what is a typical day like?

[johnfnewman]

I have always been fascinated by this pilgrimage. And it turns out that I may have the opportunity for a month to make the journey this summer. I have browsed this forum.

I understand that the Camino Frances, from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostelo is about 780 km (468 mi.) and that people usually take about 4 weeks (28 days). I calculate this is to be about 28 km (17 mi.) per day.

From what I understand, Pilgrims are usually up around 7 a.m. They walk (at whatever pace with whatever stops they may need or want to take).

Assuming a pilgrim stops walking at 2 p.m. (with an hour break for lunch - this is 6 hours of walking). Therefore, they average 4.7 km/hr (2.8 mph). Does that sound right?

My assumption for a 2 p.m. stop is to (1) escape the heat; and (2) make sure that the pilgrim has lodging for the night.

Are all of these proper assumptions for an "average" person?

[Covey]

Thats just about it!!

The "normal" plan is based on 30 days and I would always advise taking at least one break for a full day and preferably two days along the trail. I always take an extra day at Burgos and again at Leon for a bit of R&R.

For most, the Camino is the longest sustained period of physical and mental exertion a person will indulge in, and it is easier to set shorter term goals than setting off from St Jean and thinking "when I get to Santiago!", so starting off and saying "when I get to Burgos I will have a rest and some decent food" seems a more immediate goal than trying to look 30 - 40 days ahead.

The one thing you cannot plan on is injury, and most injuries are the result of over stressing your joints and tendons. The knees and ankles cause most problems, and it is vital if you feel pain to slow down and stay within what your body is capable of delivering.

But in reality, each day is much the same routine. I start walking just after first light so you do not miss the arrows on the road or on the side of a building and walk at a steady even pace, stopping for coffee when the mood takes me. I aim to stop between 2 and 3pm and find a bed for the night, do any dhobi that needs doing and then wander off to explore how cold the beer is at the nearest watering hole.

30 days of that is real hell!!!

Enjoy