NomadBoomer
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances ( 2017, 2018,Aug 2023) Vdlp (2018)
I finished my first camino yesterday from SJPP. It was a truly special wonderful time I will treasure in my heart forever.
I got so much useful help and inspiration from this forum and in particular the regular posters, I thank you all.
The following is my personal experience, everyones camino is different and just as valid.
I found that the general consensus on this forum was very accurate and helpful.
I was very happy with all of my gear, pack weight etc. Do bring poles, ear plugs and a lightweight sleeping bag. Don't bring ultra expensive ultra light down gear I met a couple of people who had to throw away early on because of bed bugs. It is easy to buy anything here that you need, just beware of Spanish operating hours. Be aware that it is not bright till after 8 am at this time of year. Bring a head torch for the road. Don't use it in the albergue dorms.
I stayed at Orisson such a great idea to start the trip easy and I met so many great people here.
I started Sept 2nd, many starting from SJPP round then. Book SJPP orisson and Roncesvalles before you get there. At this time of year good to book a day ahead till maybe Pamplona unless you can stop for the day before 2 or stay away from the Stage stops.
I booked rarely after Pamplona and not at all for the last few weeks apart from the cities like León. I had zero problems finding a bed, I think I only got turned away from 2 full albergues all trip.
I carried my bag and walked every step. I was glad personally that I did not skip any of the 'boring' bits, some of my favourite days were on the meseta for instance. Carrying your bag gives you flexibility where to stop on the day. I caught all of the pilgrim mass and blessings I could this added to my journey.
I would suggest people give themselves a few days extra to get to their destination. You never know in advance when you need a short rest day. Some people with complete schedules regretted being locked into them.
Even if you think that you are not an albergue person maybe give them a try for a few days. I was very surprised how much they became part of my camino experience. The volunteer hospitaleros were wonderful.
The weather was amazing. A couple of slightly rainy days near the start and then a month of perfect cool dry sunny days. If this is typical weather I can see why September is so popular.
Sorry for a bit of a rambling post maybe because of the long lunch today. Hopefully of some help to someone.
If you are thinking of doing a camino just go ahead and organise it. Don't worry be happy!
My next posts will be trying to work out which shorter quieter camino to do in April 2018. This time was so special I may have become another Camino tragic.
Cheers Paul
I got so much useful help and inspiration from this forum and in particular the regular posters, I thank you all.
The following is my personal experience, everyones camino is different and just as valid.
I found that the general consensus on this forum was very accurate and helpful.
I was very happy with all of my gear, pack weight etc. Do bring poles, ear plugs and a lightweight sleeping bag. Don't bring ultra expensive ultra light down gear I met a couple of people who had to throw away early on because of bed bugs. It is easy to buy anything here that you need, just beware of Spanish operating hours. Be aware that it is not bright till after 8 am at this time of year. Bring a head torch for the road. Don't use it in the albergue dorms.
I stayed at Orisson such a great idea to start the trip easy and I met so many great people here.
I started Sept 2nd, many starting from SJPP round then. Book SJPP orisson and Roncesvalles before you get there. At this time of year good to book a day ahead till maybe Pamplona unless you can stop for the day before 2 or stay away from the Stage stops.
I booked rarely after Pamplona and not at all for the last few weeks apart from the cities like León. I had zero problems finding a bed, I think I only got turned away from 2 full albergues all trip.
I carried my bag and walked every step. I was glad personally that I did not skip any of the 'boring' bits, some of my favourite days were on the meseta for instance. Carrying your bag gives you flexibility where to stop on the day. I caught all of the pilgrim mass and blessings I could this added to my journey.
I would suggest people give themselves a few days extra to get to their destination. You never know in advance when you need a short rest day. Some people with complete schedules regretted being locked into them.
Even if you think that you are not an albergue person maybe give them a try for a few days. I was very surprised how much they became part of my camino experience. The volunteer hospitaleros were wonderful.
The weather was amazing. A couple of slightly rainy days near the start and then a month of perfect cool dry sunny days. If this is typical weather I can see why September is so popular.
Sorry for a bit of a rambling post maybe because of the long lunch today. Hopefully of some help to someone.
If you are thinking of doing a camino just go ahead and organise it. Don't worry be happy!
My next posts will be trying to work out which shorter quieter camino to do in April 2018. This time was so special I may have become another Camino tragic.
Cheers Paul
