Planning on my first camino from France. .am will going on my own and my own time I have prepared to have my b and b and baggage .booked Didn't want to stress . Being g a women who well over 60 .I have planned 40 days with rest day . I have some worry I will get lost on the trail . Your Information is great and I formative .thanks Rob for all your advice will keep listening many thanks.
If you are walking the Camino Frances, it's hard to get lost ! You'll soon get into the habit of watching for trail markers. I suggested to my wife not to walk through a trail / road junction until she had spotted the camino markers showing which way to go.
As to language, I cycled with a friend in Spain & Portugal for 2 months 33yo ago. Every day we stopped at the local pub and would have a 2hr conversation with the publican and locals without Spanish in the days before google translate. We drew diagrams, maps etc. My friend was a gardener and knew the Latin names for a lot of plants - came in very handy, and we had some lovely days - never a problem. Portuguese is harder than Spanish.
Sounds like you had an amazing time Steph. With a little imagination and patience communication can work. I've done that in a few different countries too. Of course with the internet now, and so many 'tools' online to help us with language things are a lot easier. It's really not hard to lean a few basic words and phrases, which I would encourage people to do. A couple of times on our last Camino we lost internet at the crucial time. Talking to a Doctor and a Physio LOL. 🙂
Yes, it must be easier with the internet and we did learn some language too. My 27yo daughter and I are going to do the Camino Portuguese September 2023. I can’t believe how excited she is. So looking forward to it now.
Planing my first Camino for April/May next year and being a solo female aged 70 makes for some interesting comments. Fortunately have a supportive family so will just do it! Thanks to you Rob and your fantastic info I feel confident.
On my first Camino I met a Young lady from the US who I think was 82. I asked her just outside Logrono "are you going all the way to Santiago"? "Heck No" she replied. "All the way to the Ocean"! And I have no doubt that she did..... 🙂
Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge! I'll be walking my first Camino in September 2023. I'll be 59 and have never traveled outside of the USA. Yes it makes me nervous and I have reservations but I know I can do it.
Brian Close, Walked Camino France's late April/May this year aged 74,what an amazing adventure. Loved the freedom, decided lunchtime/early afternoon where to stop. Did not book ahead once! Met some fantastic people, never felt alone (often really enjoyed walking on own at the start of the day yet often met and chatted to other pilgrims! Go for it!
I am currently on my fifth Camino and I can confirm I still have doubts. Fear of failure is a big thing for me. As for wanting to give up; yup! Every time. The forecast is for three days of continuous thundery showers which is just intimidating. But I shall continue and try to enjoy it. The other pilgrims are a great help in working it out and keeping going.
Well done John. I'm the same for my next one. Will I be able to? What if? It's just human. I can't wait to hit the Camino again and fall into the rhythm of the crunch, crunch, crunch, underfoot..... 🙂
I noticed positively that the group of pilgrims are special, they help each other more than in normal live. It did remember me back the time when I did ride a motor bike. The bikers also greet each other much more often and they help each other, whatever happens. This is similar at the camino. Whenever it looks like that you might have a problem, somebody will offer help.
¡Hola! Rob I'm in Madrid, and flying back to Ireland this evening. Like I said, I "only" did the 116km from Sarria. I am a fairly confident and independent person, and I was anxious. But WOW! I had one of the most transformative and life affirming experiences of my life. No matter how anxious you may be MY experience has been that EVERY single person (fellow peragrinos, locals and service providers) was nothing but KINDNESS itself. My fitness levels at 55 year of age would not be at all good. 20kgs overweight? Ah Rob...nearly 30 for me. It was VERY HARD (except for the last day)...but it's not a race, it's not really a hike either, you've just got to get your legs to carry you from A to B each day. I'll email you my daily rambling blog Rob, I mentioned you to every person I spent a little time walking and talking with. This RUclips resource is a goldmine!
Hi Rob, just wanted to thank you for providing the information about the Camino Forum and store. I placed and order for a few John Brierley books and the process and delivery of the books was very straight forward. Love watching your educational videos 👍
Thanks so much for this Rob, I really needed to hear this. I had commented before, I am planning my first Camino, Frances route, for next July/August. I have some anxiety issues in general and I have been plagued with quite a few doubts about my ability to complete the Camino. I was about 150kg three months ago. I have been on the keto diet and am down 30kg already. I am hoping by the time it comes to next June I will be roughly 85kg, so still a bit overweight, but nothing compared to my current and previous size. Training and starting to do more walks has been tough. I have had feet issues and tried multiple trail and running shoes from a specialist running shop and all caused pain eventually, all returned. I have been wearing some Moab Ventilators for about 6 weeks now and doing my walks in those, but my feet are on fire and get quite painful at times. This is causing my a big amount of anxiety, that I have just been too unfit for too long and won't ever get good enough to do 20km days repeatedly. Right now I am doing about 1 "big" walk a week of about 10-15km and lots of smaller walks other days (4-8km). My feet just hurt all the time. 15km seems to be my limit at the moment and then my feet are still sore for about a day after. How will I ever be able to do a 25km day! I am seeing a podiatrist next week (had to go private as my GP won't help me get it from NHS) so I am hoping they can shed some light on it and I can finally find a decent pair of shoes and start experiencing less pain. Part of me does believe I can lose the weight and build up my fitness, I have about 9 months after all. But I worry a lot about the above and all sorts of other little details. What you were saying at the end really resonated with me and it instilled a little belief in me, something I have struggled with in the past. Sorry for writing an essay again, just sharing my woes! Thank you Rob.
It's good to share woes Liam. I think you are doing a great job with training and weight loss. Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm still trying to lose a lot of weight prior to my next Camino, and I'm limiting my training at the moment to things like a static bike. (I bought an old one for $20). I want to leave my serious walking raining till my weight is lower to avoid injury to tendons and joints. I would ask your podiatrist about that. (what type of training is best for you) You are walking quite a lot already, and that excess weight might be causing your issues. Just a thought and a non-professional view. As the date for your Camino gets closer, you'll have a better idea of what a realistic daily distance is for you. It's not a competition remember! If you push too hard you won't enjoy it 🙂
Thanks Rob. 😊 Just the 'medicine' I needed to keep the spirits up!!! I will be walking with my daughter next May, departing Roncesvalles. I am 63, my daughter 35. Never 'too young' to go forth and venture. Can't wait!!!! I enjoy your helpful topics, honesty and straightforwardness. Thank you. One question. As someone who try's to cover up from the sun, in your travels have you come across long sleeved soft fabric tees, perhaps with a collar that are lightweight, breathable etc etc.??? Its a mine field out there!!! I too live in Oz. 🇦🇺
I am 67 and found long sleeve, light blouses to work really well. They dry quicker than t-shirts, and you can roll the sleeves up if you like. Good luck and have fun!
OK, here is my take on it, as one who burns really easily! (1) Fabrics. (a) I have tried lightweight tech fabrics and they dry really fast but can be a bit like wearing a plastic bag, if you sweat a lot. (b) Cotton, Avoid it. It doesn't wick moisture well, so stays wet on you, and takes a long time to dry after washing. In a hypothermia situation (cold, wet, windy) you do not want to be wearing cotton for example. (c) Merino. This is what I wear. The very light versions 120-140 gsm. It's warm in the cold, wicks away sweat in the heat, and is surprisingly not hot, in warm weather. (2) Long or short sleeve? I wear long sleeves, regardless of how hot it is. I can always pull up the sleeves if I want to, but I generally don't. SUMMARY. I am covered from head to toe LOL. Check this out. ruclips.net/video/oWPYgQF3xRk/видео.html
May can be warm. I suggest you watch these two videos on coping with heat: My thoughts: ruclips.net/video/KSK_bXa1Vt0/видео.html Views from a Doctor: ruclips.net/video/0jupF_cfGAg/видео.html
I'm planning my second Camino and I'm still wondering if I can do it or not 😂😂 Should be fine, but the doubts still come up. I suspect it's just the nerves that come up when an internal change it about to occur ❤️
I think so. I have number 4 Camino coming up. And guess what is running through my mind? (1) Will I make it? (2) Will I be fit enough? (3) Can I make my pack lighter? (4) I don't think I like these shoes ? etc etc etc 🙂🙂 But I know tat once I get started I'll 'feel at home'......and excited and love every step......
I'm not nuts about crowds. Having people around is a comfort but not all the time. Is there a time when you are actually walk on your own? Thanks for your advice and reassurances.
Tough question. It really depends on two things (1) The time you go and (2) Which route you walk. On my first Camino in 2015 on the Camino Frances, I managed to get some alone time. On my last one in 2018 it was harder. But there are strategies. Avoid staying in the main 'end of stage' towns/villages. Start later than most. I do that, and I'm often alone on the trail by mid afternoon. But I make sure to have a bed booked for that night. You can see the busy periods of the year on the Pilgrim Office stats. I'll try to do a video on that next week. catedral.df-server.info/est/index.html
If you go on the shoulder seasons, you'll get lots alone time. Or if you do the other routes (like Camino del Norte). I did the Norte in April/May 2018 and had a good amount of alone time, but also connection with others when I needed it
Great videos Rob... Will be doing my first Camino next spring... Starting from Leon. Wondering if jet lag is an issue. Not sure if I should plan a day to adjust or just arrive, get some sleep and first thing the next day just Go
Where are you flying from? Jet lag affects different people in different ways. Can also depend on the length of the flight and direction I think. For example, flying from Australia to Europe, I find the jet lag not too bad. Flying West to East (back home) I find it worst. There are things that help. For example, for me it's about 22 hours flying. I always try to arrive at the destination with my body clock adjusted. So for example, (1) if I am landing in Madrid/Paris or wherever, at 6 am. I'll make sure to get some sleep in the hours before landing. That might mean staying awake when I really want to sleep earlier in the flight, so I sleep prior to landing. On arrival, I'll then try to stay awake till 9pm. I'll go outside in sunlight to help my body clock adjust. And I'll go to sleep at a 'normal' time at my destination. (2) If my flight arrives at 8pm. I'll try to have a long period awake before landing. So when I get to my Hotel, at bedtime, I'm ready to sleep. If you don't take a day to adjust to the local time zone, maybe just walk a short day to start.
I've just finished the Primitivo from Oviedo and I'm going to walk a bit of the Frances at the end of October and I always feel the same anxiety before every trip, it's just normal for me now, I'd be worried if I didn't get it 😁
On our last Camino pre Covid. I hurt my knee on the very first day. That was after lots of hiking before we left. Now. We are going to do another stage next week and I feel totally unprepared with not much training . Hoping no injuries this time around
The Camino for me, I will be totally out of my comfort zone. Eg I am a senior and I have never slept in a hostal. I worry about practical things eg I will be walking slow and getting to my albergue late, and getting a top bunk bed. Oh how will I manage 3 times a night to get down and up there.
@@joansmith6434 You are not alone Joan. Many Pilgrims are seniors and most hosts will ensure you get a lower bunk. Many need trips to the bathroom in the night. Just explain your situation. If you find sleep in a dorm room tough, give yourself some breaks in a private room. You can find some inexpensive ones if your budget is tight. Don't let these types of things concern you.
Hi Rob! I have a personal question about today’s topic. I want to walk El Camino, but I use a CPAC machine to sleep (sleep apnea). Of course, it has to be plugged in to work. I would imagine this would be a challenge if I want to stay at albergues to sleep. This is the only obstacle that has been holding me back to plan the trip. Any ideas or suggestions to address this issue? Thank you.
It's not uncommon. You're not the first by any means. Ask the host to give you a bunk next to a power point. Most hosts will try to help out. Worst case, if it is noisy and people complain, book private rooms. As with all things Camino, be prepared for your plans to change and try not to have rigid expectations on how it will unfold. 🙂
My biggest concern for my upcoming camino (I start September 27th in Santander) is that I walk it together with two boring old white guys that I know a lot: Me and Myself
Oh I know that problem very well! Me doesn't get on with myself......myself wants to quit and me doesn't......but maybe by the end they actually get on well together. Meeting 'myself' was interesting on my first Camino 🙂
Feel free to ask any questions you may have about your First Camino. Or maybe you have some other tips and experiences to share?
Planning on my first camino from France. .am will going on my own and my own time I have prepared to have my b and b and baggage .booked Didn't want to stress . Being g a women who well over 60 .I have planned 40 days with rest day . I have some worry I will get lost on the trail . Your Information is great and I formative .thanks Rob for all your advice will keep listening many thanks.
If you are walking the Camino Frances, it's hard to get lost ! You'll soon get into the habit of watching for trail markers. I suggested to my wife not to walk through a trail / road junction until she had spotted the camino markers showing which way to go.
Thanks for sharing!
glad it was helpful
As to language, I cycled with a friend in Spain & Portugal for 2 months 33yo ago. Every day we stopped at the local pub and would have a 2hr conversation with the publican and locals without Spanish in the days before google translate. We drew diagrams, maps etc. My friend was a gardener and knew the Latin names for a lot of plants - came in very handy, and we had some lovely days - never a problem. Portuguese is harder than Spanish.
Sounds like you had an amazing time Steph. With a little imagination and patience communication can work. I've done that in a few different countries too. Of course with the internet now, and so many 'tools' online to help us with language things are a lot easier. It's really not hard to lean a few basic words and phrases, which I would encourage people to do. A couple of times on our last Camino we lost internet at the crucial time. Talking to a Doctor and a Physio LOL. 🙂
Yes, it must be easier with the internet and we did learn some language too. My 27yo daughter and I are going to do the Camino Portuguese September 2023. I can’t believe how excited she is. So looking forward to it now.
@@stephkachel9191 I'm sure you'll have an amazing time! Bom Caminho 🙂
Planing my first Camino for April/May next year and being a solo female aged 70 makes for some interesting comments. Fortunately have a supportive family so will just do it! Thanks to you Rob and your fantastic info I feel confident.
On my first Camino I met a Young lady from the US who I think was 82. I asked her just outside Logrono "are you going all the way to Santiago"? "Heck No" she replied. "All the way to the Ocean"! And I have no doubt that she did..... 🙂
Thk you so very much for the great videos so informative .
My pleasure
Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge! I'll be walking my first Camino in September 2023. I'll be 59 and have never traveled outside of the USA. Yes it makes me nervous and I have reservations but I know I can do it.
Of course you can do it. You'll have an amazing time 🙂
People with all kinds of challenges manage to walk the Camino. On Day 1 of our last Camino we met a blind couple........
Brian Close,
Walked Camino France's late April/May this year aged 74,what an amazing adventure. Loved the freedom, decided lunchtime/early afternoon where to stop. Did not book ahead once! Met some fantastic people, never felt alone (often really enjoyed walking on own at the start of the day yet often met and chatted to other pilgrims! Go for it!
Very inspiring Brian! When's the next one? 😊
I am currently on my fifth Camino and I can confirm I still have doubts. Fear of failure is a big thing for me. As for wanting to give up; yup! Every time.
The forecast is for three days of continuous thundery showers which is just intimidating. But I shall continue and try to enjoy it. The other pilgrims are a great help in working it out and keeping going.
Well done John. I'm the same for my next one. Will I be able to? What if? It's just human. I can't wait to hit the Camino again and fall into the rhythm of the crunch, crunch, crunch, underfoot..... 🙂
I noticed positively that the group of pilgrims are special, they help each other more than in normal live.
It did remember me back the time when I did ride a motor bike. The bikers also greet each other much more often and they help each other, whatever happens.
This is similar at the camino. Whenever it looks like that you might have a problem, somebody will offer help.
Very true. There is a saying "the Camino provides". And it seems to......
¡Hola! Rob
I'm in Madrid, and flying back to Ireland this evening. Like I said, I "only" did the 116km from Sarria.
I am a fairly confident and independent person, and I was anxious. But WOW! I had one of the most transformative and life affirming experiences of my life.
No matter how anxious you may be MY experience has been that EVERY single person (fellow peragrinos, locals and service providers) was nothing but KINDNESS itself.
My fitness levels at 55 year of age would not be at all good. 20kgs overweight? Ah Rob...nearly 30 for me. It was VERY HARD (except for the last day)...but it's not a race, it's not really a hike either, you've just got to get your legs to carry you from A to B each day.
I'll email you my daily rambling blog Rob, I mentioned you to every person I spent a little time walking and talking with. This RUclips resource is a goldmine!
Glad to hear it went so well Gerry. Well done! 🙂 It's hard for it not to be a wonderful experience.
thisisgerry.blogspot.com/2022/08/day-1-ballindoney-to-sarria.html
Great blog whatever happens on the comino is all part of the comino experience as the song goes be 😊 happy don't worry
Yes, love that. "don't worry......be happy" 🙂
Wonderful video Rob, Thanks for all you do mate!
Glad to makes sense Frank.
Hi Rob, just wanted to thank you for providing the information about the Camino Forum and store. I placed and order for a few John Brierley books and the process and delivery of the books was very straight forward. Love watching your educational videos 👍
Glad you found Ivar's store useful. He provides a great service.
What time train from Montparnasse would you recommend? I am due to catch the train from Paris to Bayonne 5 October
Sorry I missed this comment. How did it all turn out?
Thanks so much for this Rob, I really needed to hear this.
I had commented before, I am planning my first Camino, Frances route, for next July/August.
I have some anxiety issues in general and I have been plagued with quite a few doubts about my ability to complete the Camino.
I was about 150kg three months ago. I have been on the keto diet and am down 30kg already. I am hoping by the time it comes to next June I will be roughly 85kg, so still a bit overweight, but nothing compared to my current and previous size.
Training and starting to do more walks has been tough. I have had feet issues and tried multiple trail and running shoes from a specialist running shop and all caused pain eventually, all returned. I have been wearing some Moab Ventilators for about 6 weeks now and doing my walks in those, but my feet are on fire and get quite painful at times.
This is causing my a big amount of anxiety, that I have just been too unfit for too long and won't ever get good enough to do 20km days repeatedly. Right now I am doing about 1 "big" walk a week of about 10-15km and lots of smaller walks other days (4-8km). My feet just hurt all the time. 15km seems to be my limit at the moment and then my feet are still sore for about a day after. How will I ever be able to do a 25km day!
I am seeing a podiatrist next week (had to go private as my GP won't help me get it from NHS) so I am hoping they can shed some light on it and I can finally find a decent pair of shoes and start experiencing less pain.
Part of me does believe I can lose the weight and build up my fitness, I have about 9 months after all. But I worry a lot about the above and all sorts of other little details. What you were saying at the end really resonated with me and it instilled a little belief in me, something I have struggled with in the past.
Sorry for writing an essay again, just sharing my woes! Thank you Rob.
It's good to share woes Liam. I think you are doing a great job with training and weight loss. Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm still trying to lose a lot of weight prior to my next Camino, and I'm limiting my training at the moment to things like a static bike. (I bought an old one for $20). I want to leave my serious walking raining till my weight is lower to avoid injury to tendons and joints. I would ask your podiatrist about that. (what type of training is best for you) You are walking quite a lot already, and that excess weight might be causing your issues. Just a thought and a non-professional view. As the date for your Camino gets closer, you'll have a better idea of what a realistic daily distance is for you. It's not a competition remember! If you push too hard you won't enjoy it 🙂
Thanks Rob. 😊 Just the 'medicine' I needed to keep the spirits up!!! I will be walking with my daughter next May, departing Roncesvalles. I am 63, my daughter 35. Never 'too young' to go forth and venture. Can't wait!!!! I enjoy your helpful topics, honesty and straightforwardness. Thank you. One question. As someone who try's to cover up from the sun, in your travels have you come across long sleeved soft fabric tees, perhaps with a collar that are lightweight, breathable etc etc.??? Its a mine field out there!!! I too live in Oz. 🇦🇺
I am 67 and found long sleeve, light blouses to work really well. They dry quicker than t-shirts, and you can roll the sleeves up if you like. Good luck and have fun!
@@frankfurtonfoottours2361 Thanks so much ..
OK, here is my take on it, as one who burns really easily! (1) Fabrics. (a) I have tried lightweight tech fabrics and they dry really fast but can be a bit like wearing a plastic bag, if you sweat a lot. (b) Cotton, Avoid it. It doesn't wick moisture well, so stays wet on you, and takes a long time to dry after washing. In a hypothermia situation (cold, wet, windy) you do not want to be wearing cotton for example. (c) Merino. This is what I wear. The very light versions 120-140 gsm. It's warm in the cold, wicks away sweat in the heat, and is surprisingly not hot, in warm weather. (2) Long or short sleeve? I wear long sleeves, regardless of how hot it is. I can always pull up the sleeves if I want to, but I generally don't. SUMMARY. I am covered from head to toe LOL. Check this out. ruclips.net/video/oWPYgQF3xRk/видео.html
May can be warm. I suggest you watch these two videos on coping with heat:
My thoughts: ruclips.net/video/KSK_bXa1Vt0/видео.html
Views from a Doctor: ruclips.net/video/0jupF_cfGAg/видео.html
@@robscamino Excellent .. thank you, 😊
I'm planning my second Camino and I'm still wondering if I can do it or not 😂😂 Should be fine, but the doubts still come up. I suspect it's just the nerves that come up when an internal change it about to occur ❤️
I think so. I have number 4 Camino coming up. And guess what is running through my mind? (1) Will I make it? (2) Will I be fit enough? (3) Can I make my pack lighter? (4) I don't think I like these shoes ? etc etc etc 🙂🙂 But I know tat once I get started I'll 'feel at home'......and excited and love every step......
I'm not nuts about crowds. Having people around is a comfort but not all the time. Is there a time when you are actually walk on your own? Thanks for your advice and reassurances.
Tough question. It really depends on two things (1) The time you go and (2) Which route you walk. On my first Camino in 2015 on the Camino Frances, I managed to get some alone time. On my last one in 2018 it was harder. But there are strategies. Avoid staying in the main 'end of stage' towns/villages. Start later than most. I do that, and I'm often alone on the trail by mid afternoon. But I make sure to have a bed booked for that night. You can see the busy periods of the year on the Pilgrim Office stats. I'll try to do a video on that next week. catedral.df-server.info/est/index.html
If you go on the shoulder seasons, you'll get lots alone time. Or if you do the other routes (like Camino del Norte).
I did the Norte in April/May 2018 and had a good amount of alone time, but also connection with others when I needed it
Sounds perfect.
I’ve found that if you leave a bit later in the morning you’ll miss the morning bubble as they call it. From all the albergué people that get up early
@@fishnmick9570 Very true. I start later and finish later. (But I do book ahead 1 night, so I don't need to rush)
Great videos Rob... Will be doing my first Camino next spring... Starting from Leon. Wondering if jet lag is an issue. Not sure if I should plan a day to adjust or just arrive, get some sleep and first thing the next day just Go
Where are you flying from? Jet lag affects different people in different ways. Can also depend on the length of the flight and direction I think. For example, flying from Australia to Europe, I find the jet lag not too bad. Flying West to East (back home) I find it worst. There are things that help. For example, for me it's about 22 hours flying. I always try to arrive at the destination with my body clock adjusted. So for example, (1) if I am landing in Madrid/Paris or wherever, at 6 am. I'll make sure to get some sleep in the hours before landing. That might mean staying awake when I really want to sleep earlier in the flight, so I sleep prior to landing. On arrival, I'll then try to stay awake till 9pm. I'll go outside in sunlight to help my body clock adjust. And I'll go to sleep at a 'normal' time at my destination. (2) If my flight arrives at 8pm. I'll try to have a long period awake before landing. So when I get to my Hotel, at bedtime, I'm ready to sleep. If you don't take a day to adjust to the local time zone, maybe just walk a short day to start.
@@robscamino flying in from Montreal... That's my plan... Start with a lighter day and walk off the jetlag.
Again, thanks for your videos.
👍
I've just finished the Primitivo from Oviedo and I'm going to walk a bit of the Frances at the end of October and I always feel the same anxiety before every trip, it's just normal for me now, I'd be worried if I didn't get it 😁
Yep, I think we all get it a bit! 🙂
Thanks for all your knowledge Rob. I hope to do my first Camino next fall. Should I bring a sleeping bag?
Sorry I missed this comment. How did it all turn out?
On our last Camino pre Covid. I hurt my knee on the very first day. That was after lots of hiking before we left. Now. We are going to do another stage next week and I feel totally unprepared with not much training . Hoping no injuries this time around
Start out slow and steady, and build up slowly 🙂 Maybe try a knee brace?
Gear- don't pack the just in case or pack your bag and then put at least a third of it back.
Absolutely! 'Just in case' shouldn't make it into your pack 🙂
Rob has the fires effected the trail from Frances?
I haven't been out there recently, but from online feedback, it had some impact earlier in the year.
This link gives you live updates: emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/copernicus-emergency-management-service#zoom=7&lat=42.0327&lon=-4.06175&layers=0BT00
The Camino for me, I will be totally out of my comfort zone. Eg I am a senior and I have never slept in a hostal. I worry about practical things eg I will be walking slow and getting to my albergue late, and getting a top bunk bed. Oh how will I manage 3 times a night to get down and up there.
@@joansmith6434 You are not alone Joan. Many Pilgrims are seniors and most hosts will ensure you get a lower bunk. Many need trips to the bathroom in the night. Just explain your situation. If you find sleep in a dorm room tough, give yourself some breaks in a private room. You can find some inexpensive ones if your budget is tight. Don't let these types of things concern you.
Hi Rob! I have a personal question about today’s topic. I want to walk El Camino, but I use a CPAC machine to sleep (sleep apnea). Of course, it has to be plugged in to work. I would imagine this would be a challenge if I want to stay at albergues to sleep. This is the only obstacle that has been holding me back to plan the trip. Any ideas or suggestions to address this issue? Thank you.
It's not uncommon. You're not the first by any means. Ask the host to give you a bunk next to a power point. Most hosts will try to help out. Worst case, if it is noisy and people complain, book private rooms. As with all things Camino, be prepared for your plans to change and try not to have rigid expectations on how it will unfold. 🙂
Thank you Rob.
My biggest concern for my upcoming camino (I start September 27th in Santander) is that I walk it together with two boring old white guys that I know a lot: Me and Myself
Oh I know that problem very well! Me doesn't get on with myself......myself wants to quit and me doesn't......but maybe by the end they actually get on well together. Meeting 'myself' was interesting on my first Camino 🙂