The decision to go on the camino again (3rd time) is not to be taken lightly. So many things to consider here - when to go, which route to take, how long to walk, who to walk with (if anyone). After sitting on my rear for a few years, the idea of walking the camino again sounded quite appealing, especially after spending the last three years working full time and completing a PhD (the last 10 months have been especially grueling in this respect). I mentioned the idea of the camino to my husband and kids. Unfortunately, my husband cannot walk the camino due to the progression of his MS, but my son was intrigued. My son, a 17-year-old, lanky skinny kid seemed up for the challenge and ready to get away from Montana for awhile.
Since I'm not one to do things in any conventional way, I have chosen to the camino my own way. I realize there are people out there who feel the need to do the full Camino Frances from St. John in France to Santiago in Spain, even if they have to speed walk it to get it done in a specified amount of time. Me? Yeah, I'm not like this. I've done parts of the Frances (Leon to Santiago), parts of the Norte (Santander to when it breaks off to the Primitivo) and the entire Primitivo. This time around, we're starting on the Frances (Fromista to Leon) and then picking up the Camino san Salvador (Leon to Oviedo) and then walking the Primitivo again. Will I ever complete the entire Camino Frances? Not sure. Perhaps some day, I'll do it but probably during a slower time of year. The Frances is rather packed these days and the allure of the lesser traveled, more scenic routes speak to me more. If you're a Frances only type of pilgrim, try walking the Primitivo and Norte -- mind blowing how lovely these routes are and how peaceful they can be. The pilgrimage feels more real on these routes, whereas on the Frances, it feels touristy. I hear the Camino Ingles is especially nice, too. That will likely be my next one, along with the Portuguese (coastal from Porto). At any rate, my son, Miles, and I are headed out on May 15 and will start walking on May 17. He doesn't know what to expect, which is a great place to be in. When I did my first camino in 2016, I had no idea what I was doing. I read about it, but honestly, had no clue what to expect. It left me more open to the experience. I hope he feels the same way and has a positive experience, even if he's walking every day with his mom lagging behind. Don't worry, Miles, I'll catch up.
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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 |