A fall camino

[EFDoucette]

Hello, I have spent a number of hours now reviewing the info in the forums. A lot of great information posted. I am new to the idea of walking the Camino Frances, am 56, and recently retired. It seems too much to get up and go for this spring but am considering this Sept / Oct.
Can someone provide some thoughts on a walk at this time? I'm not really sure what to ask but firstly I guess would it be a good time to go, understanding that July & August is crowded.

Thanks

[Larry]

Dear EFdoucette
I don't know where you're based but I live on the US West coast and I've always enjoyed Europe in September. The summer crowds are gone, most of Europe goes on vacation in August so they're all rested, and the fall colors are spectacular. I can imagine that crossing the Pyrenees would be a very beautiful time of year. The down side is when you get to the Meseta's it will be very hot and dry, I'm sure. Another up side is that when you get to Galicia it will be wonderfully cool. I went in the Spring and it was a little damp, not too rainy but I was glad I had a poncho. I've done some treks in the Sierra Nevada's in California and Cascades in Oregon and walking in Spain is nothing like that. You're never more than a days walk from some village or town so pack light. You'll be able to find a mercado or mercadillo to by food for you evening meals and breakfast in the morning. I was 58 when I walked it and didn't have too much trouble until after Villafranca de Borzos (spelling) but I was carrying a 45 pound pack (result of some bad advice or my misinterpretation). Anyway, I'm sure you'll meet people who walk your pace. The locals are very nice and everyone had a "buen camino" or a "via con dios". Enjoy your walk, it's is a wonderful thing to do. I'm planning to return Spring of 2012. Buen Camino. Larry

[Covey]

I have walked the Camino Frances three times in recent years starting in early September and it has been great. The weather has always been good with never more than half a days rain at any one time. The weather is warm through to Santiago, but not the searing heat across the Meseta between Burgos and Leon.

If you start after the schools and Universities have gone back, then it is much quieter than July/Aug and the average age of the pilgrims goes up a few years as the older generation come out to play and enjoy a calmer trip down the Way.

[bob4470]

Hello EFDoucette!

I too am retired and will be walking the Camino this fall. Probably a little earlier than you as I plan to start late August and finish by the end of Sept. I've been researching this for about a year and everything I've read suggests that the fall is a wonderful time to go. I'm really looking forward to the walk.

Buon Camino

[EFDoucette]

Thanks Covey for the info and thanks bob4470 for jumping in. I'm now consumed with the idea of walking Camino Frances early Sept. But, I have much to do including updating my gear etc. Funny how fast the last 30 sum years have gone by but now work is done and the kids are grown so it's now time for a little ME. bob4470 we should keep in touch to share planning and other info.

Buen Camino

[EFDoucette]

Hello all, I continue to plan and train for an early Sept / Oct Camino Frances. Hearing news about crowds already is concerning. Does anyone know how many people are currently leaving St Jean Pied de Port on a daily basis? And how many people can the albergues support. I'm concerned that there may become a rat race mentality to find a bed and that really is not for me. Expectations are that the crowds will die down after August but if the numbers are already up in May that may not be a good sign.

Thank You

[grayland]

Every year we have reports of "no room at the inn"...the actual experience seems to be something else again. There may be a few times when it becomes crowded in a particular albergue, but it is the exception. We hear about it because people tend to post it when it happens.
It is not common and should not ruin your Camino planning. ....trust us, you will have a great experience and the crowds will not be a major problem for you.

[Kris]

I think fall is a great time to go! I really haven't heard of any major albergue issues during the fall, besides things have a way of working out while you are there, and leave you a spiritually richer person for it. I wish you the best and will be praying for you!

Buen Camino!