movinmaggie
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2015
I apologize if I have this in the wrong place, but tried to find a thread that dealt with this subject..so here goes…
Arrived home in BC, Canada Nov 3 after walking the CF from St. Jean Sept 25.
From the onset, starting with this forum, there was help everywhere for this newbie. So many helped in different ways, from the practical to the personal, offering tips galore, advice, encouragement and humour. In a recent post, I had stated that I was glad that I made the journey when I did, because ‘I could see the writing on the wall’.
I commented on the creeping commercialism and cyclists’ behavior (not ALL cyclists). I would like to retract this and restate it, simply because I was numb with exhaustion and never should have approached my keyboard so soon. I made this journey almost the whole way with an acute case of bronchitis, having to stop both in Astorga and Tricastella for medical assistance, both facilities were kind, courteous and supplied me with what I needed…..gratis. But the condition did drain me of my usually high energy. I definitely came close to my physical limit a couple of times, but I would do it again. Yes there are signs of commercialism, but who am I to judge this? Ultimately, everyone is choosing to do their own Camino in their own manner. As for the cyclists, that will grow even more I think. It is after all, the ultimate trail for them. In rethinking my irritation with the few who fell short of their consideration of walkers, I realized that as a biker, there are certainly challenging parts of the trail where they simply must stay focused, so it appears they are totally oblivious to others. My journey got off to a beautiful start with the fabulous folks from Corazon Puro, a communal dinner at Beilari and perfect weather conditions starting out. Yes I was doing this journey for my 80th, but it was definitely a walk in gratitude that increased even more because of so many kindnesses along the way and the close relationships that were formed, not to mention my Camino angels. Walking into Santiago de Compostela on Oct 31st, I found myself a bit sad that it had come to an end. But then came the birthday celebration Nov 2 – it started with champagne at the Parador with several friends, brunch with more friends, dinner with another friend, a birthday cake provided by Faith & Nate at the Pilgrin House and small visits in between into the night with those I had acquainted along the way – then, all the lovely birthday wishes from forum members. So in hindsight, it was truly the most meaningful gift I could have received for my 80th. Sorry to be so wordy…you got off easy, because there is much more. I will be participating in a workshop here in Victoria on Nov 14, put on by the Victoria chapter of Canadian Assoc. of Pilgrims. This is to bring together those who have walked the trail and those who are planning their first walk. You can trust my first suggestion will be to get themselves on to the fourum. Cheers…. Maggie
Arrived home in BC, Canada Nov 3 after walking the CF from St. Jean Sept 25.
From the onset, starting with this forum, there was help everywhere for this newbie. So many helped in different ways, from the practical to the personal, offering tips galore, advice, encouragement and humour. In a recent post, I had stated that I was glad that I made the journey when I did, because ‘I could see the writing on the wall’.
I commented on the creeping commercialism and cyclists’ behavior (not ALL cyclists). I would like to retract this and restate it, simply because I was numb with exhaustion and never should have approached my keyboard so soon. I made this journey almost the whole way with an acute case of bronchitis, having to stop both in Astorga and Tricastella for medical assistance, both facilities were kind, courteous and supplied me with what I needed…..gratis. But the condition did drain me of my usually high energy. I definitely came close to my physical limit a couple of times, but I would do it again. Yes there are signs of commercialism, but who am I to judge this? Ultimately, everyone is choosing to do their own Camino in their own manner. As for the cyclists, that will grow even more I think. It is after all, the ultimate trail for them. In rethinking my irritation with the few who fell short of their consideration of walkers, I realized that as a biker, there are certainly challenging parts of the trail where they simply must stay focused, so it appears they are totally oblivious to others. My journey got off to a beautiful start with the fabulous folks from Corazon Puro, a communal dinner at Beilari and perfect weather conditions starting out. Yes I was doing this journey for my 80th, but it was definitely a walk in gratitude that increased even more because of so many kindnesses along the way and the close relationships that were formed, not to mention my Camino angels. Walking into Santiago de Compostela on Oct 31st, I found myself a bit sad that it had come to an end. But then came the birthday celebration Nov 2 – it started with champagne at the Parador with several friends, brunch with more friends, dinner with another friend, a birthday cake provided by Faith & Nate at the Pilgrin House and small visits in between into the night with those I had acquainted along the way – then, all the lovely birthday wishes from forum members. So in hindsight, it was truly the most meaningful gift I could have received for my 80th. Sorry to be so wordy…you got off easy, because there is much more. I will be participating in a workshop here in Victoria on Nov 14, put on by the Victoria chapter of Canadian Assoc. of Pilgrims. This is to bring together those who have walked the trail and those who are planning their first walk. You can trust my first suggestion will be to get themselves on to the fourum. Cheers…. Maggie
