Comments on: Why camino sucks? My reply.

By: Roberta Kravette

Roberta Kravette — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 18:39:00 +0000

Thank you so much for this article. My dad, a life-long traveler, told me once that no matter where you go you always pack yourself first. Sounds like Francis was having problems with his luggage – not the Camino itself. I can’t wait to go!

By: Null & Full

Null & Full — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 08:46:00 +0000

Thank you Mary. I think it is important to know both sides before you decided to go. Obviously, for each of us the camino means something different but if you never try you will never know. Preparations and mindset in this case are crucial, though.

By: Null & Full

Null & Full — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 08:45:00 +0000

Thank you Jenny! You are right: any hike is what you make it!

By: Mary {The World Is A Book}

Mary {The World Is A Book} — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 07:58:00 +0000

I’m not walking the Camino anytime soon but this was a great read and interesting perspectives from both you and Francis. I’ve always admired people who have completed such a challenging task. The pictures here look so inviting though.

By: @hikerciser

@hikerciser — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:36:00 +0000

Very thoughtful response Agata. I think the Camino is a special walk, made special by the personal and individual commitment made by the walker. Sure, there are more spectactular hikes but any hike is what you make it, and also includes the people you meet along the way as well as fascinating vistas.

By: Null & Full

Null & Full — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:51:00 +0000

Sure! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Camino Del Norte in terms of views and lack of crowds. The most wild is probably Primitivo (the one walked by St. Francis), and most challenging de La Plata. So, plenty to chose from ;-) Good luck with all other trails Francis!

By: Francis Tapon

Francis Tapon — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:40:00 +0000

I am open to hiking a different Camino again (like El Norte), but realistically, given all my upcoming travel plans for the next decade, it’s unlikely that I’ll return, unfortunately. Maybe in 20+ years, I’ll revisit it. :) It’s not that I hate it, it’s just that I have other trails to do. I adore the PCT, but I just have other trails I want to hike, so I doubt I’ll re-hike it.

Finally, I agree 100% that people should read both articles (and many other articles) to get a more accurate picture of the trail. The main reason I wrote my article is that I felt too many pilgrims were painting a rosy, wonderful picture of the trail. I wanted to post the contrarian perspective. I wanted to write to people who adore mountain/wilderness trails. That was my target audience, since their voice/opinion was not being captured.

By: Null & Full

Null & Full — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 11:17:00 +0000

Thank you Karen! I totally agree with you: the more you know before you go the better!

By: Karen Warren

Karen Warren — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 11:15:00 +0000

Interesting article. One thing I’ve learnt from doing long distance walks is that they’re all different from one another and it’s a good idea to find out what to expect and to choose carefully before setting out.

By: Null & Full

Null & Full — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:34:00 +0000

Hi Francis! Thank you so much for taking time to reply my comments. I wish that all people read both stories before they go so they will have a full picture and more data to based their decision on. Are you going to walk the camino again or do you feel like once is enough?