[saintjames] Re: Motorized assistance and packbacks and hardship

[Eva]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

I think it's great that most people don't need help with their
backpacks. I made the mistake of having a very heavy backpack (17 kg /
37 lbs) and was very happy to use the "motorized assistance" on 3 days.
We walked 800 km, so it was only about 10% of the way. My shoulders also
appreciated the 3 days off. I did not feel that I cheated in any way.

I was pretty fit to start with and walking 30 km a day was not a problem
for me. But next time I attempt the Camino, I would limit the backpack
to no more than 10 kg. There was one good thing about carrying the
weight though... The end result was incredibly muscular legs. I did not
lose weight, but was able to wear jeans about 2 sizes smaller on my
return. When I came back, I was also asked by a couple of strangers in
my hometown if I was a body builder. :-) I'm not sure if all pilgrims
would welcome leaner legs, but I surely did.

-Eva

------Deanna wrote-----
It may be a matter of honor...if you can carry it without wrecking your
body in some way. I can and will carry my pack because I am blessed with
a strong back. Some folks are not. Some folks even have to be pushed in
a wheelchair.
For me, I must carry my pack. But some people, even younger and
prettier, may not have such good gears and motors under their fancy
chassis as I have under my 1939 model ! Part of their blessing and their
honor is not the carrying of packs.

Deanna
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