Most people SKIP this part of the Camino de Santiago

Today's vlog is a rather emotional one. After spending nearly every day with people I met along The Way, many of whom I have been with since the beginning, we say our goodbyes and I set out on my own.
The Spanish Meseta has a reputation for being grueling and often the most difficult part of the entire Camino de Santiago (Frances route). It's hot, dry, and there is not much along the trail besides some small villages and towns. But I have always thought it was part of the Camino for a reason (other than historical purposes) - maybe all those aspects of the Meseta combine to create an experience that helps you turn inwards and do the work this journey asks of you. As I walk this section of the Camino de Santiago on my own, I realize why most people skip it and also experience a deep transformation within myself.
This is just the beginning of my experience on the Meseta. Look out for the follow-up vlogs as I continue to go deeper...
⊳ ⊳ ⊳ Watch my entire CAMINO DE SANTIAGO SERIES from the beginning: bit.ly/3wkERqk
⊳ ⊳ ⊳Catch up on the previous episode: • The CAMINO DE SANTIAGO...
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✨ BUEN CAMINO ✨
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🛏️ ACCOMMODATION IN VIDEO 🛏️
⊳ Hotel Norte y Londres
Address: Plaza de Alonso Martínez, 10, 09003 Burgos, Spain
Phone: [phone]
GPS Coordinates: N 042° 20.592, W 03° 42.048
⊳ Hostal-Bar Restaurante "La Fuente"
Address: Calle Santa Marina 17, 09130 Rabé de las Calzadas, Spain
Phone: [phone]
GPS Coordinates: N 042° 20.439, W 03° 50.031
⊳De Sol A Sol
Address: Calle Cantarranas N 7 bajo, 09230 Hornillos del Camino, Spain
Phone: [phone]
GPS Coordinates: N 042° 20.584, W 03° 55.157
⊳ aCienLeguas
Address: Real de Oriente 78, 09110 Castrojeriz, Spain
Phone: [phone]
GPS Coordinates: N 042° 17.312, W 04° 8.155
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📺 WATCH THE CAMINO SERIES FROM THE BEGINNING bit.ly/3wkERqk
I booked a one-way ticket to Europe • I BOUGHT A ONE-WAY TIC...
LOST in Paris • LOST IN PARIS | proble...
DAY ONE: My FIRST DAY on the CAMINO FRANCES • My FIRST DAY on the CA...
DAY TWO: SOLO FEMALE crossing over the PYRENEES MOUNTAINS (by foot) • SOLO FEMALE crossing o...
DAY THREE: my first INJURY on the CAMINO FRANCES | Roncesvalles to Zubiri • my first INJURY on the...
a typical REST DAY on the CAMINO FRANCES in PAMPLONA • a typical REST DAY on ...
My first PAELLA in SPAIN! | Food on the Camino de Santiago • My first PAELLA in SPA...
What it’s like to hike the Camino de Santiago • What it’s like to hike...
The CAMINO DE SANTIAGO is no joke • The CAMINO DE SANTIAGO...
solo female daily routine walking the Camino de Santiago • solo female daily rout...
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✅ PACKING LIST ITEMS ✅
Osprey Exos 38 Backpack (I got this in a small and LOVE it!) amzn.to/3T53NvL
Compeed Blister care amzn.to/3KapOVJ
The BEST toe socks amzn.to/3weTT0P
Kula Cloth bit.ly/3C5J5G4
Compression Bags amzn.to/2M30JTc
Portable Phone Charger amzn.to/3QsHoH8
Comfy sports bra amzn.to/3c4A3P6
Shirt you can wear for days without smelling amzn.to/3wiWqHp
Non-toxic Sunscreen amzn.to/3R3p0o9
Green Goo for feet amzn.to/3PC0A3F
GoPro 10 amzn.to/3T5BvRJ
Guidebook amzn.to/3CmAdMi
Duffel bag amzn.to/3c7JNI6
The ONE thing I wore everyday amzn.to/3Ayfuns
Trekking pole tips amzn.to/3dMJFOD
My FAV trail shoes amzn.to/3wj3d3L
Great sun hat amzn.to/3T55Y2o
Another sun hat amzn.to/3wjtCyx
Towel amzn.to/3QGJiUC
Hiking sandals amzn.to/3wjkV7o
Wipes amzn.to/3ABD1nv
Menstrual cup amzn.to/3Kh0Vbe
Periods shorts amzn.to/3c7xDz0
will update this list for the Camino as I go to see what was valuable on the trail!
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[@wanderfulluna881]

On my first day walking over the Pyrenees I was unexpectedly overcome with emotion. Tears streamed down my cheeks. Gratitude washed over me like summer rain. Gratitude for my body that was fit enough to take me, gratitude for a life that allowed me the opportunity and gratitude for my husband who walked beside me. Buen camino x

[@RobertBernardoKim]

I am so excited to read your reply. It's so touching. You wrote such a wonderful emotion which you had experienced during the climbing the Pyrenees. I skipped the Pyrenees last spring. Next time, I will start at St. Jean. Thanks a lot. from a South Korean elderly. pilgrim.

[@wanderfulluna881]

@@RobertBernardoKim Thank you Robert! We walked over the Pyrenees in early May 2018. The weather was cool and the skies were clear so we had amazing views. I'm hoping to return in September 2024. I sincerely hope you get to experience the trek over the Pyrenees. It was an incredible experience. xx

[@kimm3473]

It’s so refreshing to see someone taking their time and going their own pace.

[@wedofly1998]

We loved the Meseta but also began the Meseta during the heatwave. I think we were just behind you. Thanks for another great video, I wish I would've known about the albergue with the connection to Emilio!! We love The Way, my friend Debra who first told me about the Camino years ago had me watch it. Since then she walked it and also sadly passed away. But it is a calling I think. It's no coincidence you were walking it. For me as well. Buen Camino pellegrina!! 🚶‍♀️

[@paxtecum4814]

The video quality is exceptionally good, the colors are more intense than any eye can appreciate on the site. That's why I watched it until the end. A delight.

[@paulmorisset8935]

I love how genuine your commentary is! I walked the Portuguese Camino in September and often found myself sobbing with the pure joy of my walk. I felt for you when you reached the halfway point and couldn’t hold back the tears. The Camino does that. I saw a bunch of cats I wanted to take home with me but couldn’t. I started my Camino shortly after having to put down my 19 year old Simcha…he was in my heart the whole way as I walked. I planned to do a selfie stick travelogue similar to yours but my cellphone was stolen from me on the first day out of Porto…oh well! I very much enjoy your honest dialogue. Thank you for sharing. Paul❤

[@SusanThompson33]

Once again, your vlog left me captured from beginning to end. You are amazing and you are so talented in telling your story. So loving this series! Thank you for your hard work!

[@David-wn7yv]

I love that you are so open and introspective.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Me too, the beauty is within and she is beautiful.

[@paxtecum4814]

It seems to me that quite often she have been on the verge of crying.

[@johnbutler8998]

Beautiful video - really enjoying your journey. I did the Camino del Norte, and the amount of community recognition and support for pilgrims was beautiful. I was a bit worried about being perceived to be an 'annoyance' by the locals, but this never seemed the case 🙂 Nothing like the Camino to bring gratitude for all the little things in life!

[@thomasmarse4120]

The meseta is that time to really ask yourself all the questions that will help you identify your beliefs and capabilities. The climb out of castrojerez and the following solitude really gave me a sense of what I could accomplish if I devoted my energy to pursuing that dream. Found out I’m a rock star! And I control my life!

[@antoniopena8101]

In 99, at Alto de Mostelares we met a german shepherd that accompanied us until Itero del Castillo. People in Itero del Castillo said that it was doing this for some years.

[@yvonnebirch6026]

Omg girl you have a lot of courage !! I admire your determination. I hope your feet hold up. I think it is beautiful ! 💕🌷

[@NesKimStyle]

This is the best content on KZbin. You’re amazing, I feel like I am walking next to you and we are friends chatting. You are doing an incredible job walking and creating a wonderful cinematic adventure for us to journey along with you. Thank you for taking us with you. I cannot wait for the next one.

[@carolinacadabra8278]

To remember… who you are, why you’re here, what follows. Blessings and kudos for having the courage to undertake this difficult journey ❤

[@rudymazar5266]

I felt exactly the same when I did my last day of the 8 days camino ..alone in the forest. Thank you for remind me

[@charlesashworth9850]

One of my favorite parts of walking the Camino was the Meseta. I loved it!!

[@estellagutierrez4615]

Why...how long did it take you

[@judithbyerly5888]

Crystal, you are amazing! We are watching you grow with each mile. I’m wondering if there may be a book somewhere after this adventure. You are a wonderful storyteller. The way you share your insights & feelings is so touching and inspirational! Thank you for taking us along. Much love & prayers as you continue. I’m so looking forward to seeing you again! Blessings! ❤️🙏🏻

[@beverleydanziger4099]

I love your openness, honesty and joy. Totally inspiring. Much Love.

[@deacondavidviscount7579]

What a wonderful experience you are having on the Camino. It's pretty clear that this experience will be with you forever...which is marvellous to think about - even for us.

[@tomlucas4788]

Your video are great. They not only show how beautiful the Camino is, but the beautiful change in you and all pilgrims Your video editing is very professional. I’m curious how you get the map with track you show Thanks. Looking forward to all your videos

[@j.toddwatkins9471]

My son and I arrived in Castrojeriz late in the day. We stopped to have a drink and rest. Dumb luck, the bar had a drink from South Korea (SoJu) that I love, but is difficult to find. After a few hours, we decided to stay overnight only to find out that everything was full. So, being "true" pilgrims, we decided to sleep in the castle, "Castillo de Castrojeriz," located on top of the hill overlooking the town. We had a blast. An experience of a lifetime.

[@theresasmith3361]

Crystal, you are inspiring! I so appreciate your attitude; which is so genuine and your perseverance! I am working up the courage to do the Camino on my own and your videos are helpful and encouraging. Thank you for your gift of sharing. Take care of yourself! Buen camino!

[@wanderstheworld]

I’m so glad you walked the Meseta. I had a few concerns myself but in the end it was where I gained my endurance, strength, and more. It is now my fav part. Oh, should you do another Camino, I’d suggest wearing liner socks under your socks to help “absorb” friction. I got a pair in Estella and I had no more blisters. I’m looking forward to the rest of your videos. 🥾💫

[@sharonwilson2450]

I know I probably say this every time Crystal, but you are amazing! I couldn't ever do a journey like that on my own. I so admire you! See you next time!

[@jeffroberts_tunes]

Speaking of moments --22:09 you're walking by the ruins of the castle that overlooks CastroJeriz, which is a great memory for me (oh, correction that was wrong). I really really like how sincere and real you are in your video journal here. Not an "aren't I glamorous" but rather here I am in my doubts, vulnerability, and serendipitous joy. You would be the best of Camino partners.

[@byrdsonawire]

I met that same sweet kitten when we went in 2022 at La Fuente. It truly made my day!! Love your videos and reliving my own journey through yours. Ready to go again 2025!!

[@dorindaalberthal1316]

Hi Crystal, I just came across your channel so I’m binge watching your Camino trek, amazing!! I don t know you but I’m so proud of you!! I grew up in Oregon so we use to be neighbors, we are now calling Utah our home and we love it. Know I’m cheering you on and praying safe and happy trails each step of the way. Blessings🙏🥾

[@sunnydaze136]

Stick with the channel her and her husband are lovely people and were/are living the Van Life..I think he's a concert tour producer and is on tour working, and she's doing this journey..fantastic!

[@dorindaalberthal1316]

@@sunnydaze136 thanks Lisa. I love it when you find those that inspire you, Crystal does that. Safe travels to you as well

[@yveskylefelicilda8000]

I had fond memories on this section, I enjoyed my time alone with myself on this section. Burgos - Hontanas - Fromista - Calzadilla de la cueza - El Burgo Raneiro - Leon. I would walk this section again.

[@DartmoorPaul]

Wonderful to follow your journey Crystal and hear how you are meditating on things in life & the space and place the Camino is giving you to do that. Although I must admit my envy when you said you travel full time as I am going through some mental challenges in life & currently I find no joy in anything but when I think of traveling & places I have been I get a stirring of internal happiness so perhaps that’s a calling. But how to do it is another question. Your journey & channel is inspiring

[@lezleyneill]

Crystal, I am really enjoying following your Camino journey! Love your openness and honesty. I'm from Belfast, Northern Ireland. We have walked the Camino a few times, various stretches, but not so far completed it, agree that long and flats are often the toughest parts! Keep going, you're doing great, it's a wonderful life experience! Bueno Camino 🙏🥰

[@aprilmarshall6245]

Congratulations! You’re on the downward slide. Love and blessings.🥳💕

[@pecezeta865]

There is no Camino without meseta. Everything is part of the Camino, as in life some days aren't as easy as we would like them to be.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Correct! That’s why I keep walking. 😊

[@ElizabethsManyAdventures]

I've never even heard of this walk and found your channel because of your old van tour then was scrolling thru your videos and found these and omg I want to so this! I love traveling, hiking and walking and I literally just watched Reese Witherspoons movie "Wild" last week AND 2 wks ago I made myself a summer hiking challenge to get back out on a trial once a week this summer to commit to my old love because I love being in nature!

[@katayoshi-sw2bd]

I wanna encourage you as a fellow KZbinr you really put together a beautiful video maybe a little too much drama for me but you’re really good and I know how much time it takes to put together a video at this level so well done and thank you for all the information it’s been really helpful I start my journey in two days!

[@critogni]

So glad I found you today! Will have to go back and watch the rest of your camino up til now :)

[@larajackson7506]

You got this!!!❤ so good to see you are doing well! I feel for you bout the blisters, after almost healing from my ankle injury, I just missed a step on stairs and believe to have fractured the side of the same foot, bout to go to the doctor tomorrow for x-ray, very painful! Continued prayers and love for you all!!❤❤ thank you for sharing

[@petemears7373]

I've just watched your latest update on my tv...Well done you!🤗Amazing journey, keep it up, all the best😊👍

[@markwilliamson9140]

I never get bored of these videos, they're good for the soul. 😃

[@verfpoteke]

I am very happy you didn't skip the meseta. I personally found it to be very importend on your camino. To have time to reflext on your self and yes all things come up, but it' very imported to give time to your self on thse things. thank you for this loveley video

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you for watching :)

[@lisakinahan6105]

Crystal thank you for sharing how you use the bathroom. I struggle with going outdoors. I found you experience so useful x

[@anneokane7172]

Thanks for another great video.

[@helennilsson86]

I loved the meseta! I actually don't know anyone during my camino who skipped the meseta!😀

[@CelticSeer]

Crystal, keep up the good work….you are inspiring many others. 😊

[@davidharris4062]

You are doing well, winners never quit 👍👍👍

[@reed0199]

Re: Skip the Meseta- actually kind of true. Many start from Leon, Sarria, etc. to complete the required 100km. There are also the other routes to pick from - Norte, Portugese, Primativo, etc. Just sayin.

[@sunnydaze136]

You're doing great proud of you!!!

[@kellyredard1688]

So beautifully real. Thank you for sharing yourself. I think we were on the caminno around the same time. My friend and I started Sept. 5 from SJDP. I hurt my foot very early on and skipped several parts including the meseta. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of your experience!

[@lindaselover2536]

I would like to do the Camino, but I think that I would rent a bicycle and cycle †his part. My cousin cycled the whole Camino. Buen camino.

[@nickp.1434]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Saludos desde Málaga, y gracias por compartir tus videos!! i love it!!

[@Ronaysspiritualjourney]

You are amazing!💗💗

[@stephannirichards8163]

I feel so proud of you Crystal ❤

[@AseanNomad]

i love your videos and thankyou so much for sharing. Im yet to do my walk. im wondering? did you take your laptop with you and edit and post each day or did you wait till you got home?

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you :) I edited it post-camino. I wanted to focus on just BEing in the energy fo the Camino and enjoying the experience first. It takes us about 30 hours per video to edit (each video in this series took 30 hours-ish) and editing everything together into this documentary took another 2 weeks in itself. My hubby and I edited it all months after I was complete. I did bring my laptop to organize all footage and transfer files onto a hard drive each night. That was all I had time for.

[@eduardotirado839]

I didn’t skip it. Although for one day on that route it was the only time I had my backpack driven from one town to another. I knew it was a long , hot trek of a day so I made that decision. Roncesvalle/Santiago 2013. 31 days

[@Angela-ne9cy]

I've been curious how women handle their periods on the Camino. Thanks for being so open with your experience! I often use a Cup but suspect that would be incredibly challenging to empty in the "wild".

[@AGATHODAIMONPXT]

Grande Crystal, continua così 👌

[@markdonovan1540]

La Meseta is where the "open-heart surgery" takes place, if you let it. Although, this could happen anywhere and anytime, on La Meseta there is more space, time and isolation for one to go deep and really let go. It is often said that for many the Camino has 3 distinct stages: physical, emotional and spiritual. For me, La Meseta, and on the approach to El Bierzo, had the most impact emotionally by far. It really was out of this world.

[@jeninewatts5320]

Well done xx

[@donaldcastillo2408]

Looked beautiful to me ..... reminded me of countryside in-between towns in Germany. Just beautiful countryside

[@melissasirois1508]

Such a mistake to skip that section.... I did the entire Camino and I was actually disappointed with the end. There are many gems between Logroño and Leon which people miss on. Again getting to the end was not the happy moment I thought it would be. The best was definitely the way.... I lived in Burgos for about 5 years and there are so many beautiful small villages around to see....so much history ... I hope to do others parts of the Camino like the one along the north coast.

[@antoniobaez6282]

How are you traveling with your luggage but separately? Sometimes I think rushing here, there, everywhere is part of our American culture. We are typically so busy, with so many options of things to do that we get caught up in the "rat race". It's all about money and how we spend our time outside of work.

[@BrigittevTien]

Your pee stories are so funny. You really should have got yourself a peeing aid so at least you can pee like a guy, standing and discrete 😂 Enjoying your journey very much, you rock!

[@nomenmortis3761]

When I was walking through the Meseta this summer end July/beginning August it was so hot that we had to start at 4h30 in the morning because after 11am it became incredible hot and you couldn't stay outside anymore xD

[@ruthdederich3622]

"Oh the cat. Definitely didn't want to snuggle with me." LOL. Then she found a doggie. Lovely!!! She has her period, poor thing. This is all too funny. Lovely life.

[@vanhallaadventures]

I’m a whirlwind of emotion everyday 🙈

[@ruthdederich3622]

@@vanhallaadventures Pretty much everyone is. Even Buddhist monks. You cannot stop the "monkey mind" chattering. This walking is almost like a meditation retreat. Maybe without the alcohol will allow a better assessment of the blossoming emotions. Even when I went to a Vipassana meditation retreat which involves sitting for hours a day, no talking , no reading, no listening to music, no looking at your phone, no making eye contact with your fellow meditators. 2 times. That was something else. The mind empties a but but it still bubbles. Your reaction to the bubbling is the difference; it calms so very much and the effect lasts for months. I recommend it. Very healing. Thank you for your honesty. Another pilgrim recommends little wads of loose Merino wool stuffed in the socks around the sore area. He claims the lanolin and padding deter blisters. That guy Robscamino. Anyway I have yet to walk. Buen Caminos all of your pilgrimages to you!!!

[@edwardmoran1739]

Seems like it would be easy to get lost? Especially when by yourself. Not sure how often the little signs pop up.

[@Emy53]

How do the pilgrims bypass that portion of that route, and at what point do they meet up on the path to Santiago?

[@vanhallaadventures]

You can bus from different cities/towns/villages in Spain or use a taxi to jump ahead. Some people will meet back up near Sarria and do the last 100km or some just walk the last 100km and skip most of the Camino Frances altogether due to lack of time, health reasons, or other reasons. There is a lot of infrastructure on the Camino so it is easy to hop on and off the trail if you choose. I loved the Meseta and found it was my favorite part. Buen Camino!

[@kimgibbs5544]

I didn’t know anyone who missed the Meseta.

[@mariestrella.orquideasartecamp]

Hola tu video es muy motivante ,feliz día desde Curazao

[@philadelphiawalksptsd]

Is Brian coming back? You have proven that women are stronger. LOL! All kidding aside, it's really hard to go solo, to go it alone, and to do all this internal inventory stuff. I'm pretty sure you were already super strong even before all of this female solo journey!

[@vanhallaadventures]

Lol yes I’ll be back! But for now this is Crystal’s journey 😊

[@philadelphiawalksptsd]

@@vanhallaadventures Ok. Very good then 🙂

[@estellagutierrez4615]

How long does it take to cross the Meseta

[@josephdelahunt5014]

No they do not , ridiculous statement.

[@gadaxara3593]

I think that the section of La Meseta (Burgos-Astorga) is precisely very attractive. You have Romanic churches in Frómista, Carrión de los Condes, Sahagún. You have to your right the impressive profile of the Cantabrian Mountains. And for those who want to walk on an authentic Roman road fossilized in time, there is an 18km stretch between Calzadilla de los Hermanillos and Reliegos.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Is that section you mentioned on an alternative route?

[@gadaxara3593]

@@vanhallaadventures The alternative that I’m mentioning, that of the Roman road, begins after Sahagún, in Calzada del Coto, where we take the north detour that goes to Calzadilla de los Hermanillos, and there begins the 18 km section on a Roman road that reaches Reliegos. From Reliegos it continues to Mansilla de las Mulas, where it joins the French road again. This section that I mention, is called "Calzada de los peregrinos", it’s less frequented, but it must be older, because it is precisely a Roman road.

[@SBRelajoRock]

how many credit cards do you have...Jack from Ireland?

[@BDETravels]

Did you finish?

[@joannzenn2307]

Well...if you do it in summer....🤷. Now it is very cold there, and in autumn and spring time is fantastic.

[@vanhallaadventures]

That's true!

[@posterestantejames]

"Most people"? Really? Most? I'm not sure about that. It was the most memorable part of mine. I miss it.

[@lauralane1760]

Your bag was 60 lbs?

[@alasdaircampbell1863]

The Meseta is the Camino.

[@scotf7313]

First part of Camino is the physical the middle is the mental the end is the spiritual.

[@gilbertgosset5708]

pour info , 90° fahrenheit cela fait 32,23° .

[@pozu1312]

Na dont worry about snakes, un Spain there are few species of venomous snakes, and the most of the other snakes rarely atacks people.

[@Kitiwake]

"Miles and ninety degrees". What's that?

[@elizabethholden5270]

I’m not sure it is accurate to say that most people skip the Meseta

[@hilarymac3706]

Great video but not keen on click baity title. I don’t know of anyone doing the Camino that skipped this part.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Not really click bait. All the alburgue owners I asked said most people skip this part and most do - most people start in sarria or skip this altogether. I asked A LOT of people before writing this title. But everyone has their own perceptions. Buen Camino!

[@anthonyrebock5351]

SOo EmoTionAL

[@gordanaivanisevic7325]

I disagree. Not 'most' people. Just a minority of pilgrims skip the Meseta.

[@garylove8970]

"most people miss this part of the Camino" that's nonsense

[@kaikito7662]

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO SPEAK SPANISH? AND TO WHAT LEVEL IS PASSABLE? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU.

[@vanhallaadventures]

I would say that it is helpful to know just general terms you use everyday. I found that to knowing how to ask where is the toilet/bathroom, to get the check, please and thank you, what direction something is, and other small things like that is super helpful. I also have dietary needs so being able to ask or tell that is REALLY important if that applies to you.