Here I go again!
Yes, I know some will call me crazy because why would I subject myself to so much walking; crazy because I have fallen head over heels in love with the Camino de Santiago; crazy for traveling to Spain to walk when there are many places to walk right here in the United States. Those same people cannot understand the need I have to walk a Camino, no less numerous Caminos.
Yes, there are some people who applaud me; actually there are many who cheer me on. My sons and their families are my biggest supporters and cheering section. My oldest son, the cyclist, is happy to see me involved in and excited about a physical activity. And my youngest son along with his family would love to walk a Camino with me some day in the future.
So many of my personal friends wish they could walk the Camino, but they became frightened when they learned the distance of each Camino. I have yet been able to convince any of them the most poignant lesson I have learned “every journey begins with a single step” (from the teachings of the Chinese Philosopher, Lao-tzu).
Yes, 500 miles for the Camino Francés sounds like an enormous distance to walk. I would agree that the 1,000 miles for the Le Pay route leading into the Camino Francés ending in Santiago de Compostela could be daunting.
But there are many different Camino routes; the Camino Portugués beginning in Porto (which I just completed) is only approximately 150 miles and the Camino Inglés is estimated at 77 miles long. There are routes both long and short, but it is only necessary to walk 100 kilometers or 62 miles of any route to receive a Compostela (the certificate of completion).
Major Routes of the Camino
Because the Camino Inglés is only 77 miles, once I arrive in Santiago I will be continuing to walk the Caminos Finisterre and Muxia and then back to Santiago. These three Caminos should total approximately 202 miles. I am expecting these Caminos to take me a month to complete.
Camino Inglés
Caminos Finisterre and Muxia
It is true, I have become obsessed by the many routes of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and hope to be able to continue walking each one. Yes, I know, I am the perfect example of the Camino phenomena called the “Camino Virus”. I have a classic case of, as I like to say, “Once Bitten”!!
Thoughts and Adventures 
Good for you!!!
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Nancy,
It’s something, isn’t it, this obsession of mine
Arlène
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I completely understand. I am obsessed too, but am patiently awaiting retirement in the fall before I can indulge. Three months is a nice time frame for anticipation, so enjoy it!
Clare
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Clare,
Who knows, maybe some day you and I will meet up and walk a Camino or two together.
Arlène
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That is something to look forward to!
Clarr
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Surely would be nice Clare ~ Arlène
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Surely would be nice Clare ~ Arlène
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Good on you Arlene!
I’d be back there tomorrow if I could afford it!
Can’t wait to hear about the Ingles when you are doing it!
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Greg,
I have to have a Camino to look forward to. It has seemed that before I complete or for that matter even begin one, I am planning the next one. My thoughts now are running toward a Le Puy combined with another Francés for next year. I’m thinking that will probably take 3 months or more.
Arlène
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Arlene, keep good notes, I’ll follow in your footsteps next year! Ingrid
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Ingrid,
Will do. I’ll be blogging along the Way and hopefully looking for the possibility of a Casa somewhere in Galicia.
Arlène
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Arlene, not sure if you got my post during the CP, when I mentioned my friend Tracy Saunders in Caratona. I can email you her contact information. She would be a great resource to tap into regarding the ins and outs of owning property in Galicia. Albeit she is not directly on the C. Inglese nor C. Fisterra, you will be walking very close by the Little Fox House. I think you would enjoy spending a few days with her. Hugs Ingrid
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Thanks Ingrid, it would be good to get in contact with Tracy. Is she not from Spain originally?
Arlène
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I know what you mean, Aelene. The Camino contagion infects much of what I do, too. It enters into many conversations clandestinely and takes over. There is only one cure for it and I’ll take my pill in September.
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David and Neusa,
I’m so happy to hear you will be returning!!! This is great, fantastic news. So you too have succumbed to those of us who have been “Once Bitten”.
Arlène
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Arlène, what a great adventure and a great love for this camino ! I understand your motivations to do it for many ways. Have a good trip 😉 kisses
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Bonjour cousin,
Oui j’ai un amour pour le chemin. Peut-être un jour nous pouvons marcher il ensemble!
Bisous,
Arlène
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Hello my cousin,
It would be a pleasure to do this camino together yuo and I, who knows? I love travel and make a “chek up” into myself and to find some force into me I didn’t suspect 😉
And if you want to come home, tell me, I will give you my phone number in private.
Kisses
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Cousin,
Mes plans pour Le Chemin St. Jacques Le Puy sont encore au stade de la planification. Il serait vraiment agréable de marcher ensemble cependant. Je pense que je voudrais marcher l’année prochaine.
Je possède une Chambre d’hôtes sur Le Chemin Le Puy, ou peut-être sur Le Chemin d’Arles.
Je vous ferai savoir quand mes plans sont précis.
Arlène
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Arlene, my wish is that you are able to complete each route. Twice, if you want! I think it is a marvelous way to remain young. Walk on! Hugs. Julie
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Hi Julie
Thanks for your well wishes. I agree, in order to keep going one must keep moving!
Arlène
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That’s great that you are able to follow your desire to walk.
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Dana Hi, how are you?
It is wonderful that I am able to follow my dreams, I do know how lucky I am! When can I expect to walk into you on Camino?
Arlène
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Hey, Arlene, love the new photo!! 🙂 Britta
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Hi Britta,
That’s me on the Camino Portugués! All geared up and happy to be back on Camino.
Arlène
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Hola Arlene, I’m so happy for you that this spiritual quest has brought you strength and much energy. Continue to grow your faith and may God bless you and your family always!
Tal vez un día podamos hacer El Camino también – a pesar de que mis rodillas ya no son lo que eran! Ja!
Nelson
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Hi Nelson – good to hear from you!
Arlène
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Hi Arlene – isn’t it WONDERFUL to look at the world through ‘Camino eyes’?
Enjoy every moment and take joy in every step.
Jenny x
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Hi Arlene, I just saw your response to me regarding Tracy. She is originally from Britain and then lived in Canada for almost 2 decades, before she went to Spain, found herself in Galicia and the rest is history. I will send you contact info, via email.
This morning, another Camino friend, Susan Mann, send me this video….
ENJOY, and remember…. rain keeps the body moisturized…for free… and no more shoveling snow… that for me would be the deciding factor! xoxox
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