Is walking the whole Camino in early July 09 for the First time Sensible???

[Ivan Drool]

Hi there,
So I'm currently 22 years old and have recently had a huge gut feeling to Walk the Camino from St Jean to Santiago this July. The only thing is the Month of July doesn't really get mentioned that much here... Is this because its a stupid idea walking 500miles in Spain in Summer??? Or is it full of the one day tourists etc..

I have a commitment in the UK till the 24th ish of June then i'm free.

Is there anything i should know or look into? I've got my boots, a map and the urge to go.

Cheers
i

[Covey]

Go for it!!!!!!!!
From April through to October the Camino Frances is busy and I usually start walking from St Jean in early September.

In 2008 I started on 2nd July, and although it was very hot some days, I really enjoyed the warmth.

In 2009 I have a ticket booked to Biarritz on 2nd July and will be on my way to Roncesvalles on the 3rd (You Know Who willing!!) and will head back to London on the 17th Aug.

In between you just take every day as it comes. Some days are wonderful, and some days you question your sanity and ask why you are where you are, but the next morning, another day and another adventure!

[nicola]

Of course its not sensible - thats why you are doing it! You may wish to consider packing a big sun hat, big water bottle & some high factor sun cream. I would start in June asap though, otherwise you really are walking at the hottest time & here in Spain it s hot hot hot!!! Enjoy!

[podge83]

Give it socks!

I did it last year around the middle of july and didn't even find it that hot. although wouldn't walk at the hottest time of the day. its a quality experience thou, especially if when you come across the odd village festival on the way!

[Covey]

The problem with the Festivals is that we are all locked up at 10pm just as the Spanish are going out to enjoy the fun.

A couple of years ago I walked into Pamplona on a Saturday afternoon which was the last big festival of the year.

We were all locked up in the official albergue at 10pm prompt behind steel chained gates and doors (has nobody in Spain heard of Health and Safety Laws), and the noise from the square about 30m from the albergue was deafening as 5000 Spaniards sang and partied till dawn. Plus the bands and fireworks.

When they unlocked the albergue in the morning it was difficult to navigate out of town as most of the Camino markers were hidden behind banners and flags and the streets were littered with broken glass and happy drunken Spaniards.

One lady pilgrim asked a group of revelers (she should have known better!) "Which way for the Camino" Arms pointed in every direction of the compass.

Buen Camino!

[Ivan Drool]

Thanks guys for the advice!!

Talking of festivals..when do these happen in July? Are they worth booking a Hotel and partying into the night?

Cheers
i

[murphydog201]

Why do they lock up the pilgrims?? Is it for the safety of the pilgrims? I can see locking people OUT of the refugios but not locking people in.

[Covey]

All albergues in Spain, both municipal or private are required by law to "lock up" at night, and they do!

From Roncesvalles to just after Leon it is 10pm, at the Nuns Albergue in Leon it is 9.30 and then it changes to 11pm in Galecia. In some places they literally chain the gates shut and lock the doors, and in others they just lock the doors.

The reason given is to ensure that pilgrims are able to sleep undisturbed by those who wish to use the Camino as a cheap holiday and who want to party every night.

The more cynical of us think it has more to do with clearing the streets of pilgrims so the locals can go out to eat and enjoy themselves without having to see pilgrims who tend to not dress as smartly as the Spanish when they go out at night.

If you take a day off in Burgos and Leon (well worth it!!) find a cheap hotel and book in for two nights. They don't lock you up if you are staying in a hotel!!

In Sept07 I arrived in Leon and there was a free organ concert at the Cathedral that evening which started at 9.30. The concert was wonderful but there were only a few pilgrims there because all those in the albergues were locked up as it began.

[madboffin]

Ivan, Good luck with the walk and if you're wanting a benchmark for madness - I'm 46 ( be 47 by the time I do the camino) and intend to do it all from June to mid July this year

[Covey]

"Ivan, Good luck with the walk and if you're wanting a benchmark for madness - I'm 46 ( be 47 by the time I do the camino) and intend to do it all from June to mid July this year"

Madboffin - You are a mere youngster on the trail. I shall be walking my 4th full Camino Frances in July and I am 60 this year, and there are times I look around in the albergues and think that I am one of the younger pilgrims!!

You will see people walking in their 80's on the trail. I walked for a week in Sept07 with a very brave lady from Calgary in Canada who had an artificial leg and last year met a German couple walking from St Jean to Santiago. The husband was totally blind, but every evening he made it to the albergue along with the rest of us who thought that getting a blister was a disability enough!

The strange thing is that it is the youngsters who pick up most of the injuries along the way, whilst us "Olds" just plod steadily along smiling to ourselves!

[Ivan Drool]

The strange thing is that it is the youngsters who pick up most of the injuries along the way, whilst us "Olds" just plod steadily along smiling to ourselves!


Great....... ha! But words of wisdom i see. Well i am in no hurry to complete the walk so hopefully i too will plod along with a smile on my face!!


Just a note.: I decided to contact a load of outdoor companies in regards to getting any free equipment for the walk ( as i only have a bag an map), and had a reply from Montrail boot company who are keen to supply me with some boots in exchange for writing a blog as and when i can get to a computer.

Moral of the story being " you'll never know if you don't ask!!"

So that smile is already there!!!! as and when the blog is set up i'll post a link so you can have a laugh at the novice !!

Cheers guys

i

[Covey]

We won't be laughing, we will be wishing we were there!!

The Camino has a very strong hold over most who walk the trail. Its not for the food which is pretty mundane, and not for the albergues which are mostly pretty basic, and certainly not for the bed bugs which can be a major irritant (sic) for the unprepared.

The hold is from the friendships you make and the amazing diversity of people you will meet from all over the world and all ages. It is from the acts of kindness from complete strangers who hold out the hand of friendship when you need a helping hand.

Nobody could care less about age, nationality, your job or wealth or lack of it, or even why you are walking the Camino. Every morning we all pull on our boots, strap on the pack and head off for another days adventure.

Enjoy