Camino Frances -last week of August through to end of September

[netia]

Hi everyone! I'm starting to pack now for my first camino and wondering if it is overkill to pack a thermal layer and beanie for possible colder areas, such as the pyrenees. I was also going to take a fleece. I'm presuming the weather at this time of the year could be a little cooler....am I correct? Netia

[Larry]

Hi Netia: Larry here. I started in March and was advised to take warm clothes. I regretted it from the first day. I only used them once and I could have gotten away with not using them at all. August is late summer and with the energy expended walking, I can't imagine that you'd be cold. If you've got a good bag (I have a "zero" bag; good to 0 F.) and with a bivy sack, which again I only used one time. Roncevalles was cold until I got in my bag; O'Cebrerio (sp) was cold, again, until I got in my bag. Check the web for average temps in your travel time. I carried way too much weight (45 lbs) so remember to pack light, there are lots of villages along the way. Good luck; it's a wonderful experience. There are a lot of helpful people along the way. Buen Camino; Larry

[Deborah]

Hi Netia,
I found this a very useful site for weather info...... Clima Maps: Route overview Hope it helps. Debbie

[netia]

Thanks Debbie! Website looks great. When did you walk the camino? I'm very excited....only two weeks until i leave, I'm walking solo but I'm sure I'll have lots of friends before I know it : )

[netia]

Thanks Larry!
Thanks to Debbie also, I've been able to check the weather and have modified my stuff. Decided to take just a fleece and maybe a fleece neck warmer that can double as a beanie. I'm fully prepared, I hope : ) , for the walk.. been walking 20kms a day for the past 3-4 months, feeling very fit and emotionally, very ready!!

[Deborah]

Netia, I walked Leon to Santiago in June and am itching to get back and do some more. My walking gear ..... a very light weight Tshirt that also doubled as PJ top, a shirt, an extremely light zippered fleece, a rainproof jacket and 3/4 pants. On very few occasions I needed all of these at once - and then only for an hour or so. It was a fantastic experience and one that I reflect on every day. The most helpful tips I could give ..... be open to anything, skim over the not-so-good bits, dont have any particular expectations, be kind to yourself, and definitely pack light. You will have a wonderful time and it will be different from anybody elses experience. Buen Camino Netia

[netia]

Thank you so much for your advice Debbie. I think I'm going into over drive with the packing list : ) Did you do the camino by yourself?
I'm walking solo but I think it's how I need to do it. I make friends easily.... so have no problems about feeling alone but feel the times when I can experience solitude and introspection will be extremely valuable. Also I have been studying Spanish for 3 years and can't wait to baffle those poor Spaniards with my espanol!! I love your tips..... no-one ever gives a' travelogue' of what you will experience, as you say, everyone is different and as a result, everyone experiences stuff in totally different ways. I'm walking the camino...in 2 weeks now..... with the only thoughts in my head of that first day. That's the way I naturally will tackle it...one day at a time, and try and experience everything I can along the way : )

[Covey]

I have done two trips down the Camino Frances starting at the beginning of September. Both years the weather was fantastic with almost no rain until Galecia. It always rains in Galecia. A fleece with sleeves is essential as in the higher parts of the trail it can get a little chilly in the evenings especially if there is a breeze. You stay warm by layering and I take a set of long sleeve cotton thermals (just like grandfather wore!!) and leggings to sleep in and I can wear the top after my shower in the evening if it gets chilly. I buy my thermals in Marks & Spencer and throw them away at the end of the Camino. They cost about $15 a set.

[netia]

Thanks Covey...thermals in, packing complete and a week until I leave Melbourne : )

[Covey]

Only another three weeks till I fly to Lisbon and start the Camino Portuguese. It will seem strange walking a new route as I have walked the Camino Frances every year for the past five years, but decided that time had come for a change.

One of my 2009 Camino Frances "family" is joining me at Porto for the walk up to Santiago which will be nice.

Have a safe journey from Oz and Buen Camino!

[Deborah]

Netia, I started walking with the 3 friends I travelled from Oz with. Within the first half hour we had managed to lose each other. Two headed off on one route out of Leon and the other two went the alternative route. Thought we would meet up probably that night but no...didnt see each other again till Santiago. We all had a wonderful time though although very different journeys. For me and my companion we loved meeting so many people from so many different backgrounds. We walked much of the way with two young Canadian lads 30 or so years younger than us. For us, the people, the friendship, the countryside, the achievement and the lack of injury were the highlights. For our friends that we lost, they had a very reflective Camino with a lot of meditation, solo walking and i-pods and injury. The fact that they still completed the walk with their injuries and shoe problems was a huge achievement. We each loved the way things panned out for us and all 4 want to do more another year. I am thinking when I go back I may go alone this time although I do find that rather scary. I admire your confidence in going solo and I need to find a bit of that confidence for myself. I know whatever, next Camino will be very different. Have a wonderful time Netia and I look forward to hearing some tales on your return.

[Covey]

One of the nice things about the Camino is that you usually end up with walking companions of all ages and nationalities. For some strange reason, the youngsters seem to enjoy being around us Recycled Teenagers. I think they enjoy the company and conversation and the fact that we are not judgmental, but just accept people for who they are. At home is it less likely that the youngsters would want to hang out with their parents generation, but on the Camino "who cares".

Sometimes the youngsters want to stretch their legs and put in some long days and seem somewhat surprised that The Olds can manage to wander in to the albergue albeit a little later, but none the worse for wear! The pained expression on the younger faces when The Olds mention "listening to what your body is telling you and pace yourself" gets repetitive, but they eventually learn that setting off like an express train, fueled by beer along the Way, it not a good combination, and that the tale of The Tortoise and The Hare is very apt on the Camino!

Of course the Recycled Teenagers can look on with amusement as the youngsters chance their arm with members of the opposite sex (usually!) whilst we remember what we were like when we were that age.

[Deborah]

Covey, I hope you enjoy wandering along the Camino Portuguese as much as you obviously have enjoyed the Camino Frances. I look forward to hearing about your adventures when you return. Buen Camino.

[netia]

Deborah and Covey.... You both have inspired me so much with your experiences. I feel no fear about walking solo, I like to meet knew people, I'm fit but I also enjoy my own company. I want to practice as much Spanish as I can, so looking forward to meeting lots of new Spanish friends. Deborah, I haven't always had self-confidence.... it has taken major life changing events for me to grow and develop as a person. Although tough at the time, I've learned an enormous amount about my self, which has fueled a passion, I was only vaguely aware I had when my children were growing up, to experience as much as I can in this short life that we have : ) Good on you for going back and doing it in a different way...it's a huge achievement completeing the journey once. Covey, can't believe you've walked it 5 times!! Must be in your blood! Good luck on Camino Portuguese! I can't tell you how excited I am.... but I have no expectations and will only think about one day at a time.....

[Covey]

My first Camino experience was when I joined my eldest son at Sarria for the last few days in to Santiago. He had walked from Roncesvalles and rang me up at home and said I would enjoy the journey. I did, but when we got to Santiago and he asked me how I enjoyed my "Camino Lite" I was determined to return the following year to St Jean, which I did, and I kept on going back.

I am not Catholic, not religious, not seeking the meaning of life or whatever, but just enjoy the challenge and enjoy meeting all sorts of people from all over the world who I would never come in to contact with any other way.

I joined the band of entirely self appointed Camino Grandfathers who take it upon themselves to gather up those who are faltering, those who are overwhelmed by the reality of what they are attempting and those who are injured and help them on their Way. It is my way of giving back a little of the enjoyment I get from the Camino.

[netia]

I think that's great that you're a 'Camino Grandfather' ! Love it !

No, I'm not religious either but i guess am interested in my spirituality.... different. Can't wait to start...... going to be an amazing experience.

You are FULLY qualified to support others along the way...I would imagine that when you embark on something as huge as the Camino frances you can't focus on the finish line...you should take each day as it comes and live in the moment.

You're a great ambassador for the Camino experience!! Thank you Covey!

[Covey]

I always suggest to Pilgrims setting out from St Jean that they don't worry about "when I get to Santiago," but set themselves shorter term goals. "When I get to Santiago" seems a lifetime away for some, but if you say to yourself "when I get to Pamplona I will have a slap up meal" or "when I get to Burgos I will have a day off and stay in a nice little hotel" they are much more immediate, more meaningful goals which you can achieve in a few days. The prospect of a good feast in 3-4 days time is much more fun than worrying about Santiago in five weeks time!!

[Lipka149]

I am not Catholic,

But you exemplify the best of Catholic Christianity ...

not religious,

But you practice what the best of what "religion" preaches ...

not seeking the meaning of life or whatever,

Yet you share what you have learned of life, so you must have sought and found something worthwhile ...

but just enjoy the challenge and enjoy meeting all sorts of people from all over the world who I would never come in to contact with any other way.

Thus evangelizing in the truest sense of the word ...

... joined the band of entirely self appointed Camino Grandfathers who take it upon themselves to gather up those who are faltering, those who are overwhelmed by the reality of what they are attempting and those who are injured and help them on their Way.

Right. Isn't this what He told us to do ???

It is my way of giving back a little of the enjoyment I get from the Camino.

You're a good man Covey. Keep up the Good Work.

I'm not trying to Canonize you here, and I hope you can accept my observations in the spirit they are intended. For as much as the Camino is necessary, the truth is ... IT ISN'T ALL ABOUT THE CAMINO. It's all about what we BRING BACK from the Camino and share with others. Religious affiliations, religiosity, the human need to know ... all of that philosophical mumbo-jumbo is irrelevant as long as a "band of entirely self appointed Camino Grandfathers take it upon themselves to gather up those who are faltering, those who are overwhelmed by the reality of what they are attempting and those who are injured and help them on their Way."

In your words, you have captured everything that this Pilgrimage is about, Covey.

Would that all of us who walk this Path can appoint themselves to "gather up those who are faltering, those who are overwhelmed by the reality of what they are attempting and those who are injured and help them on their Way.

You have my deepest respect, Sir. Please forgive me if I have given offense in this discourse. My intention is to draw attention to the Truth those who have Walked know, and encourage them to share it in the world they live in. Your efforts are an example to us all.

Looking forward to your experiences on the Camino Portugues !

Buen Camino, mi hermano.

[Covey]

Lipka.......Your words are very kind, and really undeserved. You see many along the Ways who help others in myriad acts of kindness and one can only hope that the Pilgrim Spirit stays with those who have experienced what we all experience along the Way, when they return home.

[netia]

My sentiments exactly Alan.....well put!!! I almost feel like I need to give you both a big hug!! : )

[Covey]

I am available on the first thursday of each month for Hugs!!

[netia]

Haha!! I like that Covey. El Camino Frances is calling me.......I leave on Monday!!

[Covey]

Netia..... Try not to repack too many times before Monday!! The real killer is all the "extra" bits you suddenly find you need to take. You are probably taking a mobile phone, but you also need a charger. Take an iPod and its another charger. Camera and you either need a charger or spare batteries. Sun cream (factor 30)? Best to travel in the same clothes you are going to walk in otherwise you are going to carry your traveling clothes. My Nokia mobile now covers camera, music, phone and only one charger.

I always carry liquid shower soap and I wash my clothes with it as well so I waft along smelling of Almonds and Honey!!

If you are carrying a guide book, YOU ONLY NEED ONE!!! and actually you don't really need that as everyone else is carrying guide books in many different languages. Borrow theirs and save the weight! A small notebook and Biro!

Relax! and Buen Camino

[netia]

Covey, already ditched the guide book... as I thought just that, everyone else will have one!!

Packing is starting to be a scarey process..everything's laid out but now I have to explain to myself that I really don't need everything that I thought I needed....so lots has to go : ( A good spot to be however, as I'm down to the essentials but now have to get down to the BARE essentials : )

Almonds and Honey...my favourite! Going out tomorrow to buy liquid shower soap, so I too, can at least not repel my fellow travellers but be favorably pleasant to the nose.

My most important baggage will be my diary and pen. Can't wait to record my experiences, emotions etc. etc.

I'm very relaxed!! I have no real expectations, just want to devour the whole experience.

Muchisomos gracias por tu consejo! Netia

[Covey]

netia........Where do you live? Nothing to do with Hugs, but last minute advice!

[netia]

Hahaha...I'm smiling!! I'm Live in Melbourne.. Australia. Por que? I need all the advice i can get ...my brain has literally obliterated the whole Camino at this stage making me only think of the first day! Not sure whether this is a good thing or not : (

[Covey]

It is always a good idea to tell your Bank where you are going and for how long and make sure it is annotated on your credit card accounts.

In the UK our Banks assume we travel around Europe so we get minimal problems about our cards showing up in a French/Spanish ATM asking for cash. Pilgrims traveling from the USA and Canada can end up in a world of grief if their Banks don't know they are traveling to Europe. The Banks automated software which tracks unusual patterns of spending throw a wobbly about Spanish ATM's and refuse payment.

I am sure you have already told your Bank you are off to conquer Europe, but it might be an idea to double check with your card company and tell them you will be using ATM's to draw cash. Standing in the rain outside a Spanish Bank ATM that has just swallowed your card and refused to give you any money is not much fun!! Trying to phone your Bank in Oz will be even less fun!

The Camino is a cash society. Your plastic is good for getting money from an ATM but not much else. You should aim to have €200 on you most of the time. Don't let your cash drop below €75-100 as there are places where you won't get to an ATM for 2 days and you don't want to run short of cash..

When you leave your albergue in St Jean at dawn, take a deep breath, look up at the hills and say to yourself "I can do this", put a huge smile on your face and put one foot in front of the other following the yellow arrows. The road to Roncesvalles (it is actually a tarmac road for most of the way) is the hardest day of the Camino Frances, but you will be fresh and bursting to go.

If St Jean to Roncesvalles came at the end of the Camino Frances, we would all catch the bus!!

[Lipka149]

... already ditched the guide book ... as I thought just that, everyone else will have one!!

Netia -

If you are taking a camera, just snap some pictures of the maps in your guidebook and refer to them whenever needed. That way you will have something to look at if you get confused and there is no one around to ask.

Wish I could collect that hug ...

Feel free to give it away to anyone in need.

Buen Camino !

[netia]

Thankyou both once again, for very sound advice!

I'll definitely take snaps of guide book...and I'll definitely notify the bank today.

This may sound strange but I've heard so much about the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles, that I'm actually really looking forward to checking it out for myself! I'm praying that the weather is kind to me, as I'm very keen to walk the route through Orisson as I've read that the scenery is spectacular. Don't worry Covey...I can't wipe the huge smile from my face, so it'll be there when I look up at those mountains : )
Hugs will be doled out along the way no doubt when needed ...... : ) I'll report on this site how I'm faring along the way!!

[Covey]

Do the Pilgrims on the road to Roncesvalles know what awaits them!! It's "Hug an Aussie Week" Don't forget that you need to be in Roncesvalles by 5pm to make a table reservation for dinner!! No reservation, no dinner, so don't waste too much time hugging sundry unsuspecting Pilgrims along the Way.