Camino Frances in October- November

[mikael.brostrom]

Hey
thinking about doing the Camino Frances in October- November but am a bit worried about the weather. I'm not a big fan of cold rainy days. Anyone knows what the weather is usually like this time of year?
Regards, Mikael

[John Hussey]

Hey
thinking about doing the Camino Frances in October- November but am a bit worried about the weather. I'm not a big fan of cold rainy days. Anyone knows what the weather is usually like this time of year?
Regards, Mikael

I did it those months, 6 weeks of them, in 2005 and had a little of all weather. The only really cold i experienced was up and over O'Cebreiro later in that time frame when I was walking in a lite snowfall, somewhat challenging as i walked in shorts, but quite manageable, just walked much faster. At the beginning of the walk, in October, I walked in sunny heat and quite a few days in quite cool rain. I recall the grape harvest that year was late because of the rain but I suffered no ill effects from it as i was prepared. I plan to do it again this year, same months.

[Richard]

Hi! I walked the Camino in October and November of last year (2009) and had no problems with the weather. It rained on 2 separate days and the enjoyment of both was reduced accordingly, but it made me appreciate the good fortune of favourable weather. I recommend good rain wear including a separate jacket and trousers, together with a poncho that covers your rucksack. Only once did I find an albergue closed (for refurbishment) and quickly found an open one in the next village a few kilometres further on. I think you have chosen an excellent time to walk the Camino and you should enjoy it immensely. Buen camino!

[fraluchi]

[QUOTE=mikael.brostrom;243] October- November. Anyone knows what the weather is usually like this time of year?
>
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Rain, sun, mud, lovely countryside, etc. My cristal ball has no other comments to make. This year (2010) ? Probably a lovely autumn. Gear yourself for eventualities.

[adelphi]

mikael, I too plan to walk in October/November....feedback has suggested packing your thermals....esp for the days where you are walking over the pyranees...I intend to bring the beautiful weather of sunny Australia with me...I have the knack I think...so I am predicting sunny, cool days, crisp mornings and chilly evenings...little if any rain...and occasional cloud.

[kramer]

Yes that is a fantastic time time to walk the Camino. Iam eagerly waiting for that time

[crashwest2830]

I am starting off from sunny Australia (leaving Sydney on Saturday 3 October) on my first Camino on Monday 10 October and hope to be in Finisterre by Thursday 17 November. Reading the various posts it seems that it will be cooler than warmer. I think I am OK with rain gear but keeping warm might be a different story.

Any comments on my packing list would be appreciated.

I have a windproof jacket, polar fleece synthetic zip up top. I only have light weight walking gear (2 shirts, one shorts, one zip off long trousers but have woollen thermals to sleep in and wear underneath during the day if necessary. I have 3 pairs of socks - one on and 2 spare and 2 x undies. Am taking flip flops (we call them thongs) for the shower and sandals for night. (This sounds like a lot already). A lightweight chamois style towel and a woollen beanie for my sparsely populated head.

Apart from those clothes I have minimal toiletries, book reader (no charger - it should last - also it is a kindle and I have emailed various travel docs, flight schedules, itinerary to it so not carrying extra stuff), iPhone plus charger - only for using on free wifi to Skype home and pick up emails. And camera - will buy spare batteries if necessary. I intend to use the internet at the various aubergines/refugios to post stuff on my blog. And a pen and notebook.

I have a -5C lightweight sleeping bag with liner and am thinking of getting a foil sheet for underneath and additional warmth. Comments about the foil sheet?

That's about it. I am taking lanolin for my feet (these are my big worry) and have band aids for blisters. I purchased a new pair of Garmont walking shoes and have been walking them in for a couple of months. They are comfortable.

Any comments/advice?

To have flexible access to cash I am taking 3 cards: a cash card in euros; a 28degrees mastercard; and my everyday credit card which is just for emergencies.

I have made a few mistakes already. I purchased 2 flights from Paris to Biarritz (how did I do that!!) on the same day, same flight but different travel companies. I have had a lot of difficulty choosing the right socks. I have purchased about 5 pairs of socks but not sure that I have the right ones. Read about "1000 mile socks" from the UK but they aren't available in Oz.

I have found the generosity of people already to be very gratifying.

Regards, Phil

[John Hussey]

I am two weeks behind you so we'll never meet. But what you are taking is quite similar to what I'll bring, especially the single pair of shorts. I'll wear them every day, including on the plane there and return and they are the same shorts I used on my last two Caminos. The long pants is just for evening wear when its colder. As for long johns, I have never used woolens and I suppose you mean the new Merino, ultra soft, non-scratching variety, right? I have taken mid-weight long underwear for emergency but never worn so this Camino I am bringing a much lighter silk pair that I once bought for skiing, weighing half the one pound of the mid-weight ones. Two under wear is fine but I include along with the synthetic bottoms, two synthetic Tee shirts, one pair of each to wear and one clean in the pack. After shower, put on clean pair of both and wash the pair worn that day. Good choice.

Kindle?. I doubt you will ever find the time to read or even wish to, there are so many other interesting things to do or places to see but I confess I never considered using one for the reason you are carrying yours. I never considered one for Skype for calling home. Plus, I wonder, if a Camino guide could be uploaded to one, it would be much lighter than carrying a book. Yep, that's an innovative idea you have come up with, using the kindle. I am going to research that myself, thanks for the idea! But, just waterproof the hell out of it as the fall months are the wettest and i have walked in the rain in Galicia for days straight, hunched over keeping it off my face. And, you'll get lost often in the heavy rain as those little yellow arrows are so much easier to miss at the turns while hunched over, shuffling along watching your feet. I wear glasses now so a hat with a bill is necessary to help keep them dry in the blowing rain. I'd leave the foil sheet, as you sleep in your sleeping bag.
Two underwear is all you need, black best color, synthetic but carry two Tee shirts too as they work wonders keeping your upper body warm with minimal weight.You did not list them but suppose you are.

Consider walking on the three days to Finisterre on the Atlantic, and another day do Muxia. It is worth the effort, trust me!

Two flights on same day? I hope you get your money back. I complained about our fares from US till an Aussie joined in with what their fares are. Its all relative.

Good luck
John Hussey, two weeks behind you

[Barbara Taylor]

Hi everyone, Im planning to walk a week starting out 14 Oct but as I am Irish the weather will probably be pretty good for my standards : ) Accustomed to winds and heavy rain hiking so hope for better but dont mind as the camino will be amazing to experience in Oct...the changes of the leaves, colours and autumnal hues...one question if i start at st Jean what will the local weather in the pyrennes be like, that can be rough even in summer ! : ) Im walking alone so want to be clued in and not causing worry to my family at home whilst im enjoying the winds and rain ... a bit of peace of mind for the loves ones.. : )

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Barbara ~
Hooray to you for your upcoming camino. It's always best to assume you will adjust your walk depending on that particular day's weather forecast for the Route Napoleon. When you arrive in SJPP, check in with the pilgrim office and ask specifically about the weather report. They'll let you know if it's a) closed, b) risky, c) too foggy/rainy to make the climb worth it, or d) just fine/no problem. Your family should know that you'll listen to the weather report and, if necessary, take the Valcarlos route which is lower and less weather-dependent.
Hope this helps. Buen camino!

[crashwest2830]

Hi John
I have put a post up about getting from Biarritz airport to StJPP and hope to get a reply. I arrive in Biarritz on Sunday 9 October about 12.30pm. If I don't get a reply and have to go by public transport, do you know what the bus/train details are that would get me to StJPP? My French isn't real good and I am not confident in asking for directions. I emailed Express Bouricot but only received a one line reply to say "It is not possible".

Thank you for your reply previously. I actually packed yesterday and weighed it and it is 9kg. I weigh about 75kg (which will probably be about 5kg less when I finish). By the time I add miscellaneous "stuff" it will probably weigh about 10kg which is OK. I could prune one or two things. I have a shirt just to wear at night and travelling and two shirts to wear walking. I probably could leave out a shirt, a pair of socks and my flip flops (for the shower) but I am erring (as apparently most Caminoists do) on the side of taking a little too much.
Anyway, have a great time. How many times have you walked the Camino?
Phil

[John Hussey]

Phil: I have never traveled through Biarritz going on a Camino. It is much easier for me to go by way of Madrid. However I recall lots of info on the forum about connections via Biarritz and you might do a search or, failing that, I am quite sure someone will offer the info you require shortly. I do recall reading that the connections to get to SJPdP are easier from there than from Madrid. October will be my third Camino.

Good luck, Buen Camino!
John

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Crash ~
The easiest way is simply to step out of the airport and get a taxi to the Bayonne train station. It's about 8 kilometers, so the fare shouldn't be too extravagant. You'll want to catch the 15:05 train to SJPP -- it's the last one that day -- but you'll have plenty of time to get to the train station, especially if you take a taxi. Train fare is roughly 10 Euros.

The French taxi drivers will have no problem understanding the words "Bayonne train station." Or if you're nervous about their English skills write down the words, "Je desire aller au Gare de Bayonne pour le train a St Jean Pied de Port" and speak or show it to the taxi driver. Or even "Gare Bayonne, s'il vous plait" will work. The Biarritz airport is quite small and is not busy or rushed in my experience.

I'm guessing Caroline at Express Bourricot is either busy driving other pilgrims that day or perhaps is on vacation or even beginning her winter ski holiday early. Her service is normally very handy; too bad it's not working out this time. The taxi/train scenario is not complicated, though, and will probably cost about the same or less than you'd have paid with Caroline. Buen camino!

[pgras]

I plan to do the camino on October 28th. I need some advise on what to take in my backpack. I will only be walking for 7 days. Also does anyone know how I can get from Pamplona to St. Jean de Pied? I have to do that on the 26th. I will arrive in Pamplona at 11 am.

[geraldkelly]

Hi Phil

You're packing list sounds OK. I've walked in winter several times and the most important thing is good rain gear because it's very likely you will encounter a few days of rain.

I write a guide to the Camino and I just published a Kindle version. Details from my website below.

Buen Camino!
Ger

[John Hussey]

I plan to do the camino on October 28th. I need some advise on what to take in my backpack. I will only be walking for 7 days. Also does anyone know how I can get from Pamplona to St. Jean de Pied? I have to do that on the 26th. I will arrive i
Pamplona at 11 am.

Try this link:
,Express Bouricot

Wait until she posts her deals and if one matches up with your arrival you can really save on the ride. Pack light, including for rain.

[crashwest2830]

Hi Gerald

I had downloaded your free guide and worked out where I could walk to each day. It was very useful. Thank you. I also purchased your version from Amazon and it fits better on my kindle (which is a great device).

For the rain I have a gore-tex rain jacket, rain pants AND a cheap $5 poncho. Also, my pack has a rain cover. I am also packing my clothes in plastic sealable bags. I am only taking a cap and a beanie for head wear. Do you think that is OK?

Finally, what about getting from Biarritz to StJPP on a Sunday (9th October)? Can you help me with that? I have some ideas but I am not comfortable with French.

If you have time to reply, I would appreciate it. Regards, Phil

[crashwest2830]

Hey, thank you very much for the reply. I am very appreciative. I hope you have a great walk. I am intending to. Have started walking around home with my pack on. Haven't carried a pack for a very long time. It is about 10kg so it should be OK. Kind regards, Phil

[Ais]

Hi everyone, Im planning to walk a week starting out 14 Oct but as I am Irish the weather will probably be pretty good for my standards : ) Accustomed to winds and heavy rain hiking so hope for better but dont mind as the camino will be amazing to experience in Oct...the changes of the leaves, colours and autumnal hues...one question if i start at st Jean what will the local weather in the pyrennes be like, that can be rough even in summer ! : ) Im walking alone so want to be clued in and not causing worry to my family at home whilst im enjoying the winds and rain ... a bit of peace of mind for the loves ones.. : )

Hi Barbara,
I'm also Irish and heading mid Oct so I might see you somewhere on the route, only starting to plan what I need at the moment but this forum seems to be great for advice

[Corners]

Hi to all,

I'm leaving on the 12th October and wondering if I have enough warm clothes:

Fleece
2 x Tshirts
1 x shorts
1 x long trousers

Was thinking of buying a poncho but debating whether or not to buy a jacket...

Any suggestions would be grateful!

Giancarlo

[geraldkelly]

Hi Phil

Apologies, I never got an email notification of your message and I just saw it now. I hope you got the info you needed! Since you're due to be there today I can only presume you did!

Regarding $5 ponchos, they tend to fall to pieces. The plastic, sealable bags in a great idea.

Gerald

[crashwest2830]

Advice: don´t get shin splints or tendonitis in your lower legs. I have it, ignored it and thought I could walk through the pain but it only gets worse. Shooting pains up your legs and they feel like they are on fire. I don´t find that Voltaren gel and ibuprofen have much effect at all but am still using them. Ice is supposed to be the best treatment.

Apart from that, the camino is a great experience. But you need to keep moving. Holing up in a place, even for a day feels not good. Anyway, just thought I would let you know that.

[Atlantic]

Advice: don´t get shin splints or tendonitis in your lower legs. I have it, ignored it and thought I could walk through the pain but it only gets worse. Shooting pains up your legs and they feel like they are on fire. I don´t find that Voltaren gel and ibuprofen have much effect at all but am still using them. Ice is supposed to be the best treatment.

Apart from that, the camino is a great experience. But you need to keep moving. Holing up in a place, even for a day feels not good. Anyway, just thought I would let you know that.

Cr

If you mean by "holing up", which you say is not good, and "holing up" means taking a rest, I have to say I can't agree. I "holed up" as you say, on my first camino/chemin from Le Puy for a weekend and if it were not for that, I never would have reached Santiago. It was a lovely weekend of food, wine, rest and terrific fireworks for a 14th July celebration in France (Lectoure).

On other caminos I have stopped for a day or so, my last being on the Camino de Madrid where I did a 35 kms stage which I knew was too much. So I stopped a day and all was well. Actually I HAD to stop; my feet were killing me. I was walking like a constipated duck. Because I stopped, I met the loveliest pilgrims, one of whom I still contact. We walked so far together. This is priceless, I think.

I would suggest that to "keep moving " isn't wise, and anyway, what's the hurry? Who said you have to keep on every day? There is so much to see and experience on any camino. What is wrong with stopping? I truly ask you this. There is a bloke who has a blog something like 'Slow Camino'; I recommend it to you and to me.

Buen camino for your walk!
Enjoy it!

[unadara]

Get the patches, they are "voltaren" but absorb in quickly, we were able to continue walking, we also used ice out of our cokes at stops!
Take care

[unadara]

I also rested in Leon for 2 days and re-met a lovely friend who had gone ahead of me, we then stayed together right until Santiago, this was meant to be. Resting is good, we also got a special mass in one of the Cathedrals at 8.30, as we had to leave the alberque and come back in again. Good memories.