Another first timer on Camino Frances

[Salamina]

Hello everyone,

I am another first timer planning to do the Camino Frances starting next week in Saint Jean Pied de Port. I have been wanting to walk the camino for over 5 years now and I finally got enough time and plucked up the courage to do it. I am mainly thankful to this forum for that because reading the posts from different people saying similar things that they wanted to do it and if they would not do it now they never will helped me to make up my mind. So, basically about a week ago several things coincided and now I have the whole August plus a couple of days more to walk the camino. I bought the bus tickets. As I live in Spain, I just have to get the bus to Pamplona and from there apparently there is a bus to Saint Jean. I bought all the necessary gear, like backpack, boots, sleeping back. They even had signs near certain things like the backpack and sleeping bag that they are "recommended for the Camino de Santiago" I also got the pilgrim's passport from the local cofraternity of the friends of camino. And I have a very nice guidebook which was recommended on another webpage and it is in Spanish, but it has all the latest information on the hostels,etc. So, I think that now I am almost good to go, but there are just a couple of things that I am afraid of and maybe there is some information or advice that I have missed out on and need to make some last minute adjustments:
1) I can't plan more than 32 days for walking from Saint Jean to Santiago, which I understand means that I will have to walk a lot and does not allow me to have many rest days. Honestly, I don't mind cheating and taking a bus at some point if I realise that I am too tired or running out of time.
2) I am really afraid of the bed bugs. I read that there is a certain spray that can be bought to spray the sleeping bag and clothes, but as I live in Spain I am not sure they sell the same stuff here as in UK or Ireland. The main question is, where can you buy it? Do you think a normal pharmacy would have it?
I would be really greatful for any kind of last minute advice. Well, I still have a couple of days to prepare and I am doing the "test" trip to the mountains this Saturday. Let's see how it goes

[Lipka149]

Sal, you got it covered. Don't push it for the first week or so. Take your time, get a feel for what your body is up to, then pick up the pace if you have to. Talk to people walking with you. They are a terrific resource for the specifics of where to stay and wonderful motivation for taking it all in along the trail. You will be fine !

Um ... don't worry about the bedbugs. If you can get a spray to protect yourself, fine. If not, and the little beasties get you, it won't be debilitating. Just annoying. Again, talk to people ! An albergue with bedbugs won't remain a secret. Ask around.

Buen camino, hermano. Tell us your story when you get home !

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Salamina ~
Congratulations on your upcoming Camino! Hooray for having the courage and getting going. You'll have an amazing trip.

Hmmm, I haven't heard of a bus from Pamplona to St. Jean, but I do know that Express Bourricot goes between the two. Might be good to check out their great service and make a reservation. - Express Bouricot

I share your foreboding about bedbugs. In my 3 caminos I haven't had problems with them, but I did purchase a bottle of Permethrin-based spray to treat my bag before I left. And I also purchased a treated sleeping bag liner to have with me. I doubt you would find permethrin spray at a pharmacia in Spain. Instead I'd try a Decathlon store or any large camping/backpacking store. Permethrin sprays are often found in stores with mosquito sprays and creams like DEET. The difference is that Permethrin can be used on clothing and bedding. It usually last 6 weeks or more and can survive several washings. Alan is right, though. You can do the Camino with no bed bug preparations and will likely be just fine. Good luck, amiga!

[saarako]

Hi Salamina,

I just made it from the middle June to mid July for the first time.

It took me some 25 days. I am in my thirties and run a marathon two years ago, so I am maybe fitter than average. But I was suprised how easy it was to go, although going fast was not an ultimate aim to me. I just liked being tired in the end of the day; it also made me to "empty" my head and reveal stress. I had the same plan as you: I will do it efficiently if I can, but do not mind taking rest.

Just listen to your body and also, listen to what you meet inside yourself. If walking fast fits to you also mentally or spiritually, just go.

-I did not see or feel any bugs or lice on the way...

Have a lovely good trip!

[Salamina]

Thank you Alan and Sandy for the exaustive information about the anti-bedbug sprays. I tried Decathlon but didn't find anything there and all they sell here in other shops are sprays againsts mosquitos, cockroaches, ants, spiders, etc but nothing against bedbugs. So I will do as suggested and talk to people on the way.

There was info about new bus service from Pamplona to St Jean somewhere in this forum and I found that there are bus services once a day operated by Conda www.conda.es where I already bought the ticket. I can report later if this services is indeed working well.

Thanks for the info about Express Bouricot. I had no idea there is such a service to transport the backpack to the next albergue or hotel. It now sounds very tempting to book it as the first stage will probably be quite difficult even without the backpack.

Thank you both!

[Welsh Jon]

Hi Sal,

I finished the Camino Frances in mid July and didn't have any trouble with bed bugs, although I did have a silk sleeping bag liner. On the first two days I was worried that I wouldn't be done in time to meet my wife in Santiago within the 32 days I had planned to complete the Camino, I thought it would be impossible! I'm a fat, unfit welsh boy... it did turn in to more of a physical challenge for me rather than a spiritual journey and I finished in 24 days. Your 32 days will be fine!!

Enjoy it!!

Jon

[Salamina]

Thanks Saarako and Jon for your encouragement! I suppose I will be just fine as long as I don't push myself especially at the beginning. I came back yesterday from two day walk up and down the toughest mountain in Alicante region with an overnight stay on the top. On the way up I had 10 kilos in my suitcase mainly because of the water and food I was carrying, but this trial trip just helped me to realise that I am fit enough to walk and carry weight. I was exhausted afterwards and my legs still hurt, but I am really happy. I am also really excited as I am leaving tomorrow evening to start the camino. I can't wait!

[Salamina]

Greetings to everyone from Santo Domingo de la Calzada! I have been walking for 10 days now and really enjoying it. I really tried to take it easy the first week and from now on will try to increase the distances. Some days it is getting a bit hot, but it is still possible to walk even during the day. There are also plenty of villages on the way to make a stop and relax. I am really greatful for all the encouragament and advice I received before I set off. I have realised that I have much more energy to walk than I ever thought and that there is no reason to be scared about anything. I have seen some really beautiful sights so far and met incredible people, but there are plenty of new experiences ahead. I am sure of it. Will keep you posted! Thanks!

[Covey]

Buen Camino Salamina

[Irene Schmidt]

Enjoy every minute of it, Salamina!
It will be one of your fondest memories for the rest of your life.