Tips for Conquering the FIRST DAY on the Camino de Santiago: A Beginner's Guide

[@caminotellers]

🎟 Join us at the CAMINO RETREAT: caminotellers.com/the-journey-within-retreat/

[@SheridanDavenport]

My age and my physical preparadness (and maybe a little about getting a place to lay my head at night) - but I'm going anyways (September) starting in SJPP. Time to face some of my fears and to get moving. I'm just not going to rush and let myself enjoy the journey!

[@michaelbird3887]

Once you start the Napoleon, you have to go on. There is nowhere to stop. My own advice is that if you are over middle age or not used to walking you are asking for trouble. Orison is booked up months in advance. Start in Roncesvalles via Pamplona. I did the walk when I was 70 but I preferred not to risk injury on day 1. Stage 1 is the stage you decide to start, not this singing idiot.

[@andreakoller]

hi Erica and Ricky and camino tellers community about my personal fears: allthough I love meeting strangers, find it mostly fun to deal with challenging or even discomfortable "travel" situations and even prefer working out organisational tasks on the way instead of doing much planing, I will be taking my depressions with me in my backpack. I fear a lot not to be able to deal with my thoughts in a self caring way in lonely moments. and I fear to take a after camino blues home with me. uff, I hesitate to press the send button. lets just do it

[@caminotellers]

It has been on of the most sincere thing that I read in months! The sensitivity and a brave heart are visible in every word that you put down in the comment! That’s a lot for sharing and being here💚

[@happytraveller8953]

Hey all, new to the world of hiking and this video is helpful to get me going. My limiting belief is that I am generally not good enough. Good enough for what?? Doesn't matter. I just don't feel I am good enough in any aspect of life. Call it a self-confidence thing or humility on steroids. Been this way my whole life and don't expect it to change at 62 years of age, but there it is. I'm also afraid of stepping outside my secure bubble and comfort zone. I'm not a huge fan of change and surprises and like to know what's going to happen next because I don't like being caught off-guard. My initial reaction to things unpleasant tends to be one of over-reaction or anger because whatever just happened to throw me off my game has just thrown me off my game. I guess I don't roll with the punches well. I'm also terrified of being victimized on the trail. As a 60-something single woman who has had a hip replacement and has a bum shoulder, my ability to physically fight off an attacker is not good. I am terrified of not knowing how to use technology to get from point A to B (my idea of a computer is pen and paper). Hiking something like the Camino is going to completely bust all my insecurities. That said, life is too short and I'm closer to the end stages of walking this planet and I have a lot of catching up to do when I see these videos and what an amazing trip folks have been on. I get a bit envious of other people's ability to just throw caution to the wind and leave homes, friends, and a job to just go walking. If I could toss my life out the window and start over, I would sometimes, but then the feeling of 'I have to be a responsible adult with a home and a job' comes into view again. Perhaps a hike like this is a place to shed some of these weights from my shoulders??? Anyway, sorry for the epic post, but you asked about my fears, so here they are...buen camino!

[@caminotellers]

Thank you so much for sharing! I feel so identified with your story as I’m also haunted by my ghosts… many of them they go away once I make a first step, first decision first thought… but many still stay there and look upon me strangely. Please know that we are here to be there for you . 🌷🌷💚💚

[@OlhaPolishchuk-u9m]

Дякую. Ви класні. Про власні обмеження. Моя помилка в крайньому Шляху була. Я йшла не сама. Я ходжу з роботою за спиною, з ноутбуком. Дуже важко було підлаштовуватись під подругу. Тож я зробила висновок, що в наступний Шлях я знову піду сама, зі своїм розкладом в темпом. Ви підтвердили мої висновки. Щиро дякую.

[@PVLocalFirst]

Thank you both for your great videos, points to ponder: My personal philosophy has 20 beliefs I strive to live by: 1. “Love is the only rational act.” -Stephen Levine 2. We are all teachers, we are all students. We grow and evolve together. 3. Nothing about me, without me. 4. “Make Life Beautiful” from the song Beautiful by Storm Large 5. "Work is love made visible." -The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran 6. I can like you, even though I am not like you. We are equals even though we are not alike. -inspired by the book A Wrinkle In Time. 7. The Universe provides. 8. Pain is (often) ignorance leaving the body. -paraphrased from the Tsunami Rangers 9. As you are art, so am I. 10. “Joy is the gift of love, grief is the cost of love, anger protects your love.” -Valarie Kaur 11. “That which is moral is that which feels good, (during and) after.” 12. If you don't heal from those who hurt you, you will bleed on those who didn't cut you. 13. "You can ask for anything in the world that you want, as long as you are willing to accept no for an answer." -Steve the Hippie 14. “Sit with reason, move with passion.” -paraphrasing Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet 15. “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” -Viktor Frankl, 16. It doesn't have to be fun, to be fun. -from an unknown rock climber 17. We live in a world where anything is possible. 18. There is pretty much just one question in life to answer, and that is, how do you want to spend your time? -by my step father Paul 19. The best way to predict the future, is to create it. -Peter Drucker 20. If you want something you've never had, you gotta do some thing you've never done. -Carlos Anderson, the Minister, from Hope Church

[@caminotellers]

Amen!❤️

[@fv1291]

Ricky looks like Vincent VanGogh.

[@mikea7429]

But with two ears.

[@fv1291]

@@mikea7429 Ha, I forgot that minor detail. Good way to tell them apart from each other 😉

[@mikea7429]

😂😂

[@nahcusiruk]

25:21 yes I did the zigzag moves last Sunday on my 1st day of my Camino 😉 thanks now I’m a Pamplona🥳 Happy Days

[@grahame5066]

Your voices are so much better!!

[@caminotellers]

🥰🥰🥰

[@kflanni1]

Not an excuse but I will pre-book my albergue in case I'm not as ready as I think I am. But I will get there!😅

[@caminotellers]

Hahaha , we also book our first stages, especially the busy places. So we totally understand 😜🤗

[@barnarabai1777]

My first Camino I did when I was coming down from 150kg and I started in SJPDP at 135kg. Since I could finish I was certain I could do it. Second time I was in a much better condition but I also knew this so I did not take the road seriously. Got injured had to go home. I think everyone can do it, as long as you are focused on the road not the destination. If you just push to get to the end of the day and fail to enjoy the moment you will get yourself into a pickle, start question if you can do it at all. (Though that transition is part of the Camino for me every time, now completed the Frances twice, and the Primitivo for the first time this year. Great journeys all around!)

[@barnarabai1777]

Oh also, Orison may be 7-8 KMs away, but it is the last 2-2.5 before Orison that are pheeew. So any first timers here, do not rush. Sit down if you are tired, enjoy the view (if you were out of water by then fill up at Hunto). After Orison it is a lighter incline, perfectly enjoyable if you recuperated at Orison with a drink or over night.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for sharing your story!! We love how honest you are 😍 which will be your next Camino???

[@stinestoraasbaska9450]

I stopped at Borda! It made it possible for me to do.

[@caminotellers]

Excellent!

[@rampartranger7749]

Lyon to Gavarnie! Then through the Brèche de Roland into Spain, down the mountain, pass 5he long lake then Pamplona! You pass the highest waterfall in Europe!

[@caminotellers]

We need more info like that! Great! 😊

[@Muffin1280]

Very nice singing you two :-) Btw, you can bring trekking poles onto a plane. The collapsable ones are way shorter, so short you can fit them into your backpack. I never buy expensive ones and discounter markets often have these for at around 20€. So IF they won't allow you to bring these onto the plane, you can just dispose them and get something new at you destination.

[@caminotellers]

Sooo true! We also choose the budget ones as in the end of the Way we leave them in the last albergue! Thanks for your time and tips! Hugs

[@mariacorreia8362]

Camino is all about determination. U put ur mind into . U get ur body in shape , u practice walking around with backpack and u go and do it. If ur backpack is too heavy then take big one and ship it and use small one. It’s about be minimalist, it’s about an adventure , it’s about doing something that u got NO idea how it’s Gona turn out but u Gona do it. I have not done it , no I haven’t but I will ;) it’s on my list . Unfortunately I live across the ocean so it’s also about planning and getting time off work so u can do it 😮😀

[@caminotellers]

Well said Maria! It’s all about something out of everyone comfort zone, but it’s worth to undertake this journey! If you need any help with planning, let us know. Hugs

[@Kathysart]

Yes, I’ve been using all the excuses you suggested. I’ve got to quiet those limiting beliefs. Too old, not in shape, I can’t arrange for the flight and go without getting lost, worried in general. If Gregory can do it…. 🍃🌸🍃

[@caminotellers]

If Gregory can, we all can! 💚💚💚

[@mikea7429]

Would you recommend water bottles or camelbak? 16:33

[@stinestoraasbaska9450]

I used a water bottle in my pocket (just a normal everyday one) and a litre bottle in my bag that I tipped up. Try the camelback and see if you like it.

[@caminotellers]

We usually use water bottles!

[@rowanmulvey8632]

Easier with bottles on this route. Getting a full camelback back into a full backpack can be a struggle.

[@rickhough]

hello. i appreciate you guys and your great videos. my camino will start in April and i will start on the frances and then head north on the salvador to the primitivo. finish in muxio. this is a big first camino for sure. i live in colorado usa and hike in the mountains. have you done the route i speak of?

[@caminotellers]

hello! sorry for late respond, we are on the move, at the moment in Kyoto... we did the primitive way and the french but separately, but the san salvador way we are about to do in 2024... we will share some info on our future lives streams, stay connected , hugs

[@mikea7429]

My fear is that my strength and fitness won’t last throughout the Camino. 2:37

[@michaelbird3887]

Your strength and fitness get better as you go on.

[@oroit-idazki]

Esos topónimos en Euskera, son Donibane Garazi ( Saint Jean pied de port) y Orreaga ( Roncesvalles)

[@caminotellers]

exactly! eskerrik asko

[@pixalu]

What is the song you were singing?

[@caminotellers]

Ultreya, the pilgrims anthem…

[@TheVJohnso]

I have concerns for foot I had surgery on 3 years ago, and knee I had repaired in 2014, X-ray today shows lot of arthritis. I’m still planning for late April! I’m 70-not like I can wait for all these parts to work perfectly!

[@caminotellers]

Maybe consider starting form Roncesvalles is for health won’t allow you you for the Pyrenees! Another option is to go through Valcarlos- the around way, and then you can stay in valcarlos!

[@TheVJohnso]

@@caminotellers Thank you so very much for this reply! I have watched SO many of your videos, and learned so much! You are my favorites!! I am thinking of either staying the night on the Napoleon path, to split it, or Valcarlos route maybe..no way do I want to skip that stage. I have skipped back on last nights Q&A to try to listen about sleeping bag, but can’t find. I believe I will head out last week of April, and not sure of bag or liner. Thanks again, sorry this is so long!

[@amyrullo549]

Erica….what size backpack do you use? I am going solo on the Frances starting last week in May….

[@caminotellers]

I wouldn’t take anything bigger than 35/40… more space, easier to fill it with stuff! Unnecessary stuff. Hugs

[@davex5424]

I am too old, 78, and a slow walker?

[@auzzygirl8175]

When was this? I see snow on the ground.

[@caminotellers]

This was a reflexión , we did it in the end of may!

[@leatherandlace73]

Can you walk without using a credit card and just only use cash?

[@thetruth3213]

Yes. But like any holiday, be aware of pickpockets in major towns.

[@caminotellers]

Many places prepare cash and in many cash is the only way… if you take all in cash, it could be too much worries about “what happen if??!!” A international card which allow you to take money out without little fees could be a good idea! For American pilgrims, Charles Shwabb seems to be an option, for others WISE or REVOLUT…

[@leatherandlace73]

@@caminotellers thank you for this information. I will look into Charles Shawbb.

[@Emy53]

I purchased a light money belt when I visited Spain in 2019. I wore it under my shirt and never had a problem with any pick pockets. It was easy access because all I had to do was reach under my shirt and into the zippered pocket in front.

[@michellerada5070]

I have limited mobility 😞

[@caminotellers]

🙏🙏 there is a person in our Community, carol, who does the Camino on the wheelchair nearly every year, and she tell us how difficultly can be for reduced mobility person… can we do anything for you?

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

Recurring suspect right knee, achilles tendonitis on left leg.

[@caminotellers]

Mmm, many suspicious suspects here… ! Thanks for sharing

[@raydoc4550]

im going to head to SJPP early June 24, anyone from Ireland want to connect up?

[@kavindrabarror7059]

Ha ha....I ended up going solo,the CF AND Camino Portuguese,in one go! 1500km, the most ordinary, extraordinary experience ever,bar one other.❤

[@andreap6694]

What country are you from

[@caminotellers]

Italy and Poland :) and you?

[@luisacornelli54]

Hi shoes?my concern

[@paulafitz532]

😊😊😊

[@caminotellers]

🤗

[@ilselauwers6009]

I am too old and my feet are not good enough to walk that far.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for sharing your worries! If you see our new video and interview with Gregory, you might feel motivated! Hugs

[@daisymay9448]

Frightfully afraid of getting lost.

[@charlesthompson6160]

I am afraid that I will not find a place to sleep every night!

[@caminotellers]

It really depends on when yoh decide to walk the Camino

[@edelmirajensen2983]

My limiting point of view is I walk too slow 😅

[@caminotellers]

I don’t think you can beat is in slow walking hahahah

[@michaelbird3887]

If you are over 65, if you're not fit or never walked, then do not do this stage. It can be very dangerous, and you can ruin your trip. Start at Roncesvalles via Pamplona. If you are young (ish) and fit then do it by all means, if you are not, don't do it and ignore this video. It could wreck your trip. This stuff is not so much inspiring, it's stupid.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks a lot! Hugs

[@thetruth3213]

Limiting belief: I am not religious enough

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for sharing, it’s not easy to share what we really worry or afraid of! 💚

[@stephaniejames6672]

I had to cancel Camino because I broke a bone.

[@caminotellers]

What???????????? How are you? Give us some update!

[@stephaniejames6672]

@@caminotellers I am touched that you care about me. I really felt it. Here’s the story: I was breaking in a pair of Hokas, and I felt pain in my arch, but I dismissed it as part of the break-in of the shoes. The shoes felt narrow at my mid foot, but I didn’t want to give up on them because it was the third pair I tried, and I really liked that they were so cushioned on the bottoms, so I pressed on. The pain was getting pretty rough on the side of my foot and in my arch, and then while I was out on some rocks, a bone in my foot, the navicular body, snapped. It takes longer than I expected for it to heal, but Teva sandals had the perfect arch support for me to get around in when it was a fresher injury. For my new trail runners, I switched to Nikes. They don’t bother my feet at all. I am not walking much right now, though.

[@caminotellers]

@@stephaniejames6672 and we felt the pain in your description 😥 sorry to hear that. Take it slow, and take all the time you need to recover 100%, if that means not walking for a while, don't then! Listen to your body ❤️ keep us updated!

[@OlhaPolishchuk-u9m]

Дякую. Ви класні. Про власні обмеження. Моя помилка в крайньому Шляху була. Я йшла не сама. Я ходжу з роботою за спиною, з ноутбуком. Дуже важко було підлаштовуватись під подругу. Тож я зробила висновок, що в наступний Шлях я знову піду сама, зі своїм розкладом і темпом. Ви підтвердили мої висновки. Щиро дякую.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for sharing your vulnerability, being brave and wise about your process! The Camino already thought you sooo much