Need Last Minute Help with solo "Itinerary"

Irenie · Aug 30, 2017

Dear Friends, I will be on a plane in six days, Northern California to Madrid, for three weeks on the Camino. Filling in the Smart Traveler app has made me think twice about my solo Camino. I couldn't finish the application because I had no emergency contact in Spain. The Camino has provided me with an open Camino highlights journey and I would appreciate feedback. I celebrated my 70th birthday summer last year, on a life-changing Camino from SJPdP to Logroño, with a friend, then night trained to Sarria, and walked solo to SDC, then some more walking in Muxia-Finisterre. Most of the time I carried my pack and stayed in a mix of albergues and pensions and met pilgrims along the way.

This year, I want to walk a slower Camino, 12-16 km days, carry my pack, again meet pilgrims, but sleep only occasionally or not at all in Albergues. While I originally planned for the Ingles, I changed my mind after reading posts about women hiking for days without meeting other pilgrims along the way, except at night if lucky.

My plans are in pencil. Lots of advice and research later, knowing the "Camino Provides" but helping it along for safety reasons, latest ideas are Madrid to Leon, two nights (I have hotel and train reservations), then I'm more open, with no other reservations. I thought of making my way to Cruz de Ferro, then another train to Porto, with two days there, another train to Tui and walking the Portuguese to SDC, then Muxia if time and Madrid to fly home. Hoping a Spanish SIM card will provide me with local communication if needed. I'm feeling less confident about my traveling alone without planning. I would be grateful for any ideas, suggestions or cheerleading. Thank you so much, Irene

Deleted member 3000 · Aug 30, 2017

Irenie said:
I would be grateful for any ideas, suggestions or cheerleading.

You are experienced enough to "know the drill." If you liked the Camino Frances, walk part of it again. Leon to Santiago takes about fourteen days, and is quite scenic. If you then have the time, you could take a bus to Muxia and walk back to Santiago. The Camino Madrid will be quite lonely, I think, and some stages a long. Whatever you decide, buen camino.

Anemone del Camino · Aug 30, 2017

falcon269 said:
You are experienced enough to "know the drill." If you liked the Camino Frances, walk part of it again. Leon to Santiago takes about fourteen days, and is quite scenic. If you then have the time, you could take a bus to Muxia and walk back to Santiago. The Camino Madrid will be quite lonely, I think, and some stages a long. Whatever you decide, buen camino.

I think the OP means she will travel by train from Madrid to Leon. Not walk.

Irene, I think the deal breaker when it comes to which route will be finding one that allows you to walk 12-15km a day. Unless you are ok with taking taxis back and forth from a spot where you stop walking to a bed, and back to that spot the following morning. Also, I don't think that the Portugues would be much busier than the Ingles in terms of meeting fellow walkers during the day.

So, why not just the Frances from Leon? It would also save you from whole lot of trains and buses. Getting from the Cruz de Ferro to Porto is not that straight forward and you will spend a lot of time on buses/trains, or waiting for them.

https://www.rome2rio.com/fr/s/El-Acebo/Porto

nycwalking · Aug 30, 2017

Irene,
You know the drill. You have seen many, many walk solo and do just fine. Californians are hardy.
And, at 70 being able to contemplate walking again is such a gift. How about walking from Logrono on. That way you may meet the same pilgrims and create a nice camino family or at least have comfort of seeing same faces time and again.

notion900 · Aug 31, 2017

What about Logroño to Sarria?

Irenie · Aug 31, 2017

Hola, @falcon269, @Anemone del Camino, @nycwalking and @notion900. Thank you all for your very helpful suggestions and comments. I think the idea of spreading my Camino out with too many trains and changes, was what was causing so much anxiety. What I loved about the Frances last summer was the simplicity, the arrows, the pilgrims, the choices of accommodations and the time to walk with others and solo, the Camino family that might be a day or many stages. If I carry my bag, I can walk as far as I want and likely find a place for the night. Or walk on to find one. Also, there will be days I will be able to walk 20 km and other days walk shorter distances. For me the choices are important. I like the idea of walking from Leon to Sarria, since I have already walked from Sarria to Santiago. Originally I wanted to walk a full short Camino in order to end up in Santiago and earn another Compostela. I have one and I'm happy just to walk. If I have time I might walk to Muxia and Finisterra. Wishing you all a Buen Camino.

VNwalking · Aug 31, 2017

Irenie said:
I'm feeling less confident about my traveling alone without planning.

Look at it this way: the upside is that walking solo means that you'll be able to do what you want, when you want to! So when you get to Leon, see how you feel and go from there. Keep it simple, see how far your feet carry you - and when you feel like stopping, stop...whether for the day or for the journey.
Freedom!

Irenie · Aug 31, 2017

VNwalking said:
Look at it this way: the upside is that walking solo means that you'll be able to do what you want, when you want to! So when you get to Leon, see how you feel and go from there. Keep it simple, see how far your feet carry you - and when you feel like stopping, stop...whether for the day or for the journey.
Freedom!

Hola, @VNwalking and you other awesome pilgrims who have helped me with my questions, you are spot on. I feel free and ready to walk on my Camino, returning to my original "plan" to walk and stop and make this walk, truly my own Camino. I am right now breathing a big sigh of relief. Love this forum and the help to problem solve and share. It's all a process, to walk in to all the mysteries and to be surprised at what is just around the corner. I'm just about ready. ¡Gracias! Buen Camino. Irene

VNwalking · Aug 31, 2017

Buen camino, Irene!

CaminoDebrita · Aug 31, 2017

Hi Irenie! I am so happy for the length of time that you have to walk. Three weeks is a wonderful amount of time, and in fact, I walked about two and a half weeks last year (from Burgos to SdC, although I took a bus past some tapas [edited: etapas--steps!] as I did not have time to walk all the way there without missing some--I chose to miss O'Cebreiro as it is quite challenging). I found last year's walk to be more reasonable for me than being away for six weeks--as I had done in 2015.

I loved walking from SJPP to SdC, and it took me 41 days. It felt like a long time to be away from home responsibilities, so three weeks is what it will be again in October. I fly out on the 26th of September, and will spent a few nights in Paris (have never been) before journeying down toward Lyon, France--where I have family.

From there, I had considered going to Porto, and walking the Coastal Route, but I am thinking now that I will fly to Pamplona and walk the CF. I love it...it's late in the season, and the pilgrim numbers will be much lower. I know this to be true. I know that I can then stop whenever I need to, and that is also important for me.

I don't know that I would worry about needing a contact number in Spain for emergencies, but perhaps just adding the US Embassy or even your emergency contact person in the US, first briefing them? On CF, you have access to so many english speakers. Not sure that is the issue, but I would not be too concerned.

You look healthy, and I applaud your adventurous spirit! Buen Camino!

Deb

Irenie · Sep 1, 2017

CaminoDebrita said:
Hi Irenie! I am so happy for the length of time that you have to walk. Three weeks is a wonderful amount of time, and in fact, I walked about two and a half weeks last year (from Burgos to SdC, although I took a bus past some tapas [edited: etapas--steps!] as I did not have time to walk all the way there without missing some--I chose to miss O'Cebreiro as it is quite challenging). I found last year's walk to be more reasonable for me than being away for six weeks--as I had done in 2015.

I loved walking from SJPP to SdC, and it took me 41 days. It felt like a long time to be away from home responsibilities, so three weeks is what it will be again in October. I fly out on the 26th of September, and will spent a few nights in Paris (have never been) before journeying down toward Lyon, France--where I have family.

From there, I had considered going to Porto, and walking the Coastal Route, but I am thinking now that I will fly to Pamplona and walk the CF. I love it...it's late in the season, and the pilgrim numbers will be much lower. I know this to be true. I know that I can then stop whenever I need to, and that is also important for me.

I don't know that I would worry about needing a contact number in Spain for emergencies, but perhaps just adding the US Embassy or even your emergency contact person in the US, first briefing them? On CF, you have access to so many english speakers. Not sure that is the issue, but I would not be too concerned.

You look healthy, and I applaud your adventurous spirit! Buen Camino!

Deb

Hola, @CaminoDebrita. Thank you so much for your note. I wish you a Buen Camino for your coming journey. We will just miss crossing paths. Your reply and comments, as well as all the previous posts have helped me clarify and revisit my reasons for walking the Camino. Bravo! I'm really feeling more confident and prepared. Three weeks is enough time for me to walk one shorter Camino or to take the highlight walk I had originally planned. It's not enough time for all the train and bus transfers from Spain to Portugal and back and forth to Madrid, as pointed out, unless there's time at the end. What was I thinking?

And what I loved about the Camino Frances was knowing I could stop often for food, water and a place to stay, that the services and accommodations were usually available. Most of all I loved being able to meet people along the way, not just at the end of the day. I'm not worried about walking solo, but I want to see and talk to other pilgrims, form those relationships that last an hour or a lifetime. I loved the simplicity of carrying everything I need on my back, even if I have to carry a minimalist's amount so I can walk comfortably. I would have to gain a lot of weight for the 10% "rule" to take all I thought I "needed."

I'm excited and wondering how my start date, just a few days away, arrived so quickly! Soon I will begin, again, this life-changing walk on the Camino. I will be breathing a sigh of relief to be in the air and on my Way. We're all on our Way. Ultreia, Irene

NJPilgrim · Jul 13, 2019

Irenie said:
Dear Friends, I will be on a plane in six days, Northern California to Madrid, for three weeks on the Camino. Filling in the Smart Traveler app has made me think twice about my solo Camino. I couldn't finish the application because I had no emergency contact in Spain. The Camino has provided me with an open Camino highlights journey and I would appreciate feedback. I celebrated my 70th birthday summer last year, on a life-changing Camino from SJPdP to Logroño, with a friend, then night trained to Sarria, and walked solo to SDC, then some more walking in Muxia-Finisterre. Most of the time I carried my pack and stayed in a mix of albergues and pensions and met pilgrims along the way.

This year, I want to walk a slower Camino, 12-16 km days, carry my pack, again meet pilgrims, but sleep only occasionally or not at all in Albergues. While I originally planned for the Ingles, I changed my mind after reading posts about women hiking for days without meeting other pilgrims along the way, except at night if lucky.

My plans are in pencil. Lots of advice and research later, knowing the "Camino Provides" but helping it along for safety reasons, latest ideas are Madrid to Leon, two nights (I have hotel and train reservations), then I'm more open, with no other reservations. I thought of making my way to Cruz de Ferro, then another train to Porto, with two days there, another train to Tui and walking the Portuguese to SDC, then Muxia if time and Madrid to fly home. Hoping a Spanish SIM card will provide me with local communication if needed. I'm feeling less confident about my traveling alone without planning. I would be grateful for any ideas, suggestions or cheerleading. Thank you so much, Irene

NJPilgrim · Jul 13, 2019

I am 67, probably walking the Camino alone, and need a slower pace. I want to do less than 10 miles a day, and cannot identify if this is possible. Thinking of 100 km. Kind of was criticized on Facebook, that it's not hard to do more, but I know my limitations. I don't hike mountains ! I would appreciate any advise.
Thanks,
NJ Pilgrim

Sparrow in Texas · Jul 13, 2019

NJPilgrim said:
I am 67, probably walking the Camino alone, and need a slower pace. I want to do less than 10 miles a day, and cannot identify if this is possible. Thinking of 100 km. Kind of was criticized on Facebook, that it's not hard to do more, but I know my limitations. I don't hike mountains ! I would appreciate any advise.
Thanks,
NJ Pilgrim

First, I want to offer you lots of encouragement from another slow walker, age 65 who walks alone. You walk the pace and distance that is right for you. No one should ever criticize you for how you walk!

Two years ago I talked and walked a bit with a gentleman who walked only 10 or 15 kilometers a day. He was quite capable of walking much more but he took the time to embrace the scenery, the architecture and to talk with many of the locals and other pilgrims.

Many people skip walking the meseta thinking that it is boring. I love the feeling it gives of a wide open world around you. It is generally easier walking and there are so many jewels to discover if your mind is open. Yes, it is possible in most areas on the Frances to find lodging at less than 10 kilometers distance with a little research.

NJPilgrim · Jul 13, 2019

Thank you so much for the encouragement ! The one positive of being in the sixties is that I can listen to feedback but follow my path. I am sure the Facebook respondents meant well from their perspective.
What is the meseta ? I am studying some Spanish. It sounds like it might me a plateau ?

Sparrow in Texas · Jul 13, 2019

Yes, the meseta is the central plateau stretching approximately 200 kilometers from Burgos to Astorga. That is a portion of my intended walk this fall.

Good for you learning some spanish!

A bit of advice for walking the meseta: the repetitive walking on relatively flat ground - though it is not all flat - can bring about some foot problems. It was important for me to learn some foot, ankle and leg stretches to do at least twice daily.

As your endurance and self confidence increase during your walk, you may discover that you can walk longer distances each day. A pilgrimage is all an evolving adventure!

sugargypsy · Jul 13, 2019

NJPilgrim said:
I am 67, probably walking the Camino alone, and need a slower pace. I want to do less than 10 miles a day, and cannot identify if this is possible. Thinking of 100 km. Kind of was criticized on Facebook, that it's not hard to do more, but I know my limitations. I don't hike mountains ! I would appreciate any advise.

I walked this year the Camino Frances, I'm also a slow walker and did usually anything between 10 to 15 kilometers (= 6 to 10 miles) a day.

It's not always possible to walk exactly that distance, because in some smaller places there's no accommodation or the distances between the villages are a bit longer or shorter. But the Camino Frances has the best infrastructure, if you want to walk short distances.

You can check that out on gronze.com, where you find the different Caminos, the distances of each stage, the villages you can stop inbetween and how many hightmeters you have to cover on each stage.

Your're saying, that you won't hike mountains than my recommendation would be to start from Sarria, at that part of the Camino there are a lot of small villages, so it's easy to do about 10 miles a day without too much planning. That's about 110 km from Santiago de Compostela and you would also be eligible to get the Compostela.

The only thing you have to be aware of - depending at what time of the year you'll be walking your Camino - that many pilgrims start from there and it can get kind of crowded, especially in the mornings.

The Meseta which has been suggested has some long stretches - the longest is 17 km between Carrion de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza with no other village in between. I skipped that stage, I was feeling uncomfortable not having the possiblity of a stop in-between, especially when walking on a hot day.

Another possibility to walk without hikes would be the Camino Portugues, starting from Tui, that's also around 110 km distance to Santiago de Compostela. Can't tell you anything about the stages though, because I haven't walked it yet.

Sparrow in Texas · Jul 13, 2019

@NJPilgrim , I see that you are from Belmar, NJ. You might enjoy the walk to Finisterre and on to Muxia (the second part of my intended walk this fall) to see the ocean "from the other side". It is hilly but no big mountains. The Camino Ingles might be an option too to research.

NJPilgrim · Jul 13, 2019

Sparrow in Texas said:
Yes, the meseta is the central plateau stretching approximately 200 kilometers from Burgos to Astorga. That is a portion of my intended walk this fall.

Good for you learning some spanish!

One bit of advice for walking the meseta: the repetitive walking on relatively flat ground - though it is not all flat - can bring about some foot problems. It is important to learn some foot, ankle and leg stretches to do at least twice daily.

Thank you !

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