Zubiri to Pamplona 23km

Today…rain, sun, wind ..repeat all day!

Sleeping …..or not!

Sleeping is not an easy task for me at the best of times . Like my father, i wake up to almost every noise, grunt, snore , trip to the toilet and rustle in these hostels. But we are really enjoying this type of freedom. It’s not their fault I can’t sleep properly even with earplugs. I lay awake listening to the snorers with envy. My body is tired but my head is buzzing due to the excitement, being out all day in nature and witnessing new sounds, noises and jumping puddles at every turn. I process the day over and over again and feel excitement at what the next day will bring . Then there is my beloved husband Phil who sleeps below me and snores occasionally . I have worked out that if I flick the towel strategically from my top bunk , I can hit his head and make him turn over. Shame I can’t do that to all the snorers but with only 12 tonight it can’t be too bad. There’s 2 snoring sawmills in operation as I write. Please no more ! I’m thinking that we could be lumbered with these snorers for many days now as it’s winter and we are sure to be in many ofnthe same hostels ! My earphones are ready.

Phil thinks there is an elephant on the top bunk as I keep tossing and turning and rocking the bunks which are always creaky so tit for tat . . snoring vs rocking the bunk! Sleeping on a top bunk is like being a youngster again! I have my things around me like a little camp.

The hostel

Jesus y Maria is fully equipped and spacious but luke warm showers mean that no one spends longer than they have to in them ! I have resorted to drying clothes quickly under the hand dryer as the 2 or 3 radiators were already full! The lights go out rather arbitrarily at 11 here but this is 1 hour longer than summer time. Stinke and I are giggling at the snorers and Phil wants me to hit them with the towel like I do to him.

There are 12 of us in this hostel and we greeted the Koreans with a hug whom we have followed since st Jean. This kind of relationship with other pilgrims is quite a new experience where you share accommodation, domestic business , chat with on a daily basis and are share exactly the same goal. Koreans don’t usually go about hugging strangers either . It’s great to share international love ! We may have another pilgrim tomorrow to add to our group of 4 . Kat from Germany. She has cancerous tumours and wants to do the pilgrimage whilst she still can . We will give her lots of love and positive energy tomorrow and I’ll offer some reiki and massage. Miracles happen on the camino. You never know . …

Spanish man’s offer

Angry Spanish man who only speaks from the first hostel is not so angry now although still agitated . He kept offering us chocolate and said “gracias” at every opportunity when we made broken Spanish conversation with him. He moves like a rocket at 5am each morning and tells me he gets lost because he can’t always see the yellow arrows in the dark and has to do 2 stages each day due to time commitments . But racing round the Camino like its assault course can’t be ideal for someone like him that really needs to slow down . However , only on the second night of meeting him , he asked Phil if he could get involved in some cross country cannabis deal to England!. Speaking in Spanish only and Phil not speaking the language, it was up to Stinke and I to translate his ideas and for Phil to fill in the rest with gestures. Thanks but no thanks haha! You get all sorts on the camino! The camino pilgrims are not the best clients to be asking for these types of business ideas! Perhaps the chocolate was a ruse. He also gave me a banana. My mum always said never accept sweets from strangers …

The journey

The journey was snowless but very pretty, hilly and through a lot of countryside and woodland paths. Medieval bridges are making an appreance. It may not be like this in high season but many paths were overgrown with wild roses and brambles that we had to fight our way though. It all added to the adventure though.

Again it was muddy and we had great fun puddle hopping . If the river got even higher I think we would have needed a boat! We passed the bridge featured in “The Way” where Martin Sheen drops his bag in and swims in to get it . Not a chance in real-life. These waters are deadly.

We also all felt solemn in a particular part of the woods. We all spoke and agreed that it felt something gloomy had happened there . It’s strange the things you think and feel on the camino when you are in nature, you mind is free and open to the energies! A little further there was a cross of Rosanna do Verona who died on the camino. When you do research you find out many people have died on it and are all remembered on the way. They died doing something they loved . Perhaps that energy never goes away. RIP fellow pilgrims.

A man was standing in an underpass selling fruit out of a bag . We felt sorry for him and bought a banana for 80 cents and told him there were no other pilgrims coming so he might as well go home . He packed up his fruit bag and walked us to the next camino trail, proudly showing us a map of his region and wishing us buen camino.

Pamplona Cathedral

Just in time for mass , we popped in for a look, partially because during mass it’s free but also to experience this religious culture. We happen to like churches and absorbed the energy within. My hair stands on end each time The priests enter the room and The congregation prepare to stand . The mass was so full that people had trouble finding a pew and many resorted to standing round giant tv screens to get a better view of the front! Phil and I have trouble accepting all the pomp and ceremony related to Catholicism but it is wonderful that so many people get together in this day and age to worship and share their love and spirit.

Equipment update for camino goers ..

My Lowland poncho with it’s special rucksack space is more practical than a normal poncho because it doesn’t flap in the wind but I find I need Phil to just pull it down at the back to fit more snug. Always bring a cap or hat with a peak because poncho hats will annoy you as they always seem to block your sight slightly and make you look down ( bad for back) . Reminder…take poncho off when walking through undergrowth as they rip EASILY!

Walking sticks are great not only for hiking but for poking in the direction of growling dogs , pushing undergrowth out of the way ( which had all been wild roses and brambles so far) and using as crutches for our blister ridden Karen ( who is doing much better today)

It’s very muddy . We kept our waterproof trousers in all day today . They save a lot of laundry! Also my poundshop gel cushions for balls of feet are amazing . Bring them and put them between socks or in shoes .

We brought too many clothes!

We are sending back 1 pair of trousers each and a jumper plus gaiters. Wearing running pants/ merino leggings and waterproof trousers/ walking trousers enough . Even at 6 to 8c it’s too warm . Merino wool dries straight away and due to the temperatures we aren’t sweating so to be honest just washing the underarm of jumper and skin teashirt is enough for a few days until we make a washing load .

So another great day and another camino cat that we fell in love with!

Roncevalles to Zubiri 30km ( or 35km solely on the road)

Everyone was awake and started to move at 530am! Where’s the rush ? It’s winter !! Once people start rustling and shuffling there is no going back to sleep. If you can’t beat ’em join ’em!

We could have mistakenly thought it was the first day of spring today . 8c, blazing sun late morning and blue sky, we were soon down to 2 thin layers . We have definitely brought too many clothes. Once you get going, no matter how cold , the layers come off! The long route down the mountain was filled with amazing views and horses with great cowbells on them ( I thought only cows wore these). We started the day ( as most pilgrims start here) with a photo next to the Camino de Santiago sign 790km.

The first minor hiccup is that I pulled out my black gloves and realised i now have cheap black gloves instead of expensive silk ones! Word of warning! Put your smalls in a £1 net bag when jointly drying and washing in a hostel. ( I have one but didn’t use it !) I haven’t located the pilgrim who has mine . You never know . They may turn up somewhere.

Lots of stories are to be told on the camino. Stinke, our Finnish companion told us today that she enjoys naked mud wrestling as a sport and showed us a highly entertaining video. Plenty more on youtube! The more I hear about Finland, the more I think we need to go ! But whilstbyou share stories, you mist remember to keep looking for the arrows or signs this one was under a bridge ….

Our camino daughter , Karen, 21 from the Ukraine is already plagued by blisters due to wearing trainers which got soaked on first day . She ended up in flip flops. Whatever your budget, dont skimp on footwear . Skimp on pilgrim meals instead and cook your own at hostel!

We are all going to contribute towards some suitable footwear for her otherwise we fear she won’t get far.

Our first obstacle was a tiny stream which was now a torrent and only a few blocks to brave it across . 1 part was broken and we failed to find other bricks . This meant a leap of faith and also became a comedy show as walkers lamely tried to jump and got wet ! Karen in trainers couldn’t participate in any off road activities. Only good boots for a winter Camino if you want to enjoy it!

Stinke and I went bravely off road on the camino track . Again only possible with good boots as this beautiful path changed at every corner from gushing water path which resembled ornamental features to snow filled path . When we trod in it , the snow was often disguised as blocks of slush. It was so much fun feeling like an adventurer or stumbling from patch to patch to avoid a soaking boot. The sun made the rain and snow glisten like a real winter wonderland . It was worth the dampness at the end .

These mini streams of water and snow covered paths seem to continually follow most paths on the mountain camino paths . There is only so much jumping you can do to avoid being a bit wet!

Lunch was on the roadside lay-by . Socks came off to air our tired feet , we must have looked rather amusing and we always get plenty of hoots from vehicles on the journey which is really encouraging. The last time I got that many hoots was when I was younger wearing skimpy clothes!

We were warned not to do the last off road section due to exposed slippery rocks which was a shame! Poor Phil and Karen kept to the road and completed 35km . We did 30km and was much more fun. However all our feet ache a lot now. Wear and tear on the feet are becoming apparent now . No blisters for Phil or myself . HINT :A dab of Vaseline, pop Socks and merino socks seems to be doing the trick for me so far! 2 pairs of socks and good boots is far too warm even in winter .

Once in and showered, our legs stopped working so Phil and I missed the restaurant. I am a little concerned about our strange camino diet from day to day . We take a horse sized vitamin pill and hope for the best ! Dinner tonight was bread, sardines, chorizo , tomato, peanuts and miso soup in the hostel. I can tell you that good intentions go out the window once to are clean and lie down on your bed and start stretching !

Phil is continuing with his haiku poems and luckily our hostel as a lovely fire to dry our boots. (Don’t forget to put balls of newspaper them )

A shorter day tomorrow -Pamplona 20km! It’s the first time I have put the words “shorter day” and “20km” in the same sentence ! Phil and I have both smashed our steps record too! We ‘ll have extra wine tomorrow as I’ve had none today…..

Valcarlos to Roncevalles 18km

I started by remembering the warning from the pilgrims office not to divert from the road as slippery etc….. that was putting temptation in our way even though the forecast was rain all day!

The pictures don’t do the scenery justice. The air was invigorating and damp as we walked through the clouds. The off road paths were narrow and slippery but our hiking sticks saved the day and each push took weight off our bodies and into our arms . The camino provided almost at the very moment we needed a shelter to add our poncho and rest ….a disused building. This was the only shelter on the Valcarlos route 6km in so be warned !

There is a lot of road walking on this route although scenic . Although getting close to freezing temperatures, walking uphill meant we were taking layers off as sweating . This meant we couldn’t stop due to risk of sweat turning cold .

The first off road path was easy enough so we braved the next one. It couldn’t hurt could it…….?

It was a happy time at first but as we got higher the snow suddenly became thick and the land steep. We had forgotten we still had a lot of the 1057m to do and this wasnt getting easier.

It was melting slightly so every step became wet and the terrain underneath was unstable and muddy. The snow was often over boot high. Having had mild panic attacks in the wilderness before I breathed deeply and smiled although really nervous . Phil and Stinke seemed fine ! The camino wasn’t going to finish me today !

Finally making it to the road and summit we reached the roadsign and i promptly fell into the snow which was thigh high ! Consequently I was dragged out and taught by Stinke to kneel out of the snow .

Equipment and health update

Nearly everything is doing well . The Merryl boots were just starting to get damp but had been through deep slushy snow for 2 hours. The Lowland poncho and my rain trousers seem effective but my Mountain Warehouse extreme coat was damp inside after a couple of hours. The poles are an absolute must !

No blisters and no aches. Phil and I are feeling wonderful and free spirited !

We all went into the restaurant and had a 10 euro pilgrim meal . Pasta dish, chicken and potato dish, a yoghurt and half bottle of wine. We all took over the only working radiator . Radiators are in demand here. I don’t know how these places cope with more pilgrims on a rainy day. We bring a plastic door hook and washing line with us.

Stinke wasn’t sure about the head on her delicious trout ( another pilgrim option )!

Roncesvalles and albergue

Because its winter we are actually staying in the Collegiate here! ( like a monastery) .

This looks down onto the newer high season albergue with 180 beds. There are just 9 of us here tonight .

We were invited by a priest to have a tour of the Collegiate . The first gothic church in Spain , it holds a very special energy and has seen a lot of history and battles unfold around here . This is also the first crypt we have been to which isn’t for tombs but for structural purposes . We also went to mass because it seemed a pilgrim like thing to do and although we aren’t Catholic, we are religious. The priests also promised us a blessing and I thought we could do with as many blessings as possible on this journey!

More pilgrims arrive

Today there are 3 Koreans ( 1 with a hairdryer which we could use to dry clothes) , a crazy, stressed Spanish guy from Valencia who needs to do the Camino before he has any more fights with Italians , his pilgrim partner who doesn’t speak at all and a sweet , tiny but very naive 21 year old from Ukraine who we have spent most of the night parenting because she came with over 14kg and can barely carry it, had soaking wet trainers ( yes trainers !) No hiking gear and terrible blisters after 28km from St Jean. Even the priest has told her to rest for a day but she won’t. We’ve contributed first aid items, Phil has been doing his fatherly bit, I’ve donated pop socks ( extra layer on feet to prevent friction) and given advice and we are going as a canino family tomorrow and see what arises.

Free washing machine and tumble dryer!!!!! The dorm looks like a Chinese laundry. Something we will have to get used to……..

St Jean Pied de Port to Valcarlos 15.5km

The quaint medival but desolate streets of St Jean. We felt very proud to have the road exclusively to ourselves!

St Jean is the capital of Navarre and a traditional starting point for the Frances way. Anyone thinking of coming from Bayonne as we did ( Stansted to Biarritz £9.99 each then Biarritz to bayonne by 1 euro bus) needs to know that the last train for St Jean leaves at 1830.

This is the only available route between November and March due to the danger of the high grounds of the Pyrenees. If you are caught on the Napoleon route you may be fined up to 12000 euros or even worse die of exposure as it reaches 1400m! Valcarlos, named after Charlemagne, the king and emporer in the 8th and 18th century was said to have been playing chess in this valley when he heard the horn of his nephew which signalled grave danger ( he died!)

As expected the pilgrims office at St Jean was empty except for 2 volunteers who prepared our credentials ( The card which you must hold which gets stamped throughout the Camino so you can enter hostels ) . At 2 euro each this is their only income apart from selling scallop shells . It’s amazing what contribution this office make to the camino and are there to help with everything .

Although it was almost entirely by the roadside, it was quiet and very pretty even with the bare trees. The snow topped mountain peaks are very majestic against the rolling hills which reminded us of Wales. Gradual inclines and declines meant I made good use of the hiking poles although i wouldnt say they were necessary. The red and white traditional Basque houses sit comfortably in the lush green hills and miniature farms and allotments . The locals although few and far between seem very relaxed in their environment.

We met Stinke at the office , a Finnish lady whom I met on an online forum who was as equally as crazy as us and ignored all efforts of go later in the year. We planned to brave the Pyrenees together . We chatted non stop for hours. The beauty of the canino is that it brings out the best meaningful and interesting conversation in people . You can feel like you have known someone for a long time after 1 day !

Winter caminos have their advantages. We felt like the Camino belonged to just us today . No other pilgrim about ! Our hostel was just for us and after being given a door code we entered and used Valcarlos municipal like it was our own home. A guy came round for a measly 10 euros each and told us he would cook us breakfast in morning ! Then promptly left again. Having our own kitchen meant we could make our own supper . People seem very grateful for our custom and have time to speak to us. There are no queues and no waiting . No sunburn and no overheating .

Only one faux pas today . I asked the bartender in Arneguy which country we were in ( town on border ) and he said proudly ” the Basque country of course”. The Basque area is part of both Spain and France as an autonomous region with its own language and culture! But I was happy as a glass of wine has gone down to 1 euro !

So far so good. Rain forecast for next few days so we ‘ll be testing the rain clothes . But we are feeling fit and fabulous, getting used to rucksack weight and wine is cheap ( which I have been told helps with aches and pains

Packing and preparation

You will find everyone has their own ways to pack and prepare and it is useful to look at the myriad of online guides.

Our packing lists are based loosely on these numerous websites and forums. Buy the best you can afford. Better equipment requires superior fabric and workmanship and is reflected in the cost. There are many choices to make. More waterproofing may mean less breathability. More labour saving and entertainment equipment means more to carry. There will be sacrifices to make. I’ve just decided to leave my Kindle Fire 8 and case behind and just use my phone because thats half a kilo less I have to carry for 800km! There are money savings to be made but don’t make them on footwear, raingear and rucksack!

Everything we are wearing and taking is below. For those planning a hike the complete list and brands are below with our reasons if necessary.

Some things we can share ie first aid kit, charger and small accessories but most things are needed by both of us. Washing powder is provided by hostels to use the washing machine but we have a mini bar soap to hand wash small or can shower with the clothes in the shower base.

Sleeping will usually be in an albergue ( hostel in spanish) due to cost and the most interesting people are always found in hostels. Wild camping is mostly illegal in Spain and its not practical to carry camping equipment. Depending on what we pay we may or may not have heating so must be prepared to keep warm this winter.

All clothes should be quick to dry and sweat repelling so synthetics are better . We could be walking for hours in the rain and cold or we could walk in 12c sunshine. We must be prepared for all events!

My list

Sleep

Mummy Sleeping bag (Helio hydrophobic duck down £130, 1 silk bag liner £40, 1 pair of trainer socks, 1 Nike dry fit top, 1 pair of Crocs ( hostels, showers)

Outfit x 2 ( 1 to walk and 1 to change)

2 tee shirts ( Under Armour and Skin 360), 2 thin merino wool jumpers, 1 thin fleece jacket, 1 pink arm/ leg warmers, 2 hiking trousers ( 1 with zips at knee), Merryl hiking boots (£100), 2 thermal merino leggings , chiffon wide scarf ( also to make sarong)

Rain

1 walking coat ( Mountain Warehouse Extreme 5000g/m2, 1pair of rain trousers 5000g/ m2 (Gelert) 1 poncho with rucksack space ( Lowland) 7000g/m2 (£38)

Accessories

Rucksack (Osprey 36l Stratos plus raincover. I liked the side opening and ventilated back system) pair of gaiters, ski gloves, silk glove liners, 1 hat with peak, 1 multi use snood, 1 pair Trekrite carbon walking poles, pair sunglasses, microfibre towel And facecloth , underwear including 4 pairs merino socks. (Wear 2 at a time), 2 pairs of tights ( extreme cold extra layer), Lush dry shampoo, 1 plastic soup mug with lid, 1 x hair turban and shower cap ( wet hair and cold hostels…) , earplugs, eye cover, door hook (very useful for shower and keeping clothes off floor) mini uv torch ( dirt and bed bugs detector), mini padlock ( lockers in hostels) Nivea cream ( windburn) , Vaseline ( stop friction on feet and helps prevent blisters) , John Brierly guide book, needle and cotton, spork ( combined fork and spoon) , pressure socks , waist belt, phone, 4 x usb charger and lead, basic toiletries including mini toiletries, safety pins ( hang and fix clothes) , washing line, curry powder, 1 giant emergency bag (also put rucksack in when in hostels to prevent bugs and dirt entering bag), mini lightweight rucksack ( evening use, carry on chest for water/ food/ phone etc), reading glasses, pen and note pad, Ziploc bags, mini hand wash and shower soap bar . Net clothes bag .

Phil’s list

Sleep

Sleeping bag (as above), Gelert bag liner

Outfits

1 cycling jumper, 1 fleece jacket, 2 hiking trousers with zips at knees (Diem) , 2 thin merino leggings, 2 thin long sleeve merino shirts, hiking boots (Karrimor WTX) , light scarf, thin shirt (evening and rest)

Rain

1 pair rain trousers (Peter Storm) , 1 Rain jacket ( Karrimor WTX extreme), 1 military surplus poncho

Accessories

60l rucksack ( Karrimor Leopard) plus raincover , Pair of gaiters, thin gloves, ski mittens, beanie, running headband (protect ears from cold) , snood, , wind face mask , 70l dry sack ( protects clothes in rucksack, Gelert soft fibre towel, 1 pair carbon walking poles (Karrimor) , mini 10l rucksack, pair sliders for hotel and shower (Adidas), underwear including 5 pairs of socks ( as above), sun and reading glasses, first aid kit, basic toiletries, compass, ear plugs and eye cover, pocket knife, over the door hook, phone and earphones, book, pen and note pad, washing line, whistle, spork, Ziploc bags, small stone ( to a spiritually significant place at Cruz de Ferro )

See http://www.caminoadventures.com/blog/cruz-de-ferro/

Preparation and intentions

Walking with our full rucksack and testing equipment en route helped us realise what we did or did not need . We often did a 20km walk on the weekend and exercised in general, including yoga, stretching and squats. We have also read camino journals, guide books and participated in internet forums daily for months to learn and keep the motivation going .

Using mobile entertainment

We do not intend to shut ourselves off from the world and just listen to our music, audiobooks and podcasts as we cover the miles. Our aim is to absorb Spainish nature and culture, enjoy quality time together, meet others, learn, write, observe and do walking meditation. We have our electronic entertainment for part of the walk perhaps on a difficult or dull stretch (some walking is done on the sides of roads) and for down time in the evenings . However a lot of discussion and preparation went into the compilation of motivating soundtracks and inspiring listening !

Mental preparation

We feel that we are mentally prepared due to our love of walking , emotional and spiritual wellbeing, love of nature, community spirit, patience, having adult children and ability to take time out of work to complete the entire journey. We want to be free spirits and by not knowing where we will stay each adds to our adventure. ( we have a list of hostels which are open to choose from but may do detours….who knows?)

The seed was planted … we start the Camino on 24th January!

This blog is a joint effort from both myself and Phil but if I left him to type it we would still be on day 1 at the end – bless him !

In the photo above we are doing a 20km training walk around the beautiful Thanet coast and coastal towns one sunny day in December.

The beginning …..

Phil and I first heard about the Way in detail during a visit to a cafe in December 2017 in Vila Nova de Poiares, Portugal where we live part of the year in our partially renovated home. We chatted to a wonderful young lady called Shannon who shared her remarkable adventures which completely changed her life. She sowed the seed which rooted firmly in our souls. From that day, the urge became stronger and stronger and Phil and I would constantly chat about the day we could do it and the logistics surrounding the journey.

The signs…..

As soon as Shannon sowed the seed , the signs were becoming more and more apparent . We would constantly meet people who had completed the camino or knew friends who had done it . We found ourselves driving part of our journey to Portugal on the camino route and visiting camino rest stops. We also began to see scallop shells everywhere (the camino symbol) . I bumped into a Japanese man in an elevator in Narita airport who was just leaving for the Camino some 10000 km away! I spent ages on a white shell beach in Japan making camino signs and messages for the world to see! Of course, once you join Facebook and other camino forums, you meet others who are equally as excited . So the adventure begun!

Replanting the seeds for others…

It now seems that that we have planted a few seeds in other people ourselves. We have had a number of people tell us they want to do it now. I can’t spend one day not researching the camino online, participating in camino forums, reading camino journals or repacking my rucksack! I’m sure our friends can’t wait for us to go so they don’t have to listen to us any more !

Logistics

It wasn’t going to be easy. 5 weeks off work not during the summer holidays meant that Phil would have to beg time off work or leave his job . As a tefl teacher I am able to work as I please so time off isn’t an issue for me ! After weeks of discussion, the decision was made. Phil would leave his job on 16th January and the next chapter of our lives would begin!

Our dreams and reasons

Our dream is to open our home in Portugal as a homestay, teaching foreign students English. Renovations are taking longer than planned ( don’t they always?) And we need to be out there for longer periods of time . We both want a better quality of life in a more relaxed environment- teaching English and practising and promoting permaculture and sustainable living. Our 7 children are now all over 21 and independent and we are sure we are physically, mentally and spiritually ready to do the 790km from St Jean Pied de Port in France by the Pyrenees to Santiago in west Spain. We want this pilgrimage to be a transition into the next chapter of our lives : to relieve ourselves of burdens , to become better humans , open our minds , become more creative and generate new ideas , learn from others, meet wonderful people, get fitter and become part of the adventure which has served pilgrims for over 2000 years.

Burdens…

Pilgrims often talk about shedding their burdens and being able to “let go” on the camino. Everyone has burdens in life. We dont want to rely on all the material things we get used to. Not knowing where our next sleep will be or what each day will bring will be liberating. People are often so burdened and regulated in their lives by work and other commitments that they don’t do the things that can expand the imagination and grow spiritually . We want to lose those burdens of feeling obligated and restrained by regulation and mundane work patterns, helping others to get rich at our expense . When time is not an issue, there is little to worry about and many hours each day to do walking meditation and be in nature. The mind and spirit can grow and answers may be found !

16.5 inches of hair gone! First burden out of the way….

Aims of blog…

We will write a blog which aims to inspire people to leave their comfort zone and achieve their dreams whether this is the Camino or something else in life. We also want to spread positivity and stories about wonderful people, make people laugh with our anecdotes ( if there are any lol) and show people what the Way is about. Phil and I both aim to do some creative writing so there may be a few poems and haiku on the journey too!

Phils first attempts at Haiku

A haiku is a Japanese poem of 3 lines usually about the natural world with 5, 7 and 5 syllables .

1.Camino will walk. Each day a sigh been given. Me to you goodbye!

2.SJPDP. Wake early rucksack on back. One step two steps go!

( St Jean Pied de Port is the start of the Frances route we are taking)

3.Yes we said we ‘ll go! An adventure for some weeks. Walk, sing, laugh and sleeps.

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Further information

Remember we are going during the quietest months of Winter so our journey and preparation will be very different to someone else’s!

We won’t try to reinvent the wheel and talk about the history and many logistics etc . There are a number of routes to Santiago. In old times the camino started from your home but now we have the luxury of choosing our starting point to suit ourselves.

Please visit https://stingynomads.com/camino-de-santiago/, Google the Camino de Santiago or join a Facebook group and you will find everything you want to know ! Also watch the US famous 2010 film “The Way” with Martin Sheen which inspired so many Americans to do the camino that now 10 percent of walkers are from the USA! ( currently free on youtube). Statistics are at https://oficinadelperegrino.com/estadisticas/ and you will see that in 2018 over 327 ,000 pilgrims received their certificate !