Martin Sheen needs a GPS!

[Gareth Griffith]

Watching Martin Sheen in the film "The Way" he has a night in Roncesvalles and then moves on to within a few kilometres of Pamplona where he gives up on his fat friend who continues on to Pamplona on his own. He overnights and sets of the following morning, phoning home on his mobile to tell his secretary to cancel all his appointments.
He then stops for a coffee and a roll at Orisson!
I know that at the beginning of the journey he twice takes the wrong route even before he's out of St Jean Pied de Port but this takes the biscuit!
I've not even done my first Camino yet, but if I hit Orisson after Roncesvalles I know I'm in trouble!!

 

[Devon Mike]

Hi Gareth,

There are a few anomalies in the film. You have spotted the obvious one already, and will notice more once you have walked the Camino.

When the group leaves O Cebreiro they are walking the wrong way. Also the bridge where Tom drops his pack in the river is not on the Camino, many people have looked for it on their Caminos but never found it!!

Buen Camino,

Mike

 

[KinkyOne]

Watching Martin Sheen in the film "The Way" he has a night in Roncesvalles and then moves on to within a few kilometres of Pamplona where he gives up on his fat friend who continues on to Pamplona on his own. He overnights and sets of the following morning, phoning home on his mobile to tell his secretary to cancel all his appointments.
He then stops for a coffee and a roll at Orisson!
I know that at the beginning of the journey he twice takes the wrong route even before he's out of St Jean Pied de Port but this takes the biscuit!
I've not even done my first Camino yet, but if I hit Orisson after Roncesvalles I know I'm in trouble!!

I was very pleasantly surprised today when I saw The Way will be on TV over here. It will be the first time for me to see it. I remember the last time it was shown I was on Camino. Few minutes and it begins...

 

[Pelegrin]

The Way (like most trip films) focuses more on personal relations than in "thecnical details" which can cost production money and not are demanded for most people who go to the cinema. I remembering now films about climbing in the Himalayas very deficient from the thecnical point of view.

 

[Michael Caleigh]

Watching Martin Sheen in the film "The Way" he has a night in Roncesvalles and then moves on to within a few kilometres of Pamplona where he gives up on his fat friend who continues on to Pamplona on his own. He overnights and sets of the following morning, phoning home on his mobile to tell his secretary to cancel all his appointments.
He then stops for a coffee and a roll at Orisson!
I know that at the beginning of the journey he twice takes the wrong route even before he's out of St Jean Pied de Port but this takes the biscuit!
I've not even done my first Camino yet, but if I hit Orisson after Roncesvalles I know I'm in trouble!!

Thank you for this and for making me laugh on this rainy Easter Sunday.

Happy Easter to all and Buen camino

 

[IngridF]

Well yes, that is why I didn't watch the movie until the night before I left for my 2012 Camino and only because my neighbour "forced" me.

I like the movie for it's message and beautiful landscape, but it would never have been my catalyst to walk the Camino, as so many seem to do.

Remembering 2 couples I met on route, both wanting to "re-create" their Camino to be as portrait in the movie... 1 gave up in frustration, because it just isn't sequentially shot, the other persevered and once they let go of the movie version... their Camino was a blessing.

Happy Easter to you all and Buen Camino to all the pilgrims heading out!

 

[t2andreo]

I think the juxtaposition of the scenes and routing is called literary license. It is used as a plot device to support the telling of the story.

But, I agree with many of the posters above, those pilgrims whose main motivation for doing the Camino Frances was seeing this film will be disappointed. It is a film that tells a story, not a documentary.

I hope this helps.

 

[Mark Lee]

I think the juxtaposition of the scenes and routing is called literary license. It is used as a plot device to support the telling of the story.

But, I agree with many of the posters above, those pilgrims whose main motivation for doing the Camino Frances was seeing this film will be disappointed. It is a film that tells a story, not a documentary.

I hope this helps.

Exactly.
It's a movie folks. Ain't real life and not intended to be.
The only similarities between the film and walking an actual Camino Frances are that you are in Spain and France and you are walking.
Still, I thought it was a good film and enjoyed it very much.

 

[James R B]

I'm sure that some people would like to think that Rose De Witt left a stone at the Cruz de ferro for her beloved Jack Dawson.

 

[tpmchugh]

When asked about this mistake Estevez admitted he knew about it but unfortunately it had been sent to edit in the wrong order and would have been very expensive to change. Anyone who has followed the saga of 'Six Ways to Santiago' will know how expensive it can be. That is why many bloopers have been left in so many movies over the years. There is always the hope that the audience will not notice it. And if they dont, tell them about it and re release the movie. How many went back to see El Cid after being told there was a scene with a modern truck in the background. I did but never did see that truck

 

[JP]

The French film "St-Jacques La Mecque" does the same thing, the drunkard brother leaves the group at the locks near town for a drink. Tour guide finds him at the "Cowboy Bar" which is about a 100 KM further south! Some places look better on film than others!

 

[Judy's Way]

Five months after walking the Camino Frances, I am finally watching "The Way" (yet again!) and having fun picking out the irregularities. The first one that I noticed was Martin's left turn after going through the gate in St. Jean Pied de Port. When he is going over the Pyrenees and he passes directly in front of Mary with baby Jesus, I thought he might fall off a mountain ridge like his son! Oops.

 

[david siegal]

Watching Martin Sheen in the film "The Way" he has a night in Roncesvalles and then moves on to within a few kilometres of Pamplona where he gives up on his fat friend who continues on to Pamplona on his own. He overnights and sets of the following morning, phoning home on his mobile to tell his secretary to cancel all his appointments.
He then stops for a coffee and a roll at Orisson!
I know that at the beginning of the journey he twice takes the wrong route even before he's out of St Jean Pied de Port but this takes the biscuit!
I've not even done my first Camino yet, but if I hit Orisson after Roncesvalles I know I'm in trouble!!

its funny you said that I watched the movie also and got inspired to look into doin the camino I have no idea how I would get over there I have to do some research, I am 63 yrs old with a lot of baggage to get rid of, some minor some major that I cant let go of like sheen, so I would like any help or info and prices (low budget) so I can get over there-thanks much dave" the bird"

 

[vgen5122]

Watching Martin Sheen in the film "The Way" he has a night in Roncesvalles and then moves on to within a few kilometres of Pamplona where he gives up on his fat friend who continues on to Pamplona on his own. He overnights and sets of the following morning, phoning home on his mobile to tell his secretary to cancel all his appointments.
He then stops for a coffee and a roll at Orisson!
I know that at the beginning of the journey he twice takes the wrong route even before he's out of St Jean Pied de Port but this takes the biscuit!
I've not even done my first Camino yet, but if I hit Orisson after Roncesvalles I know I'm in trouble!!

Thanks for pointing out the irregularities of "The Way". After having walked the Camino Francis my husband and I thought the film took a mini Camino in order to make the film. My husband says they walked and walked and then got into their trucks when tired. I did enjoy the films anyway and I am glad Martin Sheen made it.

 

[Mark Lee]

its funny you said that I watched the movie also and got inspired to look into doin the camino I have no idea how I would get over there I have to do some research, I am 63 yrs old with a lot of baggage to get rid of, some minor some major that I cant let go of like sheen, so I would like any help or info and prices (low budget) so I can get over there-thanks much dave" the bird"

Least expensive way to get to the Camino Frances.....
It seems to me that the cheapest way is to fly into Madrid and then to take a bus to Pamplona and another bus to St Jean Pied de Port. Once there, get to walking the next morning.
As far as flights from the US to Madrid you got to do some shopping around, and maybe be flexible with your dates.
As far as budget accommodations while walking the Camino, stay in the municipal albergues (5-12 euros a night on average).
You can find all kinds of information on all that on this forum.

 

[Hurry Krishna]

There are lots of people in their 60s doing the Camino. It is not a difficult walk and focusing on getting your rucksack as light as possible helps get rid of a LOT of baggage - real and imagined Hope you get started on the way soon, Gareth!

 

[Saint Mike II]

I think the producers/directors spotted this one after the final cut (editing) and it was too late to make the changes. Still look at any major motion picture and you will see errors - such as the roman soldier in Gladiators wearing denim jeans or in one of recent Robin Hood movies referring to the time as "11 o'clock" - when time pieces did not exist.!!

 

[Saint Mike II]

I like the movie for it's message and beautiful landscape, but it would never have been my catalyst to walk the Camino, as so many seem to do.Remembering 2 couples I met on route, both wanting to "re-create" their Camino to be as portrait in the movie... 1 gave up in frustration, because it just isn't sequentially shot, the other persevered and once they let go of the movie version... their Camino was a blessing.!

Actually the movie was filmed "sequentially" - that is they started filming in St Jean and continued SW (to Burgos) and then West to Santiago. If you accept that it's a movie - not a pilgrimage/doco then allow some of the errors. If you get the see the DVD and the extra scenes that go with it - Martin Shean / Emilio Estevez / David Alexanian get together and discuss how each major scene was put together and then filmed - like Martin walks into Pamplona via the road the pilgrim route exits - it was easier the shoot the scene; it was the same on the train arriving at St Jean - its going the "wrong" way. cheers

 

[Gareth Griffith]

There are lots of people in their 60s doing the Camino. It is not a difficult walk and focusing on getting your rucksack as light as possible helps get rid of a LOT of baggage - real and imagined Hope you get started on the way soon, Gareth!

Hi Krishna Sen,
April 12th fly out from Stansted. April 13th will be striding out for Orisson! Already packed the backpack and busy chucking out what I can.
I'm one of those in their 60's doing the Camino. My Dad's 85 and has only recently slowed down after open heart surgery, two hip replacements and now Hodgkins Lymphoma. Ask him how he is and he'll tell you "I'm fine". With increased longevity, being in your 60's is almost still "spring chicken".

 

[Doug Delfeld]

Hi Gareth,

There are a few anomalies in the film. You have spotted the obvious one already, and will notice more once you have walked the Camino.

When the group leaves O Cebreiro they are walking the wrong way. Also the bridge where Tom drops his pack in the river is not on the Camino, many people have looked for it on their Caminos but never found it!!

Buen Camino,

Mike

I just want to say, that even though there are discrepancies in the continuity of the film it was a turning point in my life!! I am 72 .I saw it in 2010 when it came out and it gave me the desire to Walk "The Way" and I've been obsessed with It ever since!! My wife and I walked Leon to SdC in 2013 and plan the full Camino fromSJpP this fall. I feel a calling by
God to spend as much time on the Camino as
Possible sharing His message .
I pray you find all that God has for you on your
Camino!
Being Camino

 

[Sue M]

Watched 'The Way', did the walk, want to go back!

 

[Skandinaviangirl]

once they let go of the movie version... their Camino was a blessing!

Too many people try to live their lives as a reflection of what they see on tv, and become very disappointed. In real life we have no background music, the colors seems a bit faded and there is not always a "happily ever after", yet so many people think that this is possible and the right way to live.

Maybe once we let go of this perfect movie vision of live, our everyday Camino will also be a blessing.

I love your message!

Buen Camino and happy (belated) eastern!

 

[zzotte]

its funny you said that I watched the movie also and got inspired to look into doin the camino I have no idea how I would get over there I have to do some research, I am 63 yrs old with a lot of baggage to get rid of, some minor some major that I cant let go of like sheen, so I would like any help or info and prices (low budget) so I can get over there-thanks much dave" the bird"

You don't need to go Santiago for that your camino can start right at home, open up you heart and you will see

Zzotte

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Watching Martin Sheen in the film "The Way"

The premise that someone could die from the weather in about September is quite far fetched, too. In many shots, the grape vines are still green; in some they have turned to fall colors, so the setting is not winter when most deaths have occurred. It is fiction, so the writer and director control reality!

 

[domigee]

What struck me in the film is that they wear jeans

 

[Walli Walker]

I walked SJPdeP to SdeC before The Way was made. I picked up many mistakes when I first watched it but loved it anyway. I've lost count of how many times I've seen it and I still get a lump in my throat when the sellos are shown at the beginning!

 

[Mark Lee]

What struck me in the film is that they wear jeans

True, jeans are not the most practical Camino attire, but on my Caminos I did see several pilgrims wearing them. On my last one I saw one young pilgrim wearing cotton board shorts and polo shirts everyday. His footwear was a pair of canvas deck shoe type sneakers. He strolled right along. It was amusing watching him walk by pilgrims looking like REI catalog illustrations, ha ha.

 

[rometimed]

There are lots of people in their 60s doing the Camino. It is not a difficult walk and focusing on getting your rucksack as light as possible helps get rid of a LOT of baggage - real and imagined Hope you get started on the way soon, Gareth!

When I was on the Camino in June I met a 72ish year old English couple who had moved to Bulgaria. They were on the Camino with a big cart + tent + their dog. They had been on for about 65 days when we met them by Sarria (started at SJPdP)I think and they were doing between 5-15 KMs a day.

 

[Anna Powell]

Hi Gareth,

There are a few anomalies in the film. You have spotted the obvious one already, and will notice more once you have walked the Camino.

When the group leaves O Cebreiro they are walking the wrong way. Also the bridge where Tom drops his pack in the river is not on the Camino, many people have looked for it on their Caminos but never found it!!

Buen Camino,

Mike

Yes , I watched this yesterday and was quite confused too. But, as I'm sure they say, everyone's camino is different! Wept everytime someone said "Buon Camino" though... Aaaah, planning the next stage. Once a pellegrino, always on the Camino....

 

[Anna Powell]

True, jeans are not the most practical Camino attire, but on my Caminos I did see several pilgrims wearing them. On my last one I saw one young pilgrim wearing cotton board shorts and polo shirts everyday. His footwear was a pair of canvas deck shoe type sneakers. He strolled right along. It was amusing watching him walk by pilgrims looking like REI catalog illustrations, ha ha.

I wore jeans. No problems. It was the footwear i had trouble with. Ended up with velcro strap sandals that I didn't do up over the toes.very comfy and perfectly safe (surprisingly). I'd do it bare

The premise that someone could die from the weather in about September is quite far fetched, too. In many shots, the grape vines are still green; in some they have turned to fall colors, so the setting is not winter when most deaths have occurred. It is fiction, so the writer and director control reality!

someone did go missing, presumed dead, in October last year.

 

[Anna Powell]

I wore jeans. No problems. It was the footwear i had trouble with. Ended up with velcro strap sandals that I didn't do up over the toes.very comfy and perfectly safe (surprisingly). I'd do it bare

someone did go missing, presumed dead, in October last year.

I wore jeans. No problems. It was the footwear i had trouble with. Ended up with velcro strap sandals that I didn't do up over the toes.very comfy and perfectly safe (surprisingly). I'd do it bare

foot but...

 

[Tez Watson]

foot but...

My son and I cycled the Camino Frances in eight days in 2014. His friend from Australia did it barefoot and his father walked in boots - the son's feet fared best - having said that he's not worn shoes at all for fifteen years!

 

[psychoticparrot]

True, jeans are not the most practical Camino attire, but on my Caminos I did see several pilgrims wearing them. On my last one I saw one young pilgrim wearing cotton board shorts and polo shirts everyday. His footwear was a pair of canvas deck shoe type sneakers. He strolled right along. It was amusing watching him walk by pilgrims looking like REI catalog illustrations, ha ha.

That boat-shoe pilgrim is the kind of pilgrim most likely to have to cut his Camino short because of foot and knee problems. I live on a boat 6 months out of the year and wear Topsiders constantly. They are great on a boat but devils when walking any distance. They have no support for the foot and no traction at all. I plan to look exactly like an REI illustration because I plan to buy appropriate gear to get me through to Santiago from SJPDP. I did an experimental walk of just 3 miles two days ago in an old and comfortable pair of sneakers from Kmart. Two hot spots on my feet about to blister by the time I got back! You have to be incredibly fit or incredibly lucky to get by on cheap gear, no matter where you walk.

Re "The Way": It's a very good movie, IMO, and was my initial inspiration to walk the Camino, but I have no desire to recreate the movie, and I have no emotional baggage to unload. I just want to experience it for myself -- no expectations, no hopes -- just open to whatever happens.

 

[frida1]

I never thought about trying to live "The Way," while walking the camino, but I've watched the movie probably 20+ times. I love it, and never really thought too much about the anomalies. After all, it's a movie. It has some great lines, like "You don't choose a life, dad, you live one."

 

[Mark Lee]

That boat-shoe pilgrim is the kind of pilgrim most likely to have to cut his Camino short because of foot and knee problems. I live on a boat 6 months out of the year and wear Topsiders constantly. They are great on a boat but devils when walking any distance. They have no support for the foot and no traction at all. I plan to look exactly like an REI illustration because I plan to buy appropriate gear to get me through to Santiago from SJPDP. I did an experimental walk of just 3 miles two days ago in an old and comfortable pair of sneakers from Kmart. Two hot spots on my feet about to blister by the time I got back! You have to be incredibly fit or incredibly lucky to get by on cheap gear, no matter where you walk.

Re "The Way": It's a very good movie, IMO, and was my initial inspiration to walk the Camino, but I have no desire to recreate the movie, and I have no emotional baggage to unload. I just want to experience it for myself -- no expectations, no hopes -- just open to whatever happens.

Well, I saw the young man all along the Way happily strolling along and later saw him in Santiago looking no worse for the wear.
Youth doth have its privileges.

 

[Mark Lee]

foot but...

ha ha...I see you clarified that remark. You had me doing the Mr. Spock one eyebrow raised with the first one.

 

[Rod Murray]

At a university forum, Emelio Estevez (star and director) and Martin Sheen discuss many aspects of producing such a film, including the task of searching out locations. The forum is on YouTube and is an insightful look into film production.

There is a segment where they talk specifically about shooting the pack being thrown into the river scene.
It would never be possible to shoot a film sequentially, and the producers' role is to map out the shooting of the main scenes as efficiently as possible after doing location research.

Hi Gareth,

There are a few anomalies in the film. You have spotted the obvious one already, and will notice more once you have walked the Camino.

When the group leaves O Cebreiro they are walking the wrong way. Also the bridge where Tom drops his pack in the river is not on the Camino, many people have looked for it on their Caminos but never found it!!

Buen Camino,

Mike

 

[psychoticparrot]

Well, I saw the young man all along the Way happily strolling along and later saw him in Santiago looking no worse for the wear.
Youth doth have its privileges.

Yup, one of the lucky ones.

 

[Mark Lee]

Yup, one of the lucky ones.

Yeah, and then there was another pilgrim I met in 2014 outside of Carrion de los Condes. It was drizzling rain that day and we walked for a couple of hours together. He was about 50 years old and all his stuff looked like it came from Wal-Mart and he was wearing one of those cheap, almost disposable rain ponchos. The kind you see vendors selling at tourist spots. He told me he had bought all his stuff at Target and Wal-Mart and had no problems. I saw him again a few days later still trekking along. I'm sure he got to Santiago without a hitch.
I don't think I've spent over $200.00 on all my gear I've walked three CF's with. Fleece pullover, socks, shorts and underwear from Wal-Mart. Merrell trail shoes bought on sale at Academy sporting goods. Backpack bought on sale sight unseen off the internet.
I always advocate on here to prospective pilgrims reading these threads not to get the impression they have to spend a fortune on gear to walk the Camino. I would hate to see someone be put off from walking the Camino by that misconception as quite a few walk the Camino on a tight budget. I would say to them, just get yourself over there, don't worry about what kind of gear you can afford. It ain't like Hillary climbing Everest or Livingstone looking for the source of the Nile.

 

[KiwiBrownz]

Watching Martin Sheen in the film "The Way" he has a night in Roncesvalles and then moves on to within a few kilometres of Pamplona where he gives up on his fat friend who continues on to Pamplona on his own. He overnights and sets of the following morning, phoning home on his mobile to tell his secretary to cancel all his appointments.
He then stops for a coffee and a roll at Orisson!
I know that at the beginning of the journey he twice takes the wrong route even before he's out of St Jean Pied de Port but this takes the biscuit!
I've not even done my first Camino yet, but if I hit Orisson after Roncesvalles I know I'm in trouble!!

I watched an interview with Martin Sheen about The Way, it didn't add value to Martin Sheen - flippant and shallow were the terms that came to mind. I guess overall disappointing, he is an actor and any depth of character he portrayed was someone else's. The movie did motivate me to research the camino and we leave in 27 days

 

[KiwiBrownz]

Least expensive way to get to the Camino Frances.....
It seems to me that the cheapest way is to fly into Madrid and then to take a bus to Pamplona and another bus to St Jean Pied de Port. Once there, get to walking the next morning.
As far as flights from the US to Madrid you got to do some shopping around, and maybe be flexible with your dates.
As far as budget accommodations while walking the Camino, stay in the municipal albergues (5-12 euros a night on average).
You can find all kinds of information on all that on this forum.

Good advice - for us from NZ it was cheapest flying into Toulouse and then train to Bayonne then SJPDP. It certainly pays to shop around for flights. We fly out of Madrid heading home.

 

[domigee]

My son and I cycled the Camino Frances in eight days in 2014. His friend from Australia did it barefoot and his father walked in boots - the son's feet fared best - having said that he's not worn shoes at all for fifteen years!

In that case, it was second nature to him. Wonderful.
I did meet a young Spanish guy walking barefoot, he was still sort of OK at Cizur Minor but after that it went from (very) bad to worse. He had to leave the camino to go back to Madrid. His mother (a nurse) was distraught 'WHY is he doing this?? Why can't he wear shoes - any shoes- como Diós manda!'
I felt for her ...

 

[Mark Lee]

I watched an interview with Martin Sheen about The Way, it didn't add value to Martin Sheen - flippant and shallow were the terms that came to mind. I guess overall disappointing, he is an actor and any depth of character he portrayed was someone else's. The movie did motivate me to research the camino and we leave in 27 days

I watched the one someone else posted on here with him and his son, Emilio Estevez talking about the movie and making it. Mind you, I realize they are both actors, and being actors they play make believe for a living, but both came across to me as being sincere about why they made the movie and their Catholic faith.
As a whole I don't care for the entertainment industry and think 90% of the stuff churned out these days is pure shite conjured up by dysfunctional, superficial people.

 

[tpmchugh]

its funny you said that I watched the movie also and got inspired to look into doin the camino I have no idea how I would get over there I have to do some research, I am 63 yrs old with a lot of baggage to get rid of, some minor some major that I cant let go of like sheen, so I would like any help or info and prices (low budget) so I can get over there-thanks much dave" the bird"

Fly to Ireland then flight to Biarritz on budget airline Ryanair. On way back fly back to Ireland with Aer Lingus or budget line Vuelling. US immigration and customs operate in Dublin airport, then you fly back to the States as if you were on an internal flight. No hassle on arrival home. If you go via madrid and Pamplona try contacting a Pension in Viscarreta. He will pick you up at Pamplona bus station, take you to his Pension where his wife will serve you up a lovely dinner then next morning take you to St Jean. If I remember correctly the pension is called Corrazón. Maybe others on the forum can confirm or correct me on the name.

 

[mspath]

The pension is Corazon Puro. The gracious hosts are Istvan and Barbara. See more here at their site.

 

[tpmchugh]

The pension is Corazon Puro. The gracious hosts are Istvan and Barbara. See more here at their site.

Thanks MSPath for confirming the pension name. They are a lovely couple. Barbara lived in my hometown, Belfast, for a while some years ago so we had a lot to talk about. Istvan was talking about writing a book which got me round to talking about mine. I had a copy in my backpack which I gave to him as he really impressed me as a marvellous person. And boy, can Barbara cook

 

[Deleted member 36903]

I watched an interview with Martin Sheen about The Way, it didn't add value to Martin Sheen - flippant and shallow were the terms that came to mind. I guess overall disappointing, he is an actor and any depth of character he portrayed was someone else's. The movie did motivate me to research the camino and we leave in 27 days

I would hazard a guess that if I was conducting my umpteenth interview on walking the Camino I might also come across as flippant and shallow, but of all the Hollywood stars, Martin Sheen is the one who has never shied away from talking about his religious faith. In addition he doesn't just talk the talk, he is well-known for translating his Catholic faith into Christian action. Because of this he has been arrested on numerous occasions at peace and other demonstrations. I never watch The Way (and I have seen it more times than I want to admit to) without being moved to tears by those early scenes, and for me the film is as much about the loss of a beloved as it is about walking the Camino.

 

[Marc Hamel]

Yeah, and then there was another pilgrim I met in 2014 outside of Carrion de los Condes. It was drizzling rain that day and we walked for a couple of hours together. He was about 50 years old and all his stuff looked like it came from Wal-Mart and he was wearing one of those cheap, almost disposable rain ponchos. The kind you see vendors selling at tourist spots. He told me he had bought all his stuff at Target and Wal-Mart and had no problems. I saw him again a few days later still trekking along. I'm sure he got to Santiago without a hitch.
I don't think I've spent over $200.00 on all my gear I've walked three CF's with. Fleece pullover, socks, shorts and underwear from Wal-Mart. Merrell trail shoes bought on sale at Academy sporting goods. Backpack bought on sale sight unseen off the internet.
I always advocate on here to prospective pilgrims reading these threads not to get the impression they have to spend a fortune on gear to walk the Camino. I would hate to see someone be put off from walking the Camino by that misconception as quite a few walk the Camino on a tight budget. I would say to them, just get yourself over there, don't worry about what kind of gear you can afford. It ain't like Hillary climbing Everest or Livingstone looking for the source of the Nile.

I was at REI the other day and was looking at shirts and couldn't believe the prices. I then went to Walmart and bought 2 poly/blend shirts marked as dri/360 which supposedly wick moisture away from the body. They were $9.00 each. We'll see if they last the length of the Camino Frances. Where I did spend a lot of money was on my shoes. I bought Asolos as they were the only ones I could find that fit me. I am 5'1" tall and wear a men's size 6 shoe and I ended up having to buy a size 7, which with good socks seem very comfortable. I have from now until September to break them in.

 

[Mark Lee]

I was at REI the other day and was looking at shirts and couldn't believe the prices. I then went to Walmart and bought 2 poly/blend shirts marked as dri/360 which supposedly wick moisture away from the body. They were $9.00 each. We'll see if they last the length of the Camino Frances. Where I did spend a lot of money was on my shoes. I bought Asolos as they were the only ones I could find that fit me. I am 5'1" tall and wear a men's size 6 shoe and I ended up having to buy a size 7, which with good socks seem very comfortable. I have from now until September to break them in.

I wear those Dri 360 shirts all the time for running. Great shirt and great price. They are made by Russell which has been making athletic clothing for years.
The shirts will easily last ten Caminos. The Camino isn't hard on gear at all. It does no more wear and tear on clothing than 30-35 days of wearing them at home. It will do a bit of a number on your shoes, and maybe the socks, but otherwise after a launder your shirts and underwear etc will look the same on day 35 that it did on day 1.
I have never seen much difference between the expensive tech clothing and the not so expensive ones, and all of it is manufactured overseas in poorer countries.

 

[trecile]

I watched The Way last night for the second time. The first time I saw it was before I decided to walk the Camino, and hasn't yet done any research. What struck me was how much gear all the characters had! In addition to some pretty big sleeping bags that they each had strapped to their packs they all carried sleeping pads too!

 

[Saint Mike II]

I think I have watched this movie more times than I care to remember. On my recent camino (starting in St Jean) I did try to do a bit of "follow/find The Way scenes). No luck finding the cafe/restaurant in St Jean (or on riding the train - line closed for maintenance); weather stuffed my plans to walk via Orrison; found (and photographed) the scene of the mid-night feast in Roncesvalles; had lunch at the cafe/restaurant in Pamplona; walked past the church in Zariquigui & of course photographed the monumento peregrina at the Alto del Perdon; in Torres del Rio recent road works (repairs) on the road in makes it very difficult to follow the pilgrims hasty late night departure (walking east??). One more change, the cafe/bar in Burgos where Tom's backpack is stolen has had a total renovation inside (but the exterior is still the same).
So lets just consign this 2010 movie to history and get on with experiencing our caminos at our own pace and in our own time. Cheers

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Jist count yourself lucky the film was shot in Prague or Montreal as so many movies with older decor are. Since when are movies shot where they are supposed to take place?

 

[hel&scott]

I would say to them, just get yourself over there, don't worry about what kind of gear you can afford. It ain't like Hillary climbing Everest ...

Actually if you saw what Ed climbed in you may want to rephrase that, he was well know for wearing hand knitted jumpers, and a teatowel tucked under a battered hat... Very budget and not like the movies at all...

 

[Bradypus]

Jist count yourself lucky the film was shot in Prague or Montreal as so many movies with older decor are. Since when are movies shot where they are supposed to take place?

I lived for seven years in St Andrews in Scotland - famous for its university and as the home of golf. I always find it funny to watch the opening sequence of the film Chariots of Fire where the actors run along a beach and then across the Old Course in front of the world-famous R&A club house but a subtitle appears on screen to tell everyone the scene is in the south of England