My Dad walked 850km’s from St Jean in 5 weeks, finishing his journey this week 9 years ago. His daily WhatsApp’s to us kids were saved on my Notes, and when he joined us at Christmas that year, I uploaded all his photos onto my computer, and over the next few months I built up a book of those memoirs. It really was a 100 page hard covered photo book that we had printed for him at enormous expense but I remember feeling every single memory for him. Crowds aside (he had made mention that from a certain point closer to the end, every night was like a party for the travellers, something I imagine he felt distasteful), I know my Dad made use of his guidebooks to seek slightly more alternate routes, sometimes to ensure he could get a bed for the night, sometimes because he needed the quiet. I thoroughly enjoyed his musings at the days end, describing the characters who he encountered on the day, his views on the Spanish agriculture and given his spiritual (Christian) beliefs, his thoughts on how each town seemed to have gilded churches despite widespread poverty.
Hope your trip is successful. Good luck with the visa.
Gaenor what an incredibly special gift that book will have been – I'm sure your dad has looked through it often! And, what a lot of work to put it all together. I think the usual route from St Jean is 780km, so I wonder what other routes he took in... maybe the Invierno, which we walked in July. We met a woman from Harare who'd done the French until Ponferrada and then - seeking quiet - headed off on the Invierno. The 'certain point' you mention... I wonder if that's Sarria. That town is about 100km from Santiago and, apparently, is the most popular starting point as anyone who is doing the walk for religious reasons and wants to get the certificate at the end needs to have walked a minimum of 100km.
Very much looking forward to this adventure. The itch to walk across Spain has never really left me in the 30-something years since I first read As I Walked Out One Midsummer's Morning. If anything, it keeps growing. (On a related note I have Mark's book firmly ensconced on my Christmas list!)
I truly hope the visa isn't too much longer, admin slowing adventure just feels wrong on several levels.
It’ll still be wonderful and hopefully by October much less people than other months. Buen Camino!
Thank you Megan – I'm so looking forward to it! My pack's been packed for more than a week already. Still waiting on that visa...
My Dad walked 850km’s from St Jean in 5 weeks, finishing his journey this week 9 years ago. His daily WhatsApp’s to us kids were saved on my Notes, and when he joined us at Christmas that year, I uploaded all his photos onto my computer, and over the next few months I built up a book of those memoirs. It really was a 100 page hard covered photo book that we had printed for him at enormous expense but I remember feeling every single memory for him. Crowds aside (he had made mention that from a certain point closer to the end, every night was like a party for the travellers, something I imagine he felt distasteful), I know my Dad made use of his guidebooks to seek slightly more alternate routes, sometimes to ensure he could get a bed for the night, sometimes because he needed the quiet. I thoroughly enjoyed his musings at the days end, describing the characters who he encountered on the day, his views on the Spanish agriculture and given his spiritual (Christian) beliefs, his thoughts on how each town seemed to have gilded churches despite widespread poverty.
Hope your trip is successful. Good luck with the visa.
Xx
Gaenor what an incredibly special gift that book will have been – I'm sure your dad has looked through it often! And, what a lot of work to put it all together. I think the usual route from St Jean is 780km, so I wonder what other routes he took in... maybe the Invierno, which we walked in July. We met a woman from Harare who'd done the French until Ponferrada and then - seeking quiet - headed off on the Invierno. The 'certain point' you mention... I wonder if that's Sarria. That town is about 100km from Santiago and, apparently, is the most popular starting point as anyone who is doing the walk for religious reasons and wants to get the certificate at the end needs to have walked a minimum of 100km.
Sounds blissful, my friend. Yes, even with the blisters. As you say, the not so ordinary has its prices. But my goodness, the rewards!
Can’t wait for an update. ♥️
Thank you dear Holly! Blister-prevention prep in full swing, and blister-treatment gear all accounted for :)
Very much looking forward to this adventure. The itch to walk across Spain has never really left me in the 30-something years since I first read As I Walked Out One Midsummer's Morning. If anything, it keeps growing. (On a related note I have Mark's book firmly ensconced on my Christmas list!)
I truly hope the visa isn't too much longer, admin slowing adventure just feels wrong on several levels.
Looking forward to following your walk!
Thank you - I can't wait to get started!!
Wonderful! Fingers crossed for your visa!
Thank you Claire! Hoping I'll hear news of the visa tomorrow 🤞🏽