Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here. |
---|
Yes, we keep the idea in mind. It'll probably be from mid September 2016 onwards.So far, I can think of fraluchi and annakappa
Invierno in summer won't be really busyYes, we keep the idea in mind. It'll probably be from mid September 2016 onwards.We have various commitments in spring, and the summer is too busy on the Caminos for us We'll keep watching this thread.
Oops, I misspelled your name. I will go fix that!I am planning to leaving Ponferada on the Invierno on June 17th, and taking the 12 day option as outlined in Lauries guide, thus arriving in SdC on June 28th. Having been attacked by 2 dogs [I still carry the scars] some years ago, I would not be unhappy if there was another pilgrim to share my journey, on the theory that dogs would be much less likely to attack two of us.As much as people reassure me, I am scared of dogs.
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
I'm a fledgling pilgrim and I am wondering where the best place is to learn about all these other routes. I'm a little concerned about what Im hearing about the CF route. I don't party or drink, and it sounds like that is what's going on on the CF route. I want a quieter but still safe route. Any help to point me in the right direction. This will be my first Camino planned for late SeptemberNow that the Xunta de Galicia has given its "official recognition" to the Camino de Invierno, I think we can expect that there will be a big increase in numbers of pilgrims. Now that isn't necessarily saying much because the increase I saw between 2012 and 2015 was that I went from seeing no pilgrims to seeing one pilgrim. But, I have gotten emails and PMs from a number of people who are thinking about walking this route, and I thought it might be nice to have a thread where people can share plans, ideas, etc, since it would be nice to know that you'll be seeing some others as you walk this lovely route. Also, if you are tempted but not decided, seeing that there are others who are planning to go may help make the decision for you! Buen Camino, Laurie
So far, I can think of fralucchi and anna, Alan Pearce, maybe JillGat, but I'm sure there are more. So come forth and meet each other.
I am thinking exactly the same.Possibly, I plan on starting the Madrid in April. Once I reach Leon, I will decide whether to go North (Salvador/ Primitivo) or continue West to Ponferrada and the Invierno. The weather will probably have something to say about my decision.
Joe
I'm a fledgling pilgrim and I am wondering where the best place is to learn about all these other routes. I'm a little concerned about what Im hearing about the CF route. I don't party or drink, and it sounds like that is what's going on on the CF route. I want a quieter but still safe route. Any help to point me in the right direction. This will be my first Camino planned for late September
Now that the Xunta de Galicia has given its "official recognition" to the Camino de Invierno, I think we can expect that there will be a big increase in numbers of pilgrims. Now that isn't necessarily saying much because the increase I saw between 2012 and 2015 was that I went from seeing no pilgrims to seeing one pilgrim. But, I have gotten emails and PMs from a number of people who are thinking about walking this route, and I thought it might be nice to have a thread where people can share plans, ideas, etc, since it would be nice to know that you'll be seeing some others as you walk this lovely route. Also, if you are tempted but not decided, seeing that there are others who are planning to go may help make the decision for you! Buen Camino, Laurie
So far, I can think of fralucchi and anna, Alan Pearce, maybe JillGat, but I'm sure there are more. So come forth and meet each other.
...The translator says Invierno means Winter, anyone know why its called winter?
Thank you so much for your help. I have been reading some stuff lately that has me wondering if doing the Camino is worth it. Maybe the CF is more for the younger party crowd. I'm 59 and looking more for a pilgrimage and not a mobile party group.Joodle, I hope you don't mind, but I used your post to start a new thread raising your question. There are lots of us on the forum with opinions on this issue, and I hope the thread will give you some ideas about how to make this most difficult (but wonderful) decision. Buen camino, Laurie
See this thread:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...choose-the-route-for-your-first-camino.37181/
Thank you so much for your help. I have been reading some stuff lately that has me wondering if doing the Camino is worth it. Maybe the CF is more for the younger party crowd. I'm 59 and looking more for a pilgrimage and not a mobile party group.
It's getting there which is the problemInvierno in summer won't be really busyGo for it if you have some spare time.
Ultreia!
I am planning for at least 4-5 weeks of one Camino route or another. I am a people lover and watcher, its's just that this is a special Pilgrimage for me. I'm working hard to get through the loss of my identical twin, and my my daughter recently went through a divorce. We want to walk and talk and try to understand the will of God in our lives. Again, thank your for your time and help.Hi, Joodle,
I would agree with you that the CF has become more crowded, more filled with restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. (more creature comforts generally), but I don't think it's accurate to call it a mobile party group. I walked from Ponferrada to Santiago on the Francés two or three years ago after many years away, and I was once again impressed by the physical beauty and calm of the surrounding area, notwithstanding the presence of many more people. Where were you planning to start? If you do some searches here on the "last 100 km", I think you will see that that's where the "party party" comments are directed, but that still leaves hundreds of kms prior to that where you will find camraderie, time for reflection and introspection. The key is to figure out how to maintain that sense when outside forces are conspiring against you, but I think that pilgrims can be somewhat philosophical here and just view those party features (to the extent you find them) as just another challenge to overcome while you maintain your pilgrimage.
If your pilgrimage is planned to be around 100 km, there are several other 100 km stretches that will also qualify for the compostela. The Inglés, Sanabrés, Primitivo, and Portugués, and Invierno all have their own entrances into Santiago, with just a little overlap with more heavily trafficked caminos.
Hi Laurie did you receive my email re your guide? AliwalksNow that the Xunta de Galicia has given its "official recognition" to the Camino de Invierno, I think we can expect that there will be a big increase in numbers of pilgrims. Now that isn't necessarily saying much because the increase I saw between 2012 and 2015 was that I went from seeing no pilgrims to seeing one pilgrim. But, I have gotten emails and PMs from a number of people who are thinking about walking this route, and I thought it might be nice to have a thread where people can share plans, ideas, etc, since it would be nice to know that you'll be seeing some others as you walk this lovely route. Also, if you are tempted but not decided, seeing that there are others who are planning to go may help make the decision for you! Buen Camino, Laurie
So far, I can think of fralucchi and anna, Alan Pearce, maybe JillGat, but I'm sure there are more. So come forth and meet each other.
I'm a fledgling pilgrim and I am wondering where the best place is to learn about all these other routes. I'm a little concerned about what Im hearing about the CF route. I don't party or drink, and it sounds like that is what's going on on the CF route. I want a quieter but still safe route. Any help to point me in the right direction. This will be my first Camino planned for late September
Yes, I'm booked for my second Frances, starting in SJPDP on 29 March 2016, but am seriously thinking about taking the Invierno from Ponferrada. Depends on how I'm feeling by then. The translator says Invierno means Winter, anyone know why its called winter?
How much longer will this take, SJPP to Ponferrada and then the Invierno to Santiago? How many km/miles for the whole route?
How much longer will this take, SJPP to Ponferrada and then the Invierno to Santiago? How many km/miles for the whole route?
Ponferrada to Santiago on the Francés is about 200 km.
Ponferrada to Santiago on the Invierno (though there isn't unanimity on this) is about 260 km.
Hola, VNMy fingers are hovering over the "I'm IN!" keys for this...it seems so perfect in many respects. The distance, the quietness...
One "But....." that keeps me on the undecided fence is being alone to work everything out with no Spanish beyond the most basic of baby-language. But that's probably pretty workable. At least I do love to walk alone.
I had concerns about cost, but they too have melted away--it turns out it's actually deeper than that.
Really what stops me (to be truthful) is that I wonder how I might be received/perceived by people along the way.
Here's the 'thing': I'm a Buddhist nun. On the Frances, no-one seems to be averse to the shaved head and robes--because plenty of people who are religious have gone and continue to go that way.
The Invierno is bound to be a bit different, and I know very well what it's like to travel through a conservative place, in the countryside, perceived as extremely strange by the local populace. It has its moments of discomfort--sometimes eyes have daggers. With a pack and a pilgrim shell, this would be much less likely to happen, but I'm still feeling a little shy about putting myself out there, without the buffer and company of fellow pilgrims along the way...
So for the time being just sitting on that fence, reflecting about just how out of my comfort zone I'm willing to be.
Can I say I'm in 50%?
Meanwhile, there's a lot to learn about the many (too many?) other possibilities.
[Edit...The Camino provides. The next post I looked at after writing this was by Donna Sch who has this quote on her signature line:.....
“Risk anything! Care no more for the opinion of others ... Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth." Katherine Mansfield
Weeeell...that's a message. I'm not sure if I want to listen yet, but there it is.]
I am perhaps more sensitive about this than I need to be. And I'll let you know how it goes. (Veils? This I never saw! Mostly what I notice about the Korean pilgs is the astonishing amount of electronics many of them carry, with attendant weight.)I don't think your shaved head and robe will get any more attention as most of the Korean pilgrims with gloves and veils for example
If I learn just that and nothing else this camino, it'll be worth it. Over the years I've already had to learn to be more outgoing, but in another language that's a little more or a stretch...And I learned that impenetrable stares do not always convey dislike. If you're ok with that, and are willing to make that first gesture, I think you will find that you will feel comfortable and welcome.
Hi, Viranani, I have changed some behaviors, too, maybe in trivial ways compared to the scrutiny you will get, but it is frequently the case that when I walk into a town on an untraveled camino, pre-adolescent boys will think they're cool and say "hello" and a few other little phrases in English, but in a mocking kind of way, each one trying to impress the other. Occasionally they throw in the few profanities they know. I used to just ignore them, and always hated the attention. But I find that if I stop walking, respond in English and say hello, how are you, they either just dash off (too bad) or stay to talk to me and practice their English! It is true that I have a good command of Spanish so it's always easier, because sometimes if they are really annoying and say inappropriate things, I will ask them in Spanish if their parents would be happy to hear them speaking this way, or something like that. So for you it will be more of a challenge! Buen camino, LaurieLaurie, what a delicious story! Imagining the sight you all must have been from those balconies--a face peering out of each window--and how all those faces on the balconies must have looked...
If I learn just that and nothing else this camino, it'll be worth it. Over the years I've already had to learn to be more outgoing, but in another language that's a little more or a stretch...
Thank you...very wise words.
That sounds like a fair enough trade, Anemone. If you wanted to walk in late March, that is...@Viranani , I'd gladly walk with you: I take care of the Spanish and dogs, you help me with meditation
Laurie, wow, what a different world I live in here --just today a pre-adolescent boy shyly came up to me to offer a donation. No profanities here--shy giggles sometimes, but these are easily turned into connection. So It's great to read of your experience--because my tendency would probably just be to do the 'walk on by' routine...this is another option altogether, and a much better one.pre-adolescent boys will think they're cool and say "hello" and a few other little phrases in English, but in a mocking kind of way, each one trying to impress the other. Occasionally they throw in the few profanities they know. I used to just ignore them, and always hated the attention. But I find that if I stop walking, respond in English and say hello, how are you, they either just dash off (too bad) or stay to talk to me and practice their English! It is true that I have a good command of Spanish so it's always easier, because sometimes if they are really annoying and say inappropriate things, I will ask them in Spanish if their parents would be happy to hear them speaking this way, or something like that.
Jools, you smart girl. I was a few days behind you on the Primitivo this spring and was in shock when I areived in Melide. I saw so mnay backpacks everywhere that my gut reaction was to find theforst albergue available and hide. I then recovered and had a quite walk through town. This being said, I do believe that Camino lovers need to have also knonw and enjoyed the CF. I think that of you head out earlier in the spring (late March, April) you might still have a chance to enjoy it's beeauty, history, and social aspect before the heards come through. Unfortunately the Menu del Peregrino will still not compare to the menu del dia on the Norte, or even tne platos combinados of the PrimitivoI may well do this in May 16 - I did my first Camino (primitivo) this July and loved it, although didn't enjoy the last 60km (I actually went south off the trail and forged my own route to Santiago to avoid the melee) the Invierno sounds perfect and having seen some photos looks every bit as stunning as the Primitivo. I think I may never do the Frances now as there are too many other options
So Beatrice, are you set on the Invierno? I think you'll really enjoy it! LaurieI was supposed to have a camino free year 2016 and then I realised that Invierno is so short that my family will not even notice that I'm goneHave to decide when to sneak out of the house for a week and go to Spain again.
I'm negotiating at home at least. I'll keep you updated.So Beatrice, are you set on the Invierno? I think you'll really enjoy it! Laurie
To my earlier post, I've purchased a one way ticket and have decided to begin in Leon on August 21st and walk to Santiago via the Inverino in 14 stages. Much to my surprise I've had to book accommodations for some nights on the Invierno. Last year I had intended to pass through here in late October/November and wasn't worried about it. However, a few searches and phone calls have revealed that many of the accommodations are booked up in August in certain places by people on vacation, not generally by pilgrims. I realized that August was vacation time, but figured most folks would be on the coast. Nope. They are also touring this area and taking in many of the outdoor activities that are available. Las Medulas being a UNESCO sight was booked out and I was only able to find a bed with a phone call to a personal residence that I found in the guide. Thanks for that Laurie!! There being only 4 albergues means that I decided to search out other possibilities. Some days I'll walk in and find a place, but I'll be checking ahead as I go.
From there will travel NW to Malpica and walk the Camino dos Faros along the coast to Finisterre for 8 days (mostly all trail walking). There isn't a great deal of infrastructure on this route, but enough, and a very quiet coastal walk. Will then travel south to Coinbra to walk the Portuguese into Santiago with two lovely friends from Australia we met on the Frances in 2013. Hoping that way to avoid some of the busy highway walking so evident along the south part of the Portuguese. However, I expect to walk long enough in Portugal to enjoy many of the special foods, wines and ports so long associated with this country! The scenery is pretty fabulous as well
Such a great couple of months with time to enjoy the experience! Not yet counting the days, but pretty soon I'll no doubt start that process!! Thanks again Laurie for all your efforts with the guide. Turned out to be a real help finding unusual accommodations.
Laurie, I told Jirit about it (we are friends both living in the same city here in Canada) and he posted a link to it in the Resources Section. I'm really looking forward to it and of course I'll let you know how it goes. It's newish and looks like a lot of fun and the stages are reasonably spaced, knowing what I think I know about your walking distance preferences. The shortest stage is about 18 kms and the longest looks to be about 32 kms, with an average of just over 26 kms/day. There is 4,000 meters of vertical over the route with lots of headlands to wander over, beaches to cross and many kilometres of trail to be walked. Runs mostly right along the ocean and if the weather is good at the beginning of September it could be something special. Here is the link to a very good Spanish website, but has an English option on a drop box. http://www.caminodosfaros.com/en/Camino dos Faros???? Why have I never heard of that? Don't tell me there's yet another walk for me to put on the list! Thanks for that tip, High Endeavors. Would love to hear about it when you're done. And I wish you a wonderful Invierno, I think you will enjoy it a lot. Buen camino, Laurie
Some long stages there, especially what you have for Day 3: All the way from O Barco to Quiroga? The real problem is that O Barco to A Rúa is pretty short. The stage from A Rúa to Quiroga is long, and there's nowhere to stop (unless the bar by the river is open in Soldón). It is a spectacularly secenic stage, though.Getting tempted to go on Invierno again if only for a few days. I now know there are many bus & rail connections along route for easy exit to Santiago. My previous Camino de Invierno was an enjoyable adventure involving some long days walking. Yes, I'm glad I took advice & experience of veteran posters on forum and turned left on way into Ponferrada.
Day 1 Ponferrada to Borrenes approx 17km sleeping Cornatel Medulas
Day 2 Borrenes to O'Barco approx 32km La Gran Tortuga
Day 3 O Barco to Quiroga approx 41km Hostal Quiper
Day 4 Quiroga to Monforte approx 33km PR Mino
Day 5 Monforte to Chantada approx 29km P.Yoel
Day 6 Chantada to Rodeiro approx 27km O Guerra
Day 7 Rodeiro to Albergue A Laxe approx 27km
Day 8 to Albergue beyond Ponte Ulla approx 34km
Day 9 Santiago approx 17km but no time to register at pilgrim office!
Buen Camino.
I'll be about 10 days behind you!I'm in El Acebo tonight, Ponferrada tomorrow, and then will be starting the Invierno, which I'm planning to do following Laurie's 14 day stages. The Frances has been great so far, but it's been getting crowded since Leon, and instead of seeing folks just enough not to feel too lonely, I've been walking in a parade the last few days. I'm a little worried about being totally alone day after day on the Invierno, but that sounds better than never being alone!
If anyone is planning to be walking the Invierno starting in Ponfredda around May 24th, hope to see you on the path!
You'll find it wonderfully quiet, Charrito. I haven't seen anyone other than folks who live here. It's beautiful, interesting, great variety, I'm really enjoying it so far.Right, I'll be setting off from Ponferrada on the Invierno on the morning of Friday June 3. I hope to see hundreds of people going the other way, up towards Cacabelos and O Cebreiro!
I enjoyed the Invierno so much last year that I can't wait to walk it again.You'll find it wonderfully quiet, Charrito. I haven't seen anyone other than folks who live here. It's beautiful, interesting, great variety, I'm really enjoying it so far.
Not only DOES the Invierno look lovely, I guarantee that it IS lovely. Go the other way from Ponferrada and you won't regret it. The Ruta Dragonte is only a short walk, anyway!I'm keeping all my options open for this year's trek. After meeting my PhD supervisors yesterday we decided I didn't have to stick to a set route so although I plan to set out along the Vasco and join the Frances at Burgos I may deviate after the meseta. The Invierno looks lovely, though it would mean missing out on doing the Ruta Dragonte again. I'd arrive Ponferrada mid-August.
Not only DOES the Invierno look lovely, I guarantee that it IS lovely. Go the other way from Ponferrada and you won't regret it. The Ruta Dragonte is only a short walk, anyway!
You have stages on the Invierno which will literally take your breath away: Las Médulas, along the Sil river, A Rúa to Quiroga, the descent to Belesar and the climb up to Chantada, the Alto do Faro . . . . and many more.
You can participate yourself and will have plenty of opportunities to talk to some of the lovely inhabitants that you will come across! If you walk the Camino Francés you'll be too busy trying to get out of the way of the thousands of people on the route, most of whom will be in large groups or without any rucksacks!The only problem is that I'm supposed to be doing partcipant observation and I'm worried I won't have anyone with whom to participate or observe!
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?