How do Your Camino Amigos influence your route?

[Robo]

In a recent post, a 'frequent flyer' Pilgrim mentioned that they would not want to plan on walking an alternative final 100kms on the Camino Frances, as it would mean separating from friends they might make along the way.

That got me thinking. And of course it's a very personal thing.

But it might be a topic that would interest those planning their first Camino, in that it illustrates how we build strong relationships fast on the Camino, and how that can influence our Camino day to day.

Q. How much do your 'Camino Amigos' influence your journey and in particular your route and daily stopping places?

I would say from a personal viewpoint, not at all.
But that would not be 100% true.

Camino #1 on the Frances. I was not really influenced by Camino Amigos at all. Basically because I was walking injured from Day 1. And so my daily distance 'ability' soon had me falling behind and making new friends on a regular basis. As I was walking alone (perhaps a factor) I made new friends easily. And we would often compare plans to see if we were staying in the same villages and arrange shared dinners etc. But after a few days they would again move on ahead.

Camino #2 and 3. I was walking with Pat. So we had our own company and were walking quite short daily distances. We tended to keep to ourselves more and were not so influenced in any way by others. Is that a 'thing' when walking as a couple?

Camino #4, Was a hybrid of 4 routes. And again alone. Bliss....... I did not expect my journey to be influenced by others much, but it was, a bit. It's nice when you really 'connect' with other Pilgrims along the way.

For 10 days or so I walked with 2 Pilgrims (a couple) and we generally stopped in the same places and stayed in the same accommodations, shared meals etc. Then they went left and I went right, on the route. And we parted company. I didn't consider changing my route plans to stick together. (our differing routes were known up front). We still catch up, as we live in the same City.

Then a few days later I buddied up with 2 guys walking together and we got on really well. Same thing. We generally walked to the same places, often stayed in the same accommodations, hung out for meals etc. That was great too.

But after 2 weeks they were headed one way and I was headed off on another route. Did we consider changing our plans to remain hanging out together? Not for a minute. Again, our differing route plans were known up front.

Though we did arrive in Santiago within a day of each other so we caught up for a lunch and dinner. Again, we still stay in touch. Though we are on different sides of the 'pond'.

So my Camino Amigos 'do' influence my Camino at times, in terms of how far I am walking and where I stop, and maybe what accommodation I might use. Particularly on a more remote route. But do they influence the actual route I am taking?
No.
Not so far, anyway.

But I'm sure for others, their Camino Amigos or Camino 'Family' is a very important part of their journey.
So I can understand how that might influence or alter plans along the way.
(maybe first time Pilgrims take note, and don't book too far ahead?)

What are your thoughts?

Is your Camino influenced in terms of time and distance and route, by those you befriend along the way?
Not at all?
A bit?

I have to confess to being a bit 'torn'
I love walking alone and the solitude.
15 days on the Invierno alone was magical.

But it's also a great experience walking with those with whom you have made a deep connection.

Maybe a bit of both is the best of both Worlds?

Afterthought.
For those who may be inclined to try to 'keep up' with pilgrim friends.
It can be sad to part from friends.
But every time I have done so, I have met other 'friends' fairly quickly.

Perhaps it's the nature and the magic of the Camino?

 

[Walkerooni]

For me, not at all. Have never fallen into the "Camino family " myth. I have a family, thanks. I walk as far as I want to walk in a day, at the pace I prefer. As such, I meet many people walking a similar pace, and similar distances, but don't feel the need to tie myself to them, nor have them tie themselves to me. It is very special when you meet like-minded people surreptitiously, maybe connecting every few days, or once a week, or... Those excited and awkward hugs while wearing backpacks hold a special place in my heart. I have made many dear friends I have kept in touch with over time. But I would say I am content to meet whoever I meet along the way while doing the walk I would like to do.

 

[isawtman]

In Sept 2022 I did the Camino Frances and I became really fond of my Camino Friends. I was hiking with a mixture of young people and older people. Hiking with the young people brought out my fatherly instincts again which I did not expect. We spent the night together in Riego De Ambrose after doing Cruz de Ferro. Then they decided to do bigger miles and I couldn't keep up. Before that I was getting my backpack transferred so I could keep up. They said I would catch up to them in Santiago, but here is what happened.
When I got to Santiago, I contacted them and they said they would be in Fisterra/Finnesterre the next night. So I took the bus out there and it was a great time. It was really the icing on the cake. You can see my young friends on this video of best moments on the Camino Frances here:

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I basically plan my first week of any camino, and I go to the places I want to go exclusively. (These are usually "favorite" stops arranged according to my distance/timing goals.)

But if I meet a compatible person or group, and my timing allows, I can adjust my pace and distance for the sake of camaraderie. I usually find compatible people means they speak English, they are cool, they think I'm cool, they have similar financial means and hopefully a similar "end date" in mind... most importantly, they want friends too...

Sometimes I have an aggressive agenda where I have strict distance and timing requirements. Sometimes I'm in "let's find friends" mode. I usually decide to commit to one or the other based on the people I meet.

If I am open to find friends but haven't really clicked with anyone yet, I do a thing I call "skipping the herd". That is basically doing 2 stages in one day or 3 stages in 2 days. I get to meet a whole new group of people that way,

I no longer expect every camino to mean meeting more forever friends... I have met so many out there, and it's rare... It just depends.