Hi Rob. I am just back from the Camino Frances, where I had an incredible experience! 45 days, and I loved every one of them! I am just circling back to thank you for all the great info you have published in your videos. I took many of your suggestions, but by far the most beneficial was the introduction to "Hiker's Wool." I had never heard of this before, but I ordered online and used it EVERY single day! I wrapped it around my toes, padded the insides of my heels, and handed out to other pilgrims in pain. I walked the entire Camino and never got a blister! Thanks again for this excellent tip, among many others!
I absolutely love your videos. They are so helpful! I'm a Spanish native speaker, when I watched videos in Spanish regarding el Camino, they are not as good as yours. Your videos are precise, full of facts and helpful advice,. Gracias !
Thanks so much for this great video and thanks to the folks that contributed the questions. I watched the entire vid. Very helpful. I'll be working with my cell provider on various options.
The question “why do you walk the Camino more than once?” Is silly. Why do anything you love more than once? Because you love doing it! Good video. Thanks.
I suppose some people might think that some element didn't work or 'click' the first time around, or maybe to try different routes or something. For those who have never walked a Camino, they may not realise the 'pull' it exerts on us to return. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to answer my query about whether the Camino Invierno is as 'spiritual' as the Frances. I did think that there would be the difference that you spoke of. For me, the spirituality on the Frances was almost tangible. We shall have to carry our awareness with us on the Invierno and allow the beauty of the hills and valley's speak to us in their own way.
eSims are great! I didn't need to do phone calls because all the Albergues are on WhatsApp, so you only really need data. I left my Aussie sim in just as backup, and incase anyone called. But everything else went through data
Even on the very tertiary Camino routes without any waymarking at all and that virtually nobody ever walks, it's pretty rare to have to rely on what's in your backpack for your meal of the day. What's typical in most of Spain and nearly all of Portugal is that each village will have at least one bar and often a little shop, though there are exceptions. Don't use pack transport myself, but on some routes without those services, local taxis can sometimes transport your stuff for you. On Camino routes even less traveled than the VDLP, you actually have to include route planning day-to-day in your routine, which villages have a bar, restaurant or shop, ATM and so on, which is the easier route for youre needs and so on, and you can't just blindly follow an official route, unless you're a fast day-to-day walker -- but even then, some degree of shifting away from the official route for whatever reasons may be desirable. My big Camino was my 2nd -- I was a bit more of a hiker/tourist on the 1st, and it was a bit of a failure, but my 2nd was Home (Paris) to Santiago and it was the real thing. The Francès and the various Português routes are the ones with the larger proportion of young pilgrims, though there were quite a few on the Catalàn, and the Aragonés is basically a variant of the Francès so there are youths on that one too. The tiny little snake you saw sounds like a viper, and you do need to be careful with those, they can kill you. The larger European snakes aren't that big, but they're not venomous.
Yes, I'd agree, rare. I always found a meal at my overnight stay, (and hence breakfast) as they were usually larger villages and 'common' stopping points. But I have to say on the VdlP and to a slightly less degree on the Invierno, it was the norm, for nothing to be open during the walking day. Unless it was quite a large village. To find somewhere open for a coffee or snack during the day on the VdlP for example, was a treat. Maybe on 5 days out of 35? So I'd agree, it would be very rare to not have a meal at the end of the day, but very common to carry your food to be consumed 'during' the day. Though 2 days out of 15 on the Invierno, there was no food anywhere in the evening. But I knew ahead of time. Quite a few times breakfast was a DIY affair though. As the one bar/cafe might not open early enough. It just required planning ahead a day or so. I suppose ultimately, I felt more 'comfortable' having a small food reserve with me 'just in case'. It often got consumed on the trail the next day....
Thank you for this video. I cannot settle at all and all I can think of is how to do another. I thought it would settle me but it’s made me 10 times worse. I walk most days in the uk but not the same. I’m like you, I love solitude but also like the camaraderie of cafes or meal times. I’ve made a couple of life long friend on the Frances which is fantastic but just need to be out there somehow. In spite of sleeping ( or not) on a park bench in Pamplona and breaking my wrist in Sarria walking down the street, ( I carried on to Santiago) I still loved it and basically can think of not much else. Help!!!
I feel for you... 🤥 Sadly I'm not sure it gets better the more Caminos we walk. But I try to take that Camino 'feeling' into my everyday life. Silly example. My wife has been in Bangkok for 2 months visiting her sick Father (he's getting better). I'm here for a week to see him. This home/suburb is a new one to us. Pat has been exploring the Malls and great places to eat that all involve a car ride. Last night I got into Camino mode and just looked for places to eat on Google Maps. We walked 500 metres to a street that was full of local markets, stalls, restaurants! Pat was amazed. "How did you know all this was here?" LOL. We'll walk around there for dinner tonight again....... I think we have to learn to appreciate and enjoy what is right in front of us sometimes .....
@@robscamino you’re right of course. I live in a beautiful part of the country and can be out walking in 5 minutes. It doesn’t help that my father died last month. Although he was 91 I wasn’t expecting it, it’s made me worse of course. Ah Well, I’ll have to find a way of going again next year I think. Maybe the Norte or primitivo. Think it will have to just be a couple of weeks this time. Thanks once again for all your videos, had a bit of a camino video fest tonight. Also watched the way for the millionth time again the other day.
@@dittanymorgan7039 Grab a red wine and watch the Way again ! Been there, done that a million times or so LOL You know The Way 2 is coming out soon.......
Good idea. I can't edit a video that is already published, but I have added a map to this Blog Post for you. robscamino.com/flights-are-booked-via-de-la-plata-here-i-come/
I was thinking of doing the French cammino, wondering exactly where it stats. However I have z disability ms makes me unstable but I can walk a bit on the treadmill I walk 3.5 km per hour. Thank you for answering my questions.
None of the Camino routes actually start anywhere. Traditionally, Pilgrims would walk from home. So start where you like. Maybe try some walks locally and see how you go. And hiking poles might help with stability
Thanks for all these great questions! In the description below the video are 'time stamps' so you can jump to the questions of interest. This Blog Post has a map of the route at the bottom of the page. robscamino.com/flights-are-booked-via-de-la-plata-here-i-come/
Hi Rob and thanks for answering my (and all the others) questions. In the past I have used walking apps but they are really bad at draining the battery on your phone so do you have to take a powerbank (weight!) and also make sure that once you come out of the app it is still not actually on and draining the battery in the background. Thanks again and looking forward to my first camino (Portuguese) in September.
I had a powerbank with me, but it failed after a week. I didn't need one really. I was running maps.me and mapmywalk all the time I was walking, as well as google maps sometimes. It depends on the phone really.
G'Day, from a fellow aussie, Rob I have a simple but long winded question for you. What is the best way to exchange ideas/views away from public discourse? Look forward to your response. Thank you in advance.
Hi Rob, love your vids. I have a question about arthritic knees. You have mentioned that you have a similar problem. My wife and I are planning to walk the Camino Frances next year. I have been diagnosed (some years ago) with Osteoarthritis in my L-knee. It doesn’t give me too many problems on a day-to-day basis. My wife and I are regular gym goers and quite fit. At the gym (amongst other things) I use the elliptical cross-trainer twice per week with little to no problems. We do, however, plan some training walks in the months leading up to our Camino and would appreciate some advice re: your experience with your own knees and how you managed your arthritis whilst on the Camino. I currently take some anti-inflammatories and analgesics on an ‘as need’ basis, which successfully manages my condition. However, I’m uncertain as to how my knee would react to 20k daily walks back-to-back. I’m intending to bring my meds with me on the Camino and would appreciate any comments/information you may have. From: Bob (my husband).
Hi Bob. You sound like you're in fairly good shape! Firstly, I always consult my Doctor and get up to date scans of my knees. Then, like you suggest, I take painkillers and anti inflammatories as required (and as instructed by my Doctor). I didn't need them much on my last Camino, as I reduced a lot of body weight. That seemed to help a lot! Other than that. keep well hydrated........ Oh. Use poles. And.. Keep your pack weight light! I can get mine to about 6kg + food/water. Pat is at about 4.5 kg + food/water. That includes sleeping bags, knee braces, and a foam roller..... Not sure the knee braces really help with arthritis. Best to ask a Physio. I use them as required for Bursitis in the knees.
@@robscamino Rob, Bob here. Thanks so much for your timely response. Yes to the poles and pack. I am only around 63 kg, so I won’t be carrying anything over 6.5 kg. Re: medical advice….I have always had a healthy, but respectful scepticism for the Medicos when it relates to anything physical/sports/outdoors. In my experience they always tell you what you shouldn’t do, rather than what you can do. I will, of course get an opinion before I go, but will couch my question in terms of not ‘can I do the Camino’?, but ‘I intend to do the Camino, will I incur any irreversible damage to my knee’? And if the answer is ‘no irreversible damage’, recommendations for anti inti-inflammatories/analgesics. My wife and I will continue to watch your vids and if it’s ok with you, we will post some other questions. Much appreciated. Bob
I take a similar approach with my Doctor Bob. Basically, "I'm going". What do I need to look out for? Should I mask pain or not? What might I make worse? She is very helpful! I think she understands the drive for me to go, and that I'm not going to be stupid about it. Ever since my first Camino, she also gives me some 'heavy duty' pain killers for emergency. And she explains when and how to use them. This was when I explained that "what if the pain gets really bad, and I need to walk 10+ kms still to get help"? I only take 6 tabs with me. Two days treatment. I have never needed them. I also get the same advice from my Physio and Podiatrist! The podiatrist makes my orthotics and thinks I'm nuts! But again, provides great advice. Between the three of them I feel well prepared and informed. Professional advice is always worthwhile. Up to you if you take it or not.
Thanks very much! No one seems to do videos on getting used gear for the Camino. I imagine many reusable gear items are abandoned near Santiago or other end points. Does anyone (shops or organizations) gather and redistribute them for resale? Are there any used gear shops along the Camino Frances route? I've got everything but hiking sticks and would like to buy used ones along the route. Can anyone answer this or guide me to used gear options?
This is often raised in online discussions. as a lot of hiking poles are left behind in Santiago as they cannot be carried as cabin luggage (Santiago airport rule currently). But the economics of transporting used poles back to the various start points would be a challenge I think. If you are passing through Santiago on your way to your start point, you may find used poles at Pilgrim House.
As for gear, other than poles, I'm not sure much gets left behind. I imagine most people use that same gear at home, or like I do, put it aside for the next Camino.
@@robscamino Thanks very much! It might be worthwhile for some enterprising person to collect the reusable detritus and sell it to some shops near the beginning for resale. I'm facing the same flying challenge, since I virtually never check a bag. I'm packing spare and at the end of my Camino I imagine my few clothes won't amount to enough to check.
@@cltinturkey Doing the numbers on the back of an envelope, I sadly can't see how it would work. Unless it was funded somehow. Also the shops probably prefer to sell new poles. (higher margins, less problems). Tough call. Maybe someone will come up with an idea...
Thanks once again for your video, Rob! I’m heading to Spain for my first small Camino second half of Sept. hope to do Astorga to Santiago, but a Camino all the same! I really appreciate your perspective on the few days you had on the Frances this past time. It was truly an unexpected surprise that was your favorite part! I’m looking for that energy as well. As far as booking ahead, for me I’ll book my first night and plan to let the Camino provide, as they say. Gracias!
Hi Rob. I am just back from the Camino Frances, where I had an incredible experience! 45 days, and I loved every one of them! I am just circling back to thank you for all the great info you have published in your videos. I took many of your suggestions, but by far the most beneficial was the introduction to "Hiker's Wool." I had never heard of this before, but I ordered online and used it EVERY single day! I wrapped it around my toes, padded the insides of my heels, and handed out to other pilgrims in pain. I walked the entire Camino and never got a blister! Thanks again for this excellent tip, among many others!
So glad to hear that you had a great Camino! 🙂
I absolutely love your videos. They are so helpful! I'm a Spanish native speaker, when I watched videos in Spanish regarding el Camino, they are not as good as yours. Your videos are precise, full of facts and helpful advice,. Gracias !
Thank You, that is a very nice compliment. I'm glad you find the videos useful.
Thanks so much for this great video and thanks to the folks that contributed the questions. I watched the entire vid. Very helpful. I'll be working with my cell provider on various options.
Feel free to ask questions any time. It gives me ideas for new videos 😉
Brilliant love every bit of considered content. Thanks
Thanks, glad it makes sense.
Rob you looked jacked!! Your massive weight loss is amazing and I’m sure helped you on the silver route
Yes, It helped a huge amount.
Thanks for answering both my questions!! I'll start camino primitivo in about a month and what you said was really useful 😊
Buen Camino!
Thanks Rob. Always appreciate your thoughts.
There were some great questions, thanks.
The question “why do you walk the Camino more than once?” Is silly. Why do anything you love more than once? Because you love doing it! Good video. Thanks.
I suppose some people might think that some element didn't work or 'click' the first time around, or maybe to try different routes or something. For those who have never walked a Camino, they may not realise the 'pull' it exerts on us to return. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to answer my query about whether the Camino Invierno is as 'spiritual' as the Frances. I did think that there would be the difference that you spoke of. For me, the spirituality on the Frances was almost tangible. We shall have to carry our awareness with us on the Invierno and allow the beauty of the hills and valley's speak to us in their own way.
You will love the Invierno....... 🙂
eSims are great! I didn't need to do phone calls because all the Albergues are on WhatsApp, so you only really need data.
I left my Aussie sim in just as backup, and incase anyone called. But everything else went through data
Glad that worked well for you.
Even on the very tertiary Camino routes without any waymarking at all and that virtually nobody ever walks, it's pretty rare to have to rely on what's in your backpack for your meal of the day. What's typical in most of Spain and nearly all of Portugal is that each village will have at least one bar and often a little shop, though there are exceptions.
Don't use pack transport myself, but on some routes without those services, local taxis can sometimes transport your stuff for you.
On Camino routes even less traveled than the VDLP, you actually have to include route planning day-to-day in your routine, which villages have a bar, restaurant or shop, ATM and so on, which is the easier route for youre needs and so on, and you can't just blindly follow an official route, unless you're a fast day-to-day walker -- but even then, some degree of shifting away from the official route for whatever reasons may be desirable.
My big Camino was my 2nd -- I was a bit more of a hiker/tourist on the 1st, and it was a bit of a failure, but my 2nd was Home (Paris) to Santiago and it was the real thing.
The Francès and the various Português routes are the ones with the larger proportion of young pilgrims, though there were quite a few on the Catalàn, and the Aragonés is basically a variant of the Francès so there are youths on that one too.
The tiny little snake you saw sounds like a viper, and you do need to be careful with those, they can kill you. The larger European snakes aren't that big, but they're not venomous.
Yes, I'd agree, rare. I always found a meal at my overnight stay, (and hence breakfast) as they were usually larger villages and 'common' stopping points. But I have to say on the VdlP and to a slightly less degree on the Invierno, it was the norm, for nothing to be open during the walking day. Unless it was quite a large village. To find somewhere open for a coffee or snack during the day on the VdlP for example, was a treat. Maybe on 5 days out of 35? So I'd agree, it would be very rare to not have a meal at the end of the day, but very common to carry your food to be consumed 'during' the day. Though 2 days out of 15 on the Invierno, there was no food anywhere in the evening. But I knew ahead of time. Quite a few times breakfast was a DIY affair though. As the one bar/cafe might not open early enough. It just required planning ahead a day or so. I suppose ultimately, I felt more 'comfortable' having a small food reserve with me 'just in case'. It often got consumed on the trail the next day....
Thank you for this video. I cannot settle at all and all I can think of is how to do another. I thought it would settle me but it’s made me 10 times worse. I walk most days in the uk but not the same. I’m like you, I love solitude but also like the camaraderie of cafes or meal times. I’ve made a couple of life long friend on the Frances which is fantastic but just need to be out there somehow. In spite of sleeping ( or not) on a park bench in Pamplona and breaking my wrist in Sarria walking down the street, ( I carried on to Santiago) I still loved it and basically can think of not much else. Help!!!
I feel for you... 🤥 Sadly I'm not sure it gets better the more Caminos we walk. But I try to take that Camino 'feeling' into my everyday life. Silly example. My wife has been in Bangkok for 2 months visiting her sick Father (he's getting better). I'm here for a week to see him. This home/suburb is a new one to us. Pat has been exploring the Malls and great places to eat that all involve a car ride. Last night I got into Camino mode and just looked for places to eat on Google Maps. We walked 500 metres to a street that was full of local markets, stalls, restaurants! Pat was amazed. "How did you know all this was here?" LOL. We'll walk around there for dinner tonight again....... I think we have to learn to appreciate and enjoy what is right in front of us sometimes .....
@@robscamino you’re right of course. I live in a beautiful part of the country and can be out walking in 5 minutes. It doesn’t help that my father died last month. Although he was 91 I wasn’t expecting it, it’s made me worse of course. Ah Well, I’ll have to find a way of going again next year I think. Maybe the Norte or primitivo. Think it will have to just be a couple of weeks this time. Thanks once again for all your videos, had a bit of a camino video fest tonight. Also watched the way for the millionth time again the other day.
@@dittanymorgan7039 Grab a red wine and watch the Way again ! Been there, done that a million times or so LOL You know The Way 2 is coming out soon.......
Something I discovered this year.........short Caminos can work just as well as long ones! 7-10 days. 60 days was totally unnecessary LOL
@@dittanymorgan7039 So sorry to hear about your Father. That's never easy.
Thanks. Wished you had a short map review at the start.
Good idea. I can't edit a video that is already published, but I have added a map to this Blog Post for you. robscamino.com/flights-are-booked-via-de-la-plata-here-i-come/
I was thinking of doing the French cammino, wondering exactly where it stats. However I have z disability ms makes me unstable but I can walk a bit on the treadmill I walk 3.5 km per hour.
Thank you for answering my questions.
None of the Camino routes actually start anywhere. Traditionally, Pilgrims would walk from home. So start where you like. Maybe try some walks locally and see how you go. And hiking poles might help with stability
Thanks for all these great questions! In the description below the video are 'time stamps' so you can jump to the questions of interest. This Blog Post has a map of the route at the bottom of the page. robscamino.com/flights-are-booked-via-de-la-plata-here-i-come/
Hi Rob and thanks for answering my (and all the others) questions. In the past I have used walking apps but they are really bad at draining the battery on your phone so do you have to take a powerbank (weight!) and also make sure that once you come out of the app it is still not actually on and draining the battery in the background. Thanks again and looking forward to my first camino (Portuguese) in September.
I had a powerbank with me, but it failed after a week. I didn't need one really. I was running maps.me and mapmywalk all the time I was walking, as well as google maps sometimes. It depends on the phone really.
Hi Rob. Welcome home. Can I ask which bank has the euro bank account? Thanks for all your work on the channel.
Good to be back, thanks. But now I miss the Camino. 🙂
@@robscamino Can I ask which bank offers the euro account? Thank you.
@@auzzygirl8175 I think most of the major Australian banks do. I have had them with Westpac and CBA.
NAB no longer offer a Travel Currency Card
@@lugsdin Thanks for the update. My current card is from CBA.
G'Day, from a fellow aussie, Rob
I have a simple but long winded question for you. What is the best way to exchange ideas/views away from public discourse?
Look forward to your response. Thank you in advance.
Facebook message? facebook.com/robscamino
Hi Rob, love your vids. I have a question about arthritic knees. You have mentioned that you have a similar problem. My wife and I are planning to walk the Camino Frances next year. I have been diagnosed (some years ago) with Osteoarthritis in my L-knee. It doesn’t give me too many problems on a day-to-day basis. My wife and I are regular gym goers and quite fit. At the gym (amongst other things) I use the elliptical cross-trainer twice per week with little to no problems. We do, however, plan some training walks in the months leading up to our Camino and would appreciate some advice re: your experience with your own knees and how you managed your arthritis whilst on the Camino. I currently take some anti-inflammatories and analgesics on an ‘as need’ basis, which successfully manages my condition. However, I’m uncertain as to how my knee would react to 20k daily walks back-to-back. I’m intending to bring my meds with me on the Camino and would appreciate any comments/information you may have. From: Bob (my husband).
Hi Bob. You sound like you're in fairly good shape! Firstly, I always consult my Doctor and get up to date scans of my knees. Then, like you suggest, I take painkillers and anti inflammatories as required (and as instructed by my Doctor). I didn't need them much on my last Camino, as I reduced a lot of body weight. That seemed to help a lot! Other than that. keep well hydrated........ Oh. Use poles. And.. Keep your pack weight light! I can get mine to about 6kg + food/water. Pat is at about 4.5 kg + food/water. That includes sleeping bags, knee braces, and a foam roller..... Not sure the knee braces really help with arthritis. Best to ask a Physio. I use them as required for Bursitis in the knees.
@@robscamino Rob, Bob here. Thanks so much for your timely response. Yes to the poles and pack. I am only around 63 kg, so I won’t be carrying anything over 6.5 kg. Re: medical advice….I have always had a healthy, but respectful scepticism for the Medicos when it relates to anything physical/sports/outdoors. In my experience they always tell you what you shouldn’t do, rather than what you can do. I will, of course get an opinion before I go, but will couch my question in terms of not ‘can I do the Camino’?, but ‘I intend to do the Camino, will I incur any irreversible damage to my knee’? And if the answer is ‘no irreversible damage’, recommendations for anti inti-inflammatories/analgesics.
My wife and I will continue to watch your vids and if it’s ok with you, we will post some other questions. Much appreciated. Bob
I take a similar approach with my Doctor Bob. Basically, "I'm going". What do I need to look out for? Should I mask pain or not? What might I make worse? She is very helpful! I think she understands the drive for me to go, and that I'm not going to be stupid about it. Ever since my first Camino, she also gives me some 'heavy duty' pain killers for emergency. And she explains when and how to use them. This was when I explained that "what if the pain gets really bad, and I need to walk 10+ kms still to get help"? I only take 6 tabs with me. Two days treatment. I have never needed them. I also get the same advice from my Physio and Podiatrist! The podiatrist makes my orthotics and thinks I'm nuts! But again, provides great advice. Between the three of them I feel well prepared and informed. Professional advice is always worthwhile. Up to you if you take it or not.
@@robscamino Bob here: Thanks, Rob for all your useful information.
@@richelleannbouffard6632 My pleasure. Happy to help.
Thank you for all tge info. Though...lol your accent regarding certain products is difficult to follow. Thank you for all the advice❤
Sorry about the accent. Where are you from?
Thanks very much! No one seems to do videos on getting used gear for the Camino. I imagine many reusable gear items are abandoned near Santiago or other end points. Does anyone (shops or organizations) gather and redistribute them for resale? Are there any used gear shops along the Camino Frances route? I've got everything but hiking sticks and would like to buy used ones along the route. Can anyone answer this or guide me to used gear options?
This is often raised in online discussions. as a lot of hiking poles are left behind in Santiago as they cannot be carried as cabin luggage (Santiago airport rule currently). But the economics of transporting used poles back to the various start points would be a challenge I think. If you are passing through Santiago on your way to your start point, you may find used poles at Pilgrim House.
As for gear, other than poles, I'm not sure much gets left behind. I imagine most people use that same gear at home, or like I do, put it aside for the next Camino.
@@robscamino Thanks very much! It might be worthwhile for some enterprising person to collect the reusable detritus and sell it to some shops near the beginning for resale. I'm facing the same flying challenge, since I virtually never check a bag. I'm packing spare and at the end of my Camino I imagine my few clothes won't amount to enough to check.
@@cltinturkey Doing the numbers on the back of an envelope, I sadly can't see how it would work. Unless it was funded somehow. Also the shops probably prefer to sell new poles. (higher margins, less problems). Tough call. Maybe someone will come up with an idea...
Thanks once again for your video, Rob! I’m heading to Spain for my first small Camino second half of Sept. hope to do Astorga to Santiago, but a Camino all the same! I really appreciate your perspective on the few days you had on the Frances this past time. It was truly an unexpected surprise that was your favorite part! I’m looking for that energy as well. As far as booking ahead, for me I’ll book my first night and plan to let the Camino provide, as they say. Gracias!
You talk a lot abt VideoP. What does it mean? Is it one of the caminos?
It's that Aussie accent: VDLP or Via de la Plata, the name of one of the Camino routes.
Correct 🙂