If you have already walked a Camino, are there other things you would add to my list of 10? Things no one told you? Or things you did not expect?

@margalinam

2 жыл бұрын

Watch for 🐕dogs that may be lose in the Camino. Do not threat them, do not run and just standstill and just look into their eyes to show them no fear. It worked for me when I encountered 2 dogs at one time. Good Camino

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

@@margalinam I've only encountered worrisome dogs once. We have to remember that we are walking through a rural landscape and most of the dogs are working dogs. So if you see an aggresive looking Spanish Mastif on a chain in a yard.....it's not a Pet!

@anthonyconnor7836

Жыл бұрын

enjoy the.

@endofdayz783

Жыл бұрын

If your interested in the certificates on the camino "french way" don't forget the half way certificate in sahagun :)

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

@@endofdayz783 Indeed. Good point. We stopped for those once.

Awareness! Bring some present moment awareness with you. I live on the northern route and see so many pilgrims lost in thought, lost in their phones, lost in conversation. Try to spend some time each day being aware. Aware of what you can see, what you can hear, what you can smell, what you can taste, what it feels like to walk. If you find yourself thinking too much, gently bring yourself back to the present by connecting with your senses. With practice, this will become your modus operandi and your experience will be all the richer!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Great point...

@user-fe7lf8ei3u

2 күн бұрын

Thank you I fully intend to leave my phone unless I've got my bird app on

Great advice! I walked the Camino Frances in September 2021 and April 2023. The 2nd one was just as unique as the 1st one. It’s a rekindling of the human spirit walking the Camino. I was and continue to be changed by the Camino Santiago. Age 67 on 1st and age 69 on the second. My third will be next Spring Solo at age 71. Buen Camino !

I did the Sarria Santiago Camino in early June this year.Never before I walked more than a couple of kilometres,never had a backpack and never worn shoes that didn’t have heels.I became obsessed with doing it after my son died,I felt I needed to do some penitence,don’t ask me why.My Camino started in Sydney where I live,had to take 4 planes to get to Santiago where I left my luggage and took a bus to Sarria.”They don’t tell you” how many hills there are in the first 2 segments of the walk,”they don’t tell you”that it can rain everyday and that there is mud mixed with cow poo and “they don’t tell you”that even if there are many other pilgrims you can feel very lonely.I left by myself and didn’t “make so many friends”as they say and felt absolutely nothing when I reached Plaza del Obradoiro.The overwhelming feeling came only when I attended the pilgrims mass watching the ceremony of the Botafumeiro.Now more than before the Camino I am feeling the pull,all I have to do is convince my husband and the rest of the family that “I want to leave again”to the other side of the world and do more of the Camino Frances or the Camino Portugues,it’s not easy,being 73 and a Salsa Dance teacher

@robscamino

8 ай бұрын

You're in Sydney! We might have to catch up for a cafe con leche! 🙂 But I know what you mean. The pull of the Camino is strong for many of us. "Never so lonely as in a crowd". I have felt that too on a busy Camino route. This year I tried a very remote route. It was magical. No 'crowds'. Just a few Pilgrims here and there and the time and space to get to know them.

The thing that still sits in my mind is that you can sit down to dinner with a group of people & no one speaks the same language YET you carryon conversations & STILL understand what everyone says!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

So true!!

@lorettaray8317

Ай бұрын

I was in a busy albergue with a big room full of bunkbeds. There were many languages spoken. I swear I could understand what people were talkng about! It was so weird.

I was most surprised by how much of a community was built on the CF. I thought I would be meeting people just once and never see them again. Instead, from SJPDP to Santiago, I would see the same fellow pilgrims every few days as we all leapfrogged each other, share news about others we had met in common, have dinner every night with different combos of fellow pilgrims who were all meeting each other (“Where did you meet Ian from Canada? Oh yes, I had a beer with Yuki in Los Arcos. Oh, how is that French couple doing? They were struggling when I saw them outside Belorado…”). The most remarkable phenomenon I had experienced was joining some pilgrims at an outside cafe next to the square in Santiago, and the party getting larger and larger and larger with pilgrims I had met the prior 40 days as they all arrived, and they all knew the other pilgrims I had been sitting with. The personal connections were tangled and large and lovingly wonderful.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

It's amazing isn't it? Like a big community of Pilgrims moving along the path. And you get to know lots of people a day or so either side of you.

@joanbelmont5450

Жыл бұрын

Sounds amazing! Are you still in touch with some of the pilgrims you met along the way?

@jengd1730

Жыл бұрын

@@joanbelmont5450 Yes! Thanks to the miracle of Facebook.

U said everything : all I need is a backpack and change clothes , nice meal , roof over our head simple things 🥰 I have not done the Camino but man I feel like that already 🥰❤️

@robscamino

3 ай бұрын

Love that!

@user-fe7lf8ei3u

2 күн бұрын

I'm ready too... not done more than 3 hours walking so I'll take it at my own pace

My most favorite things to bring were silk sheets and water bottles. Socks for wanderers and walking sticks helps. And vaseline to put on your feet. A sarong is useful. And one change of clothes and a soap for washing clothes and body. Toothbrush etcetera. But that's all you need. Honestly.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Silk sheets! Nice 🙂

Hello from Valladolid (Spain )! Happy to hear from other people experience in the Camino. I see we are quite a few who had been sort of permanently attached to it, enchanted or whatever. I had walked three times the Camino primitivo ( from Oviedo to Santiago, around 300 kms) and I have to confess that I am in love whit it, it is more mountainous, more “green” not so crowded as the French Camino and in my opinion quite suitable as a first encounter whit the Camino experience. This year, within two months I plan to walk the whole French Camino ( just one time in my life) from Saint Jean to Santiago and further bc. I want to finish in Finisterre ( the end of the world ) I had already done this last part. As you could easily understand I can’t wait! As in other occasions I will be with my older brother Jose who is crazier than me about the Camino. I am 60 years old and my brother is 62. I expect it to be hard ( just a little, I hope ) but rewarding as always. Wish us luck! 👋👋

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a wonderful adventure, Buen Camino…

@juliannamarie6298

Жыл бұрын

Hello! My surname Aparicio. I live in California. Someday I am hoping to walk the Camino

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

I'm sure you will one day.

@user-vm6mf7rv9u

8 ай бұрын

Can I take a bus , train or taxi from St Jean Pied de Ports Compostela ? and still get the certificate

@robscamino

8 ай бұрын

@@user-vm6mf7rv9u If you mean take transport from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, No. The Pilgrimage can generally be undertaken on foot, by bicycle, or by Horse. There is no start point as such, and there are many recognised routes. If you wish to receive a Pilgrim Certificate (Compostela) you need to have fulfilled the requirements which are listed on the website of the Pilgrims office. Which at this time requires you to walk the last 100 kms to Santiago on a recognised Camino route, or if cycling or riding a Horse, 200 kms. See this link: oficinadelperegrino.com/en/pilgrimage/the-compostela/

Hi. I walked the Camino in 2020, when no International borders were open, just regional and in total, from Pamplona to Finisterre, I met a maximum of 150 pilgrims, a very, very unique experience. One stage i walked 30km and didn't see a single person, which was amazing (and actually makes me not want to walk it again with 1000's of people) but your tips are great for anyone walkin their first Camino, as I took way too much. However, 1 point. Camping is not illegal in Spain but the rules are very specific. The rule is, if you are walking somewhere and it starts getting dark before you reach your destination, you van camp but must pack up at first light and move on. The reason they say illegal is to put people off setting up multiple tents and staying for the whole day, or more but if you follow the,. pitch at sunset, leave at sunrise, they're ok with it.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

That does sound like an interestingexperience!

@whatsnottohike

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino life changing

Very good advice. I would add that we need to prepare the return as we prepared to do the Camino. You can feel emptiness and depression after the experience of Camino. The Camino is such an amazing experience where you feel part of a community. When you come back you can experience emptiness (depending on the situation you are in or why you decided to do the Camino, I guess). I plan to do it again.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

I agree on the emptiness bit. Community? Depends which one you walk I think... I'm hardly seeing anyone currently.... which I was prepared for, and quite like

@cg9616

8 ай бұрын

What an interesting thought. Thank you

All great advice, I have done two Caminos, and I would add number 11. Expect to change your opinion on people from other countries, for me Americans in particular are very nice...

@robscamino

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I've met some amazing people. And some of them were even Americans LOL

@azby7933

2 жыл бұрын

The Americans that actually have a passport and leave the US to travel are very different species!

Yes and thank you Rob great tips

i walked the Norte in 2019 and have a bit of a bum knee since. We skipped through walking 270 km. and I am getting a strong desire to walk the French way. An obsession is growing

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Better start planning then 🙂

All very true. Walked in 2017 and the memory that stays is the wonderful people met along the way and the sense of community. That was worth the pain totally. Had one day where I only saw 1 horse rider and two other walkers all day. It was lovely.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Those are the days.......solitude....... 🙂

Wonderful information! THANK YOU!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great video Rob, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences with us 😊

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Those who are close to me are fed up hearing me talk about the Camino. So I do it here 🙂

Thanks for the advice. Every bit helps. I am 73, and have always been quite active and fit. (Bodyguard for 20 years) I got pulmonary embulisms in June 2022 (probably from vaccine). Lost all my energy. Started walking in July as a way to gain back some energy. Now doing 10-15 kms day, including trips up and down the Niagara Escarpment. I am starting in Logorno May 27th. I also plan to do Finisterre & Muxia. My wife has back and hip issues so she is staying home. Don't like the idea of walking in the dark or scrambling for a bed so I have pre-booked all my stays in hotels, and a few private Aubergues. Anxious to get going. Got lots of people praying for me. Can't believe the number of people who have told me "oh that's great, I have always wanted to do that".

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Go for it! Buen Camino...

@joealvarez4240

10 ай бұрын

How did it go? Planning to do Camino Primitivo in about 10 days. Would anyone have any suggestions for non-active people who don't have any time to gear up for a 6 day trip?

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

@@joealvarez4240 Depends what you mean by gear up? Get your gear ready, or get your body ready? If you mean fitness, just start slow and short, don't push it. Go a bit further each day.

@joealvarez4240

10 ай бұрын

@@robscamino I mean body. We only have 5 days to do the Camino Primitivo from Lugo. Seems a little optimistic for folks that don't walk regularly--though we're like 20 pounds overweight.

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

So according to Gronze, I make that 99.3 kms? In 5 days, 20 kms / day. You don't walk regularly and are 20 lbs overweight. It will hurt a bit. And if you are not careful you might get blisters. But it's certainly 'doable'. Take your time, plenty of breaks. Keep your pack as light as possible! 6-7 kgs is plenty of gear for 5 days! PS if you want a Compostela, you have to walk 100 kms. Double check the distance, and if you want to e 100% sure, start a few kms before Lugo and make sure you get a stamp at the start.

Great points. I love it, especially number 10.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Great, thank you. I would and trying to prepare myself well and will do it & keep searching. Thanks a million.

@robscamino

4 ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful. Buen Camino.

Nice, wise advice. I fully agree with you. You described very well some feelings I had during my French Way in 2019. Of course I'll be back. Cheers!

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

It keeps drawing us back, doesn't it!

Love this, number 9 had me laughing to myself, so very true.

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Yep. Happens every time..........

I loved everything about El Camino. It was sooo much better than I expected. The people, the landscape, the walking, the history... 🫶 The pain is not so bad, unless you get seriously injured of course.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Without wishing to raise expectations too much...............there's not much to dislike really is there ? 🙂

Very practical - thank you!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped.

A good and true picture of the Way. From my experience in several Ways, I have seen myself pictured in all the points you told us.👍👍

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

Glad it made sense...... It's a hard thing to describe to someone who hasn't been there isn't it?

wise words, thank you!

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Glad it made sense

Awesome information. I’m spoiling up on the informative stage, thinking of doing my 1st Camino. Thank you for sharing your experience. Sounds like sage information.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Any excuse to talk Camino!

Thank you for this video.

@robscamino

4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Excellent video. Very encouraging. I am hiking Portugues Camino in August. Thank you.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

great video highlighting some really good points

@robscamino

5 ай бұрын

Thanks

Fantastic video, thank you.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Rob - Thank you for this video. I am considering my first Camino and I found this video VERY helpful in making my decision. I appreciate you!

@robscamino

4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful. I think we are close to 200 Episodes, so you will find videos on most topics. Just use the playlists or search function.

I carried a tent with me, definitely not necessary, however it really does add to the experience and I highly recommend it if you have the strength (I also stayed in hostels to meet people). All you need to do is go a little off trail and find somewhere out the way and keep a tidy camp. When this wasn't possible I would approach land owners/ locals and being polite and respectful ask their permission, not a single person declined and many offered me food/ water/ even fire wood lol. Hope this helps, bien Camino! X

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like it worked well for you. But I prefer a proper bed 🙂

Thank you so much for this... planning for my first camino (france) this aug 🙏🏻❤️

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Lucky You! Buen Camino 🙂

thank you for this, good things to know

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Hope it made sense...

So true even after, I still for the sweet serenity of walking more so after Primitivo and especially Del Norte. Thank you.

@robscamino

7 ай бұрын

It gets under your skin doesn't it?

You put that far better than I could have - I also started 2015 and the part about wanting to go back I really understand the Norte is next - my 19th.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Wow. 19, very jealous. Which ones?

Watched most of your videos on Camino. Very thoughtful and informative. I will be soon on Camino Frances starting form Sarria around mid October this year and looking forward to this great experience. Thank you for all the great information.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

That's a lovely section of the Camino. I'm sure you will love it. Buen Camino.

@margalinam

2 жыл бұрын

In October you'll get very cold, ❄ more up in the mountains. Go prepared!

This is a brilliant video. My experience exactly

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it made sense Julian.

Thank you very much and greetings from Germany!

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found the videos useful.

This was really insightful. Im planning my first.in September. Thank you!

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Buen Camino!

@Cheeky_Sheikhy

2 жыл бұрын

@@robscamino thank you! I cant wait!

Thank you for compiling this YT video, as it does dispel many of the fears and worries for those embarking on their very first Camino. What was good for me was to hear it first hand from one, who clearly has achieved it and survived! More importantly!! Then helps others to get over that initial and what may feel like an overwhelming fear. The biggest ramp of fear for me as I think of doing my first is my age, which is silly because it really is just a number, and whether or not that number is high, let's accept there are those that have been far older than us, that have achieved the Camino. My other fear is and biggest draw back is my health, typically in life as you get older so you get more caught up in worrying about health issues, and that can feel like a huge burden as no one wants to put their lives at risk, nor wishes to put others at risk, for perhaps just the feeling that perhaps you may have been a little irresponsible. Which brings me back to why, planning is so important. I am a "Belts and Braces" man which can be a drawback. So responsibly I will look at taking out health insurance if I can get it, or even more annoyingly trust that my God, is more than capable of looking after me wherever I am in the world. I did initially wanted to take a tent and do this as back in the day, but if it is now illegal, then my hands are tied on that front. Which is frustrating in one sense, as it now feels as if the Camino has become more of a "Tourist Industry" and drives an economy all of it's own, which was probably not what it was originally intended to be, but tourism is such that it can spoil, things in a sense. However being detached is very much the discipline of the individual to decide just how much or not they wish to rely on "Creature Comforts" such as a bed for the night, and all the spoils of what most of us normally take for granted. Not wishing to over analyse it, I shall leave it there. As strangely, I am being called to do my first and whilst excited, you will annoyingly have those moments where you feel you have a stomach full of butterflies. Having said that, that is only a passing feeling. The excitement is probably the discovery of meeting "oneself" whether that is good or bad remains to be seen. That and actually listening to that "Inner Voice" which has called you to take that first step. Not a great fan of obedience, in respect of listening terribly well to God, but on this occasion I know that I have to do this, and yes, up until the last minute it is a "Choice". I have already decided, so I will tell you how I got on when I get back. As one of the deepest thinkers on this so called "Blue Planet" predestination is a most curious thing... that is all I have to say for now on that subject. 😊😊

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Great comments. I might do a video about those butterflies 🙂 I have then now.........long story. (just shot a video for next week on this)

Excellent piece! Number nine is totally true. I see this as if memories from the Camino get stronger over time, they don't fade. On the contrary, they become more vivid. Amazing phenomenon worth to study!

@robscamino

3 жыл бұрын

THere is a Book called God's Cocaine! I think it might just be...........

Thank you for your video I am contemplating my first camino this year, feel like a challenge. This was so informative 😊

@robscamino

5 ай бұрын

Which route are you thinking of?

Very sweet advices, thank you Rob! I will be going for three weeks, probably walking from Leon, and taking it real' easy.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Very envious 🙂 Buen Camino

@jorgeignaciosaldarriaga1340

Жыл бұрын

Excelente video y muy buenos comentarios.

That's so true. Agree with all the points 👉

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Glad it made sense

out walking along the beach today while listening to Rob.Thanks I leave late April for the Camino. Francis Way

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

That's a scary thought! Listen to the waves and gulls, not me !! 🙄

I'm thinking about hiking the Camino in 2023. So I enjoyed your tips. And I do think about hiking it alone! I love just having to take care of myself. And I already speak some Spanish! Thanks for the information! Kaat

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Have you gone yet?

@estellagutierrez4615

7 ай бұрын

you will love it ... I just finished and now I mess it so much.. I'm 81 not a blister carrying my back pack. I want to go back in May of 24

About having to go to the bathroom while walking the Camino. There are small foldable shovels for camping that don’t weigh much. The right thing to do is dig a hole and then cover it.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

My 'shovel' weigh 17 gms 🙂 helinox.com.au/products/deuce-of-spades?variant=35836181512347

Great advise! 👍

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

#9 Is so very true!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

LOL. You're hooked are you?

Thank you. Very valuable information. Going on my first camino on 12th July 2023 to 19th July 2023.

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Wonderful, which route?

Finished my 'own' Camino this year started walking Irun->Santander took the train down to Burgos walked to-> Leon, train to Oviedo then walked the Primativo. I will say this: doing 30+km a day will catch up to you in about a week, the Northern Route is very over crowded for the amount of albergues that survived covid (3 days where you must walk 30+ to get a bed), Primativo is pretty challenging and you feel like a family with your fellow 15-20 walkers and when you join with the French way it slaps you with the last 100km flood of people. All together it was close to 900km walked then walked to Muxia and Fisterra so ended my 7 week walk just over 1K km. Nice video to remind me of some things from my camino.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great journey 🙂

“You’ve come back a monk!”….how wonderful Rob! You made me laugh. Great video, thank you. My family and I are hoping to do the Camino (Frances) in Spring 2023, after having to cancel in 2020. Going to give it a go….again!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Buen Camino 🙂

fantastic video!

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

thru hiking is exactly the same way .. life changing and addictive 🥾🙋‍♀️🐾

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

With added bonuses like bears, and carrying camping gear. And negatives like a lack of fresh coffee and great food. 😳 But all joking aside, I'm sure it is also quite a life changing experience 🙂

@sarahsundstrom1425

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino all part of the experience right you earn the miles on any long trail

Nicely explained.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Pick the right bag that fits and is not heavy! Take your boots and socks off at every break. Merino everything - socks and clothing. I did the hardest - Camino Ingles from Oviedo.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Sound advice.......

Thanks

@robscamino

Ай бұрын

Hope it was helpful.

Well done Rob. You gave me some advice about 5 years ago on the forum about preparing for my first Camino and now 4 Caminos later it's nice to see your video series. Keep up the good work. I'll be on the CP in July for number 5 if they let us in the country.

@robscamino

3 жыл бұрын

July might be optimistic, but fingers crossed. I'm hoping for March 2022.

@junehitchcock170

Жыл бұрын

Which is the shortest Camino route? I just checked out Camino Frances and that is 800km. I think my little legs Might just drop off!!

@meidbo

Жыл бұрын

Hi June, It's your Camino, make it as short or long as you like. I found the Portuguese from Porto to be very enjoyable, less strenuous, and very well supported. I would advise doing the coastal route and then straight north from Pontevedre through Caldas de Reis and Padron. It's not as hilly as the Spiritual Variant route. Good luck and have fun.

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

There are many routes. Just check out Gronze. You start and finish where you like. But to get a Compostela, you need to walk the last 100kms of a 'recognised' route into Santiago. www.gronze.com/#todos

What great advice! Thank you. I'm starting by myself in April although I have a dear friend who is doing the first four days with me. I have six weeks to learn some more Spanish.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Don't stress too much about Spanish. I use duo lingo which is handy to learn a few basics

Thank you for your beautiful information ❤ 16:06 16:06

@robscamino

3 ай бұрын

Glad it was useful…

Great vlog! Did Villafranca del Bierzo to Santiago in 2018. Hope to do another in 2023.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

I hope so too!

Great video! 👍

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

#9 spot on! Roncesvalle/Santiago 2013 31 days

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

LOL. How many have you done now ? 🙂

Love you comments. I took a small gas stove and a Billy and it was the best thing I took and the first thing I would take again. Each morning I would get up at 5:01 am and get out of the sleeping area and into a common area and as I did my final pack and my foot routine I boiled the billy ( as in some albergues the kitchen area is locked), I would make a coffee and some oats and aften share those with my Camino Family. A perfect start to the day, I always had second breakfast at a cafe, although there was a few times I simply stopped and boiled the billy.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

I've often been tempted, but resisted. So far I have only walked Caminos that have lots of cafes, and I'm not an early starter! 🙂

@angloaust1575

Жыл бұрын

I carried a small stove in 2001and found it handy most hostels then Quite basic also self inflating mat Came in handy when one slept on floor in hostels due to beds all taken Also acrylic poncho doubles as blanket!

awesome vid rob ;)

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad you liked it. 😊

Just about to walk my first Camino next month. I'm only doing a short section this time but I'm already anticipating wanting to come back to do more!! haha. Thanks for this informative video, really great insight I haven't found elsewhere.

@robscamino

9 ай бұрын

Glad you find it useful. Buen Camino 🙂 If there are other topics you would like information about, just use the search function. There are hundreds of videos on the channel.

@cg9616

8 ай бұрын

Good luck. I’m hoping to do the short ingles walk in May 2024. My first ever and lots of trepidation

@gazelleflix

2 ай бұрын

May I ask which one you’re doing?

I saw this video in recommendations and thought “Ha, probably now this man will try to stop me”. But I was so wrong! Your advices are really useful! Thank you a lot!🙏😊

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful 🙂

i also walked the camino frances in 2015. everything this gentleman says is absolutely true. it is the coolest thing you'll ever do.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

What month Darren? Where did you start? And have you walked another Camino since? 🙂

I also liked walking alone!

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

I find it by far the best too. Though I like to socialise at the end of the day. Best of both Worlds.

Hello Rob. I wonder if you could say a bit more about petroleum jelly and socks - including what effect the jelly has on the socks; and how to wash them! thanks

@robscamino

7 ай бұрын

This video might help. Don't worry about washing. By the end of the day the Vaseline is gone. kzread.info/dash/bejne/rGhm1capZ6qZaKg.htmlfeature=shared

I did in the last 3 days Leon to Santiago. It was a big surprise for me. In the first day I got 40 degrees at the top of the descending to Ponferrada and 8 degrees with rain and wind at the top of Cebrero. In the last day from Sarria to Santiago most of the time with heavy rain. Nobody said me to take equipment to all the type of weather at the beginning of Summer!!!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

LOL. Be prepared! I think with my packing list now, I'm OK in all weathers from about -5 to 40C. 🙂 It's all about layers isn't it!

@bbttresidder7224

10 ай бұрын

Rob, what items of clothing do you now take that can go from -5 to 40C? Thank you, from someone that hopes to walk the Camino…

I walked the CF in Sep14 and cycled it 2017. Yes, I planned for Camino Portugues in 2020 but had to cancel it due to covid. Yes, we all want to do it again, and again.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

THere is something about the Camino, that we can't find at home. Sadly.

I walked from St Jean and remember halfway through being sad that I was closer to the end than the start. I can not wait to go back and do it all again.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I totally get that. Walk a longer one! 🙂

@oldskills

2 жыл бұрын

@@robscamino I think my husband would divorce me if I walked a longer one. 🤔

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

@@oldskills Hmm. Camino v Husband...........Camino v Husband.........

@oldskills

2 жыл бұрын

@@robscamino yes, it's a tough choice.

Thank you Rob. For me foot care was important to avoid blisters. Stop once in a while. Empty your shoes of sand and possibly change socks. Look out for redding parts of your feet. If so put a compeed on. Buon Camino!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Indeed. Your feet need great care. I tend to use hikers wool rather than compeed though. And sometimes tape. No blisters yet, touch wood.

@clarestrange5816

11 ай бұрын

For me as a Kiwi backpacker-Hikers Wool, 2nd Skin and Moleskin. No Vaseline. When I have had the odd blister I use the needle and thread trick to drain it. The top layer of skin forms a protective callous.

For your next Camino - May I suggest the Portuguese Coastal. The Varient Espiritual is a good option. 280km or thereabouts. I love it.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I've often thought of the Portuguese. But I've heard there is a lot of road walking and cobbles? My legs would not survive that...

@johnavery5384

2 жыл бұрын

There is on the Central route but the coastal is beaches and woodland in the main. I haven’t done the Frances so cannot compare directly but I didn’t find it a problem.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnavery5384 I'd better add that one to the list then!

.. so true .. 😊🖖

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Any more to add ? 🙂

Good Vid.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Didn't experience any serious pain. Did 43km last leg Caldas del Reis to Santiago. Has some after discomfort, nothing serious. Didn't do stretching at the start. Used running shoes. Small back pack. Used walking poles. What's the point of washing clothes all the time? Just brought 2 pairs of everything.

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Glad to hear you were pain free. I suspect you are quite fit and not overweight, unlike many of us 🙂 I only bring two sets of things and wash one set every night.

I am amazed you did not mention the bathroom issues. When I walked the CF in 2008 and 2010 going to the bathroom while walking became a big issue, especially during "holy year". I often wondered what the farmers thought about their fields becoming spoiled by little piles of toilet paper covering human feces! Another warning is walking the Camino during a "holy" year, especially around Saint-James day, July 25th, when it falls on a Sunday. Last year was considered to be a "holy year" but because of Covid, it will be celebrated this year, 2022. When I went in 2010 (which was a holy year), we had to get up at 3 a.m., walk in the dark for 2 weeks in order to get in line to get a bed in an albergue. As a matter of fact I can say that I saw very little of Galicia because I crossed it in the dark. As we got closer to Santiago, the towns set up dormitories in gymnasiums. There was more than a hundred thousands pilgrims! They were physical fights over mattresses... It was insane! Be ready!

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe I was trying to put too positive a spin on things? 🙂 Indeed the toilet tissue and piles of poop can be very unsightly. I feel sad for the locals, and very disappointed with those who leave this waste. It's a tricky issue and is often debated at length on forums. Interesting experience you had walking in a Holy Year. Personally I would never do it for the reasons you experienced. Or at least I would try to find the least popular Camino to walk maybe?

@justgivemethetruth

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino Don't people carry little shovels or something to bury their poop? That is pretty disgusting. You can't ignore the call of nature, so one should be prepared. I think the polite thing to do, at least what I have heard about the through hiking trails in the US is to have a little shovel and bury your poop.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

@@justgivemethetruth I don't think most of the people walking the Camino are 'hikers' and sadly don't know how these things are done. Having said that, on a more busy route like the Camino Frances you are never far from a bathroom. (note on that in a second). I do carry a tiny trowel in case of emergencies. This one. www.paddypallin.com.au/helinox-deuce-of-spades.html In 2,000 kms of Camino, I have used it twice. But was glad I had it. Just a note on bathrooms. You won't find many public ones. They are generally in cafes. (1) Please do not steal the toilet tissue! You wouldn't believe how much the cafe owners go through! and (2) If you use the bathroom in a cafe, recognise it is their for customers, not the general public. Make it a habit to buy something. a piece of fruit, a coffee or something...... It helps out the local businesses and is the polite thing to do. 😀

@justgivemethetruth

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino LOL, that's hilarious ... The Deuce of Spades, or the spade of deuces? Hahaha. Even though I am not a Starbuck's fan if I need to use their facilities I will purchase something. I agree ... lots of people, particularly my American countrymen and women are pretty uncivilized. If there was somewhere else to go I'd get out of here before it completely falls apart. On one of your videos you were talking about whether to go alone or with someone. I know that feeling. When I go running I really enjoy the feeling of being alone with my thoughts and paying attention to my body and the environment, and when I am with someone it is nice to have someone else there to experience the same thing, and I wouldn't like to just do one or the other, but I think I prefer solitude slightly more.

@rosemaze6023

Жыл бұрын

L

Totally agree with number 9! Rob, do you really think we'll be able to go walking in 2021? Unless it is a winter (northern hemisphere) camino?

@robscamino

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not expecting to walk in 2021. Planning for 2022, and even that's a maybe... Who really knows. Here in Australia there are no plans for International travel to be back on the cards till late 2021.

Community building, yes. I will never forget an evening dinner in Gonzar after Porto Marin. We were som gang of tired, pooped swedes, germans, australians and americans having dinner and the conversation topics got more and more out of hand. Yes it was all too crazy and fun. I will never forget it.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great night! 🙂

those are all true

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

Good to hear.

Hey Rob, thanks for the 10 Things They Don't tell you about the Camino. One thing I've learned on my 5 cross country cycle rides in the USA. Re-entry is hell!! I guess riding my bike for 8-10 weeks with my only job being to ride, eat, sleep, deadens me for "regular life". I've found that I'm a bit lost for a couple of weeks and find re engaging somewhat difficult. This happen to you guys after camino?

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Oh Yes. Big time.......... 🙄

Rob, truly excellent video. Since 2018 at the ripe old age of 73, I have walked the Portuguese from Fatima (coastal), the 823k Del Norte, and this year, the Primativo, Ingles and Fisterre/Muxia combined. Next year (early May is best and only really good weather window), if health is OK and, no war or famine etc., I plan to walk the Via de la Plata and Sanabres. For the first time, I will take a (backpack-fitted) umbrella with me for rain and/or too much sun as I detest ponchos. Any thoughts? Never really wanted to do the Frances; just too many people.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

I love my Euroschirm umbrella. I did my first Camino (Frances, in May 2015) without one and cooked on some days! Sounds like you really have the bug! 🙂

@ingrid20234

Жыл бұрын

I walked the Frances in winter, started at st Jean in December 2016. It was amazing. Cold yes, frost on grass in the mornings, rained for two days, and no snow. In one hostel there were only two of us. Very few people walk during winter, especially over Christmas and new year.

@robscamino

10 ай бұрын

I might have to try that!

It's gonna hurt? I never would have guessed!!

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

LOL. You'd be surprised. Some people don't expect it. 😉

Thanks Rob for your wonderful advice. I’m hoping to walk my first Camino in 2022, if all is well. I will be 70 years then. Hope my health stays good. One of my main worry is what happens if there are no beds available, have you ever experienced a situation when you couldn’t find accommodation? I a newbie seeking assurance, many thanks

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

I have never been without a bed in 2 Caminos. There are always options. Usually when people say they couldn't get a bed, they mean a bed of the 'type or budget' they wanted. There are always options, walk on to the next place, get a taxi to another place. I have only seen an acute lack of beds once. In Zubiri in peak season (start of May). We had booked one night ahead at a small Hotel, so were OK, but I'm told there wasn't a bed of any kind to be had between Zubiri and Pamplona. Some kept walking, others too buses / taxis to Pamplona. That was unusual. Though be aware Zubiri is a known bottleneck. People spread out more (on the Camino Frances) after Pamplona.

@GM-le2vh

2 жыл бұрын

@@robscamino thank you for your reassuring and quick response , buen Camino

@margalinam

2 жыл бұрын

If you get up to walk early by 4-5 am you should have no problem finding a spot in an albergue. Always try to reach an albergue by 12 noon if you can. I used to walk in the Camino 7-8 each day. Buen Camino

@thegrovebeachhouse6123

2 жыл бұрын

This is great. Particularly the homesickness aspect. I always get homesick and feel guilty when I travel. It usually comes in waves. You put it in perspective.

@jorgeignaciosaldarriaga1340

Жыл бұрын

I did my camino just myself from Leon to Santiago on October 2019. I enjoyed and lived fully. I’m returning to CF starting from SJDP to Burgos this coming October: #9 😮

Thank you for the video Rob. It was encouraging to hear about the deeper experience you had. That makes it even more appealing to me. I am currently 70 in relatively god health and shape. What would be a good path to start with. I hear there are so many options that it gets too confusing. I may have 10 to 15 days to walk. I would very much appreciate your input.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

That's a really hard question. Do you want to finish in Santiago? If so, work out your comfortable daily distance x 10 or 15. Start that far from Santiago. Do you want solitude or company?

@raulvargas2690

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino i would like to arrive to Santiago. If my wife can come, we will walk together. I would also love to walk by myself. I tend to love solitude.

@naturalspanish1049

11 ай бұрын

If you are going to do it during the summer and still want a little quiteness you need to run away the Francés. You could do the Primitivo ( that would fix in your 10-15 days) or you could do Finisterre-Santiago and still get the Compostela. Just gotta be a little more cautious as you'll be following the signals in reverse. If Finisterre-Santiago feels like a little too short you could go from Santiago to Finisterre and the way back. Or you can combine Finisterre Santiago with Camino de los Faros.

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

@@naturalspanish1049 I just walked the VdlP and Invierno. Very quiet 🙂

Thank you for posting this helpful information. For the Camino France, can you say how you get to St. Jean. Do you fly into Paris and take a train to St. Jean?

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

There are many options. The most common seem to be (1) Fly into Paris, then train to Bayonne, change for local train to St Jean. (2) Fly into Paris, train or fly to Biarritz. Then taxi/bus to Bayonne, local train to St Jean. (3) Fly into Madrid, train to Pamplona, local taxi/bus to St Jean. (4) Fly to Barcelona, train to Pamplona, bus or taxi to St Jean. I usually do #1. Though did #2 when there was a train strike. If you want to be picked up in Bayonne or Biarritz, I can recommend Express Bourricot (must pre book) The price will vary depending on how many seats in the mini bus are booked. Note, you can't just turn up and get a seat, you must book. www.expressbourricot.com/fr/transport-personnes/

@julierawlins5984

2 жыл бұрын

@@robscamino Thank you! Hair cut looks great☺

Hi.. thank you for the tips I'm from Singapore 🇸🇬 feel like going to France camino alone but abit worry dunno where to start

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

I'll do a video on it next week. 🙂

Just finished Ingles a short 5 days. Learned my lessons that will inform #9 probably the Portagesus route. Yes pain. I would say for a longer walk build in rest days. Maybe have a day you take the bus to rest the knees. It is YOUR Camino. I think people forget this as all you hear are stories of people pounding through knocking out the miles/km. If you haven't talk about your slow approach. I would add if you live in a country like US pace yourself when you train in kilometers walked not miles.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Indeed rest day are important on a long Camino I think. It's hard if mot impossible to predict when you'll need them, but I allow a rest day every 7-8 days roughly. And I use them/need them! Though sometimes I don't want to stop walking and might just walk a short day as a rest. Like 10 kms.

Good for the Camino Frances. Now, please do a piece on "France is not Spain", because all those newbies who start on the CF and then go walk the Le Puy are upset that it's not more of the same. (Kitsambler)

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Having not walked the Le Puy route I don't really feel 'qualified' to cover that topic. But I sense a guest interview might be the solution 🙂

@Kitsambler

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino I suspect we could put our heads together and do a "Ten Ways Le Puy is not the Camino Frances" sometime. Maybe after the New Year?

Starting my first Camino Norte on Sunday and I’ll be brining my tent, sleeping bag/Mat and cooker 😂 can’t wait to do some wild bivouacs and experience both the albergues and wild camping. I know I know it’s illegal to camp but I’m sorry can’t resist

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Enjoy.....though I'd rather not carry all that gear LOL

@ElliottFERY

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino Iv just turned 21 this year! Absolutely love hiking and do a large amount of mountain summiting so Nows the time for me to do this!! Looking to get into thru hikes after my Camino so it’s going to be great entry level long distance journey!

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

@@ElliottFERY enjoy!

I did the Camino and for the first week the weather mirrored that of northern Europe and it was cold and wet, perfect for me and me and my new boots got on really well. The day I walked out of puenta la reina it was the first day of the early heat wave in may/june and my feet swelled and had the worst blisters of my life which was made worse by excessive sweating ( always sweated more than others). So what did I learn from the Camino? I need to buy a half size up and better insoles as I have a larger emphasis on my heel and it affected my whole foot; by the time I got into Leon i was walking at a snails pace and by 5km i could feel every step; i was miserable. Purchase socks with an in layer ( i bought Camino socks as they have the shell on them) After Leon, things got a lot better. Would Bring safety pins to hang socks. Great video by the way. I did the camino Frances last year and loved it but would definitely do the Primativo in the summer or the portugese route in the autum or spring.

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear about the blisters. I go for footwear a full size larger than normal, wear two sock layers and use vaseline. No blisters yet, touch wood! For those interested, see this video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/rGhm1capZ6qZaKg.html

As someone who was the most fit I have ever been in my life just prior to my first Camino in 2015 I agree with #1. I stupidly decided to go for a jog on my day off in Logrono a few days in. One of my achilles tendons was a mess for a good 10 days after. I finished fine but man lol so much unnecessary pain.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Start like an old person, to finish like a young one 🙂

You seem to have avoided the post Camino Blues. I laughed when I first heard of this condition but it can be very real for some.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Not really. I think for me it's a permanent condition! Hence this channel. It allows me to talk about the Camino endlessly! 🙄 But the post Camino Blues can certainly be a real thing. I found that I enjoyed my Camino 'life' so much, that I kind of lost interest in my 'real' life on returning home. The hustle and bustle, work, demands on my time, priorities, no time just for me and so on. Camino life is so simple. Walk, eat, sleep, repeat. It's seems like life is meant to be simple like that somehow. Why do we complicate it so much ? 🙂.

Great video, thanks. Thoughtful and human. And no fancy opening sequence, or loud music, or popups thank god. I would love to do the Camino at some point, but I am getting old ... i.e. retirement age. Do you think it is doable for older people, and if you have done the Camino a few times, what was the oldest person you ever saw hike the Camino ... and hopefully not give up? Curious, are you Catholic, and what do you think it's life for non-Catholics to Camino?

@robscamino

Жыл бұрын

You are never too old! It's not like climbing Everest! On my previous Caminos I was 57, 59, and 61. On my next I'll be 65. I hope to keep walking Caminos till I'm about 75. Sometimes on the Camino it seems like the over 60s are in the majority 🙂 I guess they have the time and resources. Oldest I have met? 80+ No I'm not a Catholic. Not really even that religious. Though I become more so on Camino. It's hard not to. I'll use that awful modern term, and call myself "Spiritual". My wife is Buddhist and almost becomes Catholic on Camino! Stops in every church to pray, lights candles for those at home........ I love that aspect of the Camino. After a few days I become much closer to nature, our environment and it seems like........closer to a greater supernatural power. So I talk to 'him' frequently during my Camino's. You probably think I'm nuts. But make sure you watch this video! I mean, you couldn't make this stuff up! kzread.info/dash/bejne/f2t8wdeuqsarqLA.html

@justgivemethetruth

Жыл бұрын

@@robscamino That's a relief. Thanks for the encouragement. I am going on 66, but fairly healthy and just love to hike and walk. > Sometimes on the Camino it seems like the over 60s are in the majority That sounds promising. 80 is pretty good. Wow. I grew up Protestant, and went to a Catholic school, and then in adulthood was told that my Dad was Jewish - which I never knew, and I guess his family did not want to make a big deal about it because at that time, WWII, Jews were discriminated again, but I always regret I know nothing of that tradition. In my late teens I dropped out and become agnostic, because no one really knows, so why pretend? But now that atheism is so out there and loud, I don't really like that, because they don't know any more than anyone else. Spiritual is not a bad term. Most human cultures have some form of religion, so I think it is a deep seated human faculty and exists for a reason, though like everything human beings do it can be exploited or corrupted. Though most Catholics I know are good people, I never thought much of the Catholic church until this last Pope, who I think is their best Pope, and best for the world - coincidentally Francis. You sound very sane to me by the way, but I'm not sure I am so much, so take that with a grain of salt! ;-) Thanks for the replies, I want to watch the rest of your videos they really pique my imagination.

@barbarapiazza-georgi3831

Жыл бұрын

@@justgivemethetruth I walked it at 65, never particularly fit nor a regular walker. Of course you can do it! My most memorable meeting was with an American priest, recovering from a double hip replacement and suffering from incipient Parkinsons, doing it at the rate of 5-6 km a day.

@justgivemethetruth

Жыл бұрын

@@barbarapiazza-georgi3831 Oh sure, but God was on his side! ;-)

thanks for the info, I am considering doing a camino. If I do the 2 mon th trek, roughly how much money should I bring? are beds n food expensive??

@robscamino

11 ай бұрын

No need to walk for 2 months! If you stay in Albergues and are careful with money, you could manage on 25 euro / day. just. THis video is about costs. kzread.info/dash/bejne/gWaDmqWAna6uYqQ.html

Is boiled water available Early in the AM for a thermos bottle of instant coffee to start walking at daybreak i.e., not group breakfasts.

@robscamino

2 жыл бұрын

Yes and No...... Out of the thousands of places to stay, some will, and some won't. Personally I wouldn't want to carry the weight of a Thermos, but I guess it depends which Camino you are walking. On the Frances it's usually easy to find a cafe. And Spanish coffee is really good. Another option might be to take an immersion coil so you can boil your own water?