Learning How to Camino
There are many, many, many sources of information about the Camino- and soo many people happy to help you.
I started with that OLLI class back in 2019.
John Saxon led that class and he has walked many Caminos. He's one of coordinators of the Raleigh Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino. This is a national organization with chapters all across the country. We have 3 in North Carolina- Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville.
Chapters provide information, hold monthly meetings, organize hikes, tertulias (coffees) and offer newsletters full of information. Our chapter can provide mentors- experienced Camino pilgrims who are happy to help newbies learn the ropes. Our chapter has been great.
This month, we had a "Gear" meeting, where experienced pilgrims came dressed in their trail clothes with their backpack and went through how they figured out what to talk - and more importantly - what to leave behind. They also shared what they learned along they way and how the Camino provides It was great fun and I learned a lot.
I also discovered the Camino de Santiago Forum:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/
The forum has been run by Ivar of Casa Ivar in Santiago since 2004 and is a major source of information about the many Camino routes. I've found it very helpful.
For inspiration, I've enjoyed movies and book about the Camino. I started with the movie, The Way with Martin Sheen.
There are endless blogs and YouTube videos.
Planning trips is such a big part of the fun!