Camino Frances May 2014

[Adrian961]

Hello,

I'm Adrian from Ramsgate, Kent, UK. Thought I'd throw a few things in a bag, hop on a Eurostar/TGV and walk to Santiago in May 2014. Sounds simple enough....Of course it is, isn't it? Actually planning and preparartion mean the trip starts now. I love it. Excellent site and most informative contributors. Thank you.

 

[Deleted member 22638]

Welcome Adrian

I hope your preparation goes well - I found the forum was excellent as I got ready

Buen Camino

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Hello Adrian y Buen Camino. Likewise, I will starting in St Jean in May 2014. First beer is on me mate!

 

[karenfromcali]

Buen Camino Adrian

 

[Adrian961]

Thank you. Obviously it's not all about beer but one imagines the end of a hot day on the Camino is like the last scene of 'Ice cold in Alex'....

 

[Steve Z.]

Hello,

I'm Adrian from Ramsgate, Kent, UK. Thought I'd throw a few things in a bag, hop on a Eurostar/TGV and walk to Santiago in May 2014. Sounds simple enough....Of course it is, isn't it? Actually planning and preparartion mean the trip starts now. I love it. Excellent site and most informative contributors. Thank you.

Great time to begin preparing yourself physically and mentally for the Camino.
Buen Camino

 

[Mrs.DD]

I'll be leaving London on 29th Mayfrom SJPP to Santiago. I'll be walking for charity. Ill be opening a JUST GIVING page in memory of my husband who passed away from throat cancer last year. I'll be walking on £52 a week so it will be a real challenge. I can't wait now.
Buen Camino

 

[HermanTheGerman]

I started the Frances in May 2013 to find it overrun, contrary to popular opinion. Be prepared for lots of people. Looking back at my photos, I can see groups of pilgrims along the trail every 50m stretching to the horizon. If you're looking for contemplative solitude I'd either start earlier or try a different Camino.

 

[Adrian961]

I'll be leaving London on 29th Mayfrom SJPP to Santiago. I'll be walking for charity. Ill be opening a JUST GIVING page in memory of my husband who passed away from throat cancer last year. I'll be walking on £52 a week so it will be a real challenge. I can't wait now.
Buen Camino

I hope you raise lots of money. Always interesting to hear peoples' stories. It will certainly be a challenge to do it on £52 per week. My understanding is that accommodation can be €10, or a donation. Whilst the cost of living is cheaper than UK, I found a recent trip to rural Spain fairly expensive. Buen Camino.

 

[Adrian961]

I started the Frances in May 2013 to find it overrun, contrary to popular opinion. Be prepared for lots of people. Looking back at my photos, I can see groups of pilgrims along the trail every 50m stretching to the horizon. If you're looking for contemplative solitude I'd either start earlier or try a different Camino.

Hmmm....Perhaps an earlier start is more sensible although the weather is a factor. I suppose the Frances attracts so many first timers because it a well trodden path with infrastucture at hand. I wonder if the Norte is a better option...research during the dark winter months is the key and one of the great things about a trip like this.

 

[HermanTheGerman]

Hmmm....Perhaps an earlier start is more sensible although the weather is a factor. I suppose the Frances attracts so many first timers because it a well trodden path with infrastucture at hand. I wonder if the Norte is a better option...research during the dark winter months is the key and one of the great things about a trip like this.

The infrastructure on the Frances is very good and the way is very well marked. I haven't done the del Norte, but I've heard its quite rugged in comparison and the Albergues are spaced further apart. I was however in Santander at the end of the last Frances stage. Nice little city on the waterfront. The del Norte runs through it. Another option could be to start late, I.e. October. We did the Meseta from Burgos to Leon in the first week of October which was quite ok and was even warm enough to cause some light sunburn. Plenty of beds and just enough people to make some new friends and strike up some interesting conversations. Take rain gear at all times of the year. I just got back from a 30km training hike in 2.7 degrees. I had thin merino tights under my warm weather roll ups and a vest. The vest has to be taken off as I was too warm. Don't let the cold put you off, you warm up quickly when walking.

 

[MargaretWilson]

Hello,

I'm Adrian from Ramsgate, Kent, UK. Thought I'd throw a few things in a bag, hop on a Eurostar/TGV and walk to Santiago in May 2014. Sounds simple enough....Of course it is, isn't it? Actually planning and preparartion mean the trip starts now. I love it. Excellent site and most informative contributors. Thank you.

Love your attitude - my training was to drink red wine and eat tapas - and I made it!

 

[viv1959]

Love your attitude - my training was to drink red wine and eat tapas - and I made it!

Hi Margaret,
I read your e-book. I loved it, it made me laugh. I leave in 9 weeks, have a strained groin and lower back, and have done very little training. My attitude is 'I will just walk slower" inspired hopefully by the people I meet along the way and the draw of daily tapas and red wine. I know there are some that think the social side of the Camino is a bit of a negative, but as a solo female traveller I look forward to it. I will leave around May 16th from SJDP (if I can do the climb) and not sure how fast I will be walking.
However, I will certainly be looking for any interest from those wanting a rest day in Logrono, to do a walking Tapas tour - see http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Guide-g187513-i8577-Logrono_La_Rioja.html.

Adios

Viv from Brisbane

 

[WildPlace]

Buen camino Adrian! and yes this forum is amazing, I found so much information and sound advice on here when I was planning my camino last year

 

[sean khosraviani]

hope to meet you all. Im starting May 9th from pamplona.