One Step at a Time - julia_t begins the Camino de Santiago
#26
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"You do not need to be horribly fit... if you can walk around a mall..."
Well, those early stages crossing the Pyrenees and through the foothills are certainly no stroll round a shopping centre, let alone a walk in the park! They are steep, both uphill and down, and the terrain is very uneven and rocky. The climb is from 180m to 1,430m. The ascent from Pamplona to Alto del Perdon is no picnic either.
Please don't underestimate those uphill sections. They are hard work on the legs and lungs and heart. I trained twice-weekly on hills for 3 months beforehand and would have really struggled had I not. I saw many people having problems on those inclines.
But many miles of the Camino are much more level and manageable. There are no rules as to where anyone has to start, you don't have to climb mountains!
Well, those early stages crossing the Pyrenees and through the foothills are certainly no stroll round a shopping centre, let alone a walk in the park! They are steep, both uphill and down, and the terrain is very uneven and rocky. The climb is from 180m to 1,430m. The ascent from Pamplona to Alto del Perdon is no picnic either.
Please don't underestimate those uphill sections. They are hard work on the legs and lungs and heart. I trained twice-weekly on hills for 3 months beforehand and would have really struggled had I not. I saw many people having problems on those inclines.
But many miles of the Camino are much more level and manageable. There are no rules as to where anyone has to start, you don't have to climb mountains!
#27
Join Date: Jun 2004
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I agree. Anyone who can walk can certainly do a LOT of the camino and could even be selective of NOT doing a hill or two if need be. It's a wonderful experience that ordinary people should not feel intimidated by.. nor should they try to do more than their body dictates. What is so nice is everyone can decide just how long, where and how high he wants to go!
Looking forward to more Camino stories!
Looking forward to more Camino stories!
#30
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Over the years I have watched the camino become more and more popular,to the point where I became saddened.With the popularity it was inevitable that problems would arise.
I was following the story of one pilgrim who had disappeared and the intense dedication of her family to find out what had happened to her while walking the camino. Today in El Pais I was even more saddened to learn that the problem especially for women walking alone is increasing.
http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/09/24/...44_960415.html
I was following the story of one pilgrim who had disappeared and the intense dedication of her family to find out what had happened to her while walking the camino. Today in El Pais I was even more saddened to learn that the problem especially for women walking alone is increasing.
http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/09/24/...44_960415.html
#31
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I am working on the final installment, but I got distracted by this wonderful documentary film and accompanying blog...
http://withoutbaggage.com/camino-de-santiago/
http://withoutbaggage.com/camino-de-santiago/
#32
Join Date: Feb 2003
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Hello Julia! What a great report, thank you, looking forward to the end. Are you planning to go back next year to continue? It does get into your blood! I just got back from doing the last 100+ kms of the Francés and already thinking of the next one!
Lincasanova, stay tuned!!
Lincasanova, stay tuned!!
#33
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I still have to finish my last day's walking from Pamplona - it's coming along slowly, in between work and general 'stuff'!
But just in case anyone is interested, here are some of my photos taken along the way...
https://www.facebook.com/julia.trow/...7170260&type=3
(I've made it a public album so anyone should be able to view it regardless of whether they belong to facebook or not.)
But just in case anyone is interested, here are some of my photos taken along the way...
https://www.facebook.com/julia.trow/...7170260&type=3
(I've made it a public album so anyone should be able to view it regardless of whether they belong to facebook or not.)
#36
The photos of the animal cut-outs reminded me of Tim Moore's account of his Camino, published as "Travels with My Donkey" in the U.S. I believe the British title was funnier. It's a good book, perhaps a little less reverent than some would like.
I'd like to walk at least a piece of it. Looking forward to more of your tale.
I'd like to walk at least a piece of it. Looking forward to more of your tale.