Thanks for answering my question about the Camino Blues! Yes, walking and hiking is great and part of what made the camino a special experience. I think there’s a lot of ‘association’ (in the Psych 101 sense) of feeling that camino-vibe while wearing the backpack and shoes and just walking - like Pavlov’s dog. So I started wearing my backpack again when i go on my normal walks (which I stopped doing after my dog died, but picked up again upon returning home from the camino), and even wear my backpack at home when doing chores or other mindless stuff like going to the grocery store (I’m in a big city so just walk everywhere anyway). This started when I began searching for a new backpack and researching top-end ultralight hiking gear. When trying a new backpack, I didn’t want to wear it outside b/c of the return policy (I just wanted to make sure the bag fit), so I wore it inside. After switching a few bags, I found the best one for me and just continue wearing it inside and outside a lot of the time. It’s just good exercise and makes me feel like I’m preparing for my next hike. I also do that to practice wearing different hiking clothes, socks and shoes that I try out. One thing I do is smell-test clothes and dry test them…which clothes dry faster and stink the least? (Answer - the merino wool stuff always wins both categories, but I even compare different merino clothes I buy). Consistent with what you’re saying - looking forward to the next adventure is great and keeps that Camino spirit alive. Testing new gear makes me feel like I’m making progress towards those goals, and I’m confident my next trips will be ultralight and I’ll be in better shape for more miles-per-day with more comfort too. I think a big part of the Camino is that it takes you OUT of what you ‘normally’ do at home, and so that normal home routine benefits from changes involving more physical activity (at least for me, and anybody with a sedentary job). Since coming back from the Camino, I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time on my feet and foot health. I got into minimalist barefoot shoes and walking barefoot (outside, on grass or dirt) to strengthen my feet. Too much attention is paid to shoes and socks and blisters…but really it’s the feet that matter most. So training my feet by wearing my backpack in minimalist sandals has been great. Barefoot/minimalist walking requires actual technique (instead of heel striking) and is a mindful practice. Adding the backpack with a little weight and adding more weight gradually, I see how much stronger and healthier my feet have become. I also now enjoy inclement weather as an opportunity to test my new gear and layering system. I did the Camino in Oct-Dec, and it was often very cold and rainy . So now I’m keen on rain jackets with pit zips, and different breathable fabrics. In a sense, every day I’m still on the Camino - if being “on the Camino” is an attitude, I just need to wear my backpack, clothes and shoes to feel that energy again, at least for a short time. Thanks for the video!
The “ Camino Blues” is real for me. Recently returned from walking Pamplona to Burgos and definitely felt sad and listless for sometime after, longing to be “ just walking”. The next Camino calls 👣👣 thanks for the videos, cheers from Australia
I will try to blog about this topic on my blog FUNandLIFE.2 as I walked a full Camino in France in 2019 and came home with a different view on my life... buen Camino Christine.
Thanks Nadine, loving this series! My favourite hot tip from this content - getting a good breakfast can sometimes be a bit of a challenge in Spain. Buying your breakfast the afternoon/night before as part of your routine can be a good idea.
Hi Nadine: Thanks for your videos. I would add two comments to your reply to the question in the latest video about where to start a camino if you don't have time to go the whole distance: 1. If you want a compostela as a souvenir of your journey, you need to finish in Santiago. 2. If your goal is to complete a full camino by doing it in stages at different times, then I would start at the start. (Maybe too obvious?). I'm planning Le Puy to St Jean this fall. Maybe our paths will cross. Buen Camino
I used my Alltrails app while walking the Norte. What I liked about it was being able to see the route ahead because there were times when we got tired of walking down into a river bottom and back up the other side just to end up back on the road. We started to look ahead and there were times where we would just follow the road around to save wear and tear on the knees. The cons, on the Norte, you had to download each segment. On my next Camino, I’ve got the entire Portuguese route already down loaded.
Thank you for this video. It was helpful to learn of someone else who has experienced the Post-Camino Blues. I have been calling mine my post-camino hibernation, because I basically just avoid noise, people (especially crowds) and anything that feels like sensory overload. I did my first camino last year (2022) and my second this year starting in May 2023, in Lisbon. Last year, the Camino Frances from SJPdP. I've been back about 2 months and several weeks ago I decided to do another camino, but I only have 35 days total this time, so most likely I will do the Primitivo. I leave Sept 4th for Spain. I may also do a couple of stages of other camino routes as well. I appreciate your videos.
My wife completed half of the Del Norte last September and had a wonderful time. She described her experience as transformational and most definitely had the camino blues and a special longing to be still on the trail even after she arrived back home in the US. Together, we are planning to do the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago beginning in late April and are allowing ourselves 3 weeks if needed, with some time for a couple of rest days and exploring. Really looking forward to getting on the trail in Porto. Thanks for all your videos and info!
I walked this route last Sept in 10 days w a rest day in Pontevedra. A three week itinerary is plenty. Suggest you walk the Spiritial Varient just past Pontevedra. That will take you along the coast with a boat ride to Pontecesures. It will add a day to your Camino, however. As a warning, the first three to four days out of Porto are either cobblestone paths or boardwalks. Your feet will hurt to the enth degree. And spend an extra day in Porto, a spectacular city. Lastly, I did not enjoy the walk-in to or out of Vigo. There is a walk around, literally, and you may wish to explore that option. Buen Camino
I'm booked to walk the Primitivo in Sept. Due to issues in my pers life, I haven't trained however it would be my 3rd Camino & it looks like I'll just have to wing it 😂. Being ON CAMINO shouldn't be taken granted due to uncontrollables in ones pers life. I've learnt to take my time, appreciate just being there & just live in the moment. Buen Camino! PS. Your vids are excellent.
Thanks for the great content on your channel. I have just downloaded your 'post-camino blues' ebook, I could have done with it 11 years ago when I did my first Camino 😅 Buen Camino - Cyril (Ireland)
I also use Dr. Bronner s to wash my clothes and all my body parts truly all-in-one soap:) That a good idea to use a soap sock (that I call it) to wash your clothes.
Hello Nadine, so nice to follow you ( : This Spring, I will experience my first camino. Here is my question, how do you plan going to Europe like Saint-Jean-Pieds-de-Port for example ; plane, train, bus etc., and coming back from another city etc. Do you deal with a Travel agency, do you reserve on-line by yourself ? Thank you so much, really exited about taking on this adventure …alone ! I am a Montrealer and will arrive in Bordeaux and will go home from Porto airport. I am a bit confuse about the travel logistics : /
Question: How do you manage your backpack with the airlines? Do you just check it in or do you put it in a lightweight duffle bag and then check it or is it small enough to be considered as a carry-on? Are there airlines to avoid when it comes to backpacks because of size and weight restrictions, etc.? Thanks.
Thanks for these videos Nadine, I’ve really enjoyed them as I plan my first trip in May to hike the Primitivo . I wanted to ask about the potential of weight loss. I’m actually in the opposite boat where I don’t want to shed a ton of weight on the trip. Do you think that with all the bread eating and food, that I will counteract how many calories I’m burning? Just curious if after a month in Spain I’ll end up losing a lot of weight Thanks and buen camino !
Hi Daniel. Perhaps I can help you here. Since you do not want to loose weight, I suspect it is muscle mass you do not want to loose. You will loose muscle mass on the Camino, if you walk +35 days, but you will gain fat. So I had the same weight after the camino, but my fat-% got from approx 11 to 15. Not to visible to anyone else than yourself, and you quickly gain muscle mass again, once you hit the gym. Don't worry - just do it. Buen Camino :)
Q : what's your favourite lens for your DSLR when you take it on Camino? Have you ever come across a location that you'd like to use as a base to return to and discover the surrounding area ?
Hi! Have you done your camino? Some do that route in 30 to 32 days (w/o rest days, around 25 km per day), so I guess 38 days is OK. If you'll need rest days, then maybe make it 40 days.or if you want to explore the cities before/ after your camino.
Hi Nadine, I tried to request your post-Camino blues e-book. I used your link, entered my name and email address and did the proof I'm not a robot. The notice said I had to click the link in an email you sent to my email address. I never received any email link. Do you have any advice on how I can access this? Thanks, Courtney in Virginia
Yes, I used that app occasionally on previous Camino's, and many really love it. But, I think unless they get someone to take over, I don't know if it will continue to be updated.
Nadine, I just downloaded Buen Camino on your suggestion! As I am scrolling through the sections for a quick overview, I’m noticing that many of the narrative parts are in Spanish, even though it indicates English as my preferred language. Have you had a similar problem? Thank you
Hi Karen, I'm not sure what might be going on with the app? I just went into the app on my phone and it's all in English, so I'm not sure what could be going on! Maybe, if you haven't already, try going into settings, and it asks for your preferred language. Even if it's already marked English, maybe see if you can click on that again, and whether that might change something? Good luck, I hope you can figure it out!
HI Nadine. I watched this video a few days ago while I was walking on the treadmill. Your video are always interesting and if I can comment I like to do it because i know as a RUclipsr it is what we like, the interaction with viewers. I will keep it short ( just had my second cataract surgery 2 days ago). I really like what you say about the Post Camino Blues. It is something I will write about on my blog FUNandLIFE.2 I think for me , writing was very helpful and knowing that I would return on the Camino too. But sadly the walking did not happen ye. I stay active here and still plan to go to Europe in 2023 or 2024. I want to write about the way such life experience has a strong impact on us. Why is that? I have traveled to many places.. cycled in Vietnam, walked in Italy ( Cinque Terre, Dolomites...) but those travels did not touched me the same as the Camino did... anyway I need to reflect on it. If you have an answer for me as why walking the Camino does not affect us the same as any other travel, feel free to tell me.. THANKS. MERCI Nadine. This could be a question for another Q and A if you wish . :-)
Thank you for such a nice comment (and I'm looking forward to checking out your RUclips channel!) I think staying active and dreaming about walking a future Camino are definitely things that help with the post-Camino blues. And I've given some thought to what keeps drawing me back to the Camino, but it's not an easy answer. But you're very right, other travels, even for being incredible experiences, for me haven't had quite the same kind of impact as the Camino. If I can attempt to answer this in an upcoming video, I'll certainly try!
@@NadineWalks oh yes , we need to try to figure out the why so many pilgrims return to the Camino on and on. Sorry for the few spelling mistakes on my comment ( I thought I had re-read if before i post it !!!). I probably do not see completely as I will in a few days .Thanks for taking the time to answer my comment. When I listen to you , it feels like I know you and this is great to have this connection even we do not live in the same country and on a different time zone too.When I write on my blogs or share videos on my RUclips channel , I want people to feel that we are all part of a "chemin"...the Camino and life itself. We are here to share, to learn and if I can help someone who struggles with the Camino blues or anything related to the Camino, it makes me happy. Your Q & A videos are certainly helpful...
Thanks for answering my question about the Camino Blues! Yes, walking and hiking is great and part of what made the camino a special experience. I think there’s a lot of ‘association’ (in the Psych 101 sense) of feeling that camino-vibe while wearing the backpack and shoes and just walking - like Pavlov’s dog. So I started wearing my backpack again when i go on my normal walks (which I stopped doing after my dog died, but picked up again upon returning home from the camino), and even wear my backpack at home when doing chores or other mindless stuff like going to the grocery store (I’m in a big city so just walk everywhere anyway). This started when I began searching for a new backpack and researching top-end ultralight hiking gear. When trying a new backpack, I didn’t want to wear it outside b/c of the return policy (I just wanted to make sure the bag fit), so I wore it inside. After switching a few bags, I found the best one for me and just continue wearing it inside and outside a lot of the time. It’s just good exercise and makes me feel like I’m preparing for my next hike. I also do that to practice wearing different hiking clothes, socks and shoes that I try out. One thing I do is smell-test clothes and dry test them…which clothes dry faster and stink the least? (Answer - the merino wool stuff always wins both categories, but I even compare different merino clothes I buy). Consistent with what you’re saying - looking forward to the next adventure is great and keeps that Camino spirit alive. Testing new gear makes me feel like I’m making progress towards those goals, and I’m confident my next trips will be ultralight and I’ll be in better shape for more miles-per-day with more comfort too. I think a big part of the Camino is that it takes you OUT of what you ‘normally’ do at home, and so that normal home routine benefits from changes involving more physical activity (at least for me, and anybody with a sedentary job). Since coming back from the Camino, I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time on my feet and foot health. I got into minimalist barefoot shoes and walking barefoot (outside, on grass or dirt) to strengthen my feet. Too much attention is paid to shoes and socks and blisters…but really it’s the feet that matter most. So training my feet by wearing my backpack in minimalist sandals has been great. Barefoot/minimalist walking requires actual technique (instead of heel striking) and is a mindful practice. Adding the backpack with a little weight and adding more weight gradually, I see how much stronger and healthier my feet have become. I also now enjoy inclement weather as an opportunity to test my new gear and layering system. I did the Camino in Oct-Dec, and it was often very cold and rainy . So now I’m keen on rain jackets with pit zips, and different breathable fabrics. In a sense, every day I’m still on the Camino - if being “on the Camino” is an attitude, I just need to wear my backpack, clothes and shoes to feel that energy again, at least for a short time. Thanks for the video!
The “ Camino Blues” is real for me. Recently returned from walking Pamplona to Burgos
and definitely felt sad and listless for sometime after, longing to be “ just walking”.
The next Camino calls 👣👣 thanks for the videos, cheers from Australia
I will try to blog about this topic on my blog FUNandLIFE.2 as I walked a full Camino in France in 2019 and came home with a different view on my life... buen Camino Christine.
I really appreciate your videos Nadine, I really do. Keep them coming, cheers and thank you
Thanks Nadine, loving this series!
My favourite hot tip from this content - getting a good breakfast can sometimes be a bit of a challenge in Spain. Buying your breakfast the afternoon/night before as part of your routine can be a good idea.
Loving these Q&A's. I'm thinking/researching/planning for the Camino Portugues next year...and going solo too!
Hi Nadine: Thanks for your videos. I would add two comments to your reply to the question in the latest video about where to start a camino if you don't have time to go the whole distance:
1. If you want a compostela as a souvenir of your journey, you need to finish in Santiago.
2. If your goal is to complete a full camino by doing it in stages at different times, then I would start at the start.
(Maybe too obvious?).
I'm planning Le Puy to St Jean this fall. Maybe our paths will cross.
Buen Camino
Thank you for taking the time to give us so much insight. 😊
You're welcome, it's fun to try to answer these questions!
@@NadineWalks It really is very valuable especially for those who are planning their first Camino. Thank you again 😋
I used my Alltrails app while walking the Norte. What I liked about it was being able to see the route ahead because there were times when we got tired of walking down into a river bottom and back up the other side just to end up back on the road. We started to look ahead and there were times where we would just follow the road around to save wear and tear on the knees. The cons, on the Norte, you had to download each segment. On my next Camino, I’ve got the entire Portuguese route already down loaded.
Nadine--Great episode! Thanks for talking about the albergue check-in process.
Thank you for this video. It was helpful to learn of someone else who has experienced the Post-Camino Blues. I have been calling mine my post-camino hibernation, because I basically just avoid noise, people (especially crowds) and anything that feels like sensory overload. I did my first camino last year (2022) and my second this year starting in May 2023, in Lisbon. Last year, the Camino Frances from SJPdP. I've been back about 2 months and several weeks ago I decided to do another camino, but I only have 35 days total this time, so most likely I will do the Primitivo. I leave Sept 4th for Spain. I may also do a couple of stages of other camino routes as well. I appreciate your videos.
Thank you
Once again a great video! Thank you for your answers! Looking forward to the next part. :))
My wife completed half of the Del Norte last September and had a wonderful time. She described her experience as transformational and most definitely had the camino blues and a special longing to be still on the trail even after she arrived back home in the US. Together, we are planning to do the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago beginning in late April and are allowing ourselves 3 weeks if needed, with some time for a couple of rest days and exploring. Really looking forward to getting on the trail in Porto. Thanks for all your videos and info!
I walked this route last Sept in 10 days w a rest day in Pontevedra. A three week itinerary is plenty. Suggest you walk the Spiritial Varient just past Pontevedra. That will take you along the coast with a boat ride to Pontecesures. It will add a day to your Camino, however. As a warning, the first three to four days out of Porto are either cobblestone paths or boardwalks. Your feet will hurt to the enth degree. And spend an extra day in Porto, a spectacular city. Lastly, I did not enjoy the walk-in to or out of Vigo. There is a walk around, literally, and you may wish to explore that option. Buen Camino
I'm booked to walk the Primitivo in Sept. Due to issues in my pers life, I haven't trained however it would be my 3rd Camino & it looks like I'll just have to wing it 😂. Being ON CAMINO shouldn't be taken granted due to uncontrollables in ones pers life. I've learnt to take my time, appreciate just being there & just live in the moment. Buen Camino! PS. Your vids are excellent.
A good nuts and bolts video. I've been sharing these with a friend who is contemplating doing the Portuguese this Summer Cheers and adventure on!
Thank you for all the information!
Super, super helpful!!!! Thank you
I found that using some clear shampoo is also an effective way to hand wash most items while on the road.
Great video. So many tips. Looking forward to Camino Francés en mid June🤩
That's when I started my first Camino! I think June is a wonderful time to walk :)
Thanks for the great content on your channel. I have just downloaded your 'post-camino blues' ebook, I could have done with it 11 years ago when I did my first Camino 😅
Buen Camino - Cyril (Ireland)
I hope the ebook gives you some ideas (or at least makes you feel not so alone when you have the Camino blues!)
Great content. Thank you, Nadine.
I can’t wait to do this
Yes, yes, yes! The camino blues are a thing!!
Great tips!! Buen Camino!!
I also use Dr. Bronner s to wash my clothes and all my body parts truly all-in-one soap:) That a good idea to use a soap sock (that I call it) to wash your clothes.
Calling it a 'soap sock' is a great idea, I never really know what to call it!
Hello Nadine, so nice to follow you ( :
This Spring, I will experience my first camino. Here is my question, how do you plan going to Europe like Saint-Jean-Pieds-de-Port for example ; plane, train, bus etc., and coming back from another city etc. Do you deal with a Travel agency, do you reserve on-line by yourself ? Thank you so much, really exited about taking on this adventure …alone !
I am a Montrealer and will arrive in Bordeaux and will go home from Porto airport. I am a bit confuse about the travel logistics : /
Question: How do you manage your backpack with the airlines? Do you just check it in or do you put it in a lightweight duffle bag and then check it or is it small enough to be considered as a carry-on? Are there airlines to avoid when it comes to backpacks because of size and weight restrictions, etc.? Thanks.
Thanks for these videos Nadine, I’ve really enjoyed them as I plan my first trip in May to hike the Primitivo . I wanted to ask about the potential of weight loss. I’m actually in the opposite boat where I don’t want to shed a ton of weight on the trip. Do you think that with all the bread eating and food, that I will counteract how many calories I’m burning? Just curious if after a month in Spain I’ll end up losing a lot of weight
Thanks and buen camino !
Hi Daniel. Perhaps I can help you here. Since you do not want to loose weight, I suspect it is muscle mass you do not want to loose. You will loose muscle mass on the Camino, if you walk +35 days, but you will gain fat. So I had the same weight after the camino, but my fat-% got from approx 11 to 15. Not to visible to anyone else than yourself, and you quickly gain muscle mass again, once you hit the gym. Don't worry - just do it. Buen Camino :)
Q : what's your favourite lens for your DSLR when you take it on Camino?
Have you ever come across a location that you'd like to use as a base to return to and discover the surrounding area ?
Do you think that 37-38 days is enough from St Jean pied de port to Santiago de Compostela? I'm 50 years old and in pretty good shape...
Hi! Have you done your camino? Some do that route in 30 to 32 days (w/o rest days, around 25 km per day), so I guess 38 days is OK. If you'll need rest days, then maybe make it 40 days.or if you want to explore the cities before/ after your camino.
Hi Nadine, I tried to request your post-Camino blues e-book. I used your link, entered my name and email address and did the proof I'm not a robot. The notice said I had to click the link in an email you sent to my email address. I never received any email link. Do you have any advice on how I can access this? Thanks, Courtney in Virginia
Camino ninja app was great for map, distances and alburghes. But I hear it is no longer being updated.
Yes, I used that app occasionally on previous Camino's, and many really love it. But, I think unless they get someone to take over, I don't know if it will continue to be updated.
Nadine, I just downloaded Buen Camino on your suggestion! As I am scrolling through the sections for a quick overview, I’m noticing that many of the narrative parts are in Spanish, even though it indicates English as my preferred language. Have you had a similar problem? Thank you
Hello Karen how are you doing,
where are you from?
Hi Karen, I'm not sure what might be going on with the app? I just went into the app on my phone and it's all in English, so I'm not sure what could be going on! Maybe, if you haven't already, try going into settings, and it asks for your preferred language. Even if it's already marked English, maybe see if you can click on that again, and whether that might change something? Good luck, I hope you can figure it out!
Do you have a separate Camino saving plan or just wing it on the last couple of pay checks before you go ?
HI Nadine. I watched this video a few days ago while I was walking on the treadmill. Your video are always interesting and if I can comment I like to do it because i know as a RUclipsr it is what we like, the interaction with viewers. I will keep it short ( just had my second cataract surgery 2 days ago). I really like what you say about the Post Camino Blues. It is something I will write about on my blog FUNandLIFE.2 I think for me , writing was very helpful and knowing that I would return on the Camino too. But sadly the walking did not happen ye. I stay active here and still plan to go to Europe in 2023 or 2024. I want to write about the way such life experience has a strong impact on us. Why is that? I have traveled to many places.. cycled in Vietnam, walked in Italy ( Cinque Terre, Dolomites...) but those travels did not touched me the same as the Camino did... anyway I need to reflect on it. If you have an answer for me as why walking the Camino does not affect us the same as any other travel, feel free to tell me.. THANKS. MERCI Nadine. This could be a question for another Q and A if you wish . :-)
Thank you for such a nice comment (and I'm looking forward to checking out your RUclips channel!) I think staying active and dreaming about walking a future Camino are definitely things that help with the post-Camino blues. And I've given some thought to what keeps drawing me back to the Camino, but it's not an easy answer. But you're very right, other travels, even for being incredible experiences, for me haven't had quite the same kind of impact as the Camino. If I can attempt to answer this in an upcoming video, I'll certainly try!
@@NadineWalks oh yes , we need to try to figure out the why so many pilgrims return to the Camino on and on. Sorry for the few spelling mistakes on my comment ( I thought I had re-read if before i post it !!!). I probably do not see completely as I will in a few days .Thanks for taking the time to answer my comment. When I listen to you , it feels like I know you and this is great to have this connection even we do not live in the same country and on a different time zone too.When I write on my blogs or share videos on my RUclips channel , I want people to feel that we are all part of a "chemin"...the Camino and life itself. We are here to share, to learn and if I can help someone who struggles with the Camino blues or anything related to the Camino, it makes me happy. Your Q & A videos are certainly helpful...