Part time camino?

[Shaun]

Hello there, has anyone walked the camino over several years? If so, did this take away the whole experiance of it, or did it work out ok in the end? Starting from SJPP. how far would an average fit 40yr old, get in two weeks? Thanks, Shaun.

[tmpcoleman]

Hi Shaun,
Starting in 2009 I did the Camino Frances in three 2 week stages, SJPP to Burgos, Burgos to Leon, and Leon to Santiago. Ideally I would prefer to do a complete Camino in one go, but I can only get away for two weeks at a time. It does feel a bit strange starting from where you left off last time, new people, fresh start. On the plus side, it does give you a chance to reassess your equipment, fitness, etc. I am currently half way along the Via de la Plata after two 2 week stages.
I am an average fit 63 year old and got to Burgos from SJPPin two weeks.
Bye the way, you won't be the only one doing the Camino in stages.
Regards,
Tom

[Shaun]

Hi Tom,
thanks for the reply. How did you plan your travel arrangements back from each stage? Did you set a goal before you set off, or plan at the end of each stage walked?
Thanks for your advice, and keep on walking!
Regards, Shaun

[tmpcoleman]

Hi Shaun,
I used the site"godesalco.com" to plan the various stages. I tried to end up in a large town so I could easily get a coach back to departure airport. Sometimes I used the same airport, sometimes I used an airport nearer to the finishing town. eg. Dublin/Biarritz (Ryanair) and Bilbao/Dublin (Aer Lingus)
For the first and second stages of the Via de la Plata I flew into and out of Seville. For the next stage I will probably use Madrid.
I generally had a plan "A" for each stage in advance, with a couple of spare days built in, just in case.
Hope this helps.
Tom