I have so many questions?

[lizzyjo42]

Hi, I'm thinking about doing the walk in October. do you think that is a good month? How do you book the hostels or do you just see what's available when you get into the towns? I'm an avid walker but have never tried anything this long. how difficult is the terrain? how steep does it get? what gear should I bring and how heavy a pack? and what about boots?
thanks with any info you can pass along!
Liz

[John Hussey]

Hi, I'm thinking about doing the walk in October. do you think that is a good month? How do you book the hostels or do you just see what's available when you get into the towns? I'm an avid walker but have never tried anything this long. how difficult is the terrain? how steep does it get? what gear should I bring and how heavy a pack? and what about boots?
thanks with any info you can pass along!
Liz

First, which Camino are you doing? Although most mean the Camino Frances, there are others-Norte, Via de la Plata, Portuguesa, Ingles, Madrid, etc., and there are more leading to Santiago de Compostela. Just some of the ones in Spain:

http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/

October is a fine month to walk one of them. If you walk the 'main' one' or the one most traveled, the Camino Frances, in October, you will have missed the vast hordes of pilgrims who have the month of August off and so have crowded the Camino then. But you will not be alone. There will still be many who will keep you company on your trek across Spain to Santiago and, I would suggest, on further to the 'end of the world', to Finisterre, if you have the time, or can plan for it. The rains, although increasing in frequency from the drier months of July and August, still will have not increased so much so as to make you miserable. October is the late Harvest month and you will sample delightfully delicious fresh grapes still hanging on the vines of the vast vineyards you will walk through in the provinces of Navarra and Rioja. The weather will not be as hot as the summer months and so will make for much more comfortable walking, even in shorts and sandals, and you likely will not see a deeper cold until much later in your trek and then only at the higher elevations of places like O'Cebreiro. Late afternoon and nights, though, will be usually pleasantly cool and comfortable for ambling through and discovering the historical villages, towns and cities around the albergues where you will spend your nights..Yes, October is a fine month to commence your Camino!

I would suggest you spend your nights in the Albergues, where most of your pilgrim friends will stay, and which makes your journey so much more enjoyable. And, you do not have to worry with reservations as they are not accepted in Spain and, in October, will not even be necessary as you will always find an empty bunk.

The Camino Frances is not as rough and steep as higher elevation mountain trails and is quite doable for most. While some stretches are steep it is only gradually so and the tread is always walkable without any areas requiring rock scrambling requiring hand holds As for your pack, take an absolute minimum, as the lightest pack is the one most easily (and comfortably) carried. Footwear can range from the heaviest of limmer-style leather mountain boots to the lightest of sandals designed for mountain trekking. Personally, I prefer the lighter sandals and many do hike the Camino in them. But, use whatever you feel you should, for your feet, but have them well broken in to your feet before you begin your walk.

Good luck and Buen Camino!

[lizzyjo42]

thank you for such great information! I really appreciate your feedback. I will look into camino frances.

thanks again,
Liz

[Jonathan]

Thanks for asking the question I was about to post! I too am starting out at the end of September/beginning of October. The weather, it is said, should be good and the grapes ripe. I hope there will be a few 'pilgriming' as I'm doing it alone and would value the company.
Good luck
Jonathan E

[coachshera]

I am having more fun each day reading about the camino. I would love some clarification about sleeping bags- light as possible-yes. Any examples (makes, weight, size, etc).

I will only have 10 days, so I want to be in the most beautiful, serene areas/villages, etc.

I will be staying in Languedoc before my camino. I understand the ruta also passes through there on the way to Spain? So much to learn!


Muchisimas Gracias!

Shera

[kblaas]

I did the Camino about 4 years ago in June, and took a normal 32 degree sleeping bag, light but still rather bulky. The weather might be a bit different in October, but in retrospect I would use one of those silk sleeping bag liners, if the weather will not be too cold or if you are willing to sleep with a fleece on during some nights. The only time I was really thankful for a full sleeping bag was when I was staying up in the mountains and it dropped below zero during the night. Otherwise if you are worried about freezing, go for a summer weight sleeping bag, light as possible. Marmot makes a few good bags, though they can be a bit pricey. Shop around and perhaps you can get a used one.

Oh, and I was brilliant and brought along a thermarest for the times I slept rough... used it exactly once. I hiked during a jubilee year and it seemed like every Spanish high schooler had decided to join in the fun at the 100 km mark. Ended up sleeping in an indoor tennis court with 500 other pilgrims. Absolute waste of space.

Best of luck!

[Ballagh]

Dear Lizzy


Fill your pack and then throw half of it away(really).Get the best boots you can and start wearing them before you leave.I made it and so will you Good Luck Tom

[anna]

I am walking in October as well. From Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. I have my boots, liner socks, regular socks, sunhat, rainponcho, trekking poles.

I probably am a bit older than you, I am 65, a bit overweight. I have never ever walked 20+ miles at one go/one day, but I can handle 10 miles fairly easy.

and I am going to take along Duct tape, put it in my suitcase, so it doesn't get confiscated. Will try out the Duct tape before I go, in case I get allergic reaction.

In my case, I have my lodging organized, also luggage transfers. Am walking with an older sister, she is 69, and also overweight.

we are walking for 6 days, with an average of 20-23 miles (American miles) per day. Good luck to you and good luck to anyone who is doing this pilgrimage.