Reflecting on My Best Camino and Avoiding Rookie Mistakes
We had another great question this week from Chuck, who asked, “Rob, what’s been your best Camino and what are some of the rookie mistakes to avoid?” Chuck also implied that Caminos get better the more you do them. Well, maybe they do, maybe they don’t. Let’s dive in.
A Journey Through My Caminos
First, let me give you a quick overview of my Camino journeys for those new to the Blog.
In 2015, I walked my very first Camino, the Camino Frances, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago. Unfortunately, I was injured from overtraining before the trip, so I struggled through it with painkillers and a strapped-up leg. Despite the pain, I met wonderful people and formed what we call Camino families—groups of people who, although not always walking together, share meals and experiences along the way. Interestingly, most of these folks were staying in private accommodations, yet we still formed strong bonds.
Next was a hybrid Camino with my wife, Pat, who wanted to experience the Camino but wasn’t up for the full 800km. We flew into Madrid, did some sightseeing, and began our walk at Foncebadón. This allowed Pat to enjoy the beautiful hilltops and the iconic Cruz de Ferro. We continued from Sarria to Santiago, ensuring she got a taste of the different landscapes. This Camino was about 150km, a logistical challenge but a great experience for her.
In 2018, Pat and I walked from Saint-Jean together. Conscious of her need for comfortable accommodations and shorter walking days, I made sure to plan accordingly. Although Pat was injured during this trip, she enjoyed it and made it to Santiago.
My last Camino, which I jokingly call my fourth, fifth, and sixth Camino, was in 2023. I started in Seville, walked the Via de la Plata to Granja, then joined the Camino Frances for a few days before branching off to the Camino Invierno. I finished by walking to Finisterre and Muxia. This journey totalled 1200km.
Which Camino Was the Easiest?
Surprisingly, the longest Camino was the easiest. Why? After walking several Caminos, I became comfortable with the process, gear, and my expectations. I carried only essential items, which made a significant difference. Losing 18 kilos in weight before this trip also helped prevent injuries. Knowing what distances I was comfortable with and being able to monitor my body for potential issues made the journey much smoother. I was more relaxed about interacting with locals, even with my limited Spanish, and felt at home almost immediately.
The Best Camino
Which was the best Camino? Without a doubt, the first one. It’s like your first love—there’s only one first experience, and it’s incredible. Despite the challenges of carrying too much gear and getting injured, the newness and excitement made it unforgettable. The subsequent Caminos were wonderful, especially sharing the experience with Pat, but nothing could replicate that first-time magic.
Rookie Camino Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some rookie mistakes to avoid:
1. Overtraining: I injured myself by overtraining before my first Camino. Now, I focus on getting my body weight down, do some light walking, get medical checkups, and start slow on my Caminos.
2. Carrying Too Much: On my first Camino, I carried way too much gear. Now, I only take essentials, and my pack is never a burden. Good footwear and a comfortable pack are crucial. My nine-year-old pack fits perfectly and makes a huge difference.
3. Learning Some Basic Spanish: While you don’t need to be fluent, learning some basic Spanish can enhance your experience and is greatly appreciated by locals.
Final Camino Thoughts
In conclusion, Caminos don’t necessarily get better with each walk, but they do become easier as you gain experience. The first Camino remains special, but each subsequent journey has its unique charm. Thank you for the great question, Chuck, and thank you, everyone, for watching the videos and reading the Blogs.
Keep the questions coming—I’m loving answering them, even if it takes me a while to get through them all. Until next time, happy walking!
A fun story here about sharing Camino rooms.
Hi Rob. Thank you for your informative blog and videos.
I was wondering if you use an app or a map to help find the trail especially when you are
in a city where the trail is not so obvious. Also, do you use a translator app?
Thank you so much.
I do have a few apps on my phone. Gronze is my favourite.
But for navigation I tend to use Maps.me with a camino track uploaded to it.
Navigating in cities I will often just use google maps.
On popular routes like the Frances though, the routes are generally well sign posted.
For translation I use Google Translate.
I try to speak enough basic Spanish for ordering food, directions, accommodation etc.
I don’t worry about grammar and tenses. But I am generally understood.
But use Google translate when I’m stuck.
If you download the language pack, you don’t need internet to use it.
Google translate is also very handy for shopping and reading menus!
Just use the camera feature.