Thom’s Practical Rules for the Camino

Introduction

These rules are hard-won through experience. The emphasis here is on practical – these will not necessarily ensure a more spiritual or fruitful pilgrimage, but perhaps a less needlessly difficult one. If you’re looking for some of the spiritual lessons I learned, those are on the page titled Cultivating Pilgrim Spirituality.

And obviously, these rules don’t include your everyday rules for operating in polite society. Humility and good manners are assumed.

These rules took their original inspiration from the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition. Yes, I am a geek. Some of them are “rules” in the loosest sense of the word, perhaps more suggestions or observations. They are in no particular order.

Disclaimer

These are my rules. They may or may not be applicable to you, except Rule 4. Rule 4 applies to everyone. You can disobey the others at your own peril.

The Rules

1. All printed distances are lies: don’t expect otherwise.

2. The longest part of the day is the last three kilometers, so mentally plan accordingly.

3. The first albergue in any given town is probably the most crowded: consider walking to the second or third.

4. Donativos are not cheaper.

5. If you are even vaguely hungry or thinking about café con leche, stop in that café. This is especially true if you are leaving a town and there isn’t another one for a while.

6. If you pass a restroom, use it. Even if you don’t think you have to.

7. Always fill your water bottle. 

8. Stop in every church, even if it’s only for a moment.

9. Expect miracles, but do not rely on them¹.

10. Walk your own pace, but remember that the Camino is a marathon not a sprint.

11. Keep your rain gear handy, especially if you don’t think you’ll need it.

12. Take detours and alternate routes whenever practical.

1. See also Deuteronomy 6:16.