I was having a browse through some other Camino blogs this morning and came across one that is just not me. They were up and walking at 5 or 5.30am – in the dark! Now I will admit to having done the same once – but I had woken and just could not get back to sleep. But to set an alarm clock and intentionally set out at that time – beyond me. Rushing to get away walking in the morning – oh no, breakfast first, coffee. Although I get up early all year round I am still not a morning person.
The reminded of my deciding I did not always have to know the time while I was on the Camino. To that end at the start of my Camino I took off my watch and put it away in my rucksack. I switched off my phone, and only checked it once per day, (it would be nice to leave the mobile completely, a step too far though).
I found though I still roughly knew the time. Very odd. A walking companion would ask me from time to time what the time was, I was rarely more than 10 mins out in my guess.
But the time does not really matter on the Camino. It is cool in the morning, so I walk. I get hungry, I eat – if I can. I get thirsty, I drink. It gets too hot, I stop and sleep for a while. I want companionship, I talk to other pilgrims. I get tired, bed.
I lost track of the date and sometimes the day of the week, I still just walked. Life on the Camino in some ways was utterly simply for me – not something that relates well to my “normal” life. Interesting.
I’m fascinated to have found your site – I’m bringing 15 students to Spain in June to study for a month and when their course if complete I wish to stay and do the Camino. It has been on my mind for years – I keep running into people who have done all or part of it – and it just feels like somethign I must do. I’ve been to Spain many times, but never to the north. You’ve been on the camino some days now and I hope you are doing well. I’ll follow your blog with interest. Muy buena suerte
Hi Deirdre,
I am not on the Camino just now – wish I was – I am here in Dublin writing up some of my diary from the Camino. But I look forward to returning again at the end of this year or the start of 2008. All the best – Leslie.
Am glad to have found your informative site and look forward to exploring it more.
I can be a morning person at times. I am doing a university paper at present and often prefer to get up at 5.30am to do some study before I go to work. When I get home my brain is too flaky.
About this time next year I hope to walking from Le Puy. I have been watching the temperatures at Le Puy, Cahors, even St Jean and lately they all seem very warm for April. I am sure that if the temperatures are like that in April 2008 I will want to get up fairly early to avoid too much walking in 28 degree temps. Knowing my luck though, it is more likely to be 4 degrees and pelting down with rain!!
Yes, I have to must agree! For me it is the same. I have not the schedule when I am on the Camino. I enjoy the surprise of the day without the plan.