While Waiting to Walk - What are you doing?

[Anniesantiago]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
Trying to increase distance each time.
Drawing.
Going through old photos.

 

[trecile]

Walking

 

[Anniesantiago]

Walking

I'm starting to walk. It's CRAZY how much stamina I've lost. And then there's the Oregon weather. I convinced myself today that I have an ALTUS poncho and just need to get my butt dressed and out the door. lol!

 

[wayfarer]

Walking locally.

 

[SabsP]

First of all still working , albeit partly home-office partly on site.
Walking locally. And unlike the first strict lockdown we are now allowed to drive further away to walk in another region.
Spending ( too ) much time here on this forum, ha!
Zoom/Skype with ( Camino ) friends.
Baking muffins for the neighbours.
Regular decluttering of drawers and driving to recycling park.

And repeat...

 

[Tincatinker]

Walking (the dogs); Ditch Pigging; planning & planting the vegetable beds; sorting the Workshop (actually that’s a perennial activity unrelated to Camino or COVID-19). Sitting with my sleeve rolled up. And, spending more time than it would take to walk, speculating on a stroll from Cadiz or La Linea to Fisterra. Oh, and missing being in the pub talking about anything with old friends, vague acquaintances and total strangers. Which is of course just like any old day on Camino

 

[SabsP]

@Tincatinker : the pub! So true. I was thinking yesterday that I even miss that punter who normally tells you some weird/insane / utterly boring stories. Next time I buy him a pint!

 

[Jean Ti]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
I'm looking through old photos and re-blogging about past Caminos.
I'm also doing a lot of art.
Here is my latest drawing I'm working on. It is a kit fox.
Colored pencil on Pastelmat

What are YOU doing to bide your time until you can walk again?

I am walking and learning Spanish with duolingo.com and reading Spain news.

 

[Robo]

Working Oh to be able to retire, but sadly I can't afford to........
Keeping businesses a float and people employed these days requires a lot more more effort

But working from home is good.
I take breaks to tend our vegetable garden.

And as my weight loss program gains traction (14 kgs down so far) we're starting to do short walks in the mornings...... It's 6:37 am. I'll wake Pat at 7:00 am and we'll head out shortly after.

And in the hope that I might be able to walk a Camino in 2022, though I tend to think realistically it will be 2023, I have dragged out all my gear from storage in the garage roof!

All laid out now for checking and to see what if anything needs to be replaced

 

[FRM]

@Tincatinker statement “And, spending more time than it would take to walk, speculating on a stroll from Cadiz or La Linea to Fisterra” describes perfectly how I am spending my lockdown time. I’ve always been a planner/dreamer when it comes to travel. Now I’m spending WAY too much time “speculating on a stroll”. If only it paid...

frm

 

[Tincatinker]

@Tincatinker : the pub! So true. I was thinking yesterday that I even miss that punter who normally tells you some weird/insane / utterly boring stories. Next time I buy him a pint!

If that punter has a goatee & a straw hat it might just be me

 

[Ellen Gotts]

I'm starting to walk. It's CRAZY how much stamina I've lost. And then there's the Oregon weather. I convinced myself today that I have an ALTUS poncho and just need to get my butt dressed and out the door. lol!

Oh how I can relate to that! Through various reasons I have not been able to walk and now I too need to “get my butt dressed and out the door” wet season or not .

 

[trecile]

And then there's the Oregon weather. I convinced myself today that I have an ALTUS poncho and just need to get my butt dressed and out the door. lol!

Back in October or so I decided that I was going to walk every day, rain or shine - and I'm in Oregon too, so rain is a given. I bought this small waterproof backpack from Decathlon to hold my "all weather layers."
I keep an umbrella in the side pocket at all times. I usually wear it over a lightweight rain jacket when it's raining, but I also have a poncho for more coverage in a real downpour.

 

[Isca-camigo]

Working,walking, planning Caminos, changing my mind, wondering why Amazon Prime show 3 Caminos in some countries and not others. Checking on my sloe gin and vodka, wondering when will be a good time to try them and what will be a good cider to put the sloes in after they have been decanted to make Slider. Wondering if I can get them through Portuguese customs if I do make it to Portugal in August. These are all the quite mundane stuff that is occupying me in Lockdown 3.0

 

[Tincatinker]

you’ll know this already but, as a guide to the unwary, it’s best to use a dry cider base for a Slider. The residual sugars from the sloe-gin will take it up to an off-dry without the cloy of a medium sweet. And that beguiling pink to purple tone? Ah, roll on Spring

 

[Robo]

Just back from our morning walk. Only 4 kms, but it's a start......
We live in quite a built up area of Sydney, but about 2 kms away we have a local park with a lake.
Rather 'Galician' with all the Gum Trees.

 

[Isca-camigo]

@Tincatinker I dont know it,thanks for the tip this is my first go at making sloe gin/ vodka and slider, I was looking at a Scrumpy base( with an inordinate amount of alcohol) I hadn't gone into the dry or sweet aspect of it, but I prefer dry anyway in my drinks. This is my new lockdown hobby, home brewing, that and listening to Gallego so I can tune into it more easily on my next Camino. I expect both new hobbies to converge somewhere in August.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Massive scrapbooking, here!

In re my walks in Spain I assiduously keep every piece of paper I can, so that when I get home I have pre-walk correspondence, travel insurance receipts, airplane boarding passes, museum ticket stubs, promotional town brochures, ALSA bus schedules, albergue and hotel flyers, ATM receipts, half-way certificates, compostelas -- you name it! Add the pictures that I've taken and the pictures that others have shared with me, and the photocopied pages from Brother Brierley's books, and I've got a gold mine of information. Which I can heavily annotate and supplement ...

Why? So that when I'm "old and gray" and unable to walk anymore, I can pull a binder off the bookcase, sit in my rocker by the fire, and say, "Oh yes! That's me at the chicken church in 2015! ... Look! There's so-and-so, my brassy Australian friend from 2012! I wonder if she's still alive? ... Gosh, did I really pay all that much for my 2022 flight to Madrid?!?! ... What nice memories! ... Oh, and darling, as long as you're up, can you get me another glass of port?"

My kids will probably toss all these binders into the trash when I die. Don't care! I'm doing this for me! This hobbit has been there and back again, and he does not want to forget a single detail! ... So: I guess that you could say that just now I'm walking my 'post-walking-days' Camino.

 

[David61]

I am walking and learning Spanish with duolingo.com and reading Spain news.

How are you finding Duolingo?

 

[Tassie Kaz]

How are you finding Duolingo?

Today marks my 150 day streak of Duolingo. Some days I find it more of a chore than a joy but I'll keep plugging away. It has it's limitations & a few frustrations but it's a free app so all you're investing is your time.
The Duolingo program is Latin American Spanish rather than European Spanish. To compensate, I do a quick vocab check to make sure I learn the word appropriate to my goals/destination...I say the Euro word in my head even though I have to type the LA version to get the 'correct' answer!
Probably the biggest drawback is lack of speaking practice so Duo is not a 'one stop shop'.
Give it a go, you've got nothing to lose & you will learn something even if you don't reach your end goal by Duo alone.
Best wishes!

 

[Dani7]

Love love love your drawing. What talent you have. The eyes and fur look so real.

Working, walking and power yoga. Want to reignite my goal to learn Spanish.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

And as my weight loss program gains traction (14 kgs down so far) we're starting to do short walks in the mornings...... It's 6:37 am. I'll wake Pat at 7:00 am and we'll head out shortly after.

Congrats on shifting the pud @Robo ...14kgs is a mighty effort
Any tips or tricks for those of us for whom De Nile is still just a river?

 

[David61]

Today marks my 150 day streak of Duolingo. Some days I find it more of a chore than a joy but I'll keep plugging away. It has it's limitations & a few frustrations but it's a free app so all you're investing is your time.
The Duolingo program is Latin American Spanish rather than European Spanish. To compensate, I do a quick vocab check to make sure I learn the word appropriate to my goals/destination...I say the Euro word in my head even though I have to type the LA version to get the 'correct' answer!
Probably the biggest drawback is lack of speaking practice so Duo is not a 'one stop shop'.
Give it a go, you've got nothing to lose & you will learn something even if you don't reach your end goal by Duo alone.
Best wishes!

Thank you

 

[Robo]

Congrats on shifting the pud @Robo ...14kgs is a mighty effort
Any tips or tricks for those of us for whom De Nile is still just a river?

LOL. It's really a mindset issue.
I struggled for years.

Have a goal in mind.
Weigh in every day. Keep track of progress.
If you slip one day, compensate the next to keep on track.

Once you see results, it will encourage maintaining the diet.
A bit like walking a Camino really.
Take it day by day.


Intermittent fasting is the only thing I have found that works for me.
My regime is no food between 4 pm and 8 or 9 am.
Nothing! Nada. Only water.
It's all to do with insulin, the liver and making the body use fat stores for energy during the fasting period each day.

I got up to 103.5 kgs or 228 lbs ! (5' 7" or 172 cms)
On Camino I usually started at about 91 kgs....... (Still 'Obese' for my height)
Which led to chronic injury.

Next Camino my goal is to start at 70 kgs! (154 lbs)
I'll be skipping along...........

I was probably last that weight at about 24 years old, in the middle of military training. (Now 63)
But from a BMI Perspective, it's only mid range 'normal'. Not crazy thin or anything.

So as of today, I'm 14.6 kgs down, and 18.9 kgs to go.
Goal is to reach that on my Birthday (15 May)

I'm actually amazed at how little I am eating.
Or conversely, how much I used to eat!! (particularly on Camino)

Breakfast is my main meal.
Something like: Poached Eggs, bacon or sausage, potato, baked beans, avocado, mushrooms......
It's a big meal.

Late lunch about 3 pm, might be an Avocado, small tin of tuna and green salad. And a piece of fruit.

That's it for the day. And I don't really feel hungry..........

Some days I'll relax, and have a 'real' lunch and a glass of wine.
Those days I expect to regain 1/2 kg over night.
Which of course takes 2-3 days to take off again.........

Getting used to the regime now.
And the main thing is, after 25 years of being overweight, the last 10+ actually in the Obese range.......it's working.

Your mileage may of course vary.
Consult your health care professional and all that.

Of the course the big 'realisation' is quite simple.
Eat less....move more.

I realise now how 'addicted' I was to eating
Stuffing my face became almost entertainment.
I just loved to eat.

Once I get down to my target weight, I'll be able to add another light meal to my daily intake.
And I'll take care to maintain my weight loss.

And I will have learned to eat sensibly!

Things like white bread, a whiskey in the evening with a bowl of nuts, ice cream, a packet of chips (crisps), cookies, chocolate.........all these things will be occasional treats in moderation. Not a regular part of my ongoing diet !

 

[trecile]

The Duolingo program is Latin American Spanish rather than European Spanish

For the most part. I've noticed that they have been including lots of exercises with vosotros lately.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have always tried to walk 3-5 miles most days wherever I am, whether at home or afar. I embrace walking in fog and drizzle willingly and dress acordingly...I say "why not"? I do it on the Camino willingly and it has its own type of magical beauty.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

For the most part. I've noticed that they have been including lots of exercises with vosotros lately.

Excellent...good to know that is coming even though I haven't encountered it yet...one less gap!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

LOL. It's really a mindset issue.
I struggled for years.

Have a goal in mind.
Weigh in every day. Keep track of progress.
If you slip one day, compensate the next to keep on track.

Once you see results, it will encourage maintaining the diet.
A bit like walking a Camino really.
Take it day by day.


Intermittent fasting is the only thing I have found that works for me.
My regime is no food between 4 pm and 8 or 9 am.
Nothing! Nada. Only water.
It's all to do with insulin, the liver and making the body use fat stores for energy during the fasting period each day.

I got up to 103.5 kgs or 228 lbs ! (5' 7" or 172 cms)
On Camino I usually started at about 91 kgs....... (Still 'Obese' for my height)
Which led to chronic injury.

Next Camino my goal is to start at 70 kgs! (154 lbs)
I'll be skipping along...........

I was probably last that weight at about 24 years old, in the middle of military training. (Now 63)
But from a BMI Perspective, it's only mid range 'normal'. Not crazy thin or anything.

So as of today, I'm 14.6 kgs down, and 18.9 kgs to go.
Goal is to reach that on my Birthday (15 May)

I'm actually amazed at how little I am eating.
Or conversely, how much I used to eat!! (particularly on Camino)

Breakfast is my main meal.
Something like: Poached Eggs, bacon or sausage, potato, baked beans, avocado, mushrooms......
It's a big meal.

Late lunch about 3 pm, might be an Avocado, small tin of tuna and green salad. And a piece of fruit.

That's it for the day. And I don't really feel hungry..........

Some days I'll relax, and have a 'real' lunch and a glass of wine.
Those days I expect to regain 1/2 kg over night.
Which of course takes 2-3 days to take off again.........

Getting used to the regime now.
And the main thing is, after 25 years of being overweight, the last 10+ actually in the Obese range.......it's working.

Your mileage may of course vary.
Consult your health care professional and all that.

Of the course the big 'realisation' is quite simple.
Eat less....move more.

I realise now how 'addicted' I was to eating
Stuffing my face became almost entertainment.
I just loved to eat.

Once I get down to my target weight, I'll be able to add another light meal to my daily intake.
And I'll take care to maintain my weight loss.

And I will have learned to eat sensibly!

Things like white bread, a whiskey in the evening with a bowl of nuts, ice cream, a packet of chips (crisps), cookies, chocolate.........all these things will be occasional treats in moderation. Not a regular part of my ongoing diet !

Yes @Robo, you're spot on; mindset is absolutely key. Once I 'flip the switch' off I go, but the last 18 months (since I returned home from the VF actually..), flipping it is the problem! My next adventure is usually what gets me back on track after any post-walk weight gain but with no big carrot (of course if I ate said I wouldn't be in this position either...) my get up & go has got up & gone.
I too generally only have two meals a day & aim for approx 16 hours with no food. It is surprising how quickly & easily your body accepts & adapts. Although I'm not losing weight, at least I haven't gained any more...& in my case, there's no rocket science involved in changing the ledger from stability to loss!
To mindset I'd add habit (I seem unable to ban myself from certain supermarket aisles) & association (watching TV = snacking).
However now after reading your story (thanks for openly sharing it ), I'm feeling suitably inspired to give it yet another crack.
And summer is the time to do it...winter is a different kettle of fish.
Once again...good on you, well done & keep up the great work ...you're already seeing & feeling the benefits.

 

[Silencio Por Favor]

I have been.....walking, fantasizing about walking in a distant land, drinking guinness from a can and imaging drinking cerveza Galicia from a botttle. Night school for beginners painting, part time study online, being proud of my daughter as she cares for the elderly as a part time source of income. No doubt annoying my wife, actually this one predates Covid by a couple of decades, alas.
Seriously, feeling grateful for what I have because there are so many people worse off than me unfortunately. Also grateful for this forum, thank you!

 

[Albertagirl]

I have been waiting to walk, staggering around trying to protect myself from the dual dangers of patches of ice on the streets and a minimally functioning replacement knee. I spend about four hours a week at Zoom yoga classes and average about an hour a day working on my Spanish. And I spend an awful lot of time on this forum.

 

[David]

We are in strict lockdown here - can't drive further than 5 miles to do the one exercise allowed each day, and if one wants company it can only be with one person and minimum distance between the two is 2 metres - so pretty limited. I have been doing a bit of walking, sometimes to the supermarket instead of driving, just to exercise the body, sometimes nearby footpaths, but mainly am stuck at home. I did a 7 mile muddy footpaths walk a couple of days ago and couldn't believe how much I ached next day - I am SO out of condition!!

I gave up on the Spanish again - so obviously just don't want to do it. I have done every improvement job at home, all done.
I have started to buy good quality but unloved bicycles really cheap, serviced and repaired them and have then sold them at a small profit. Nice inside project to keep me busy - three sold so far and one in the wings.

and I have been designing a new trailer, the Mk 3, to put on the market and sell - it will be two-wheeled, simple, light, strong and fold down and possibly with the option of 14" plastic wheels or 16" spoked wheels ... the design is now done, the parts and materials sourced (but not bought) ... I just cannot decide if I should build it yet, the world being as it is for the foreseeable future .... I am thinking of calling it the S-Cargo .. s-cargo spoken out loud becomes escargot - French for snail - though happy for all name suggestions!

Apart from that? I get my first vaccine shot on Friday, good prep for Camino ..... the rest? I wait, locked down like all of the UK, all of us like category A prisoners

 

[Kevin Considine]

Walking. Since June; The Lycian Way in Turkey. The West Highland Way in Scotland. The Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. The Camino de Santiago de Mallorca. The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria. Next The Camino de Santiago de Tenerife.

 

[David Tallan]

I continue to work my day job, do my household chores, etc. I've been doing some local walking (recently with the "Camino for Good" app- I expect to make ti to Puente la Reina today). I've been scanning old photo prints into the computer.

 

[kiwi-couple]

I am walking, walking and walking some more ...plus trying to learn how to draw. Let's just say there's plenty of room for improvement

 

[Turga]

As this covid menace drags on, I find there is some truth to Parkinson’s law: “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

 

[Sue127]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
I'm looking through old photos and re-blogging about past Caminos.
I'm also doing a lot of art.
Here is my latest drawing I'm working on. It is a kit fox.
Colored pencil on Pastelmat

What are YOU doing to bide your time until you can walk again?

 

[Sue127]

That is a gorgeous picture, well done, what talent.

 

[Sue127]

I am walking and learning Spanish with duolingo.com and reading Spain news.

I’m learning with Duolingo too. At the moment only good enough to pick out bits of Spanish inn articles on the forum. But with Covid ongoing, I should be able to speak more next time.

 

[trecile]

I mentioned this on another thread, but those of you who are learning Spanish or brushing up on it I highly recommend the free Language Transfer program. It takes a different approach to learning Spanish - not a lot of vocabulary, but it teaches you how to use the language. I listened to it while I walked. There are several ways that you can use it, including the Language Transfer app. I downloaded all the lessons on my podcast player. Even though I have a number of years of Spanish classes behind me, I still learned a lot from the program.

 

[mlhhome]

Penance.... I agreed to remodel the condo.

 

[Stivandrer]

In spite of of everything, I feel lucky:

I am not affected or in-fected by a virus, I still have my job, and I am walking to my job every time.
I work w young people w brain damage diagnoses in living unit, so I am close to my clients but wear a protective vizir and we perform rigorous hygiene regimen...test every week and no one has been hit as yet...

But I can dream;
every time I walk home from job, I am free as a bird or indeed a Pilgrim and a large, fresh cup of coffee awaits me as I enter my abode. I can speak Spanish to my cats and my wife at my own leisure.
Only problem is my boots remained at the shoemakers, so I had to put on my new, spare ones.
But anyway, since we locked down last, they are now broken in properly.

-just the other day a flock of nine hot air balloons filled the sky as I went home from a 24 hr shift on a frosty Saturday morning. Of all things, there is nothin more uplifting and positive than the sight of adventurous people taking to the skies...
(incidentally, what collective noun do you use when describing a number of hot air balloons, anyone..)



And since extra time is on my hand, and I cannot join my fitness temple, I have undertaken a strict Ketogene diet since november that until now has left me 10 kilos lighter, which I sorely needed..
I am now the weight that I slimmed down to, as I left for my my first Camino in May ´14....

...and since now lighter and fitter, I can partake in matters pilgrim diet wise:
good cheese, proper wine, - am currently chasing Ribera del Duero wines from ´14, preferably in boxes of 6 bottles, and by the internet.
Why not chase wine from where you have wandered and dreamt of good wine...

My GLS delivery chauffeur gives me a knowing wink every time he delivers a noisy, clanging parcel at my front door to sign...

And since my accident to my ankle last July, I have languished when not being able to walk long, but that is now healed and I am taking my own private, or so it feels, Camino stretch by the lake and through the wood to town, half a Camino day´s walk away...

Just now, I and brakng down on the loft to have the first floor insulated, using my body is a need must activity that I long for, but not enjoying the dust... hope funds will provide what I planned for.
If hard up, I have the saved funds for two Caminos to use for new windows and manpower....

apart from that,

I am lucky all right !


Se ya Down the Road Apiece !!

 

[Sara_Dhooma]

Doing my part as an essential healthcare worker until we get COVID-19 under control!
I accepted clinical administrative positions at my local hospital and at a university medical centre.

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Annie and everyone - your fox drawing is beautiful Annie - it has a rich depth of colour and the fox is SO sweet! (I love foxes!). Kiwi-couple - your pencil drawing is lovely too - the proportions are excellent.

Everyone’s posts are terrific - it’s great reading about what you’re all doing.

Since Covid started I’ve been flat-chat - husband Steve and I renovated our Sydney home last year and then in November started working on our house at Culburra Beach on the NSW South Coast in order to place it on the market to sell as we wanted to downsize to a townhouse with no maintenance. We’d let the gardens go and it took weeks of work to get both the gardens and house back in shape and looking good. Here’s our video - I hope the mods don’t object to me posting a sales video but as it’s most unlikely anyone from the Forum would buy the house I think it’ll be OK!!!

Note the small Camino reference!

Right now I’m biting my fingernails! The auction is on Sunday!

Whatever happens, for me it’s onwards and alongwards - my Camino mantra. I dream of being back on those magical paths ...

Buen Camino from Oz -
Jenny

 

[Ernesto.IT]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
I'm looking through old photos and re-blogging about past Caminos.
I'm also doing a lot of art.
Here is my latest drawing I'm working on. It is a kit fox.
Colored pencil on Pastelmat

What are YOU doing to bide your time until you can walk again?

Last year by walking locally I clocked up 1700Km, and I think that I will try to do ( lockdown permitted ) the same this year in Lombardia Italy.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Walking

Walking locally.

Just two day trips in January. Although it is quite boring as I have only two routes. One is coastal and ranges for more than 90 km, with three options through a 20 km section and end besides the Pacific Ocean. The other is a river valley followed by a rail trail over a 400 m ( 1,200 foot) hill and ranges for about 70 km before it too ends beside the Pacific. In my eight years of local training walks I've traversed these two routes quite a few times and know the location of every café and restaurant, nook and cranny, bus stop and train station.

And planning a long distance walk: a journey in two sections - the tent in my pack will get a bit of use!!

The first will be about 250 km. Day 1 is to the foot of a bush (1) clad 960 m (3,000 foot) hill named Pirongia. (2) Days 2 and 3 are up one side to the top and down the other. Several days later into a bush named Pureora Forest- that will have me off the grid for several days as I pass over eight suspension bridges and negotiate a (former bush rail) spiral. Then long distance bus to the start of the next section so I don't have to kayak down a mighty river.

The second will also be about 250 km and, unlike the first, will be mainly flat, and mostly alongside major roads with good shoulders and at least one café or restaurant every day. The only two hills on the second section are only 80 m and 140 m respectively above sea level.

Planning costs nothing and dreams are free. The real challenge will be no coffee for days at a time on the first section.

And I hope to re-learn bike riding as another way to keep fit.

(1) Bush - a substantive stand of vegetation, typically about 5 m high or more, with lush undergrowth. Tracks are cut into the bush and bridges created where necessary: all maintained by the government.
(2) 820 metres elevation gain over 7 km - 12% average - slow going - Pahu'téa Hut at the top

 

[Canada Wanders]

Walk a borrowed dog every other day, as I work half in office, half at home.
Eat the fantastic sourdough bread my wife now makes.
Review some old pictures from CF and CP to enjoy the memories.... and wait for the world to tilt back closer to “normal”.

 

[David]

Just in case there are others out there like me. I don't enjoy going for walks. Have no desire whatsoever to go on long treks or long distance walks. I can find out what is over that hill by driving my car, should I be so inclined (like the pun?).
I do sometimes force myself to walk as I think my body needs some exercise during all this lockdown, but I find no pleasure in it - and am just as 'happy' to walk through a town as to walk through countryside.

Not only do I not enjoy it, I don't understand it. What is the point of it? Last year I moved to Oxford to be closer to friends but what I found was that one would be invited over to sit in the garden and drink tea and eat cake (less restricted Covid summer time) and all would be really pleasant and then they would say "do you want to go for a walk?" and I would say "no" and "why?" Why interrupt a perfectly pleasant time eating cake and drinking tea and chatting by going off somewhere and stomping along for no reason at all???
But being the guest I give in and go for the walk, and then return to the garden and wait whilst they make a fresh pot of tea - what was the point of it?????

I don't understand it. I really don't. Maybe because I was brought up in a city and spent my formative young adult years at sea? I don't know.
Why can't my friends just sit and chat and enjoy where they are at that moment.

So - I am addicted to Camino, I like being on Camino, but the walking is something I have to do when there, not because I want to do it. Just wondered if this might strike a cord with others?

 

[Ernesto.IT]

Just in case there are others out there like me. I don't enjoy going for walks. Have no desire whatsoever to go on long treks or long distance walks. I can find out what is over that hill by driving my car, should I be so inclined (like the pun?).
I do sometimes force myself to walk as I think my body needs some exercise during all this lockdown, but I find no pleasure in it - and am just as 'happy' to walk through a town as to walk through countryside.

Not only do I not enjoy it, I don't understand it. What is the point of it? Last year I moved to Oxford to be closer to friends but what I found was that one would be invited over to sit in the garden and drink tea and eat cake (less restricted Covid summer time) and all would be really pleasant and then they would say "do you want to go for a walk?" and I would say "no" and "why?" Why interrupt a perfectly pleasant time eating cake and drinking tea and chatting by going off somewhere and stomping along for no reason at all???
But being the guest I give in and go for the walk, and then return to the garden and wait whilst they make a fresh pot of tea - what was the point of it?????

I don't understand it. I really don't. Maybe because I was brought up in a city and spent my formative young adult years at sea? I don't know.
Why can't my friends just sit and chat and enjoy where they are at that moment.

So - I am addicted to Camino, I like being on Camino, but the walking is something I have to do when there, not because I want to do it. Just wondered if this might strike a cord with others?

No really

 

[Arn]

I'm starting to walk. It's CRAZY how much stamina I've lost. And then there's the Oregon weather. I convinced myself today that I have an ALTUS poncho and just need to get my butt dressed and out the door. lol!

I am a big believer in the Altus Poncho. With the right layers you don't need a heavy, bulky rain suit. Also, when you arrive to late to get a bed, the poncho makes a great tent or Fly.
As to what I am doing right now. Waiting for my 2nd COVID shot in three weeks, walking with my dog Raider, checking if I can multi-city Madrid, Valetta (Malta), Rhodes and Cyprus.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Planning costs nothing and dreams are free.

I love this, Alwyn!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Walk a borrowed dog every other day, as I work half in office, half at home.
Eat the fantastic sourdough bread my wife now makes.
Review some old pictures from CF and CP to enjoy the memories.... and wait for the world to tilt back closer to “normal”.

MMmmmmmmmm, SOURdough!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

MMmmmmmmmm, SOURdough!

I love it, but never had it home-made.

 

[tweekes]

I'm blessed to be working from home during the pandemic, so I'm able to keep up with the Forum daily.
Spring cleaning, tidying and organizing the garage...
I haven't stepped foot on the Camino yet but I've been diligently planning, laying out all of my supplies and scaling down on everything. My goal is to keep my pack around 15 lbs (we'll see).
I've just started walking (4 kms today), as the weather has been so surprisingly mild here on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. My hopes are to keep it up everyday and then gradually increase the distance.

 

[Canada Wanders]

I love it, but never had it home-made.

It is the greatest!

 

[Canada Wanders]

It is the greatest!

Best wife in history....

 

[Arn]

I'm blessed to be working from home during the pandemic, so I'm able to keep up with the Forum daily.
Spring cleaning, tidying and organizing the garage...
I haven't stepped foot on the Camino yet but I've been diligently planning, laying out all of my supplies and scaling down on everything. My goal is to keep my pack around 15 lbs (we'll see).
I've just started walking (4 kms today), as the weather has been so surprisingly mild here on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. My hopes are to keep it up everyday and then gradually increase the distance.

When you get your pack empty of “might needs and could needs” you're about right. Then, the night before you depart empty your pack of the “nice to haves”...hah, your pack is two more pounds lighter.

 

[cathietherese]

This is a great thread! It's heartening to read what everyone has been up to, and feel part of our pilgrim community on the forum.

Tim (hubby in the photo) and me amuse ourselves on the weekends window shopping (and too often shopping) for super lightweight gear for when we can walk the Camino once again. I injured my achilles walking some of the Via Podiensis in 2019, hence part of my lightweight boots obsession.

That, and like many of you walking locally - with our pilgrim poles!

Work for me is researching my Masters which of course is on 'the Camino' , I am about to start a new semester of course work on 22 February and might put a hold on my fieldwork until it is safe for everyone to travel again, or else do it best as I can with virtual interviews etc., starting in June. I am taking a 'wait and see' approach for the moment.

In the interim, I have been tutoring a course with my university over summer school that has lots of overseas students. Mostly I have loved doing this and have been totally humbled by students who are managing their workload under severe lockdown conditions.

Otherwise, there is lots of produce in our garden now that need preserving. Plums, apricots, and apples all grow strongly in the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand. As do quinces but they won't be ready for another month or so.

My little granddaughter excitedly keeps telling me she eats our apricot jam on toast for breakfast every morning this week! I guess I will have to make some more soon
Go well,
Catherine

 

[Judy's Way]

My husband and I are walking a Virtual Camino (Camino Frances) which started on January 15th. We just arrived virtually in Ventosa yesterday. It is fun to revisit these places, even virtually. Here’s what a Virtual Camino walking at home might look like: https://www.facebook.com/groups/376228543514435/permalink/442728580197764/

 

[Deleted member 56069]

Up until about a week ago I was pretty consistently walking my 7 km local walking loop 4 to 5 times a week. But not now as much that we have 'actual winter' in northern Alberta. It barely cracked -20 C this week for daytime highs and this coming week it wouldn't crack -20 C as a high at all this week. In fact the overnight lows are in the -40 C range. Greta would be alarmed at how much fossil fuels are being burnt by me to avoid death...

I also do some light weights 3 to 4 times a week as I have always maintained that good fitness for a Camino is more than just walking. Having decent core strength is very beneficial as well.

Doing a fair amount of reading. Trying to write a book, but after 150,000 words not sure where that project is going any more.

Pretty clear now that 2021 will be a complete write off again for flight related travel, so local hiking, cycling will be the reality once spring/summer hits here...if ever.

 

[Judy's Way]

What are YOU doing to bide your time until you can walk again?

My husband and I are walking a Virtual Camino that started on January 15th. It’s fun and it brings back memories. Here’s what a day of doing a Virtual Camino here at home might look like: https://www.facebook.com/groups/376228543514435/permalink/442728580197764/

 

[Judy's Way]

My husband and I are walking a Virtual Camino (Camino Frances) which started on January 15th. We just arrived virtually in Ventosa yesterday. It is fun to revisit these places, even virtually. Here’s what a Virtual Camino walking at home might look like: https://www.facebook.com/groups/376228543514435/permalink/442728580197764/

Here are more details about Camino for Good: https://throughourlookingglass.ca/index.php/2021/01/15/our-virtual-camino/

 

[stinmd]

2020 has been a tough year for us Camino "addicts" due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, I must say this forum has brought me much vicarious joy

 

[mvanert]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
I'm looking through old photos and re-blogging about past Caminos.
I'm also doing a lot of art.
Here is my latest drawing I'm working on. It is a kit fox.
Colored pencil on Pastelmat

What are YOU doing to bide your time until you can walk again?

I walk 4-5 times a week, 3-9 km depending on how I feel, what the weather is and what else I need to do that day. I take photos on my walk too, neighborhoods change with the season so a familiar place has a 'fresh' face depending on the season and that helps from keeping it boring. Of course, I keep watch here too to keep up with the caminos.

 

[Jennifer J. Wolfenden]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
I'm looking through old photos and re-blogging about past Caminos.
I'm also doing a lot of art.
Here is my latest drawing I'm working on. It is a kit fox.
Colored pencil on Pastelmat

What are YOU doing to bide your time until you can walk again?

I go out most days bumming around my area. Some days I am gone for 4 hours, walking 10-14 kms sometimes less... I stop for latte. keep walking. stop for chocolate. keep walking. stop for a bit of grocery. keep walking. I sometimes I drive to hiking areas. Each day is different because I have no plans. I just get dressed and start walking when my internet commitment is done for the day!

 

[pamcnm]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
I'm looking through old photos and re-blogging about past Caminos.
I'm also doing a lot of art.
Here is my latest drawing I'm working on. It is a kit fox.
Colored pencil on Pastelmat

What are YOU doing to bide your time until you can walk again?

I love kit foxes!

I am participating in the virtual “Camino for Good” app and learning about the Camino Frances while hiking locally. The app is donating 75% of the proceeds to auberges hit hard by Covid. I just finished reading “Steps Out of Time: One Woman’s Journey on the Camino” and am following along with my virtual Camino, reading two guidebooks. I have watched a few movies on Prime and YouTube to learn more and think about how I will approach walking the Camino when the opportunity becomes available. The photo below is of the Santa Cruz River in Southern Arizona on the Anza Trail where much of my local walks are happening.

 

[Sansthing]

I am shielding in my apartment but trying to walk 4000 steps a day. One full circuit is 75 steps...gets a bit boring. My poor dog follows me round wondering what on earth I am doing but at least we get a bit of exercise. Other than that I am reading, potting and have started blogging again. After cancelling my April 2020 Camino I was sure this April I would be off walking again. Now, like most, I´ve no idea when it will be possible.

 

[Emm2019]

Eating chocolate, watching Spanish shows on Netflix and walking locally!

 

[danabagg]

Doing the Virtual Camino, really fun

 

[Anniesantiago]

I am walking, walking and walking some more ...plus trying to learn how to draw. Let's just say there's plenty of room for improvement View attachment 92626

Wonderful!

 

[pamcnm]

Here are more details about Camino for Good: https://throughourlookingglass.ca/index.php/2021/01/15/our-virtual-camino/

Me too! Arriving in Pamplona later today

 

[danielle aird]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
Trying to increase distance each time.
Drawing.
Going through old photos.

I wrote a book about my Camino hikes (1,000 k over 4 visits). It's mostly about the people I met, our hosts, the places where I stayed, and some little-known quirks and quarks about the Camino. Now, I am getting it to publishing stage. Possible title: Pilgrims, Hosts and Ghosts of the Camino. It is not a guide book but I talk a lot about the wonderful places where I have stayed. My son, a graphic designer, is helping with cover and layout. And I am taking the time to read other Camino books. There are many good ones out there. Having fun. I bet I am not the only one who has been writing. How many of you are there out there?

 

[Judy's Way]

There must be an update on how many albergues have been helped. At least five albergue owners will be interviewed via Zoom on February 11th so we will hear their stories of how they became hospitaleros and what the situation is for them now on the Camino.

 

[andylm65]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
Trying to increase distance each time.
Drawing.
Going through old photos.

I am skiing cross country and snow showing. At least a couple hours maybe 4 days a week. And of course shoveling snow for an hour at least every time it snows. I’ll be walking and paddle boarding and canoeing soon. And gardening. Reading a lot. . . . Learning some more spanish..

 

[nycwalking]

Hate to admit but this is what I’ve been doing.

 

[domigee]

Just back from our morning walk. Only 4 kms, but it's a start......
We live in quite a built up area of Sydney, but about 2 kms away we have a local park with a lake.
Rather 'Galician' with all the Gum Trees.




View attachment 92580View attachment 92581

Very nice!

 

[domigee]

LOL. It's really a mindset issue.
I struggled for years.

Have a goal in mind.
Weigh in every day. Keep track of progress.
If you slip one day, compensate the next to keep on track.

Once you see results, it will encourage maintaining the diet.
A bit like walking a Camino really.
Take it day by day.


Intermittent fasting is the only thing I have found that works for me.
My regime is no food between 4 pm and 8 or 9 am.
Nothing! Nada. Only water.
It's all to do with insulin, the liver and making the body use fat stores for energy during the fasting period each day.

I got up to 103.5 kgs or 228 lbs ! (5' 7" or 172 cms)
On Camino I usually started at about 91 kgs....... (Still 'Obese' for my height)
Which led to chronic injury.

Next Camino my goal is to start at 70 kgs! (154 lbs)
I'll be skipping along...........

I was probably last that weight at about 24 years old, in the middle of military training. (Now 63)
But from a BMI Perspective, it's only mid range 'normal'. Not crazy thin or anything.

So as of today, I'm 14.6 kgs down, and 18.9 kgs to go.
Goal is to reach that on my Birthday (15 May)

I'm actually amazed at how little I am eating.
Or conversely, how much I used to eat!! (particularly on Camino)

Breakfast is my main meal.
Something like: Poached Eggs, bacon or sausage, potato, baked beans, avocado, mushrooms......
It's a big meal.

Late lunch about 3 pm, might be an Avocado, small tin of tuna and green salad. And a piece of fruit.

That's it for the day. And I don't really feel hungry..........

Some days I'll relax, and have a 'real' lunch and a glass of wine.
Those days I expect to regain 1/2 kg over night.
Which of course takes 2-3 days to take off again.........

Getting used to the regime now.
And the main thing is, after 25 years of being overweight, the last 10+ actually in the Obese range.......it's working.

Your mileage may of course vary.
Consult your health care professional and all that.

Of the course the big 'realisation' is quite simple.
Eat less....move more.

I realise now how 'addicted' I was to eating
Stuffing my face became almost entertainment.
I just loved to eat.

Once I get down to my target weight, I'll be able to add another light meal to my daily intake.
And I'll take care to maintain my weight loss.

And I will have learned to eat sensibly!

Things like white bread, a whiskey in the evening with a bowl of nuts, ice cream, a packet of chips (crisps), cookies, chocolate.........all these things will be occasional treats in moderation. Not a regular part of my ongoing diet !

Wow, impressive. Well done.

 

[domigee]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
Trying to increase distance each time.
Drawing.
Going through old photos.

I try and walk every day, short distances, usually 5 km, sometimes 8.
I’m getting so bored with it now though as I know the area by heart (we’re in strict lockdown and not allowed to drive somewhere to walk from there). All the best places are extremely muddy so I have to stick to ‘hard’ paths which restricts it somewhat... I also avoid the popular, crowded areas as no-one here in UK wear masks outside ...
Otherwise I cook (a lot! We have our two grown-up sons staying with us ), I knit, I re-read favourite books... I still teach one day a week, via Zoom.
I’m looking forward to starting things again at the allotment, weather permitting.
Most of all, I try hard not to think about walking Caminos, which is the only thing I want to do of course!

 

[Goodnewt]

Just back from our morning walk. Only 4 kms, but it's a start......
We live in quite a built up area of Sydney, but about 2 kms away we have a local park with a lake.
Rather 'Galician' with all the Gum Trees.




View attachment 92580View attachment 92581

I live in Sydney too! I am right now heading for the Blue Mountains for a 3 hour walk with a friend. Where is your ‘Galician’ park?

 

[Goodnewt]

I have been planning and walking various routes of 1-3 days duration outside Sydney, up and down the coast, in the bush and along the beach. Often I have been the only person walking! Sometimes carrying a pack and staying somewhere overnight, sometimes long day walks with public transport at both ends.

How are you finding Duolingo?

i am also learning Spanish on Duolingo - it is a great resource! Love it. Y tu?

Today marks my 150 day streak of Duolingo. Some days I find it more of a chore than a joy but I'll keep plugging away. It has it's limitations & a few frustrations but it's a free app so all you're investing is your time.
The Duolingo program is Latin American Spanish rather than European Spanish. To compensate, I do a quick vocab check to make sure I learn the word appropriate to my goals/destination...I say the Euro word in my head even though I have to type the LA version to get the 'correct' answer!
Probably the biggest drawback is lack of speaking practice so Duo is not a 'one stop shop'.
Give it a go, you've got nothing to lose & you will learn something even if you don't reach your end goal by Duo alone.
Best wishes!

 

[Annw]

I started a virtual Camino. Arrived in Roncesvalles yesterday!

 

[dee bright]

I'm starting to walk short distances.
Trying to increase distance each time.
Drawing.
Going through old photos.

I'm looking for people from my area who are interested in going in 2022. I'm near Sacramento—anyone else? I'd love to meet you and do some walking together1

 

[Goodnewt]

Today marks my 150 day streak of Duolingo. Some days I find it more of a chore than a joy but I'll keep plugging away. It has it's limitations & a few frustrations but it's a free app so all you're investing is your time.
The Duolingo program is Latin American Spanish rather than European Spanish. To compensate, I do a quick vocab check to make sure I learn the word appropriate to my goals/destination...I say the Euro word in my head even though I have to type the LA version to get the 'correct' answer!
Probably the biggest drawback is lack of speaking practice so Duo is not a 'one stop shop'.
Give it a go, you've got nothing to lose & you will learn something even if you don't reach your end goal by Duo alone.
Best wishes!

I love Duolingo - I’m up to day 612. Speaking / listening practice is available through iTalki. Didn’t expect to be doing it for so long before actually being in Spain but since it takes years to learn a language, I’m enjoying the journey

 

[Former member 49149]

What do I do? Usually, make sure I walk 10,000 steps every day. Sometimes, arrive at my favourite supermarket five minutes before opening time, having walked from home. Clean the house, but much less than at the start of lockdown! Baking has also been cut back to avoid increase of avoirdupois. Reading, talking on phone and sometimes on the street with masks and distance observed. Zooms sessions for this and that.
Recently, the most delightful beginning of a perhaps weekly story sharing zoom with the granddaughter of a dear friend (who died suddenly last year). School is virtual at present so I offered this to my friend‘s daughter. Her child is 8, articulate and learning to adopt her own opinions. We have begun with the Velveteen Rabbit. About 20 minutes, enough after a couple of hours of online virtual lessons. More of this and that, but you have a flavour, not forgetting a couple of sessions catching up on the forum! And reading a national paper online, and some international papers as well.

 

[dee bright]

I love Duolingo - I’m up to day 612. Speaking / listening practice is available through iTalki. Didn’t expect to be doing it for so long before actually being in Spain but since it takes years to learn a language, I’m enjoying the journey

You guys are inspiring, so thanks! I did 30 days of it awhile back, then home projects took over my life. Now that I'm dreaming of walking the Camino in 2022, I'm going to start back up!

 

[Canche]

Climbing mountains and volcanoes, doing weights, stretches and meeting with personal trainer.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

LOL. It's really a mindset issue.
I struggled for years.
I realise now how 'addicted' I was to eating
Stuffing my face became almost entertainment.
I just loved to eat.

Things like white bread, a whiskey in the evening with a bowl of nuts, ice cream, a packet of chips (crisps), cookies, chocolate.........all these things will be occasional treats in moderation. Not a regular part of my ongoing diet !

@Robo ...as an Aussie, you'll know who Michelle Bridges is. I laughed guiltily at a line in one of her books...
"Stop eating like a teenager whose parents have gone away for the weekend"

Yep...she nailed my eating habits!

 

[Mudcrone]

I'm starting to walk. It's CRAZY how much stamina I've lost. And then there's the Oregon weather. I convinced myself today that I have an ALTUS poncho and just need to get my butt dressed and out the door. lol!

I have been walking and hiking near home. One day I was thinking I wouldn't be able to walk because it was raining. Suddening it struck me that on the Camino I just walked rain or no rain. I have rain gear. So, I dug out my rain gear and went out. It felt good.

 

[GaTeach]

I teach high school Biology and every year I get to present my Camino to the Spanish 2 classes. That's this Friday and I'm so excited!

Just the thought that one day, just maybe, one pilgrim will ask another, "Why are you doing the Camino?" and he or she will say, "Oh I had a teacher in high school who did it and after hearing her talk about it, I swore I'd do it one day."

Just the thought of that makes me choke up.

 

[GaTeach]

I am walking and learning Spanish with duolingo.com and reading Spain news.

Yay Duolingo! Me too! by the way, the free version is much better on a laptop than on a phone.

 

[Betty Bauer]

I'm looking for people from my area who are interested in going in 2022. I'm near Sacramento—anyone else? I'd love to meet you and do some walking together1

Reno, Nevada area ... so, too far to walk to Sac, but hoping to walk in Spain as soon as it's possible

 

[alexwalker]

While Waiting to Walk - What are you doing?​

Waiting.

 

[Albertagirl]

In addition to waiting for a virus to depart, I am currently waiting for a polar vortex to go back to the north pole where it belongs. Currently, it has expanded to fill most of Alberta and parts of other prairie provinces. A day or two ago, it was colder in Fort McMurray, a city in north-central Alberta, than at the north pole. I am running short on food, and with the fresh snow and the cold am reluctant to walk the four blocks to the grocery store. Fortunately, the worst of the cold is predicted to be gone by next week and I shall be mobile again. I would like to get walking, if the snow and ice ever melt. And to be honest, I could probably survive for a month or more on the porridge ingredients in my cupboard, if I could bear to eat it. By the end of the month, I would probably be as slimmed down as @Robo . (Must get out to the grocery store, soon)

 

[simply B]

For now, I consider myself "done" with walking the Camino.

If I laid out my extensive "to do" list at the moment, many readers would think me to be preening, so I won't. (Because I am basically lazy but some things just must be done.)

Someday perhaps I will find my way again in France and/or Spain. For now? I am just going to let the Camino have its residual ways with me. Perhaps, in my case, that was the entire point of walking anyway.

Buen Camino all!

B

 

[Former member 49149]

Among other things, as posted earlier, looking for hope. I send a link to an effort to involve primary school children in Uk. It has raised my spirits this morning.

 

[philleethomas]

Reading!!

 

[explauramay]

Finishing my PhD while waiting for vaccines. Planning a few big walks and caminos for when it's possible.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Working (a lot), lots of nature-walking, cross country skiing, on a lengthy dog-sled tour next month, doing smaller maintenance on the house, driving the snow-thrower , eating out now and then to support local businesses that suffer from the lack of tourists, meeting close friends now and then.

 

[domigee]

Working (a lot), lots of nature-walking, cross country skiing, on a lengthy dog-sled tour next month, doing smaller maintenance on the house, driving the snow-thrower , eating out now and then to support local businesses that suffer from the lack of tourists, meeting close friends now and then.

Eating out! What’s that, I’ve forgotten...

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Eating out! What’s that, I’ve forgotten...

Yes, I know, I guess we are being privileged over here! But living in a sparsely populated area nearly completely depleted of tourists, that feels rather safe! Last time eating out there was only one other table at the far end of the room were one single person dined.

 

[domigee]

Yes, I know, I guess we are being privileged over here! But living in a sparsely populated area nearly completely depleted of tourists, that feels rather safe! Last time eating out there was only one other table at the far end of the room were one single person dined.

Wonderful!