I think I'm a Loner or maybe an opportunist?

[Anniesantiago]

I don't like firm plans.
I just do better when I can be flexible to change course when it makes sense.

The Camino is known for throwing us curve balls,
but it is also known for providing what we need.

It's just not always good for the other person.
That can be difficult.
And that is why I often walk alone.

Yesterday I was going to walk the Camino Madrid.
Today I saw the extended weather report and the sunny south began looking mighty good.
I know myself.
I know my body.
With my MCS and fibro, I would not be a happy peregrina walking in rain, wind, cold and/or snow.
And there's no reason not to do what makes me happy and comfortable.

So today I've decided to hop down to either Malaga or Granada and walk at least a portion of the Mozarabe route. I'm hoping to walk as far as Merida. But who knows?If things get better weather-wise up north, I may pop up to Simacas and walk those last 5 days I missed on the Madrid route two years ago, just to say I've finished it.

So that's it.
I've made a decision.
If anyone has plans on starting the Mozárabe between April 17 and 18, and wants a slow walking partner, give a shout. I'll be on the trail.

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 36903]

Buen Camino Anniesantiago! Enjoy the sunshine.

 

[lovingkindness]

Go well, Annie...Granada is fun...

 

[mspath]

Buen camino Annie! Whatever you do in Granada don't miss visiting the Alhambra!
You will remember it forever!

Carpe diem and, as always,
Ultreia!

 

[Al the optimist]

Agree about the Alhambra but very hot in the midday/early afternoon. The Generalife is wonderful at sunset!
Enjoy whatever you do. Who knows but as I am starting from Almeria on the 3rd of May we may even bump into each other Annie!

 

[mspath]

What fun it would be for the two of you to watch that sunset together!! I'm envious.

 

[newgabe]

ouch I'm starting to walk from Ponferrada in mid May. I sure hope the weather improves by then.. the next couple of weeks look horrible. Zero is not my kind of temperature!

 

[Anniesantiago]

ouch I'm starting to walk from Ponferrada in mid May. I sure hope the weather improves by then.. the next couple of weeks look horrible. Zero is not my kind of temperature!

By mid-May the weather should be great.
No worries.

 

[wayfarer]

Buen Camino Annie, enjoy.

 

[LTfit]

Hi Annie - I walked Granada - Mérida September 2015. Lovely (LOTS of olive groves) but terribly quiet. I kept my sanity talking to locals whenever I got a chance as I didn't meet another pilgrim until Mérida. Signage was fair till Cordoba and good after that. If you look around I am sure that you will find my posts.

Buen Camino and let us know what you decide.

 

[gregorygwilliams]

ouch I'm starting to walk from Ponferrada in mid May. I sure hope the weather improves by then.. the next couple of weeks look horrible. Zero is not my kind of temperature!

I walked from Ponferrada late last May and the weather was perfect! I hopes yours is as well.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

You know how I feel about your decision. The best plan is NO plan, and that way, you aren't sitting resentfully in a place you don't want to be. Freedom is paramount, and most of us--I think--go on this journey in order to enjoy time alone, bumping fortuitously into like-minded spirits along the way. You can't plan serendipity.

 

[naplesdon]

After 5 Caminos the "no plan" plan is the best IMHO.
I am starting in Barcelona 25 May and want to do a little bit of sightseeing in the city before going to Huesca where I plan to start walking. I want to see San Juan de Pena which I missed last year and my next objective is to arrive at San Anton on 13/14 June when I start my hospitalero service. If it requires alternative travel routes, then so be it.

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Hi Annie, I’ve been reading @magwood’s blog on the Mozarabe this week and I’d be there with you in a flash if I could. It’s definitely high on my radar along with a Madrid-CF-Invierno-Sanabres mix!! Enjoy and please send us updates.
Buen Camino, Grace

 

[newgabe]

I read (or hear, as I listened to it on audiobook via Audible) a good book on this route by a chap named Tony Kevin- "Walking the Camino: a Modern Pilgrimage" He also walked mostly alone. Contains a lot of cultural and historical information about Spain as well as comments on the actual route and an understated insight into his inner journey.

 

[amorfati1]

Buen camino Annie! Whatever you do in Granada don't miss visiting the Alhambra!
You will remember it forever!

Carpe diem and, as always,
Ultreia!

reservations recommended though! (for visiting the Alhambra)
http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/ticketsale.asp

 

[Anniesantiago]

reservations recommended though! (for visiting the Alhambra)
http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/ticketsale.asp

I've seen it before -- it is certainly beautiful. If I do go via Granada, I'll do it.
I'm seriously leaning more toward Malaga though.

 

[Al the optimist]

Last year I revisited the Alhambra with my daughter in her February's school half term break. Over a chilled wine afterwards I asked what she enjoyed most. Our visit had been in the very hot afternoon. She surprised me when she also thought the gardens her favourite part. So we have something in common after all? She surprised me though as she is more a bricks and mortar than nature lover, very much a city woman. The intricate inscriptions and architecture are noteworthy though as are the views from this hilltop sensual treat.

 

[Kiwi-family]

May the rain stay far away from you!

 

[BrienC]

You know how I feel about your decision. The best plan is NO plan, and that way, you aren't sitting resentfully in a place you don't want to be. Freedom is paramount, and most of us--I think--go on this journey in order to enjoy time alone, bumping fortuitously into like-minded spirits along the way. You can't plan serendipity.

Perfection, Deb.

 

[BrienC]

reservations recommended though! (for visiting the Alhambra)
http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/ticketsale.asp

Good info; thanks, amorfati1. Planning to visit the Alhambra in Early Oct, prior to starting the VdLP.

Buen Camino! Annie.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

I've seen it before -- it is certainly beautiful. If I do go via Granada, I'll do it.
I'm seriously leaning more toward Malaga though.

Been to Granada twice, to Malaga once. I think if I were to walk I'd probably pick Malaga.

Vaya con Dios.