Two Newbies beginning in St Jean on Sept 9th..

[totustuusmaria2013]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to put some feelers out there for who will be beginning the Camino in September. A friend and I will be traveling from the States to Paris and then taking the train down to St. Jean to begin Thursday morning the 9th. I am a Seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington, VA and a Chaplain Candidate Officer for the US Navy/Marine Corps. I am taking a year off of formation to work in a Parish (and do the Camino). My buddy is a former seminarian, still discerning God's call, but looking for a job in the process of doing that.

Any one else planning on starting on or around the 9th? Any advice to first timers?

I am still working on getting the supplies, but any suggestions on Shoes and Socks, and money issues (how much will be spend on the trail this time of year...is bottled water expensive?)

Thanks everyone...God Bless..

[HuskyNerd]

Welcome to the Forum, Totus. It's nice to see a clergy/protoclergy heading off for the Camino. You'll find the Camino to be a rich, spiritual experience, with many surprises, obstacles and wonders along the way. I wonder if you've read the delightful book by Fr. Kevin Codd entitled To the Field of Stars. It's here Amazon.com: To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago De Compostela (9780802825926): Kevin A. Codd: Books on Amazon in case you haven't. Fr. Kevin gives a great intro to the Camino as a Catholic priest and there will be much info in the book for your preparation -- practically and spiritually.

I believe one of our moderators, Covey, will be on the Camino at the same time as you. Look for a humorous, 60ish Brit carrying two water bottles and no sleeping mat, surrounded by a loving family of admirers and friends. It seems like most all English-speakers clump together after a bit, so I'd be surprised if you don't meet Covey. Please say "hi" to him from HuskyNerd.

For shoes, I recommend heavy duty hiking or trekking boots such as these from REI Salomon Explorer GTX Hiking Boots - Men's at REI.com that are high top, thick soled, water resistant boots with some breathability. In Sept/Oct you'll hit some hot patches on the Meseta along with potential rain in Navarre and Galicia. You'll appreciate all the features of a boot like this. Not good to scrimp on your feet. For socks, REI has some SmartWool lightweight trekking socks that work well. I use these plus sock liners, which are important blister protection. Covey has found socks called 1000 Mile Socks and swears by them, but I've been unable to find them in the USA. They apparently are wool on the outside and the liner is built into the inside.

Moneywise, it depends on your tastes and budget. Good to plan on 10E for albergues (you'll find most are 5E, but good to plan more just in case). I'd plan 20E/day for meals. You'll want to budget another 50E for unforeseen expenses, and most everyone plans for 2-3 hotel stays if possible in order to get a good shower and sleep. Plan 30-50E for these nights. As I recall a 2L water bottle is about 3E if you hit a supermercado, but if not it can get spendy at bars. I greatly dislike plastic water bottles, so I use a 3L Camelbak and have never regretted it.

Happy to help with any advice you might need, Totus. Many blessings to you in the grand adventure you're about to begin ~

HuskyNerd
(Rev. Sanford "Sandy" Brown, First United Methodist Church, Seattle WA)

[Covey]

""I believe one of our moderators, Covey, will be on the Camino at the same time as you. Look for a humorous, 60ish Brit carrying two water bottles and no sleeping mat, surrounded by a loving family of admirers and friends.""

I resemble that remark!!

[totustuusmaria2013]

I am looking forward to meeting you along the way, possibly. I was thinking about not bringing a sleeping mat....do I need one?

[Tanya Yaksich]

Hi Totus,
If you see someone having a siesta on a sleeping mat, it is not Covey,he does not take siestas, but Huskynerd and i do !
Take something warm to wear if you're not used to the cold. it can get chilly in the mountains, and wet.
See you Downunder for the eclipse Huskynerd.
Cheers and buen Camino
Tanya

[Leslie]

You only need a sleeping mat if you want to lie down during the day. In two journeys down the camino I never needed one at night anywhere. I also find that my mat is done before the end.