The question of Camino Families has come up during the Primitivo. It’s been the experience of many pilgrims that Camino families are formed on the Camino Frances but not necessarily on the Norte or Primitivo routes. Why is this?
I noticed this early on in the Norte route, that people were basically keeping to themselves. Most of the people I met were either walking alone or walking with people they already knew. I met some incredible people during my short stint on the Norte and had some great conversations with them, but we were far from being a “family.” On the Primitivo, I’ve seen a few more “families” formed but for the most part, people are on their own. However, it’s such a small group of pilgrims walking at this time, that you see everyone at some point every day either in a bar or in an albergue. We all know about each other’s aches, pains, issues, etc and we continue to support each other. It’s a different type of family. We’re more of a group of misfits who decided to walk one of the hardest routes. I know that many of us at one point or another have seriously questioned why they decided to walk this route. The collective groan of seeing a steep hill ahead can be echoed by all. However, despite the difficulty of some days, we’ve been rewarded with much beauty — views of valleys covered in fog, flowers blooming, long walks through forests and along mountain paths, incredible cathedrals and churches, many of which are the oldest in the region, and many rivers and streams flowing next to you. As we get closer to Santiago, the route changes to following more roads and you become sad that there isn’t a path through the forest to follow. Entering big cities, like Lugo, become jarring in a way — so many people and cars. Even entering Melide and meeting up with Frances route poses new challenges. Instead of a few pilgrims either ahead or behind you, now there are many. I guess it’s preparing us for the trek into Santiago, which seems to take an eternity once you hit the city limits. While I loved having a couple of Camino sisters while doing the Camino Frances in 2016 (Esther and Gayre are the best!), it’s also been a good experience not to have a “family.” I’ve met a lot of people, heard their stories, and shared many laughs. Is forming a Camino Family required to enjoy the Camino? For me, the answer is no. The Camino is what you make it and how you connect with others, even if language is a barrier. Just allow yourself to open up a bit. And this is coming from an introvert. Notes on Days 18, 19 Day 18 — Lugo to Ferreira — 27 km Lots of walking on roads, creating much pain in my feet. I’m not suffering from shin-splints like others but it’s still hard on the body. We’ve had the pleasure of walking on mountain trails for several days that walking on the road seems to be taking a toll on people’s bodies. The route is flattening out but my body is sore and tired. Last night I had my own room in Lugo — spent a little extra for ample rest and privacy. It was actually quite nice. Tonight’s albergue isn’t full, either and it looks like I’ll have my own room. I’ll take it... some of these private Albergues offer more services — real sheets, real towels (a luxury!), and food. It’s the little things that add up. Day 19 — Ferreira to Boente — 25 km The day begins with me forgetting my trekking poles at the albergue. Oh well. They got me through the toughest part of the Camino, I think I can manage from here on out (hopefully). Mornings still tend to be my slowest walking time and this morning was no different. I walked for 3-4 hours before having coffee. If I could insert an emoji here, it would be the sobbing one. But after my coffee and sandwich break, my body woke up and I felt like sprinting the rest of the day. Ok, sprinting is a strong word to use. I walked faster than normal. Once entering Melide, our little Primitivo route met up with the Frances route and now it’s full of pilgrims. This part of the route is more familiar to me and I won’t have to rely so much on my phone to make sure I’m on the right path. Just follow the many backpacks. Tomorrow is the last long day and I’ll begin carrying my pack again. It’s been nice not to have it on my back for the past 11 days.
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About Marcy I wear many hats. First, I'm a wife to an amazing husband, Joe. Second, I'm a mom to 2 incredible kids, Caitlynn and Miles. Professionally speaking, I am a chef, dietitian, and writer working as an instructor in Hospitality Management at Montana State University in Bozeman. Photos: See InstagramMarcy's other Site |