Can it be planned in just a few days?!

[nealus]

I have the opportunity to take about 6 weeks off, and I am planning to fly to Nice on September 16, and now I would like to do the Camino starting Sept 18.

I have wanted to do this route for a while. A friend I climbed Kiliminajaro with never stopped raving about it.

My question is this: Do I really need a lot of advance planning, or is the Camino doable at the last minute so long as I'm willing to endure a steep learning curve?

[Sil]

Go for it!!
It is really just a loooooooooooong walk. No Killi-climbing here with two 'mountain' ranges that are not really mountains in the true sense - no scrambling or clinging to ledges.

If you intend walking the camino Frances, find your way Bayonne and then take a train to St Jean pied de Port. Book a place at the albergue there ahead of time (there have been reports of everything being fully booked in St Jean) www.espritduchemin.org/English/welcome.html

Pick up a pilgrim passport - the Credential - at the Pilgrims Office as well as a list of albergues and a profile map. You could buy a guide book in St Jean if you want to.

You might want to consider staying at Hunnto or Orisson on the way up to the pass. You can book at Orisson - www.refuge-orisson.com/

Take two of everything in lightweight clothing and take the lightest backpack you can find. Aim for a max of 10 - 15% of your bodyweight. Worn in boots or shoes, some rain gear and a lightweight sleeping bag or liner. I walked in Sept/Oct 2007 and only took a silk-sleeping bag liner and it was fine - most pilgrim refuges have blankets. When you arrive at a refuge and are being signed in ask for a blanket (hay manta por favor?)

If you have six weeks I would advise that you take it really slow the first week, after which you will start feeling fitter and stronger. Once you reach Burgos and the meseta (flat, open plains in Castille y Leon) you can play catch up if you need to and walk longer distances.
Have a wonderful walk!

[nealus]

Excellent. Thank you for the helpful advice. I'm doing it. Packing today.