can be physically done to help you if you are injured, ill or lost. You will be cared for by those adjacent to you in the short term. Longer term is a different matter.

The following gives a taste of my thoughts on constant contact and the general busyness of modern media and communications.

Practice to be still
Practice to be silent
Practice to be graceful

In this is knowledge
In this is wisdom
In this is peace

 

[t2andreo]

It really depends where and when I walk. If off season and/or on a less frequented Camino, I normally agree with a friend that I will text in at least every 2-3 days, especially if I am walking alone. BC SY

This is about right, IMHO. My separate post was primarily aimed at solo pilgrims who leave behind someone who actually cares about what happens to them.

VNWalking and I can always discuss these issues and remain friends. That is what dialogue is for. SYates is also a friend who is blessed to live in Santiago.

Personally, I think leaving a detailed itinerary and arranging a regular contact plan is a good thing. But, the frequency and intensity of the contact varies from person to person.

This said, I totally respect a person’s right to go totally off-grid. I only ask that, if you choose to do so, that you not abruptly change your mind AFTER a loved one disappears in an irregular manner.

Remember, the Camino, write large is a very safe place. In fact, it is safer than remaining at home for most all of us. However, this is real life. "Murphy's Law" rules, and 'stuff' happens...

I welcome all discussion, on this or anything else. If you respect me, I will always respect you.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bala]

We always leave flight information with someone in the family. When my husband's parents were alive, we also left hotel information when we had it. But no longer. We don't have children, so there are no kids out there wondering what on earth mom and dad are up to now.

If my family heard from me while I was traveling, they would immediately assume some tragedy had happened. When my husband's parents were alive, if they didn't hear from him on a regular basis, they would assume some tragedy had happened. Back in the days of snail mail and land lines, his mother actually called a motel where we were staying to be sure nothing horrible had happened to us on the last few days. I was baffled. He felt guilty. So different strokes for different folks.

When we travel solo, we are in daily contact with one another, largely because we want to share everything that's happening. (40 years, and still best friends). It's usually text or What's App. When I was on the Camino I'd let him know if it looked like wifi might be sketchy for a day or so. But if more than a couple days had gone by, I'm sure he'd be worried.

I think the consistency and expectation on the home end is what matters. If you've been writing or posting every day and it suddenly stops, that's an alarm. If you've already told everyone you're checking out, no worries. And that goes both ways. No single answer works for all, but it'a always smart to have some plan should something go wrong.

 

[nycwalking]

First camino 2001, my mom went with. But, 9/11 happened. I was supposed to have been back home in NYC, where I was living at the time, by 09/08. I’d started in Roncesvalles but did not know about last 100km rule. Due to time constraints, I bused that part; nothing like being denied a Compostela. Anyway, I changed the plane plans, took transport to Sarria, and walked that last bit. My dad did not know.

When I phoned dad, via hotel from Barcelona on 9/12, he was very relieved. He kept saying camino saved my life.

In 2002, I rented a cell to keep in touch. Or, used phone cards and Internet cafes to do so.

After that year was the advent of cellphones for all.

My parents were too old for me to be off grid for any length of time. And still are. My friends and cousins would worry as well.

 

[Anamiri]

I leave flight, insurance info etc behind and contact my husband every few days. Next time I will get a roaming plan but I survived on wifi, and not using my phone much (mainly as a camera) , but next time I want to be able to use GPS and maps as I'll vary the route.

 

[notion900]

I don't honestly think anyone has a responsibility to stop others from worrying, by keeping in constant touch. My mother is the world's worst worrier and it has had a really detrimental effect on me. I had to start pushing back on it from an early age (eg she chased me round the house screaming and threatening to take my passport off me when I wanted to go to Greece on my own aged 18 - this is actually illegal, as I was an adult in UK law. I told her I would report it stolen and get a replacement). She is also useless at using social media, eg once I got a whole lot of guilt thrown at me to keep in regular touch when I went to Morocco, and when I emailed, it bounced back that her email was out of service. Even now I quite often send a message or a photo on Skype Messenger and get no reply. Now I have survived the dire perils of many trips she is somewhat more relaxed. But my point is that I have come to feel that worry is the responsibility of the worrier.

 

[MichaelB10398]

When I walk now, I bring a smartphone but generally have it turned off. I have it for emergencies. Solitude is one of the main reasons I walk and it is acceptable to my wife. I check in every four or five days, but other than that, I am quiet.

 

[MichaelC]

I did nightly social media posts, but it was more to share the adventure with friends and family than out of any sense of responsibility. Beyond that, though, I didn't do any texting, emails, or phone calls. I never felt that posting my thoughts and photos took me "out" of the Camino, but I have a feeling that making a phone call might have.

 

[GettingThere]

Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:


When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.

But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.

People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?

[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]

Great question, @VNwalking and some interesting answers so far. My own view on this is similar to what others have said - it is all a matter of the expectations you set. If you plan to go completely off grid and you're the sort of person who is normally in fairly regular contact with family and friends, just tell them not to expect to hear from you for a month. If nothing else it will save you the embarrassment of becoming the subject of a worldwide social media search.... If you have very young or elderly or frail family members for whom you are responsible then of course you'll either need to keep in touch or make an agreement as to how often they will hear from you.

More often than not when we see anxious loved ones posting pleas for sightings, it's when someone has been in frequent contact and then suddenly stops. That's preventable (unless it is due to a real mishap or emergency). Setting expectations before leaving home takes no time, and can prevent a world of problems. If you want to digitally detox and "go with the flow" (to quote another recent thread...), just tell people that's what you plan to do. If you start off enthusiastically blogging nightly for the first 2 weeks then decide it's impeding your Camino, put up a brief post to that effect and a "see you in a month!" note. If you've been emailing daily and decide to rest up in a wifi-free zone for a few days, send a text or make a voice call home (even from a - gasp! - landline if there's no mobile coverage) and tell someone who can pass on the information to the rest of the family if others have been following your progress.

Well that was a long answer! But really I think it's fairly simple - think about the expectations you have set, or want to set, and act accordingly.

 

[SYates]

... Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.

A normal phone can also be used to call emergency numbers ;-) You don't need an expensive Smartphone for that, a simple "call&text only" phone will do ;-)

Buen Camino sin emergencias, SY

 

[notion900]

Normal phone battery lasts 15 times as long too.

 

[David Tallan]

In 1989 I sent weekly letters and postcards. In 2016 and 2018, I sent emails to my wife every day or two. Those were essentially my journals. Using letters home as journals has been a practice of mine ever since 1982 when the journal I was keeping was lost/stolen in the middle of a six month journey. I also posted every day or two to Instagram. The Instagram posts were automatically shared on Facebook. In 2018, my SIM card gave me a half an hour of voice calls overseas which I could have used to call family/friends but never did. I also used Strava and Relive apps in 2018 to make videos of my daily walks which I shared on Facebook.

That's what works for me. I fully recognize that different things work differently for others. I do see the value in a more complete separation that some people want from their "regular life" as they undertake a pilgrimage. At the same time, I also respect the anxiety that people remaining may feel. I don't know if we are living in more anxious times now or if people recognize and respect others anxiety more, but it is something that people seem to consider a lot more now. Perhaps because reducing that anxiety is more of a possibility for people on long trips now than it used to be. One option I came across, for people who carry smartphones but don't want to spend time updating people at home, is an app like Polarsteps. If you set it up to do so, Polarsteps will track your location at intervals you specify and plot it on a map in real time. You can add photos and other things. In the end, they will happily sell you a book of your trip. But you can also share with people you specify. And you don't have to have your phone on for it to track you. So you could set it up to update every 15 minutes or half an hour (which isn't too much a drain on the battery/data) and share access with loved ones. Then they will always know more or less where you are, without you having to make the effort to update them.

 

[C clearly]

But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?

Interesting questions. My opinion would be: Yes is OK to let people be incommunicado, but if you have been in touch and established expectations, you should not enter the bubble for more than a few days without informing the loved one that those expectations may not be met.

My separate post was primarily aimed at solo pilgrims who leave behind someone who actually cares about what happens to them.

Hmmm. Not sure what you mean here. I am a solo pilgrim who leaves behind family who I like to think actually care about me, but we have a different approach to these risks. I have no elderly relatives to be concerned about, my children are independent and resourceful, and so is my husband.

I think the consistency and expectation on the home end is what matters. If you've been writing or posting every day and it suddenly stops, that's an alarm.

This is very true - every family or marriage is different.

I do consider it my responsibility to be consistent and considerate in my communication to my family. I would never let a week go by without informing them of my whereabouts. But I don't promise them any schedule, and they don't ask for it. On the other hand, when my mountain-climbing daughter goes on an excursion, we mutually agree on a little more specific check-times and contacts who should know more about her schedule. She is embarking on a high-risk activity, whereas I am not.

When I leave home for the Camino, I try to leave my "books" in order - bills paid, household accounts documented, my will in its file, my itinerary printed out, underwear drawer tidied up, travel insurance papers in plain sight, etc. I then head off to Spain with my smart phone. I blog most days, I receive occasional texts/emails from family members, but we have no emergency plan. If I didn't blog for a week, and no one heard from me, one of my kids might ask another "Have you heard from Mom?" They might then call my husband (who doesn't read my blog) and point out that I seemed to be MIA. They might hem and haw and ask some other people. That would use up another week, and if I hadn't been heard from, there would definitely be a concern as it would be out of character for me. By then I suppose they would think about contacting other authorities. Possibly by that time, it would be too late to find me in the ditch where I might have fallen. But I am 70 years old and would leave no dependents or regrets. I would leave my family sad about my premature passing, but I hope they would have some happy stories to tell.

 

[Morning Waters]

Back in my salad days, about 40 years ago, I fell in love with a man who wanted to go sailing. Off we went, from California, in a 23.5 foot sail boat, no engine, no radio, no sat-nav, single burner stove, bucket and chuck it. Navigated by sextant and stars. Communication with loved ones at home was weeks between letters. I'm sure I still don't fully appreciate the worry I put my parents through. That said, I did this adventure with an old school Master Mariner.
Fast forward to 3 years ago when I took my niece to Ireland with me. Her phone use to text and face time her mother and friends was constant and drove me crazy. I did not appreciate how wedded the young-uns are to their phones and their absolute need to communicate with everyone ALL the time. I felt like I had taken at least 5 other people with me on what I thought was going to be a special trip with her. (she later admitted she realized she missed alot by being on the phone all the time)
Now, at age 62, I am planning a solo Camino Portugues next May. I have family that would probably appreciate hearing from me every few days or so. However, my phone is owned by my employer and is powered by Verizon, which I hear does not have good coverage in Europe, so I think I will be mostly using it for photos and downloaded maps and such. I will probably count on sending emails as possible at computer cafes. Family knows not to expect daily updates. I really liked t2andeo's advise and list of what to do if I go missing. I will be passing on that information to them.
My reason to go is to walk a prayer.....

 

[C clearly]

I will probably count on sending emails as possible at computer cafes.

Your level of contact sounds good. However, don't count on finding any computer cafes. Rather, you can keep your phone in Airplane mode and use wifi without incurring any charges.

 

[AlanSykes]

I've sent my wife and son at least two postcards each in the last couple of months.

 

[Robo]

It's going to vary with personal circumstances a lot.

I'm kind of in between.

Phone. I use a Spanish SIM and give that number to my wife and one staff member at work only.

Blog. I love blogging and do so most days. So if people want to know where I am they can easily check. It will be 24-48 hours old at worst. This is how family and friends can 'track' me. I know this is not unplugging, but I find it very therapeutic. It's like my diary and confessional. It''s for me more than anyone else !

Family. I talk to my wife Pat most days. Usually around breakfast time given time zones. For me to know she is OK as much as the other way around. And she raises my spirits if I'm having a bad day

Work. I am off the grid! Totally. One of my team at work has my Spanish phone number, and is instructed to only call me if dire emergency. Everyone knows that she has my number if required. Never had a call so far thank goodness.

I think having an emergency plan is probably a good idea. If you haven't heard for x number of days do this, then this. But I would be concerned that someone raises the alarm too early. In my case, 3 days out of contact might be cause for concern. 1 or 2 days could be just bad internet. I think at 3 days (if that was my chosen time period) it should be my responsibility to find a way of sending a message home, rather than have people worry.

Maybe I'm not that in between! I know for some it will sound like I am constantly connected. But for me, this is being unplugged! My only commitment, it to contact Pat once a day, most days. Because I want to.

Other than that.............I am alone, and love it........

 

[Robo]

During my first caminos my husband and I communicated when necessary by land-line telephone; since 2008 I have carried a smartphone which also serves as a camera and computer on which I write my blog. Since we both are in our 70's whilst apart we text each other good morning, briefly cite our daily plans, and text again at day's end. Simple, swift and efficacious this helps keep us in the other's loop.

On several caminos in fog, heavy rain or snow I have come upon solitary pilgrims in DEEP trouble; they needed help FAST. By chance, my phone provided contact with emergency assistance at 112. Thus I repeat "...NEVER walk without a smartphone. Carrying one may help save someone else's life.

VERY good advice!

 

[Morning Waters]

Good advice, C clearly, I think my local camino group mentioned using Whats App as a way to keep in communication as desired. I have noted, my last european trip, that the Internet cafes seem to be going away as everyone has phones now.

 

[C clearly]

my local camino group mentioned using Whats App as a way to keep in communication as desired.

Yes, WhatsApp is good, especially for setting up impromptu groups for communication along the camino. But you still need either a phone connection or wifi to use it. So you might not bother setting it up with your friends/family at home, if they don't already use it.

 

[VNwalking]

Wow, so many wonderful responses from the entire spectrum of possibilities.
Thank you everyone - your posts give food for thought, and a place for tolerance to grow, because we really are all different, as @C clearly pointed out. So not to project our own situation on anyone else. Who knows?

You sum up the bottome line succinctly, @GettingThere ; it's simple allows for infinite variation:

think about the expectations you have set, or want to set, and act accordingly.

And...

I've sent my wife and son at least two postcards each in the last couple of months.

Still chortling. Touche, Alan.

WhatsApp is good

Or Viber, which is more used here in Asia, I think.

 

[Robo]

Or Viber, which is more used here in Asia, I think.

I think FaceBook Messenger has really taken over from all of these now..........live calls, video calls.........

 

[VNwalking]

I think FaceBook Messenger has really taken over from all of these now

If you have FB, which fortunately not all of us do.

 

[Robo]

If you have FB, which fortunately not all of us do.

No reason not to. You can keep it private, and just use the handy features
On my first Camino in 2015 we use 'Line'. That's quite good, voice and video calls.
It's a bit like Skype but much easier to use.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I use Hangouts quite a bit to text my family when overseas. I think it's very similar to Whatsapp.

 

[LTfit]

Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:


When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.

But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.

People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?

[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]

I definitely fall into the same category! My love of being on the Camino is having the choice not to communicate with others if I don't want to. But then again I am one of those that can go incommunicado. I have two adult children long out of the house and otherwise only plants at home (that are kindly taken care of by a friend). This past fall I walked from SJPdP once again and after about 4 days I decided that it was maybe time to let my family know that I was alive and well. But they didn't and don't worry as they are so used to me being on the road and walking on my own. Maybe if I didn't communicate with my kids for over a week, one might send a whatsapp asking to send pictures! I don't feel that this is being irresponsible but I can only speak for myself and my personal situation.

Being on the Camino is a wonderful way to disconnect - should one choose to do so - and there is no rule as how it is to be done. Taking a phone is just common sense, but it is the pilgrim's choice as to how (or not) it is used. If family or friends at home are expecting a day to day report and you find that too constricting let them know. Communicate those needs beforehand or if you change your mind on route later down the road.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Jesper, that's great for you, but T2andreo stated that his wife worries about him when he is away on the camino. He is showing respect to her while he is away to alleviate her concerns...nothing wrong with that. In addition he was offering tips to others who may be interested and in your case you are not. If you have read any, or many of Tom's posts, you will realize he is both extremely knowledgeable and thorough in all the help and advise he offers. I for one, appreciate his wisdom and the time he takes on this forum to share it.

 

[VNwalking]

Jesper, that's great for you, but T2andreo stated that his wife worries about him when he is away on the camino. He is showing respect to her while he is away to alleviate her concerns...nothing wrong with that.

No there's not. But honestly I had a milder version of the same reaction as @Jesper. At first I thought Tom was saying that being connected was the only responsible way to walk.
Fortunately later he said by way of clarification:

This said, I totally respect a person’s right to go totally off-grid. I only ask that, if you choose to do so, that you not abruptly change your mind AFTER a loved one disappears in an irregular manner.

It helps here not to react right away, lest misunderstanding get in the way.
I'm still puzzling over the last part of this sentence, though - can you please clarify? I think I get the drift, but as written it doesn't make sense.
(And...whether someone goes offline or not, and how, is actually no-one's business other theirs and those they're close to. Sorry, @t2andreo , we don't have a say.)

 

[t2andreo]

No there's not. But honestly I had a milder version of the same reaction as @Jesper. At first I thought Tom was saying that being connected was the only responsible way to walk.
Fortunately later he said by way of clarification:

It helps here not to react right away, lest misunderstanding get in the way.
I'm still puzzling over the last part of this sentence, though - can you please clarify? I think I get the drift, but as written it doesn't make sense.
(And...whether someone goes offline or not, and how, is actually no-one's business other theirs and those they're close to. Sorry, @t2andreo , we don't have a say.)

What I meant is that one ought not plan to be totally incommunicado, then have to get all of us rattled and leaping to the proverbial pumps, when a left behind person at home jumps in, in a panic, because their loved one disappeared while on Camino.

Put another way, their failure or choice not to plan ahead and make some vestige of a communication plan with those they leave behind, and adhere to it, ought not define an emergency response situation for all of us.

That said, if a pilgrim DID leave a communication plan, and THEN disappears, then YES, I personally will do everything I can to help locate the missing pilgrim. Unlike APOC, we will always help any pilgrim in need. But, at least IMHO, we ought NOT be a substitute for responsibility.

I hope this clarifies what I meant. If not, ask me, and I will expand... For me expanding is easy, contracting is ever more difficult...

 

[Bradypus]

I hope this clarifies what I meant. If not, ask me, and I will expand... For me expanding is easy, contracting is ever more difficult...

Me too. In so many ways - metaphorically and literally

 

[Former member 42123]

Jesper, that's great for you, but T2andreo stated that his wife worries about him when he is away on the camino. He is showing respect to her while he is away to alleviate her concerns...nothing wrong with that. In addition he was offering tips to others who may be interested and in your case you are not. If you have read any, or many of Tom's posts, you will realize he is both extremely knowledgeable and thorough in all the help and advise he offers. I for one, appreciate his wisdom and the time he takes on this forum to share it.

My wife and I are in our 70's and have been married all most 50 years.The only time we are really apart is when I go on Camino.When I reach my day's destination I give her a quick call to say where I am and this is a comfort to both of us.She then passes the word to the other family members who worry about me.As everyone's Camino is different,how they choose to do it is up to them,not us.

 

[t2andreo]

When I am out hiking - Spain or somewhere else - you had better not demand that I keep in touch on a regular basis. Those two quotes from T2Andreo in the first post left me completely flabbergasted. Sorry - but that's how I feel.

You are welcome to feel that way, and I support you in this. I only ask that you make your friends and family comfortable with this before you leave. See my later post in reply to VNWalking...

I respect those who wish to go "off grid." There are Caminos where I have felt the need to go silent. However, I do so ONLY after I let folks know I am going silent for 24 - 48 hours, so THEY don't panic.

Personally, I have reached a point in life where incapacity through a physical / medical issue looms more than other sorts of accidents. Hence, I have a responsibility to myself and others to be easily findable and treatable.

This is the rationale behind the communication plan , as well as the ICE document I crafted in four languages and which rides with my national passport and a separate copy in my rucksack top pocket.

Hope this helps.

 

[t2andreo]

My wife and I are in our 70's and have been married all most 50 years.The only time we are really apart is when I go on Camino.When I reach my day's destination I give her a quick call to say where I am and this is a comfort to both of us.She then passes the word to the other family members who worry about me.As everyone's Camino is different,how they choose to do it is up to them,not us.

BINGO! You understand.

My wife is satisfied with a quick text to establish that I got where I was headed (she has the itinerary) and that all is well. But, to each their own...

Any plan can be as simple or as complex / intrusive as you choose. It comes down to personal comfort level and what works for you and yours.

 

[tomnorth]

When I walked the Camino, I left my wife, daughters, and mother back stateside. I needed to be in communication back home. If I had been unable to communicate, I wouldn’t have walked. It’s as simple as that.

 

[J F Gregory]

I am nearly 68 years old and have had health issues that my children worry over during my travels, so yes for their sake we set a communicators schedule which has to be somewhat flexible depending on phone and Wi-Fi. and they understand that. When ever I leave my nation to travel I make sure my will is up-to-date and my eldest child has access to important information.

 

[Sharonih]

It really depends on the person so there is no right or wrong answer. For me for a variety of reasons that I won't get into communications are very important, silence is not. A lot of words aren't necessary but awareness that a person is physically there is very important. What I did was write a private FB page of our travels part for the memory for me but also so that my children, grandchildren and Dad (it grew bigger as more heard about our Journey) would not only know we were safe but where we were and what we were doing. By their words or likes I knew they were safe as well. It also served as an encouragement for us.

 

[gittiharre]

Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:


When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.

But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.

People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?

[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]

I have kept an almost daily pattern of staying in touch. In the past it used to be a group email with details of the day and later I created a private Facebook group for each walk with daily entry re the stage and pics.
Once home, I would transfer the content onto my blog site, with some editing.
For next year, I am considering a more incommunicado walk. I would leave my itinerary with key people and just stay in touch with my husband ( who is in his 80s and has health issues) and my daughter, haven't decided yet...otherwise emergency contact only...I find I use my phone too much...

 

[t2andreo]

Okay - I have no problem with that except that I have absolutely no intention of making anyone comfortable with what I am doing - that's their problem. When I go hiking/camping or on a pilgrim walk I do it with the intent of distancing myself from everyday life - and then all that exist is me and the experience. People can do it the way they want and for the reasons they want - just don't set up parameters for how other people should do it. I have read enough of silly suggestions from people that consider themselves hiking-, mountaineering- and survival experts because they have been on the camino.

And the beauty of this forum is that you are fully entitled to hold those opinions. We respect that. We only ask that you respect other’s perspectives and solutions.

Buen Camino

 

[jdpiguet]

I have a slightly different way of keeping contact: I like maps, GPS, and I keep a track of my days.
So as soon as I am arrived, I am uploading the track of the day to my server, and my family can see where I am and the progression of the day directly on a map.
It can look a little "geeky", but it's very convenient for those staying home... Especially during long caminos!

Buen Camino, Jacques-D.

 

[notion900]

We only ask that you respect other’s perspectives and solutions.

The thread started because the OP quoted a post where you laid down what the pilgrim should do "and stick to it". I am uncomfortable with you laying down rules like this. Working as a volunteer admin in the pilgrim office is not the same as being a member of the emergency services, and this forum is not the main channel for finding missing people.

 

[C clearly]

Some people (especially women) won't go for a walk in the park without a communication plan and timed check-in.

If I went for an evening walk, my husband could easily go to bed and not notice my absence until the next morning. Many people would find that amazing and distressing. In fact, I agree it is mildly insulting, but I've learned to live with it. If I left him in outrage, there wouldn't be anyone to notice the next morning either!

 

[notion900]

I once went to camp in the bush in Namibia and only told my family afterwards. There was an aircrew strike and it was touch and go whether our flights via Johannesburg would be cancelled, and I just couldn't cope with the fussing that would rain down on me if I told them. They got to hear eventually

 

[Meggins]

Until last time on CF I was totally in communicado - and family was fine with it. Now that I am older I have a couple of people who worry about me. I would still prefer to be not in touch but now use a SPOT to resolve this. You can enter (I think it's 10?) emails pre-trip. As I progress each day all I need to do is hit 1 button and it sends the automatic 'All OK' to these people. It also has a link to map as to my location which they can click into and explore the town where I am. They don't need a reply (their decision) as they know there is also a 'help' button which goes to them if I run out of $$ or if it's a situation I need their help. Last but certainly not least there is an SOS button which calls out the nearest 'Search and Rescue' group to your location. Message indicates your coordinates. They are absolutely reassured by this. However I do believe each person must make their own call on to communicate or not and shouldn't 'should do' - regardless of other people's opinion

 

[t2andreo]

The thread started because the OP quoted a post where you laid down what the pilgrim should do "and stick to it". I am uncomfortable with you laying down rules like this. Working as a volunteer admin in the pilgrim office is not the same as being a member of the emergency services, and this forum is not the main channel for finding missing people.

Then simply ignore what I believe is good advice and practice. You have free will and can do as you wish.

I neither hold nor desire any position of authority. My volunteer service has nothing whatsoever to do with this.

Anything I write here is no more formal than recommendations or advice. It carries no force or compulsion. No one is compelled to do anything.

I do wish you well...

 

[ConnachtRambler]

I use "location sharing" on Google Maps so that our immediate family can see where we are at any given time. If one of our sons was walking the Camino alone I'd like to think he was maintaining regular contact with someone close to him.

 

[Sixwheeler]

There's no right and there's no wrong with this; it's whatever suits you and yours.

 

[Doogman]

There's no right and there's no wrong with this; it's whatever suits you and yours.

I think @Sixwheeler has summed it up pretty well.

 

[MethaV]

Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:


When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.

But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.

People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?

[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]

I use to always have a smartphone with me, but don't use it a lot when I'm walking, or when travelling for that matter. I might put an occational notice on Facebook to let people at home know that I'm okey. Anybody who is interested can see that, which is why I think Facebook is good. This also goes for when I have been working abroad for some months or up to a a year. My family and friends know that and they don't get worried if they don't hear from me.
I think this depends on whether your family is the worrying kind or not. Mine is not.

 

[David Tallan]

I've sent my wife and son at least two postcards each in the last couple of months.

I've never sent my wife even one postcard. I have sent them to my father-in-law. He collects stamps.

 

[scott the farmer]

I remember in the 80s I would leave home for 1-2 months and not be in contact with anyone till I got home! It was normal because of the difficulties and cost of staying in contact.
Unfortunately the expectation of others in our lives has changed and having to "check in" is mandatory.
When I next walk I will turn on my phone for 5 minutes every second day check messages and text my location and health to my better half the other 47 hours and 55 minutes will be shared with my fellow travelers.
Times change and we must adapt Cheers

 

[Helen1]

For me, caminos are a way to escape mandatory check-ins and modern technology. I'm deliberately off the grid unless I choose to connect and my family understand this which is super important. If people are expecting daily check-ins and you don't connect people are going to worry. I will sometimes message back home saying mountain area coming up and I might not get reception for a few days so don't worry. I still do postcards, my friends/family love them, they are so tangible and then you visit those friends maybe months later and they still have the card tucked on the mantlepiece and it's so cool. I always have my phone for emergencies and my nearest and dearest can do 'find my phone' if there is a problem but basically I'm an incommunicado person.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My main issue with jesper is that his posts seem to belittle and insult those who have shared staying in contact with loved ones...I haven't notice any of those folks displaying the same irritation to those who prefer to be free of all entanglements while they walk.

 

[VNwalking]

Some people (especially women) won't go for a walk in the park without a communication plan and timed check-in.
If I went for an evening walk, my husband could easily go to bed and not notice my absence until the next morning. Many people would find that amazing and distressing. In fact, I agree it is mildly insulting, but I've learned to live with it. If I left him in outrage, there wouldn't be anyone to notice the next morning either!

Now that I am older I have a couple of people who worry about me. I would still prefer to be not in touch but now use a SPOT to resolve this.

This is a wonderful idea, @Meggins - there's much less to do in order to be reassuring. It looks like the ideal compromise for those who for whatever reason need to be in touch back home.

There's no right and there's no wrong with this; it's whatever suits you and yours.

Times change and we must adapt

@Sixwheeler - exactly.
@scott the farmer , maybe maybe not. Demands for contact don't need to be given in to just because it's possible. Sometimes people want to check in. But if they don't want to, they shouldn't necessarily feel obliged to give in to demands that they do so - of course depending on circumstance. (I can very much imagine as a young adult wanting to have some space from an overly concerned 'helicopter parent,' for example.)

My main issue with jesper is that his posts seem to belittle and insult those who have shared staying in contact with loved ones...I haven't notice any of those folks displaying the same irritation to those who prefer to be free of all entanglements while they walk.

What I see is different - a strong push-back against a perception of demand. No-one who posts about not keeping in touch is demanding that those who do stop. But the way Tom's original quote was worded (I am guessing unintentionally) was as a universal directive - and no-one likes being dictated to. It's not for any of us to set rules for how other people communicate or don't. (Full disclosure: if I were queen of the world (and you will be very glad I'm not), the Camino would be a smartdevice-free zone.)

And yes, I absolutely agree with you, Chris. Let's all play nice even if we disagree. This isn't twitter, which has inured people to being combative and nasty to each other. But that is another topic altogether.

 

[C clearly]

When I next walk I will turn on my phone for 5 minutes every second day...
Times change and we must adapt

@scott the farmer , maybe maybe not.

@VNwalking I interpreted @scott the farmer 's statement to be a bit tongue in cheek - he considers 5 minutes every 2 days to be a sign of adaptation!

 

[VNwalking]

he considers 5 minutes every 2 days to be a sign of adaptation!

Me too. Isn't it?

 

[C clearly]

Me too. Isn't it?

Definitely. Quite reasonable, too.

 

[chinacat]

@C clearly
@alansykes
@David Tallan
@VNwalking

Thank you ....

Wish we had a ‘Chuckle button’ ...

I took a SE unsmart/daft? phone in 2009 ... with great camera technology.
My iphone is permanently in Airplane mode, with wifi off ... saves the battery
My adult ‘children’ have long ceased to expect to get hold of me, unless by landline, or by ‘Telegram’, which is the only App on my ipad which is enabled for notifications ... ie the only one which makes a ping.

@C clearly .... you are not alone ...

 

[C clearly]

@C clearly .... you are not alone ...

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE my smartphone and stay connected my whole Camino. I just don't have very needy or worried relatives. I don't mind at all if other people choose to disconnect as long as they don't scold me because I am not paying enough attention to them!

I have my nose in my phone a lot - trying to blog daily, trying to figure out how to operate the apps, reading books and news and trivia, checking maps, editing photos, and responding with delight whenever one of my friends or relatives pays some attention to me.

 

[chinacat]

Some people (especially women) won't go for a walk in the park without a communication plan and timed check-in.

If I went for an evening walk, my husband could easily go to bed and not notice my absence until the next morning. Many people would find that amazing and distressing. In fact, I agree it is mildly insulting, but I've learned to live with it. If I left him in outrage, there wouldn't be anyone to notice the next morning either!

This was the post I meant

I should’ve been clearer ....

 

[Anamiri]

Some people (especially women) won't go for a walk in the park without a communication plan and timed check-in.

If I went for an evening walk, my husband could easily go to bed and not notice my absence until the next morning. Many people would find that amazing and distressing. In fact, I agree it is mildly insulting, but I've learned to live with it. If I left him in outrage, there wouldn't be anyone to notice the next morning either!

Yes, I know the feeling. many years ago I went off for my normal Saturday morning walk with my dog. We lived at the edge of town near a large park full of trails in the bush, and a privately owned pine forest. I never told anyone ever where I was going, just walked out of the house and disappeared for 4 hours or so, walking wherever I felt like. I sneaked into the forest (trespassing) through the firebreaks, and once in there were miles of trails to wander in, with the park nearby as well.
One morning we set off, my dog ran off ahead of me up the forest trail, upset a wild cow with a calf. Next thing, it all happened so fast - I heard yelping - she came tearing back to me followed by a very angry cow, and we both tried to run away.
In my haste to get away from the cow, I slipped on pine needles, and tumbled head over heels all the way down the hill landing in the river at the bottom. Luckily the cow didn't bother pursuing us any further.
But I broke my foot smashing it against a tree on the way down, and was concussed. I was black and blue, covered in cuts and grazes.
My husband got up and went to work as usual with no idea I was sitting in water, cold and dazed with a broken foot.
Took me hours and hours to get home, and 6 weeks to be walking again!
After that I took a phone, just in case..

 

[VNwalking]

Definitely. Quite reasonable, too.

Phew. Off the hook.

Took me hours and hours to get home, and 6 weeks to be walking again!
After that I took a phone, just in case..

OMG, such a story. Some years later it's laughing fodder, but in the moment??
I bet you took a phone after that.

Which affirms Margaret's point. Stuff happens. And fast. So even if you're intending to go completely incommunicado, it's worth having a way to get in touch in an emergency - an old-fashioned flip phone is good enough.

 

[VNwalking]

There we have it again. What you are comparing are not the same. Either you are doing it on purpose, which would be an insult or you really don't know the difference.

@jesper K , please, can you explain?
There's no comparison in what @t2andreo is saying so I don't get what you mean.
He's just saying everyone's entitled to both their opinions and mutual respect.

(And suggesting someone is either being deliberately insulting or ignorant is not actually very respectful, IMO. Just saying.)

 

[VNwalking]

Ah I see what you mean, @jesper K [Edit - post that I was replying to has been deleted, I assume by the poster himself.]
Honestly? I take him to mean that everyone here has a right to their views. We don't have to agree, but at least we should respect that whatever they do works for them. (@t2andreo , is that a fair translation?) And I would add to that - and they have to respect that what we do works for us. I do think that is happening, BTW...
(And for the record, I am an incommunicado type too and would hate to be told I had to stay connected...but I don't actually think that's what he's saying.)

 

[Former member 49149]

I am glad to see that your statement has been explained, Jesper, as I had not been able to get your point. Yes, you are so right: I must respect your right to hold your opinion.

 

[wayfarer]

There's no right and there's no wrong with this; it's whatever suits you and yours.

Hit the nail on the head IMO. The only thing that this forum can enforce are the rules on posting, we do not make policy on any aspect of how pilgrims do their own Camino.

 

[VNwalking]

The only thing that this forum can enforce are the rules on posting, we do not make policy on any aspect of how pilgrims do their own Camino.

Well. I am relieved to know that.
(There is no chuckling emoji...)

 

[evanlow]

Maintain a blog and update it daily while on the Camino via smartphone with local sim. Communications are minimized at least from my end and the time can be spent on what's happening back home once a week. On a daily basis, WhatsApp messaging is enough.

That said, to each their own ...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

We all share our differing opinions on this forum and we can be passionate about our personal views, but I cringe when comments sometimes become "mean spirited" towards those who do not agree. Opposing opinions should be shared with kindness (and usually are).

 

[t2andreo]

My main issue with jesper is that his posts seem to belittle and insult those who have shared staying in contact with loved ones...I haven't notice any of those folks displaying the same irritation to those who prefer to be free of all entanglements while they walk.

Chris: Please let it go. Everyone one of us has to do their own Camino, when walking, and through life generally... Tom

 

[t2andreo]

Well. I am relieved to know that.
(There is no chuckling emoji...)

Actually, and slightly off topic, I understood that Ivar enabled FULL EMOJI SUPPORT on the forum. That means, to me at least, that if I paste an emoji from my laptop or iPhone, it will appear here.

Let's have a go... What follows is a test of the 'Camino Forum Emoji System (CFES)'...if this were an actual emergency, you would have been directed to bend over and kiss your #@# goodbye... LOL!

Me in South Florida = (smiley with sunglasses)

I am at the bar... (smiley with cowboy hat)

Aqua no-potable! (Skull & crossbones)

Peace (Namaste - hands)

He/she is gone with the (fairies (2))...

Wear good (boots)

Let us know if you can see the emoji symbol (from my Macbook).

Hope this helps...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I cannot see the cowboy, fairies or boot. The others I do see. I'm thinking Iphone/mac are not fully compatible with Android phones.? I've noticed that before that I sometimes get an X in place of an emoji on the forum.

 

[Stroller123]

For me it all depends on the agreements I have made with whom I left behind.
There's no philosophy or a one solution fits all (journey) behind this (it's probably been said before, but I can't find it anymore).

Wear good (boots)

Let us know if you can see the emoji symbol (from my Macbook).

Can't see this (I'm using Firefox)

 

[VNwalking]

You must have bare feet, @t2andreo - because none of us can see those cowboy boots.

And @DonnaS18....just...ouch. I hope you're healing well. There are definitely times when communication is essential.

 

[Via2010]

Hi,

I restrict communication on my camino to what I deem necessary. So I do not take a smartphone but just an oldfashioned mobile phone, which enables me to call my husband and/or mum or to send short SMS.

When I walked the Portugues last year I was really upset, because I could not establish a connection with home for nearly a week. Fortunately the hospitalera at the orbitur campsite in Angeiras allowed me to call my husband and I could assure him that everything was ok with me but I had no net.

Taking this in consideration nowadays I inform my family in advance if I plan to walk in areas where there will be no sufficient net so that they shall not worry if they do not recieve a call for 2 or 3 days. At that point I would look for alternative methods to get in touch, e. g. phone from a bar.

Normally I use to make a short call every day just to assure that everything is ok at home (old parents and lots of animals to look after). My mum feels grateful for my calls as she still would like to go on the camino again but can not do so because of her health. So she follows me on a map.

When walking the CF in 2006/2007, I used to send e-mails to friends every couple of days and felt very obliged to do so. But nowadays I refrain from that. I take some notes during my camino but I do this principally for myself, not for anybody else. If my friends at home want to know what the camino feels like, they should take their boots and their backpack and walk for themselves. Later I might tell them about my experiences but when I am walking the camino I do not want to share my emotions with people who are not in the same situation (and - unlike my mum - never have been).

And when I am on the camino I do not want to be contacted by my employer or by my colleagues. So they are informed that I am off for a while and that it will be useless contacting me before the end of my holiday as I will neither respond nor return home earlier. I can remember that one colleague tried to contact me when I was on holiday in Greece. He phoned my parents and made things sound very urgent so they were really upset. When they told me about it, I decided not to contact my colleague and told them also to pretend that they did not reach me. Back home a week later I found out that there was no emergency at all. It was just that my colleague was afraid to make a mistake and wanted somebody else to be or at least to feel responsible.

BC
Alexandra

 

[Iriebabel]

Actually, and slightly off topic, I understood that Ivar enabled FULL EMOJI SUPPORT on the forum. That means, to me at least, that if I paste an emoji from my laptop or iPhone, it will appear here.

Let's have a go... What follows is a test of the Camino Forum Emjoi System...if this were an actual emergency, you would have been directed to bend over and kiss you #@# goodbye... LOL!

Me in South Florida = (smiley with sunglasses)

I am at the bar... (smiley with cowboy hat)

Aqua no-potable! (Skull & crossbones)

Peace (Namaste - hands)

He/she is gone with the (fairies (2))...

Wear good (boots)

Let us know if you can see the emoji symbol (from my Macbook).

Hope this helps...

freezing in Spring HIll Florida this morning sunny at 1C /33F bad frost expected tonight
So I can have some ️ brrrrrr

 

[m108]

I was thinking about something that would raise irresponsibility to a higher level - not to mention that I'm going to Camino (I'm 64). It does not seem like a good idea.
Usually before departure send approximate framework / plan to my son and best friend. Then I do not communicate, but I publish photos every day or two on the FB. And when I stop posting, those who followed me ask me if I'm home and I answer: yes .That's it. But I also do not use phone at home, at least not for conversations

 

[t2andreo]

I thought that there was a standard emoji library that both Android and Apple devices used. I also know that several updated versions of the library have been 'published' recently.

I wonder if you have full support on YOUR device is your device does not have the newest version of your operating system, Android or iOS. Just thinking.

I am using a Macbook with the most current Mojave Operating System updates. So, I have the most current Apple-provided emoji library.

One wonders is this is not a job for Ivar... HELLO, are you listening in? Someone could send this to him...

Just sayin... Thanks to those of you who replied... Half a loaf is better than none....

 

[VNwalking]

When you fall, it happens in an eye-blink. On moment you're sailing along and the next...boom.
And it can happen to anyone. Complacency is just dumb.
No need for a huge plan if that's not you. But a way to be in touch could be lifesaving. (Oh. And carry whatever device you use where you can reach it easily if you take a tumble - but not where it might get broken when you fall on it.)

 

[mette]

Tom's replies on another thread about a peregrina who had gone incommunicado got me reflecting.
He said:


When I walk I go more or less completely off line from friends and family - it's part of the process that I deeply value. So obviously Tom and I inhabit different realms of preference, and it's not to make one wrong or right or to argue which is more in accord with the spirit of the way. Both are. The way is what it is now and we can get all precious about what it 'should' be, or 'used to be' before mobile phones - but IMO that's not very realistic.

But I was a little surprised by the premise of the second quote - that to agree to stay in touch is the responsible option. Maybe I'm the only one who still walks untethered, but 'may agree...' fits my world better than 'should agree...' Our devices are addictive enough as it is without the stifling external pressure to keep in touch all the time which only seems to be getting more intense as it becomes ever easier to do that.

People who have care-giving responsibilities at home obviously can't just walk away and say 'talk to you in a month.' But is it no longer OK to let those (who can) go incommunicado, without demanding constant contact? And...if people have been in touch and suddenly enter a 'camino bubble,' can that be OK?

[I'm honestly curious to know what the general consensus of people here is, one way or another - and mean to start an open dialog, not an argument. So please feel free to express what you think...while at the same time understanding there may be differences and inasmuch as possible, letting them be.]

I always make a group on Facebook, where those I choose can follow my Camino, pictures and read a little about my day, mostly for me to remember the days, but also for my son else he will get very worried about me
Everybody walks their own Camino and can do it the way they want to.
I must say though, that I was a bit annoyed with those walking and talking on their phones on the road and in the dorms, just a bit annoying but that’s me

 

[ivar]

I thought that there was a standard emoji library that both Android and Apple devices used. I also know that several updated versions of the library have been 'published' recently.

I wonder if you have full support on YOUR device is your device does not have the newest version of your operating system, Android or iOS. Just thinking.

I am using a Macbook with the most current Mojave Operating System updates. So, I have the most current Apple-provided emoji library.

One wonders is this is not a job for Ivar... HELLO, are you listening in? Someone could send this to him...

Just sayin... Thanks to those of you who replied... Half a loaf is better than none....

Hi there,

I am not a emoji expert, but the support documents say:

XenForo 2 supports full unicode text, which means that emoji can be used in almost all locations that users can enter text.

https://xenforo.com/xf2-docs/manual/unicode/

So... this means that the following emojis can be used:
https://unicode.org/emoji/charts/full-emoji-list.html
(This is a very long list and it will take some time to load). You will see that the same emoji might look a bit different on different devices (see the table).

I also think that some devices might have emojis that are not in the "unicode text" format. If this is in use, it will not show on the forum...

But this is not important people... I might be getting old, but a smily is about the only emoji I use

More on this here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoji

Greetings from a rainy Santiago,
Ivar

 

[tomnorth]

When you fall, it happens in an eye-blink. On moment you're sailing along and the next...boom.
And it can happen to anyone. Complacency is just dumb.
No need for a huge plan if that's not you. But a way to be in touch could be lifesaving. (Oh. And carry whatever device you use where you can reach it easily if you take a tumble - but not where it might get broken when you fall on it.)

Once you’ve had one of those “blink of an eye” events happen to you, you’ll never forget it. Seven years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, I ruptured my right quad tendon playing football in the backyard. Fortunately, I was with others when this happened. Had I been alone, I would have been in a dangerous situation if I had had no means of communication with me. When you suffer a complete rupture of a quad tendon, you have no functioning quadriceps, which means you can’t walk or lift your leg. There is no limping along. You’re stuck, dead in the water. How does this relate to the Camino you might ask. Well, the most common way that people rupture a quad tendon is by falling while descending a steep wet or icy surface, like the descent into Molinasecca on a rainy day. So for me, I always have in the back of my mind how I would communicate if something really bad happened to me.

 

[Icacos]

.........I was a bit annoyed with those walking and talking on their phones on the road and in the dorms, just a bit annoying but that’s me

Not just you....I find that annoying too. There was one time though, close to Santiago, when someone in the albergue was speaking on Skype to his family back home. I found it loud and intrusive, until I came to realize that this person had issues and was walking under supervision as part of treatment or some healing process, and I immediately made allowances for this 'annoyance.' I pray that this young man has been able to work through his difficulties, and am grateful for those like his supervisor who devote their time to helping him and others like him.

 

[Former member 49149]

I cannot see the cowboy, fairies or boot. The others I do see. I'm thinking Iphone/mac are not fully compatible with Android phones.? I've noticed that before that I sometimes get an X in place of an emoji on the forum.

Hey, Chris, i learned something this morning but am not at all sure it fits your situation. i have an ipad and a keyboard. When I hit the bottom left button on the keyboartd, it brings up - briefly - a popup with options, and emojis come in the middle. Yes! So I could tap each emoji till infinity and they would all appear here. Want to see?
Is that enough? Ha! I thought I had been left out. Boo hoo.
Edit: Oops! I thought this was the not serious thread, sorry folks....

 

[Icacos]

Hey, Chris, i learned something this morning but am not at all sure it fits your situation. i have an ipad and a keyboard. When I hit the bottom left button on the keyboartd, it brings up - briefly - a popup with options, and emojis come in the middle. Yes! So I could tap each emoji till infinity and they would all appear here. Want to see?
Is that enough? Ha! I thought I had been left out. Boo hoo.
Edit: Oops! I thought this was the not serious thread, sorry folks....

Your tenth and fifteenth emojis are not coming in for me.
Perhaps all this emoji nonsense can be moved to its own thread !!??

 

[Former member 49149]

Sorry, Icacos, I was just being a bit more mad than usual...

 

[Icacos]

Sorry, Icacos, I was just being a bit more mad than usual...

No need to apologize. I hope no one is offended by my use of the word 'nonsense'.

 

[t2andreo]

freezing in Spring HIll Florida this morning sunny at 1C /33F bad frost expected tonight
So I can have some ️ brrrrrr

I sent an email to Ivar to ask him to look at this.

 

[t2andreo]

Your tenth and fifteenth emojis are not coming in for me.
Perhaps all this emoji nonsense can be moved to its own thread !!??

Good idea... Sorry I took us off on a tangent...

 

[Icacos]

Good idea... Sorry I took us off on a tangent...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

No need to apologize. I hope no one is offended by my use of the word 'nonsense'.

I for one am not offended. Those of us in the "NOT a serious thread" club, love nonsense. I meant to say 'thread' because we are not a clique...anyone can join, but you must first pass a test of ten questions, then our leaders assemble for a meeting to discuss who gets admitted. No siree, no clique at all.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That said, I think I'd better high tail back to my happy place in the club, I mean other thread.