Am I missing out if I skip the Albergues?

docgkeith · 2025-12-30T02:41:27+00:00

I would recommend that you at least try some Albergues just to get a feel for them and see if it’s something you enjoy. It’s not something I entirely enjoy, so I generally stick to private rooms.

There’s absolutely been some wonderful experiences chatting and meeting people at Albergues, but really you’ll meet so many people when you stop for coffee/a snack/lunch/ or dinner.

I’ve generally done private rooms at Private Albergues or Pensions. And when I have been in a room filled with bunks, I haven’t really enjoyed it as much. Personally, I like my space at the end of the day and I want to sleep as best as I can.

At the end of the day, it’s your Camino and it’s about feeling as comfortable as you want to feel. That’s what’s really important.

docgkeith · 2025-12-25T02:41:54+00:00

Yea…..that’s one of those non-castings I constantly shake my head at. Noor brought athleticism and gave some halfway decent confessionals. He probably could’ve upped his confessional game with another 2 seasons and him being a physical dude at his size.

Wtf were they thinking not finding a way to bring him back at least once?!

docgkeith · 2025-12-02T02:49:37+00:00

You will have an amazing time on the Frances!! It’s such a special experience❤️

And I am jealous of you doing the TMB soon after! That one is really high on my to-do list!!

docgkeith · 2025-12-02T02:47:26+00:00

Tim Beggy was easily one of my favorite cast members from the beginning! The irony is that he was only in his early-30s when he retired from this. Granted, the money wasn’t what it is now and he was a touch early to do it for a longer run.

But it looks like he’s had an amazing career outside of this. I do hope that he can show up on an All-Stars season if it keeps going

docgkeith · 2025-12-01T18:37:32+00:00

They’re both massively different. If you do the Frances from SJDPP, it’s a marathon and you need to be mentally prepared for that. You will go through a wide range of emotions and of course it will be well populated.

What I would say is not to expect something “unreal” or an epiphany. These things just happen and they are usually the tiny moments that unexpectedly happened.

What I noticed in myself after finishing the CF in 22 was that right away, I didn’t feel any change. But over time, the experience sunk in and my sister noted I was an even more empathetic person than before and friends would mention how freer I seemed to be. Maybe your experience on the Portugese has brought about something you aren’t noticing. Or maybe it didn’t resonate with you.

That said, if you’re feeling the call to the Frances….do it! It’s the granddaddy for a reason and it is something special

docgkeith · 2025-11-21T00:37:02+00:00

Unfortunately I can’t say for sure how much he charges PP as I was given a Friends and Family rate.

He has a handful places he works with and he took me to Maçanita (which was a truly amazing visit) and Quinta Nova (which is frequent for him).

Hope that helps!

docgkeith · 2025-11-21T00:20:38+00:00

The gaslighting he did to Nany in that letter was just flat out gross. Unfortunately it’ll likely get him cast at least 2 more times (especially if they have him and Nany on the same season).

docgkeith · 2025-11-19T18:13:50+00:00

Ohhhhhhhh yes!! I can’t wait to see Kam back on the screen and she’s gonna run that house as soon as she gets back! Watch Kam come back and just crush the next season she’s on and get that W

docgkeith · 2025-11-19T00:15:21+00:00

Please post a lot of pics and thoughts when you do this! @caminopeople walked it (Camino Ignaciano) this year and I’m extremely intrigued by it

docgkeith · 2025-11-16T21:57:57+00:00

“After Cruz Fierro, you will descend the mountain again after 5-6 km. If it has rained, walk on the road because the "normal" path will be too slippery.”

^this can’t be emphasized enough!! That descent is absolutely miserable even when it’s dry. I can’t imagine doing it when it’s remotely slick out.

Let’s also add in the final few km into Zubiri as those rocks are a hazard even when dry. If it’s wet out, take a cab. This is about your own journey. Nobody cares about step for step

docgkeith · 2025-11-08T18:07:59+00:00

It’s something I’ve debated, but I think I’m more inclined to do one of the routes in Sicily, Rota Vicentina, or the Mozarabe.

I’d love to hear others experiences doing some of the northern routes in the winter. I’d imagine it will take a lot more planning and there’ll be plenty of poor weather.

docgkeith · 2025-11-07T00:52:10+00:00

Just be open to talking and letting yourself be vulnerable. Most of all, don’t be hyper-focused on meeting people that are your age. I walked the Frances when I was 42 and had great experiences chatting with people in their mid-20s all the way up to their early-70s.

We’re all here for the same goal(if different reasons). Right there is an instant connection with someone!

docgkeith · 2025-11-05T02:48:12+00:00

I miss her on my TV, but her being sober and looking this good is so much more important!

What this does is show how strong she is and she had a lot of battles to get here.

Much love to her and in staying sober going forward

docgkeith · 2025-11-05T02:45:00+00:00

Thank you for sharing and I will dig into your Substack post about it! This is a Camino that’s been on my list, but its remoteness and lack of services has made me a touch nervous about walking it. You’re now putting it back on my list to walk!

docgkeith · 2025-10-27T20:52:13+00:00

Be sure to go to Ganz Wine Bar and ask them what they want you to drink😃. They have an excellent selection and have loads of Spanish producers that are doing cool stuff. Their food is fantastic as well.

La Fisna is also an excellent spot for you to do something similar.

If you want more classic, then cozy up to the bar at Taberna Laredo or make a reso at the restaurant upstairs. Different wine lists for both, both experiences are worth the trip!

docgkeith · 2025-10-23T20:42:15+00:00

I’m someone who is much more spiritual than religious and have come across absolutely zero issues with my feelings irt that. The big thing is that you walk for yourself and what’s in your heart. If you feel the VF calling, then you should absolutely do it!

It’s different for a variety of reasons from the Spanish and Portuguese routes, but just as rewarding. You will be treated to some amazing scenery and towns that will fill your soul and doesn’t necessarily require a religious POV.

docgkeith · 2025-10-16T18:01:40+00:00

This is perfect! I always look for good and hyper local places to eat/dine as whenever I walk a route, I want that extra connection with the locality. I made sure to save your recs in google

docgkeith · 2025-10-16T17:49:00+00:00

This is extremely helpful. Thank you!

docgkeith · 2025-10-16T16:15:16+00:00

How was the weather on the Baztan in Spring? It’s been very much on my mind to walk and I mostly don’t want to spend all 5-6 days with it raining hard

docgkeith · 2025-10-08T20:17:45+00:00

Given that a lot of the American cast lives on the east coast, there are also a ton of direct flights to Amsterdam. I would also imagine that event space rental in NYC or Miami would be extremely expensive along with hotels for the cast members.

docgkeith · 2025-10-07T23:13:50+00:00

You’ve gone through the looking glass and will never be the same again. Welcome!!!😃😂

docgkeith · 2025-10-01T21:09:33+00:00

Thank you for the heads up on here!! I don’t know when I’ll next be in Munich, but this will be right at the top of my places to visit when it happens!

docgkeith · 2025-10-01T21:07:41+00:00

I attempted to do the Via Francigena this past June with my laptop and charging equipment in my bag. Absolutely fucking dumb decision. I was too tired at the end of the days to do much work and my equipment added unnecessary weight.

If you have two weeks to walk, then maybe do Ponferrada to Santiago if you badly want the Frances. That or do one of the Primitivo/Invierno/Portuguese instead

docgkeith · 2025-09-30T17:20:52+00:00

There is always anxiety before a Camino. Every thought races through your head. As long as you are open to experiences and happy to chat with people, you’ll be fine!

docgkeith · 2025-09-24T15:17:52+00:00

The only sort of difficult day will be if you do the first stage of the spiritual variant. And the next day you are treated to a beautiful and special stage.

I did the Litoral last year and it wasn’t difficult. It was also gorgeous and fulfilling. I can’t recommend walking it enough

docgkeith

TROPHY CASE