Jenna Searra, 19, South Africa - September

[JenSea]

Hello,

My name is Jenna and I'm 18 (will be 19 when I walk) studying Journalism in Johannesburg, SA.

I'm planning on doing The Camino (Frances) in September by myself, very excited. If anyone is doing it round this time please contact me

I am busy budgeting for food and accomodation and would like to know if anyone has an updated average amount of what it will cost me. I am a student and have a student card.

Also, I would like to know what the weather is like during September and what the weather will be like if I go a little earlier in August, say from the 20th? Is that possible? I would prefer walk when it's relatively quiet - but a time where there are still people doing the walk. So, not the busiest but not the quietest. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Besides footware and blisters are there any other useful hints anyone can give me? Is taking a camera that weighs more than the average digital camera advisable? It will be round my neck, unless that is not wise.

Any replies are much appreciated...

Jenna Searra

[Leslie]

Hi jenna,

Welcome to the forum. Aug 20th is good if you are starting at St Jean as you will still have lots of company but miss the crowds.

Weather will mostly be dry, warm, (hot) and sunny until the last 200km or so - then be prepared for rain - not that it will constantly, but it will some days.

[alidaniel]

Hi
I'm also thinking about doing the Camino in September.....but i think i'll only be able to walk for 10 or so days....I'm currently working in london & cant get more leave.
Drop me a line if u're keen to join me
Ali

[Marc]

Hi Jenna
I will be arrivimg in Barcelona on 16th September and will leave the same day for Pamplona. I am from Pretoria and have already booked my flight

[Covey]

This Camino Grandfather is leaving London on 3rd Sept for yet another trip down the Way from St Jean to Finesterre.

I should not worry too much about your student card!! I doubt anywhere will be interested in accepting it. You need to budget on €30 a day EXCLUDING the costs of getting to St Jean and home again. Easiest way to get to St Jean is to fly to London and then fly either Easyjet from Gatwick or Ryanair from Stansted to Bairritz (France), bus from Bairritz airport to Bayonne railway station, and then the train to St Jean.

You need travel insurance for a single trip of 40 days and TWO cash cards to get Euro's from cash machines along the way. Start out with €200 in your pocket at St Jean and replenish from a cash machine in the major cities.

You see all sorts of cameras from people who just use their phone camera, to others who look as though they are carrying artillery.

I have done the trip twice starting in the first week of September. The weather has been very good on both occasions, and at the beginning of September the schools and Uni's have started a new term so the trail is quieter and less frenetic.