After 12 years, finally starting

[BeakerFlo]

It took me 12 years to finally start the Camino. In this time I found a house, a girlfriend and a new career. So now it is time to leave it all behind for a moment and start walking.

The reason why I would like to walk it is not religious, even though I always had a cultural interest in religion. It is more that I sometimes like to undertake adventures. Be a ski-teacher for a season and things like that. And I was always fascinated by stories like I read The Lord of the Rings long before it became a commercial hit and there they undertake a voyage where the travelling is the story. And they always have to endure something to get to their goal.

So now I am going to create my own story and endure… something?

My name is Floris.
46 of age when I start the walk.
I work as an Teamlead in IT, but started as a IT Engineer/advisor.
I am from Holland, but, mostly because of time limits, start in St Jean Pied de Port.
*edit* I will start the April 16th 2025.

Why not in Spain? Because I like the mountains. And I would endure the vertical meters to enjoy the mountains and the views.

Unfortunately you will not get an online travel report from me, because I try to be offline. Without being anti mobile phone.

So a short introduction. Maybe we will meet each other online or offline.

 

[J Willhaus]

Will start tomorrow or sometime soon?

 

[dick bird]

I sometimes like to undertake adventures.

Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no dragons on the camino. But lots of other exciting and interesting things will happen. Buen Camino.

 

[trecile]

Will start tomorrow or sometime soon?

He's on the April calendar for an April 16th start.

 

[BeakerFlo]

Thank you indeed April 2025. But I need to add that the the opening post

 

[ThatIrishGuy]

Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no dragons on the camino. But lots of other exciting and interesting things will happen. Buen Camino.

Only their teeth..
Buen Camino Floris

 

[lovingkindness]

Buen camino!

 

[wisepilgrim]

Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no dragons on the camino. But lots of other exciting and interesting things will happen. Buen Camino.

Like bears. Please do mind the bears.

And enjoy the journey, it sounds like you are right on time.

 

[BeakerFlo]

Yes. Not to hot and not to cold.
And probably before the big crowds. But that is something I will see when I walk the walk.
Somewhere I saw some tips to avoid 'the bubble' if I happen to get in one, but hopefully it will only start to be an issue after Sarria.

Let's keep the bears between us. If my girlfriend gets wind of it... We wild camped in the Pyrenees with a Land Cruiser she was relieved to be in a steel cage (car) and sleep in our rooftop tent. I never mentioned their climbing capabilities.

By the way @wisepilgrim thanks for creating the app. It is one of the sources I will use and a valuable one.

 

[Ianinam]

Yes. Not to hot and not to cold.
And probably before the big crowds. But that is something I will see when I walk the walk.

You will definitely be IN the big crowd. April 16th is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Semana Santa (Holy week) in Spain. In Spain and France this is a holiday and many Spanish and French people walk a short Camino that week. So be prepared and make your reservations from SJPdP through Pamplona.
If you are in Roncesvalles on White Thursday (the 17th) pilgrims can have their feet washed bij the prior during the pilgrims Mass at 6 pm.
Be also aware that the Route Napoleon can be closed due to heavy snow in the mountains. If that is the case, the pilgrim's office in SJPdP will advise you to walk the Valcarlos route.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no dragons on the camino. But lots of other exciting and interesting things will happen. Buen Camino.

Yah but there are witches! Oh and the spirit of that young scorned wife who murdered her children by drowning them in the river... edit: the ghost story is "La Llorona"... it's a good one to tell friends when walking near dusk by a river... I know it's from the Americas but it works in Spain too...