I walked the VDLP in June/July but I have the advantage of being acclimatised to the Australian tropics so I am used to walking/cycling/exercising in high humidity and temps in the 30s. Before that I lived in the Red Centre so I know my limits in that dry desert heat. The summer conditions are like the desert. You don't see the sweat evaporate off your skin and that's where people get caught. The Almaden segment is hard and given the current conditions you really need to be out the door at daybreak. I am a fast walker so I know I would be there well before 1630h when this chap contacted emergency services. Because there is no guaranteed water on this stretch you need to carry a LOT of water. I tend to work on the presumption of needing a litre/hour. Which means 6 litres at my usual 5km/hr speed. Don't worry about the weight because you will use it soon enough. You need to preload before you are out the door eg drink a litre of water at least. I recommend practising drinking at least 3 litres daily in the weeks before you leave so that your body can handle maximal hydration. Carry sweet food because sugar breaks down to water. Electrolytes are worth considering. I had a 3 litre water bladder and I also carried Aquarius and juice poppers to alternate with. Your only hope of water in that park is the water trough in the park. And there is no guarantee that water is drinkable. If you are thirsty you are probably about 3% dehydrated.
I recommend a reflective umbrella to take down the temp around your head. And when you get to Almaden you need to start replacing your day's losses until your urine looks reasonably clear again.
The stretch between Merida and Alcuescar is another segment where people get caught. Stop for the night in Aljucen.
If you don't have experience of walking in hot conditions and don't have a good handle on what you are doing, it is best to avoid the VDLP at that time of year. And if you do walk, walk with someone in case you do get distressed.
Hi, Donna,
I would like your advice about summer VdLA
First of all, have you experiences any real big temperature differences, such as really cold at night. We all know day time can be burning. If it was cold at night, do you suggest carrying a sleeping bag?
Is it sufficient enough? That I have some safety measures: such as reflective umbrella used on the Camino de Frances in Italy in June/July, will bring electrolytes, water bladder and a Life Straw, which will enable me to drink from any water source. I am used to get up early and leaving the albergue around 6, and if I can 5:30am to beat the heat. I also have full body coverage if needed like in the dessert.
I don’t like heat and humidity, but when calls for it, I just deal with it. I was at India, and several Asian countries last summer very hot, but of course, not walk8ng with a pack.
Third, if it is needed to avoid those long stretches, is there a bus available or taxi only? Or no such option at all once started. I have 46 days to cover from Sellvia to Santiago via Sansabres, do want to break those 30+ days as much as I can.
Any other suggestion do you have? By the way, I will train myself before leaving to keep in good shape. Hopefully to maintain 4km per hour on the road and get to my destinamtion no later than 4pm.
Also if a reservation can be made in advance, find a spot to rest from 2-4pm, and then walking, is it a good idea to avoid the mid day heat and to conserve energy?
Your help is greatly appreciated.
A fellow peregrina
I have planned some safety measures.
Reflective umbrella, electrolyte pills,