✨ My Goal is to help You REALLY Enjoy Your First Camino! ✨
Notice I said..........first (it gets addictive)
🥾 This channel started with one video as a newbie Pilgrim in 2015. 🥾
It showed my journey from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela and then in later Caminos..
⚡ But more recently I have added a lot more. ⚡
Tips, Interviews, Explanations and Discussions.
I also try to cover some Camino topics you won't find elsewhere.
At the end of the day though, it's just my own Camino experiences and views.
Maybe for potential 'Newbie' Pilgrims, I might encourage you to try it....
A complete series of videos, text and photos can also be seen on my Blog at robscamino.com/
That includes blogs from 2015, 2016, and 2018 and 2023.
So far I've walked the Camino Frances x 3, Via de la Plata x 1, Camino Invierno x 1, and Camino Finisterre x 1.
Not a Camino 'Expert' by any means, but I love to share and help Newbie Pilgrims in particular.
Пікірлер
I really enjoyed this film! Reminded me of my trip last year to Europe without the pilgram!
Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching
This is a great video! Thanks! For all who can go, or have been - I hope you have enjoyed yourself!
It's hard not to enjoy it really! A little bit of research and planning goes a long way 😀
Hi Rob i have tried to send links to our Via Francigena blogs multiple times but I have not seen them show up so I'm wondering if there is another way I could get them to you.
Strange. You should be able to just add them on a comment here.
Thanks so much Rob--I just need to get there and do the first one!
When will that be ? 🙂
I need to retire first before I can be gone that long--we are looking at 2026 or maybe even 2027.
BTW I saw it advertised in a small cinema in Taranaki, NZ, and watched it in Stratford, Taranaki. Its on Saturday 15th, June at 5.50pm and again next Thursday at 5.50pm.
I've seen it twice so far. Need to go again soon I think 🙂
I really enjoyed seeing the movie last night! Spain is very special to me. I'm hoping that I get to do the Camino one day. Thank you. 😊
What part of the World are you in. Oz?
Thank you Rob. I like the rookie mistakes that you mentioned. you give me some reassurance as I am heading to Primitivo in three weeks and thinking to start slow/short stages...Thanks again. Buen Camino!
Buen Camino 🙂
Nice, clear answer. Thank you. Yes, I was surprised your favorite Camino was your first but as soon as you explained why it resonated. I've only walked one, the Portuguese Coastal Camino in 2023, but despite some blisters and a couple of times getting lost it was spiritual, fulfilling, and motivational for another. Camino del Norte this September here I come! Incidentally, your suggestion to keep footwear light weight because of bad knees was spot on. I would have gone with my heavy, sturdy, mountain hiking boots but instead wore Hoka's and my knees carried my through!
Buen Camino Chuck. 🙂
Sorry Rob I asked this very question at the office ,walking from Santiago to muxia, finesterre back to Santiago DOES NOT qualify for a compestella by the Catholic Church at the pilgrim office. I was very disappointed in their answer too. Miki Goldie
I'll check on that. Muxia-finisterra-santiogo should, as it's a walk of over 100 kms, on a recognized route, 'to' santiago.
@robscamino they (the official pilgrim office- in santiago) said the catholic church of Santiago does not now give out compestellas for it. ( as I was receiving my 12 th compestella, for the del Norte)...love
Wow. I wonder why?
One guy on YT has done The Frances three times in three years and I always got the impression he was trying to recapture the feeling of the first which never happened. I sensed some dissatisfaction with each next attempt and I thought he should do a different route.
I don't think we can ever recapture the feeling of a previous Camino. But a 'new' route helps I think
On the camino. Leaving sjpdp in 10m. Watching this while I'm eating my breakfast 😄. Thanks for all the tips.
Stop watching videos! You are there 🙂 Buen Camino.
Your last Camino was one Camino, even though it was on four routes. My current Home to Home will have been on over a dozen routes, but it's still just one Camino. My best Camino will always be my second one, the 1994 from Paris. 44 days 42K/day average, and best of all I converted to Christianity on that Camino.
Yes I agree, it was one. made up of different routes.
Thanks for mentioning the toileting protocol and the importance of carrying out your toilet paper. We were shocked at the amount of toilet paper trailside on our 2019 Portuguese Camino. The tiny travel backpack is brilliant. We had a small bag for food at night and laundry and used it almost every day.
I just wish people could be more considerate 🙄
16:29 Rob, thanks for this post. In this article, you mention that you took off body weight to improve your walk. Can you share your suggestions for me to lose some body weight, being excess fat. I feel that I need to lose 10 kg. Thanks.
I use Intermittent Fasting. But do seek Medical advice before trying it. kzread.info/dash/bejne/pH-grdWpYs7Yp7A.html
Hi Rob, Thank you again for your insight. I understand there’s many many Caminos but it seems France/Spain/Portugal are what come to mind when someone says I’m walking the Camino! I don’t recall you mentioning the Portuguese which seems popular this year. Did you walk it or part of it?
Yes, there are many routes, that end in Santiago. I haven't walked the Portuguese routes. They just don't appeal to me and I love Spain.
@@robscamino it seems as if there’s much to treasure about Caminos in Spain!
My favourite one visually so far has been the Primitivo, I really enjoyed that one,even the bit after Melide when it got ridiculously busy 😂 the first couple of days on del norte is stunning but you're right the first one is the most memorable and that feeling when you reach Santiago is unique.
The Primativo is on my bucket list 🙂
@@robscamino the invierno and vdlp are on mine
If you've walked a few Caminos, what was your best one, and why? 🙂
Hi Rob, as usual a good thoughtful answer and it is true the first is the best in the spirit of being a new Pilgrim. Having done the Camino Frances in 2019 was a great experience in itself but with it under our belts we decided to tackle the Via Francigena. The first Camino built our pilgrim confidence such that we knew we could could handle that longer trail that has much less organized infrastructure. It took two summers as my wife had an ankle injury in Reims that ended the first session but it probably worked out better that way. It seemed to have the newness and discovery of the Camino Frances but we knew we had what it took to do it, which is the perfect combo. And it has a lot of whatever you are looking for over 2300 kms! We also found with the easy terrain for the first few hundred or so kms we didn't need to train a lot as you have suggested. As they say "Just start walking." You might enjoy it as we did did, given your philosophy. My wife kept a blog if you want a link.
Do please share the link!
Awesome Video mate. I really liked your take on your favourite camino being your first love. I will be doing the VLDP next march, and that will be my first one. I can't wait to see what other questions you answer.
The VdlP as a first one. wow! I'm sure you'll love it 🙂
Cover bottles in a black sock or stocking to camouflage AND protect water from the sun and leaching from the plastic?
I did consider that. Even painting the bottles, but then I lose the main advantage. Being able to see the water levels.... Maybe a 'see through' fabric.
I have just seen this movie, & absolutely loved it! It seemed to be an authentic experience of The Camino, & the part that stuck with me was when Bill says to the young woman, "Forgive yourself & ask for a miracle" - I need both at the moment! Well done, Bill Bennett!
So glad you enjoyed it Mary. Have you walked a Camino? I think what sets this movie apart is the authenticity. Largely due to using Pilgrims for many of the key roles. And mostly the Pilgrims Bill walked with 10 years earlier! It was the interaction of the Pilgrims that nailed it for me. How the relationships developed and deepened, the emotional stories they shared. The support and understanding they gave each other. That was so authentic and is part of the Camino that makes the journey so unique and transformative. For me at least. I recall setting out on my first Camino looking for answers. And realising after a week I didn't even know what the question was! The questions came after about 2 weeks......and the answers started to emerge after that. The movie captures that send of 'quest' so well.
Just finished my first camino and loved everything about it, even the pain and frustration when it presented itself. Hoping that the movie will still be showing when we get back to Adelaide as we will both be seeing it. My wife did her first (by herself) in 2018 and her take on it was that it was life affirming but not life changing. I think that's how I feel about it as well. My other quote on the camino is that it is like the United Nations but one that actually achieves something positive. People from a vast range of different countries, race and religions (not all pilgrims are Christians) walking together, helping each other out, talking about life and enjoying themselves with the common purpose of finishing. Sounds like world harmony to me 🙏👍
So glad to hear you had a great Camino Steve. 🙂
Hi. Do you fly via Dubai to Paris in this video? I played it over & over about 10 times and could not make out what you said.
Yes. I flew Sydney-Dubai-Paris.
Hi Kim, I've been through the transcript of this video and didn't see any references to flights. Maybe it was on another video or I just missed it. Anyway. (1) For a start in St Jean on the Frances I fly into Paris. via Dubai is easy from Australia. (2) For caminos down South I fly into Madrid. Though this can also work for the Frances by getting a train to Pamplona and bus to St Jean. This video might help. kzread.info/dash/bejne/go16t5trfKi-h5s.html
Are you on the Camino Frances or another route now? What's your experience of finding accomodation? Hard to get?
One suggestion I have heard is to start you Camino on the 2 week or the 4 week of the month. Also starting to walk on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday keeps you out of the wave of people starting at the weekends. This makes total sense to me… 🥾🥾
Yes, good tips! 🙂 In the past I have left St Jean on a Tuesday for that reason.
A possible avoidance strategy on Camino Frances might be to walk it 'out of season' Rob. It seems to me that the Spring into Early Summer is chosen by most people, how about doing it in late Autumn/Fall. Yes the weather would be more changeable, sometimes cold and wet, but not to the extent of preventing the walk. Your views on this might be appreciated.
Indeed, the issue of crowds comes about because many people want to walk in peak season. The peak season on the Camino Frances is May/June and Sep/Oct, though it is is fairly bust through the summer. From a personal perspective, if I wanted to avoid crowds on the Camino Frances, I might start early April or early October. But the weather would be cooler and wetter, which may or may not suit you. Also if starting from St Jean, the Napoleon route might be closed. If I really wanted to avoid crowds? I would walk another route.......there are plenty of options. The Frances right now is very popular.
Thanks for this. A balanced approach I think and it’s given me some strategies to try, particularly actually doing a bit of planning and thinking. Up to now I have really just turned up and wandered off but if the trend continues then that will need to change. The reality is that using my vagabond approach I have never had to sleep under the stars so it’s not that bad.
THere are so many routes and so many accommodation options........
Hello Rob. Thank your videos. A video for booking accommodation would be very useful. Keep up the good work. Your channel is very informative.
Sure thing. I'll show you how I do my bookings.
The busiest periods generally on the Francès are April-May and September to mid-October -- but as to Sarria > Santiago it's between April and mid-October, including the Summer months.
Good point Julian. How many times have you walked that section from Sarria? I few I'm sure!
Thank you Rob. I certainly appreciate and respect your views in response to my question. You provide much food for thought and I will put it to good use as I continue my Camino‘s planning stage. And the planning just adds to the excitement of the whole experience. I look forward to your next episode🤙🏽
I enjoy the planning almost as much as the Camino! Well, maybe not quite that much........ 🙂
You are not in traffic, you are traffic.
So True!
I didn't avoid them. I called it quits at Sarria and went home.
I guess that's one solution....... Have you walked a few Caminos before? I'm not sure I could walk that section from Sarria again. I would probably switch to another route.
@@robscamino it was a bit rash I suppose , on reflection I should have got a train to Logrono and walked back to St. Jean. Navara is definitely my favourite stretch
@@Irishshootingchannel If you do another one, maybe pick a different route. Or switch to a different route as you near Sarria. The Invierno from Ponferrada is superb!
@@Irishshootingchannel I love Navarre too. So many wonderful landscapes on the different routes. I really enjoyed the mix last year. The mostly wide open landscapes of the VdlP, rather like the Meseta on the Frances, and then the hills and valleys of the Invierno.
That is too bad. There are plenty of smaller towns you can stay in that have no crowds at all. Leaving at sunrise, I often walked alone last year for several hours. By the time I met others, they were not in crowds, but spread out. Only the last day was crowded, but that was pure fun, as everyone was excited about getting to Santiago. I didn't care about the noon mass, so took my time, stopped at every cafe to stretch the last day out. With some of the large groups, they were joyful, excited about being on the Camino and I enjoyed seeing them. The senior Spaniards especially. They were having such a good time.
Love your videos - if it were possible, would you consider showing on a map, the locations you are talking about?
The places I mentioned are easily found on Gronze. I was talking mainly about these sections on the Camino Frances. 1A, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 www.gronze.com/camino-frances
@@robscamino thankyou what a fabulous resource. Love your work. Fellow Australian
Another Camino KZread channel I follow is the Camino Tellers. They are currently on the Camino Frances on the Meseta somewhere (they’ve been doing a 10 minute live stream each day). Their goal is to stay off stage and not pre book anywhere. So far they have found beds every day without any issues.
Good to hear. The problem comes about when people want to walk the most popular route, at the most popular time, staying at the most popular accommodation types, at the most popular budget point, in the most popular towns and villages......... So it just makes sense...............not to! 🙄
Thanks for the videos, Rob - they've been a great help. Re: origins, I recently completed the Camino Primitivo (Original Way). It's the route Alfonso II walked in 813 to verify that the remains that were found in Northwest Spain were that of Saint James, which created the Camino de Santiago. The French Way became the traditional route centuries later. Known as one of the quieter ones, myself and others were surprised at how many people were doing the Primitivo (it was May). Still ample opportunities to walk alone, though, despite its rise in popularity. I'm with you on not adhering strictly to the guidebook. I flew into Oviedo on a Friday and started walking on Sunday, which a lot of people did. My advice to avoid crowds would be to start walking earlier in the week, if you can swing it with work etc. Although the Primitivo is also said to be the most difficult route as it's the most offroad (mountains, forests and varying gradients), I hope you get to do it at some stage, Rob. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Yes, it's a route I would certainly love to try......
Hi,I'm walking the Camino in August I heard you say you stayed in private accommodation,I can't stay in albergues for personal reasons.will I find it hard to find b and b or hotels at the end of my day's walk I don't want to book ahead I'm 71 and just don't know how far I can go I'm fit for my age and can't wait to get started.id appreciate any help on this matter.thank you so much.
August is quite busy so it's hard to say. Maybe avoid the popular stops and see how you go.
Saw this beautiful, delightful movie today and so enjoyed it! As it happens I'm headed on my first Camino in September and am so excited and fearfull at the same time. Bill and his pilgrim friends have inspired me so much! The power of film to spark such joy and be so authentic is amazing!
It's a wonderful movie. And I think in terms of capturing the essence of the Camino, it scores 10/10 ! 🙂 Which Camino route are you planning to walk?
Woo Hoo. I might see it again tomorrow. Coming? newtown.dendy.com.au/movie/the-way-my-way
Not sure if I missed it, how did you travel back to Australia after you finished in Muxia? Been binge watching all your videos Rob!😊
I don't think I mentioned it. I actually did a side trip to visit family in France. But essentially I repeated the outbound journey. Flew back to Madrid, stayed there overnight, then next day flew back to Sydney via Dubai.
Thanx Rob! Were you able you take a train or bus from Muxia into France? We live in Melbourne and were thinking of doing the Frances next year, starting towards end April - our first Camino. Then after Santago, doing the Finistere to Muxia. And if possible, travel to Madrid from Muxia before coming home.
OK, sounds like two questions in one there. Or I'm confused, So I'll lay this out. (1) My journey was, Sydney to Madrid to Seville. Walk the Camino to Santiago and on to Fisterra and Muxia. Muxia is a tiny fishing village with a 90 min bus service back to Santiago. (2) My 'simple' return, would have been. Bus from Muxia to Santiago, fly to Madrid, return flight to Sydney. (3) My 'actual' return journey was.... Muxia to Santiago by Bus, fly to Bordeaux. time in Bordeaux. Fly back Bordeaux to Madrid, to Sydney. (4) If you look at www.rome2rio.com/ it's a great initial planning tool. (5) Things to note. (a) Discount airline fares in Europe are crazy cheap. Though look for extra charges for luggage etc. (b) I have used a few such as Ryanair, Vuelling, etc. (c) I look at Ryanair first as they have an extensive network, though not often to major hubs. (d) be prepared to use a range of Airlines. ie. I used Ryan air for Santiago-Bordeaux. and Vuelling for Bordeaux to Madrid. (6) Train from Santiago to France was going to be too long and complicated. But train works well back to Madrid. Just a bit of research required to see what options you have available. (7) To put that into context, I was booking flights last night for next year. I want to use 'points'. So I came up with 2 options. (a) Sydney-Taipei-Tokyo-Helsinki-London or (b) Sydney-Melbourne-Delhi-Paris-London. There are always lots of options to get anywhere! (8) Key point. There are loads of cheap flights within Europe! So your entry and exit point coming from Australia can have lots of options. Hope that all makes sense. If not, please ask.
Wow! Thank you só much for all this information Rob! Much appreciated!
Happy to help.
Taking an electric shaver is just more weight - so two Camino beards have been grown!! Haircuts … nah…
100% 🙂
Thanks, Rob your advice is spot on as usual. Thank you for all the great videos that helped me plan two Caminos. Obviously I'm back for more before my third Camino. On my 2022 French Camino, I flew to Paris from Atlanta USA planning two nights thinking I would have to get a health card for the EU. That was discontinued so I had two days wonderful sightseeing in Paris and scheduled two nights in Saint Jean. By the time I get to Saint Jean, exactly as you said, I was busting to get going and left a day early. Coming from the US, if you spend the night in Paris, one night in St. Jean is sufficient. If you don't spend the night in Paris and come all the way to Saint Jean, from US, I would recommend two nights.
Which route will you walk for Number Three? So many to choose from 🙂
@@robscamino Primitivo if I can get there before October. Maybe a winter Via de Plata or Invierno after watching your videos! Looking for more solitude.
Plenty of solitude on those routes !
Thanks Rob, yes, travelling from Australia I always feel the benefit of two days rest, even if I am more interested in watching the pilgrims than sight seeing. Cheers, and thanks for your efforts, love listening to your take on things, even though at my age and stage, I pretty well make up my own mind as to what will suit me ( as you said )😊
There is no right or wrong way to plan and walk a Camino. We just learn what suits us over time 🙂
Thanks again watched many of your videos you are very good to motivate the people to have a Camino experience thanks I became a Hospitalero will be in Samos for two weeks in October thanks for all your good work
Wow, well done Anton! Pat and I did the trainin g this year but not sure when we'll get back to the Camino.
I’m thinking about staying 2 nights there, however, maybe walking to orisson on day one, taxi back. Then taxi to Orisson on day two and walk on from there. Still undecided
That's what I do. Express Bouricot office used to be a few doors down from the Pilgrim Office. Drop in there to enquire maybe? maps.app.goo.gl/57Zta4HheDFvvzWx8. Maybe walk a bit further on day one? And get picked up.www.expressbourricot.com/passengers-transport/
that's what I am doing - flying in from Australia
@@robscamino Thanks, I will give it a try
Thanks again Rob! Yes, that it pretty much what I figured--it looks like a wonderful place to start, but then it will be time to get going. I will be coming from the US west coast, so it will be a long trip. I will have to decide when my route looks more defined, what time of day I am actually arriving there, and how tired think I will be by that time. I agree--watching other people walk out of town while I am having my tea in a cafe would be hard.
Very hard. I even find zero days (rest days) very hard! ....... though essential for me if on a longer Camino.
If you have a fixed number of days for your Camino (20 days? 30 days?) you might not want to "waste" any of those days in SJPP. Another consideration is the need to book well in advance if you plan to stay in Orisson. This booking will determine your SJPP stay.
Good points Margaret!
Two Aussies - mid 60's who are planning their first Camino for 2025. Can you suggest a Health Insurance that we can use - we do not want to rely on only the excellent Spanish Health care system. We are enjoying your videos and blog posts!
I think there are so many with varying types of cover, you might want to shop around. I now use the free health insrurance offered by my bank. It seems to provide the cover I need. (westpac and CBA)
Thank you Rob - will look into CBA - was not aware of that.
They are generally linked to a credit card account I think. There may be some conditions such as spending a specified amount, 'pre travel' on your credit card. I think mine was $600. Not hard to do coming from Australia!
Great subject. I will be doing the VLDP next march, and I plan to fly into madrid from Perth. Spend a night, then train it to Seville for one night and begin my Odyssey. I can't wait.
Nice. Last year I did similar. Landed in Madrid and caught the train to Seville and had a 'day off' there before starting.
When we’ve left from St Jean we go via Barcelona. A couple days rest there. One night only in St Jean. Enough time to visit the pilgrims office. Get a pilgrims blessing from the church, then on our way bright and early in the morning. Thanks mick
How do you get from Barcelona to St Jeam Mick? Train to Pamplona then a Bus?
@@robscamino the train from Barcelona to Pamplona arrives after the bus has left ( so I’ve worked out ) so we book a cab. It’s a bit expensive, but having pre booked everything we need to keep to that schedule . Not for everyone, but we are ok with pre booking with a company. That’s a video for you pros and cons of going through a company. Im a fan of them. Cheers again
Glad it worked out for you Mick. I tend to keep my plans fluid 😉