Is the Camino a Once in a Lifetime Experience?

I remember being told by a few people that the Camino is a once in a lifetime experience and yet have been on seven different Caminos (so far – I have more planned!).

This does suggest that the Camino is something that can be done more than once but I know that I am lucky – living in England I am not far away and can get flights cheaply to be able to get to the Camino, a lot of people live much further away and flights cost a lot more, for them the journey may well only be possible once.

But each Camino is very different – different weather, different people and different places stopped at for a rest or for the night. The Camino brings with it new experiences every time that you walk upon it. No two Caminos are the same; even walking on the same stretch is different each time.

The Camino can be repeated but each time is so different that no two Caminos are the same so each one is a once in a lifetime experience.

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Route Napoleon closures: November-March

For anyone thinking of setting off on the Camino anytime soon just a reminder that the Navarrese Govenmnet closes the Route Napoleon over the Pyrenees from November 1st - March 31st each year (and longer if need be). Roncenvalles in the snow The official notification for this (from last year) is below.

The Camino Primitivo

The Camino Primitivo (or the Original Way) is reportedly the very first Camino Way to Santiago in the 9 th century when most of Spain was under the control of the Moors and it runs from near the city of Ovideo in Asturias as it starts in Villavicosa (which also lies on the Camino Norte so many people follow this Way from Basque city of San Sebastian (Donosti in Basque) or in from the French border at Irun ( this route then hugs the Bay of Biscay passing through Guernica, Bilbao, Santander, Llanes before going under the Picos de Europa and then heads along the coast to Ovideo) before branching off onto the Primitivo which goes across the mountains and through the city of Lugo before joining the Frances at Melide. The route is 320km long. Image taken from https://viaalpina2013.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/camino-del-norte-camino-primitivo/

Pilgrim Prayer - Columba

Columba was an Irish monk (who founded several monasteries in Ireland) who sailed with 12 others to the island of Iona just off the west coast of Scotland. The Abbey he funded became one of the powerhouses of Mediaeval Christendom. He lived from 7th December 521 until 9th June 597. Alone with none but thee, my God, I journey on my way. What need I fear, when thou art near O king of night and day? More safe am I within thy hand Than if a host did round me stand. Be thou a bright flame before me, Be thou a guiding star above me, Be thou a smooth path below me, Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me, Today, tonight and forever.

On the Camino

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