Planning to walk in 4 weeks...

[Karen Dyson]

Hi,I'm Karen from Burlington, ON Canada. I'm planning to leave in 4 weeks and the friend who was planning to walk with me can no longer go...yikes! I still want to go. Is there anyone out there planning the walk at the same time? Flying in to Paris on Oct 4th and on to Biarritz the same day. Hoping to start the walk on the 5th or 6th...and finish around Nov 7th or so. PS This is a big birthday for me this year so that's why I don't want to wait until next year.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

If you wait around for someone else to go, you may wait a long time. Many declare their intention to walk; many fewer actually do it. Unfortunately, the Camino de Santiago Calendar does not have very many leaving that day. Check it for the few who are, and send private messages. The good news is that fifty to one hundred probably will be leaving that day, so look around the train station, town and albergue in SJPdP and introduce yourself. You will find someone to walk with. Pilgrims are hard to miss -- pack, boots, and a somewhat bewildered look.

 

[sulu]

Hi Karen!
Go for it! As Falcon says you will meet many other people.
Walking with someone is not always easy, there is a whole thread somewhere on the problems people have faced, and have, or have not, overcome.
There will be plenty of people about in October, you will never be alone, alone - but walking at your own speed and in your own comfort zone is very important. I nearly always walk alone but have never been lonely, once I walked with a friend but I doubt I will do it again It is daunting the first time, particularly when you have to travel such a great distance to get here, but do not fear, most other people are feeling the same, if they aren't it's because they have done it before and know what it feels like to have that first day and night on the camino. To be honest I think each Camino gives you anxiety because each is an unknown.
I'll be walking in October but I will be behind you, like you I have a big birthday this year, ..... a woman has to do what a woman has to do!! Go for it.
Buen camino
Sue

 

[Michael C]

Hi Karen

I'm Michael from Scotland - already had a big birthday this year. My flights are to London and on to Biarritz on the 3rd and had planned to start walking on the 4th. I plan to start slowly so we may see each other. Also good to hear from Sue starting in October, its encouraging to hear of others starting their Camino in October. I'm not so much bothered about the walking but I particularly dont want to eat alone . When you read Falcons comments, I'm glad to hear he seems pretty sure there will be company. And yes big emotions both excitement and trepidation. Into the last Month now yeah, and still wondering liner or sleeping bag or both. Will look out for you and hope we can share a pilgrims meal or two

Buen camino

Michael

 

[Michael C]

PS Karen

Just read that October 12th - National day and November 1st All Saints may be public holidays. Might be worth remembering in case places are shut

Michael

 

[Jeff Stys]

I say go, too!

I can sometimes be an extreme introvert but have absolutely no problem meeting fellow pilgrams on the way. I have been invited to sit and eat with people and my natural response is 'no thank you' but I always some what enthusiatically say "why yes, thanks" and am always glad I do.

It easy to walk up to a an absolute stranger and ask them how their feet are doing.

It's very possible to develop intense relationship with people of different ages from all over the world.

Yes, it can be a bit intimidating but the ample opportunties to meet other people throughout the day. Also, it important to remember that it's likely you will develop a 'cohort' of people as most people walk a similar number of kilometers a day.

Have a great trip.

 

[sillydoll]

AnnieSantiago reported that there are between 350 and 400 pilgrims passing through St Jean at the moment! You'll have lots of people to walk with. Just look out for someone who looks more nervous than you and offer to walk with them!

 

[sulu]

Just read that October 12th - National day and November 1st All Saints may be public holidays. Might be worth remembering in case places are shut

They are, but the Spanish tend to eat out on Fiestas. They may be eating out less now but they will still go out for a drink, so reataurants and bars are open, shops will be shut!

 

[Karen Dyson]

Thanks everyone for all of your positive feedback and encouragement! I'm definitely excited and I'm sure I'll have more questions as the days get closer. I have all my gear now. I would say that my 2 biggest concerns are bedbugs (had a terrible experience before in Copenhagen!) and I have some food restrictions. I've been taking Spanish since January so I hope that will help me to make myself understood a little better. Until the next time...

 

[skilsaw]

Hi Karen,
Another Canuck who was worried about starting alone.
I connected with some Americans on the internet. We met in Biarritz and I walked with them as far as Logrono. I was just getting my rhythm and they were getting tired so I went on ahead. Anyway, it is possible to connect with pilgrims before you begin.

Be flexible. Remain true to yourself... If it isn't working, politely say good bye and move on.

You will have lots of opportunity to meet other pilgrims on the Way. You will also have solitude, if that is what you wish. My Caminos were in April and May. I think an autumn Camino would be great. And early winter will bring out a special group of pilgrims.

Go for it!
Or as pilgrims say, "Ultreya"

David, Victoria, Canada.

 

[Heliman1965]

Hi Karen,

I started in SJPDP in May of this year and I was a solo pilgrim...
I met many other pilgrims along the way and surprisingly never once felt alone, the advantage of walking solo is if you want of need a rest day you can take one without feeling as if you are holding anyone up. You will meet the same people at different stages of the way...

I ended up making some very good and close friends from Brazil whom I am now going to walk with next year on the Camino Portuguese

Just remember your never alone even when you walk solo, everyone looks out for each other...

Take care of your feet and listen to your body, rest and remove your boots and if you get blister try walking at least the last 5km of each day in sandals to get.the air to your feet this also helps dry your blister... It worked for me as I had blister on the balls of my feet after walking in the bad weather and the inside of my boots got soaked...

Enjoy this life changing experience

Buen Camino

Bryan

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Tincatinker]

Karen, I walked the Camino Frances this year, March to May, on my own but never alone. The Camino has been described as a linear city. Even in the quieter times of year there are likely to be some thousands stretched along those 500 miles. You will find company wherever you are along this journey and companions whenever the need arises.

You will find that the those who live in the villages and hamlets you pass through are as much your friend as those you have known half your life - and that the stranger across the room is closer to you than you can yet imagine.

From your first hesitant steps down the cobbled streets of St Jean pd Port to the joyous sight of the Portico de la Gloria you will be in glorious company.

Buen Camino

 

[PEI_Heather]

Hi Karen from Heather in PEI! You are going to be leaving a couple of days before me--I'm leaving SJPP on the 9th--but perhaps we'll happen on to each other. If so, perhaps we can walk together, keep each other company for a bit. My trip is also (initial reason, now not the only reason) a special birthday!

I hope to see you walking!

Buen Camino!
Heather