Burgos to Santiago in March advice welcomed

[allisgroovey]

My wife and I are planning to walk from Burgos to Santiago beginning the second
week of March this year and expecting a 21 day trip. We plan on temps
from 40-50F, colder at night, and some rain. From your experience is
that about right? We will be dressed for this weather. We read blogs from 2005 and forward about snow and bitter cold. Is this usual? It is not, according to the weather sites we have visited. Maybe March can bring a little of everything. Thanks for your weather insights.

Also, we plan to buy and use phone cards to keep in touch occasionally
with adult children, and make occasional hotel arranges when not
staying in a hostel. Is a phone card practical? Where have you found
phones available to the public?

This is our first time on the Camino, but we have previous experience backpacking a few days across part of Yorkshire Dales in England, and in Europe also using public transport.
We are in our mid 60's and quit fit. Looking forward to your insights.

[Covey]

Welcome to the Forum.

March is a difficult month for predicting the weather, especially as weather patterns over the last couple of years have become more extreme. Layering is the answer and trying to ensure that whatever you carry has multiple uses. A fleece is a must for the evenings and early mornings until hopefully the day warms up a bit. Silk is very warm next to the skin. You will need gloves (not leather) and a ski hat to keep your ears warm.

As for phones, you can buy telephone cards which work on public pay phones almost anywhere and can get international cards as well. Lebara do a very cheap SIM Card for an unlocked mobile which gives very cheap international calls.

Your normal "home" mobile is expensive to use in Spain as you are paying for calls both ways internationally, and even local calls are routed to your home country and back!

I am also in my early 60's but regard myself as a Recycled Teenager and walking the Camino Frances has become somewhat of a habit each year. Just take it easy, ignore the "40kms a day" folks and walk it your own way. have a couple of days off in Leon when you get there. It is a fascinating city and the nightlife is great!

[tmpcoleman]

Hi Allisgroovey!
I walked from Burgos to Leon in March last year. The weather was variable, several days of blazing sunshine, two days of continuous horizontal rain, the rest was cloudy/sunny. I used an Altus poncho and waterproof overtrousers during the rainy days. Stayed completely dry. The Albergues were cold at night. I brought only my bedbug treated silk liner and used several blankets provided by the Albergue. No problems. Didn't bother with a phone.
I completed the journey from Leon to Santiago in Sept. Much warmer.
I'm 63, so age not a problem. I'm planning to do the Via ve la Plata this year.

Have a great Camino!
Tom

[Covey]

I have to say Tom, that I prefer my walking in the warmer months and alternate each year between going in the first week of July or the first week of September.

I find drinking gin in the horizontal rain somewhat dispiriting, but on a fine warm evening after a good days walk, what can be better?

The Altus poncho seems a favorite amongst the long distance walkers, and one frequently see them on the Camino. I only take a silk treated liner to sleep in during the summer months, but would suggest a lightweight sleeping bag outside May through October.

Its interesting when looking at the different age groups on the Camino. The over 50's pick up far less injuries than the youngsters. I put that down to the fact that we pace ourselves and listen to what our bodies are telling us, and when to slow down and have a breather.

Have fun on the Via ve la Plata. I am planning to start from Lisbon in July.

[Larry]

Dear Bugos

I hiked the Camino in March-April of 2009. The weather was perfect but I spent the 3 months prior watching the satellite photos and timed my start from St. Jean to avoid rain. You will find that some of the areas in the Western parts of Spain will be quite cold and misty to rainy. I came from Portland Oregon USA so I was prepared for the rain and cold. I took a cell phone with me and an English lady that I met on the trail carried a cell phone with her to keep in touch with her children (adult also) and that worked quite well. If you can walk 20 k in a day you should have no problem with the trail. Be aware that the further West you get the more rugged the trail will be. CARRY TWO TREKKING POLES, EACH. YOU'LL USE THEM AND NEED THEM. Have fun. It is a marvelous trip.