Looking for walking buddies

[Dale]

I am going to walk from Leon to Santiago in late May.
I am a Kiwi lady, anyone out there looking for company around that time.

[Anna-Marie]

Hi Dale,

Don't worry if you don't manage to arrange to meet up with anyone beforehand. There'll be lots of people walking at that time, and you're sure to meet someone you want to walk with (or maybe different people at different times) once you're actually on the Camino.

Really, it's pretty much impossible to avoid meeting people, especially if you're staying in albergues.

Buen Camino!
Anna-Marie

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Dale, and welcome to the Forum. My sister and I (we're early 50s in age) will be in Leon on approx June 1 on our way to SDC, which I believe will put us a bit behind you. I do agree with Anna-Marie that you'll find lots of company and need'nt worry too much about being alone.

You could plan to stay in the albergue in Leon the night before your first walk so you have a chance to meet up with other pilgrims. Also on the night before your first day you'll see pilgrims at dinner (we all stand out like sore thumbs) in the old city, cathedral area. Don't be shy -- introduce yourself -- everyone finds Kiwis pretty charming. The dead giveaway to find pilgrims in the evening in any particular town is a) t-shirts, b) sandals, c) tan lines. Look for pilgrims especially in restaurants that advertise a Menu del Peregrino. In Leon we're always hanging around on the Calle Ancha just SW of the cathedral.

Buen camino!

[Murf]

I am potentially walking in May or September of this year. I will be firming up my arrangements later around April. Having walked sections of the Camino Frances before I agree with the other posts. That is, there are many people you will meet along the way, you will I believe never be alone.

[umpog]

Hi Dale,

I might also be walking the way late this May or early June. It would be nice to know somebody beforehand. You can e-mail me at umpog@hotmail.com or look me up thru facebook under the same email.

Hope to see you out there!

Charlie

[Mia76]

Hi everyone Im thinking about going Camino Portugues form Porto and continuing Camino Fisterra afterwards. I plan to go around September/October 2011 and I can spend even a month for that. I read everywhere that it is safe for a single woman but still have my doubts... not about going but about that safety...

[Anna-Marie]

Hi Mia,

I don't know about the Camino Portugés in particular, but I walked the Chemin du Puy and the Camino Francés alone (well, technically--I often ended up walking with people I met) and was never worried about my safety. I met lots of other solo women walkers, too, who never had any problems.

I hope this helps.

Anna-Marie

[Mia76]

Thank you Anna-Marie

[laurel]

hi dale im looking at walking porto to santiago in mid may, just need motivation but would be happy with company hi folks ive just joined and tryin to figure out how to post.

[Brad]

I think that given the distance involved if someone wants to go with you it is best to do some walking together beforehand. Some people, like myself, start out slow and tend to get their pace as the day goes on, others go out fast and fade later in the day. Some (younger) people start fast and continue all day! That can be a source of friction between you, as it is tiring to walk someone else's pace. Otherwise do as I was trained in the Army, and establish "rally points" where you can agree to meet along the way, then let the other go as their spirit and body are willing. Over the course of the day you will find yourself walking pretty much alongside others, and if langauages and personalities are compatable, you will begin to "synch" with them over the kilometers. The Camino in part demands that you give yourself over to it. In return miraculous things can happen, like making a friend you will cherish for the rest of your life. Buen Camino, Brad, AKA, Don Braulio

[joe]

I'd like a walking buddy too, if anyone taking the Camino Frances route and is starting around the 20th May, I would be honoured to walk with you