Which Route? Cyborg Turtle in Planning Mode

[Iriebabel]

Slightly bored sitting my tukkus. I dangerously begin to ponder
USA on lock down banned from travel like a petulant child, nothing left to do but put my brain to good use
Ok , 1 month post heelspurricus Ostectomy surgery (Right foot calcaneal spur removal ) And 6 month postplantar facia surgery I Am still on crutches and can’t walk at the moment so what is the next best thing? Yup fever is setting in, not from infection but I have the Itis.....the camino itis. It’s an addiction bordering on insanity... trek of epic proportion.

Which should be my next camino? Your thoughts are welcomed. I must consider the current strain on the cyborg turtle (The left knee). The brace has not failed me yet in terms of getting me up and down hills. And now on the absent heelspurricus. It’s my only freedom to walk....loose that and I will loose my mind

So some forum members who know my challenges with physical injury what you you think in the case of elevation gain , rocky trails and distance between towns (rest/ply food)?
I have a Zpacks Duplex tent (550gm)to be more flexible and all equipment necessary.
Might get a new pack either a ZPack arc haul zip(728g)/ Osprey exos (1.2kg)Or granite gear crown (1kg)). I already have a granite gear Lutsen , But wanting a possible front loader And lighter pack overall . Will definately go lighter On contents in my pack with bare minimum. Travel probably march 2021

Looking for less populated routes with amazing views my choices:

1. Le Puy maybe With Veazelay (been to France a few times but never walked except for SJPP climes a mountain and hiked A mountain in switzerland last summer)
2. St Olav-Gudbransdalen (Like second home in Norway been many times but never hiked long distance trail there) Hiked the Voss trail top to bottom and few other trails around Bergen And Ortnevik
3. VDLP
4. Portuguese from Lisboa or Porto (Lived in Portugal 2 years but never hiked mainland—hiked up Mount Pico years ago
5.????? (Insert suggestions here)

By the way I am brushing up on my Spain spanish and learning a bit of French.
Thanks in advance I look forward to reading your suggestions.

 

[KinkyOne]

What about adding Estrecho (Algeciras/Tarifa - Cadiz) and Augusta (Cadiz - Seville) before VdlP? That's possibly my next one. If you plan to go in March I think that would be just great. But OTOH it would make quite a long Camino Combo too

 

[Iriebabel]

What about adding Estrecho (Algeciras/Tarifa - Cadiz) and Augusta (Cadiz - Seville) before VdlP? If you plan to go in March I think that would be just great. But OTOH it would make quite a long Camino Combo too

Ok I will check into that thank you. Not that I am looking for extra long but I am retired..I have time if not money. I am reading @Davey Boyd ‘s journey Geneva to Santiago in another thread sound interesting but i think those steep ups and down scare me a bit Even after doing the Norte I am crying for cyborg turtle right now and I am sitting on the sofa ...seems heel sperricus is still causing trouble although she has been banished.

 

[David Tallan]

Ok I will check into that thank you. Not that I am looking for extra long but I am retired..I have time if not money. I am reading @Davey Boyd ‘s journey Geneva to Santiago in another thread sound interesting but i think those steep ups and down scare me a bit Even after doing the Norte I am crying for cyborg turtle right now and I am sitting on the sofa ...seems heel sperricus is still causing trouble although she has been banished.

If starting in Geneva sounds scary because of the ups and downs, how about starting in the Netherlands? That will give your knee plenty of time to rest and recuperate before tackling hills.

 

[Iriebabel]

If starting in Geneva sounds scary because of the ups and downs, how about starting in the Netherlands? That will give your knee plenty of time to rest and recuperate before tackling hills.

Are you trying to add to my already long imagination sad to say you may have a point there ...I am already anxious to throw my crutches away and start back walking but sadly the schengen only gives me so many days. Its obvious I need to move to europe...anyone need squatter?

 

[naplesdon]

All I can add is you are probably in for a "less crowded" Camino on any route you chose if you go before November 2020. Yeah, I live in Florida and as far as I am concerned my chances of putting a boot on the Camino isn't until late mid- 2021.

 

[Iriebabel]

All I can add is you are probably in for a "less crowded" Camino on any route you chose if you go before November 2020. Yeah, I live in Florida and as far as I am concerned my chances of putting a boot on the Camino isn't until late mid- 2021.

Where are you in FL? Im in Hernando county.
Yeah that’s why I’m shooting for March At the soonest

 

[naplesdon]

Where are you in FL? Im in Hernando county

Naples.

 

[Iriebabel]

Naples.

You are not far...im just north of tampa Spring Hill

if I pass that way to go to Lauderdale anytime I will PM you maybe meet for coffee if you up this wal let me know

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Travel probably march 2021
Looking for less populated routes with amazing views
5.????? (Insert suggestions here)

Ok...I'm going outside your box with my suggestion for your consideration...

The Way of 88 Temples - Japan

*Your travel period will coincide at (some stage) with the cherry blossoms
*Although popular with the Japanese, they travel by bus tour or car...not many people actually walk the route
*Many of the mountain sections have alternatives such as a ropeway (cable car) if you're concerned about your abilities
*Yes...there's road walking & ugly urban aplenty but that is balanced out (in my view) by availability of services & amenities, stunning vistas, coastal walking, culture, beautiful temples & gardens, different climatic zones & the unending kindness of the Japanese people
*For language, you can get by with a few basic phrases or even just single words, lots of charades, Google translate & plenty of smiling. Your Euro languages will help you communicate with any 'gaijin' (foreigners) you may meet
*Not as cheap as Spain of course, but not as expensive as you may think...I thought it was very reasonable
*Still my favourite of all the trails I've done
And finally...
*Cyborg Turtle can do anything she puts her mind to...

Like I said, outside your box, but walking opportunities are not limited to Europe.
I'm just throwing it out there & let the cog-wheel turning begin!
Enjoy...The Dreaming & Planning are almost as much fun as The Doing.
Wishing you a speedy recovery & open borders for all of us!

 

[VNwalking]

@kazrobbo 's post...ooooo.

What I did last year was a treat (Via de Bayona-Frances-Invierno). If you can do the Norte, you can do this.

And have a look here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/virtual-camino-viejo-olvidado-from-pamplona.67492/

Pamplona to Cacabellos or Ponferrada - and the latter allows you to finish on the Invierno (☆☆☆☆☆ walking); the biggest hilly bits are after Aguilar de Campoo, so you could deviate to Leon by walking backwards on the San Salvador from La Robla if they are too much for the Turtle.

 

[Galuh]

Hy Cyborg turtle, open your walk with: https://www.nomadasaurus.com/mount-rinjani-trekking-guide/

Let say you need a week to visit Lombok & Bali include the Rinjani then fly to Japan The Way of 88 Temples - Japan Kazrobbo sugestion

Happy recovering and planning

 

[Iriebabel]

Ok...I'm going outside your box with my suggestion for your consideration...

The Way of 88 Temples - Japan

*Your travel period will coincide at (some stage) with the cherry blossoms
*Although popular with the Japanese, they travel by bus tour or car...not many people actually walk the route
*Many of the mountain sections have alternatives such as a ropeway (cable car) if you're concerned about your abilities
*Yes...there's road walking & ugly urban aplenty but that is balanced out (in my view) by availability of services & amenities, stunning vistas, coastal walking, culture, beautiful temples & gardens, different climatic zones & the unending kindness of the Japanese people
*For language, you can get by with a few basic phrases or even just single words, lots of charades, Google translate & plenty of smiling. Your Euro languages will help you communicate with any 'gaijin' (foreigners) you may meet
*Not as cheap as Spain of course, but not as expensive as you may think...I thought it was very reasonable
*Still my favourite of all the trails I've done
And finally...
*Cyborg Turtle can do anything she puts her mind to...

Like I said, outside your box, but walking opportunities are not limited to Europe.
I'm just throwing it out there & let the cog-wheel turning begin!
Enjoy...The Dreaming & Planning are almost as much fun as The Doing.
Wishing you a speedy recovery & open borders for all of us!

Thank you so much for your kind words
yes Japan is already on my list but for 2022. I actually lived and worked in Northern Japan 6 years so I am well familiar with the culture and life in Japan. I do speak some Japanese although I think I need to brush up on it, its been a few years. Sakura season (Cherry blossoms ) so beautiful and also summer festivals. However I planned the following year because of the summer olympics delay to 2021 I do not think I want to brave the crowds.

Japanese people are some of the most welcoming people in terms of tourism I am definately looking forward to going back....in addition my oldest daughter is on her way to Japan to work on Monday. Just received notice she has her tickets so cheers to a free place to stay . But she already said to me “mom don’t think you are moving in”. . funny kid of mine

 

[Iriebabel]

@kazrobbo 's post...ooooo.

What I did last year was a treat (Via de Bayona-Frances-Invierno). If you can do the Norte, you can do this.

And have a look here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/virtual-camino-viejo-olvidado-from-pamplona.67492/

Pamplona to Cacabellos or Ponferrada - and the latter allows you to finish on the Invierno (☆☆☆☆☆ walking); the biggest hilly bits are after Aguilar de Campoo, so you could deviate to Leon by walking backwards on the San Salvador from La Robla if they are too much for the Turtle.

Thanks. Definately will look at this. last year on the Norte was amazing. Even with the injury I did some walking off camino and I love the northern caminos. Some hills very steep and my knee was not happy but I would apply my rule for Very steep up hills. The heel sperricus just complicated it further. my left knee does not bend too easily and is very unstable. So I Walk 5 minutes rest 2 minutes.
update: I checked out your link...amazing resource thanks so much !

 

[Iriebabel]

Hy Cyborg turtle, open your walk with: https://www.nomadasaurus.com/mount-rinjani-trekking-guide/

Let say you need a week to visit Lombok & Bali include the Rinjani then fly to Japan The Way of 88 Temples - Japan Kazrobbo sugestion

Happy recovering and planning

Well if I can ever get out of USA again . I do not mind going back

I have actually been to Bali and did a bit of trekking there with a local guide. I flew from Japan visited Bali then went to Thailand For a while. Amazing trip was my first big trip after Military Retirement

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Thank you so much for your kind words
yes Japan is already on my list but for 2022. I actually lived and worked in Northern Japan 6 years so I am well familiar with the culture and life in Japan. I do speak some Japanese although I think I need to brush up on it, its been a few years. Sakura season (Cherry blossoms ) so beautiful and also summer festivals. However I planned the following year because of the summer olympics delay to 2021 I do not think I want to brave the crowds.

Japanese people are some of the most welcoming people in terms of tourism I am definately looking forward to going back....in addition my oldest daughter is on her way to Japan to work on Monday. Just received notice she has her tickets so cheers to a free place to stay . But she already said to me “mom don’t think you are moving in”. . funny kid of mine

Likewise for me; I was planning to return to Japan 2021...this time for the Kumano Kodo, Mt Fuji ascent attempt (!) & the Kiso Road.
I too have shunted it to 2022. Due to the limited climbing season for Fuji, my dates coincided with both the Olympics & the Paralympics...that's crowds, inflated airfares & hotel costs I can do without!
Having witnessed parts of Japan in all it's springtime glory, this (next) trip I want to see the opposite but equally visually stunning, autumn.
Ah, your daughter knows you so well; setting down the rules right off the bat!

 

[Iriebabel]

Likewise for me; I was planning to return to Japan 2021...this time for the Kumano Kodo, Mt Fuji ascent attempt (!) & the Kiso Road.
I too have shunted it to 2022. Due to the limited climbing season for Fuji, my dates coincided with both the Olympics & the ParaOlympics...that's crowds, inflated airfares & hotel costs I can do without!
Having witnessed parts of Japan in all it's springtime glory, this (next) trip I want to see the opposite but equally visually stunning, autumn.
Ah, your daughter knows you so well; setting down the rules right off the bat!

Amazing that I did not get to do Fuji...work and Also Japan is where I originally blew out my left knee. so a chance to go again to do Fuji is definately on my list. I went back there in 2009 ands stayed with friends 3 months did some other hiking in Iwate prefecture because I was staying up North in Aomori prefecture but I also did Hokaido, Kyoto , Hiroshima and climed up the MiyaJima shrine to the top. Japan has a special place in my heart. and if I can convince my daughter ..... I can be her house sitter when she is on vactions . but she is way too smart to fall for that !! Try Autumn and winter in Aomori in Hokadate mountains, Lake Towada Gorge ...amazing and Soporro in the upper island of Hokaido for the winter Ice festival ...definately worth a visit!!! good luck on planning your trip

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Amazing I did not get to do Fuji...work and in Japan is where I originally blew out my left knee. so a chance to go again to do Fuji is definately on my list. I went back there in 2009 ands stayed with friends 3 months did someother hiking in Iwate prefecture because I was staying up North in Aomori precture but I also did Kyoto , Hiroshima and climed up the MiyaJima shrine to the top. Japan has a special place in my heart. and if I can convince my daughter ..... I can be her house sitter when she is on vactions . but she is way too smart to fall for that !! Try Autumn and winter in Aomori in Hokatate mountains, Lake Towada Gorge ...amazing and Soporro for the winter Ice festival ...definately worth a visit!!! good luck on planning your trip

Thanks for tips @Iriebabel. Japan is very special to me too; I am a self-confessed 'Japanophile' (yes, it's a real thing..the term has been in use since the 18th century) who has no intentions of undertaking a 12 step or any other type program to overcome this!
My trip will hinge around the Fuji climb (aprx 6 week window in summer). Makes it a less than ideal time for the KK but still very doable. After my walks, I'm planning to head north to capture the seasons as much as possible within visa time limits. I'll 'follow' autumn south in much the same way people follow the sakura north.
Any travel still feels a long way off & the confidence to book anything in a rapidly changing situation moreso...but we can dream. Thanks for re-sparking mine!
Best wishes.

 

[Iriebabel]

Thanks for tips @Iriebabel. Japan is very special to me too; I am a self-confessed 'Japanophile' (yes, it's a real thing..the term has been in use since the 18th century) who has no intentions of undertaking a 12 step or any other type program to overcome this!
My trip will hinge around the Fuji climb (aprx 6 week window in summer). Makes it a less than ideal time for the KK but still very doable. After my walks, I'm planning to head north to capture the seasons as much as possible within visa time limits. I'll 'follow' autumn south in much the same way people follow the sakura north.
Any travel still feels a long way off & the confidence to book anything in a rapidly changing situation moreso...but we can dream. Thanks for re-sparking mine!
Best wishes.

Me too a Japanophile
Keep in touch and let me know if I can help in any way.
Still excited to go my daughter has 2 seperated quarantines after landing in Japan before reaching her final destination for work. slow and steady wins the race so a good time to plan and sort on paper any plans for future trips.

One other useful tip...most of the trains station in Japan have a tourist office. you can book daily trips from there on the fly and also get other useful area information. I love Japan so much, I really miss the onsen (natural hot springs)

Japanese language is not that hard if you know spanish vowel pronounciation and you can study Hiragana/katakana just google and memorize the characters. japanese words are based on 2 letter individual letters only very few single letters (To-Yo-Ta) (Ho-N-da) and some triple letters (mi-Tsu-bi-shi) and most people speak english only they are shy to try. Gambatte!!!! (good luck,let’s try)

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Me too a Japanophile
Keep in touch and let me know if I can help in any way.
Still excited to go my daughter has 2 seperated quarantines after landing in Japan before reaching her final destination for work. slow and steady wins the race so a good time to plan and sort on paper any plans for future trips.

One other useful tip...most of the trains station in Japan have a tourist office. you can book daily trips from there on the fly and also get other useful area information. I love Japan so much, I really miss the onsen (natural hot springs)

Japanese language is not that hard if you know spanish vowel pronounciation and you can study Hiragana/katakana just google and memorize the characters. japanese words are based on 2 letter individual letters only very few single letters (To-Yo-Ta) (Ho-N-da) and some triple letters (mi-Tsu-bi-shi) and most people speak english only they are shy to try. Gambatte!!!! (good luck,let’s try)

I still miss Japan to this day...it gets under your skin like no other country somehow.
Agree about the language...it is not as difficult as it appears on the surface. I learnt the katakana characters (that was enough for my brain to absorb!) & the pronunciation rules. I probably sounded like a 2 year old but it got me through...I was mostly understood & could read simple signage. I'll take Japanese over French anyday!...that's a language which totally defeated me on the VF last year Oh...there's another option for your 2021 list; the Via Francigena.

The rail system is brilliant...once you learn to differentiate between Local, Express, Limited Express, Rapid Express & Limited Rapid Express! Hilarious...I was escorted to the 'Fare Adjustment' window on several occasions!

Thank you for the offer of info or advice. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help with The Way of 88 Temples on Shikoku...I walked the entire route & it is far & away my favourite. It's not everyone's cup-of-matcha-tea but with your experience of Japan, you'll know roughly what to expect overall.

Glad your daughter has made it to her destination; only 2 stints of quarantine...not bad considering the situation!
Take care, continue to heal & regain your strength.
Gambatte (do your/our best!)

 

[Iriebabel]

I still miss Japan to this day...it gets under your skin like no other country somehow.
Agree about the language...it is not as difficult as it appears on the surface. I learnt the katakana characters (that was enough for my brain to absorb!) & the pronunciation rules. I probably sounded like a 2 year old but it got me through...I was mostly understood & could read simple signage. I'll take Japanese over French anyday!...that's a language which totally defeated me on the VF last year Oh...there's another option for your 2021 list; the Via Francigena.

The rail system is brilliant...once you learn to differentiate between Local, Express, Limited Express, Rapid Express & Limited Rapid Express! Hilarious...I was escorted to the 'Fare Adjustment' window on several occasions!

Thank you for the offer of info or advice. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help with The Way of 88 Temples on Shikoku...I walked the entire route & it is far & away my favourite. It's not everyone's cup-of-matcha-tea but with your experience of Japan, you'll know roughly what to expect overall.

Glad your daughter has made it to her destination; only 2 stints of quarantine...not bad considering the situation!
Take care, continue to heal & regain your strength.
Gambatte (do your/our best!)

I am learning French now using Rosetta Stone and it is quite useful..I have learned a lot in just under a week Enough to recognize Common words in French . Brushing up on the spain spanish too. Too much time on my hands just sitting so I figured i need to learn something.

I am almost positive I will choose the Le Puy for 2021 ..I say almost . I already down loaded the Miam Miam Dodo app so that is a sign maybe. I think if I survived the Norte walking on a major heel spur and plantar faciaitis Then I can survive and thrive on LePuy. I know ...crazy logic right?
I was Thinking I might drop some luggage in SJPDP then find transport to the start in LePuy .just need to figure out all the logistics. Reading a couple people’s blogs at the moment so we shall see How the healing of the heel and knee goes because this will be the deciding factor if I ever hike Long distance again

There is something very calming about Japan even amongst what seems to be quite chaotic. I can say I really found my soul’s center there. never had any problems with train ...easier because i had to live in the community and helps I had a car too while living there. I took some university classes in Japanese While living there and my Professor was a Japanese man who also taught english to japanese students In Hachinohe so I learned a lot. I learned 3 of the four written languages ..the Kanji was really difficult Nuff said. but sadly lack of use it would take me a couple days to pick it up again. Looking forward to Fuji and the camino there Eventually I will definately endeavor to pick your brain when I am ready Thanks

 

[Miki Goldie]

Great conversations,
A suggestion which is my plan for next year: the Madrid, Sahagun to Leon on the Francis, the San Salvador to Oviedo, the Primitivo to Santiago. Have fun planning.
Love

 

[Iriebabel]

Great conversations,
A suggestion which is my plan for next year: the Madrid, Sahagun to Leon on the Francis, the San Salvador to Oviedo, the Primitivo to Santiago. Have fun planning.
Love

Thanks for the suggestion...my list seems to be getting longer.
I think it Will be LePuy ...but then again you all have given me some good options to consider. But I best behave or I will spend the entire 90 schengen allowed days wondering about spain with camino itis - an extremely addictive condition

 

[Tassie Kaz]

So many trails, so little time...even less when physical capabilities are taken into account!
I'm still amazed at the number of trails I haven't heard of...The List does indeed get longer & that's where this Forum is so good; the things people are out there doing (or planning) is incredible...a real source of inspiration.
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane @Iriebabel. Athough we (actually it was me... ) derailed the original intent of your post (Europe centred), hopefully others reading may look to divergent shores for options too!
Happy planning & even happier undertaking when the time is right. That goes for you too @Miki Goldie ...& everyone else of course.
Sempre avanti...forever forward!

 

[Iriebabel]

So many trails, so little time...even less when physical capabilities are taken into account!
I'm still amazed at the number of trails I haven't heard of...The List does indeed get longer & that's where this Forum is so good; the things people are out there doing (or planning) is incredible...a real source of inspiration.
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane @Iriebabel. Athough we (actually it was me... ) derailed the original intent of your post (Europe centred), hopefully others reading may look to divergent shores for options too!
Happy planning & even happier undertaking when the time is right. That goes for you too @Miki Goldie
Sempre avanti...forever forward!

No wories it was nice to share the memories for sure! I did ask for recommendations so not you did not derail At all
im having fun..it like my first camino all over again. I am now watching a Belgian’s hiker on the LePuy om you tube In French . a good way to practice my French listening skills ... one word at a time one step at a time

when we cannot walk we plan for the next walk .... good luck to you too in all your planning