sydunipete
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- SJPP to Santiago commencing 5 April 2014
Leon to Santiago commencing April 2015
Having just finished the Camino here are some personal reflections on popular topics I've see discussed here during the time I was preparing for my Camino. I hope it's of some help to others.
These are my personal views and are no doubt influenced on the time of my Camino (I started on 5 April 2014 from St Jean), the weather (we were blessed) and other factors.
1. Time of the year. It was perfect. Some snow on the ground crossing the mountains but at other times it was generally cold to start the day but warm enough to walk in shorts and shirt sleeves most days. We raised a sweat when walking briskly but the sun wasn't too harsh. Summer would be a real challenge though.
2. Waterproof boots or not. We agreed yes, they were necessary. We walked through snow and quite a bit of shallow water on the trail. For a few days we had rain on the meseta which created long stretches of mud and big puddles. Runners or non waterproof shoes would have been a nightmare. Even when dry several parts of the walk are over river rocks, sharp pointy rocks and other uneven surfaces. My feet felt bruised in solid shoes, in runners they would likely have been much more tender.
3. Blisters etc. I got away with no blisters or any problems at all. But others had blisters, and shin splints were also common. My advice is to train. Ensure you walk regularly 25km (or whatever you plan to do), multiple days in a row carrying your intended load wearing your boots you plan to wear.
4. Backpack weight. I had 12kg others had 6. But I trained with my load and hence was confident in my ability to carry it without problems. If you find a problem in training you can lighten your load (or train more). Work out your packing list early and train with it.
5. Single females walking. There are many of them. As far as I know they all felt safe and you are never far from somebody who can help on the Camino. It must be one if the safest activities for a single female to do.
6. You walk your own Camino. Some stay in hotels, others in albergues. Some have their luggage shipped ahead, some carry it. Some walk 50km a day, others 5. But at the end of the day we all sit around the table and enjoy each other's company over dinner.
7. Rain coat or poncho. Poncho.
8. Solo or in a group. That's up to you. I formed great friendships on the Camino and it's an incredibly social activity. You would have to make a real effort not to meet others and become friends.
Other things you might like to consider.
I found Santiago to be a terrible place to finish the Camino. There were lots of drugs on the streets and somehow, except for groups of friends, the Camino spirit was lost in that town. Rarely did you hear buen Camino, even from other pilgrims. Fisterra was a much more sympathetic and memorable place to finish. (It's less than 3 hours in a bus from Santiago). The Camino spirit is alive there plus you get the magic of a sunset over the ocean sitting on rocks underneath the light house.
When arriving in Santiago allow plenty of time. Backpacks are not allowed in the cathedral so if you plan to attend the 12 noon mass allow enough time to get your room sorted and leave your pack. Alternatively there is a left luggage service just past the pilgrim office (2 euro). Just follow the signs. The church and the left luggage service get busy so allow plenty of time. My rushed arrival took the gloss off things and ensured that I stood through the mass after 820km of walking!
But finally. It was an amazing experience. One that I will remember for ever. I encourage you to do as much of the Camino as you can.
Buen Camino.
These are my personal views and are no doubt influenced on the time of my Camino (I started on 5 April 2014 from St Jean), the weather (we were blessed) and other factors.
1. Time of the year. It was perfect. Some snow on the ground crossing the mountains but at other times it was generally cold to start the day but warm enough to walk in shorts and shirt sleeves most days. We raised a sweat when walking briskly but the sun wasn't too harsh. Summer would be a real challenge though.
2. Waterproof boots or not. We agreed yes, they were necessary. We walked through snow and quite a bit of shallow water on the trail. For a few days we had rain on the meseta which created long stretches of mud and big puddles. Runners or non waterproof shoes would have been a nightmare. Even when dry several parts of the walk are over river rocks, sharp pointy rocks and other uneven surfaces. My feet felt bruised in solid shoes, in runners they would likely have been much more tender.
3. Blisters etc. I got away with no blisters or any problems at all. But others had blisters, and shin splints were also common. My advice is to train. Ensure you walk regularly 25km (or whatever you plan to do), multiple days in a row carrying your intended load wearing your boots you plan to wear.
4. Backpack weight. I had 12kg others had 6. But I trained with my load and hence was confident in my ability to carry it without problems. If you find a problem in training you can lighten your load (or train more). Work out your packing list early and train with it.
5. Single females walking. There are many of them. As far as I know they all felt safe and you are never far from somebody who can help on the Camino. It must be one if the safest activities for a single female to do.
6. You walk your own Camino. Some stay in hotels, others in albergues. Some have their luggage shipped ahead, some carry it. Some walk 50km a day, others 5. But at the end of the day we all sit around the table and enjoy each other's company over dinner.
7. Rain coat or poncho. Poncho.
8. Solo or in a group. That's up to you. I formed great friendships on the Camino and it's an incredibly social activity. You would have to make a real effort not to meet others and become friends.
Other things you might like to consider.
I found Santiago to be a terrible place to finish the Camino. There were lots of drugs on the streets and somehow, except for groups of friends, the Camino spirit was lost in that town. Rarely did you hear buen Camino, even from other pilgrims. Fisterra was a much more sympathetic and memorable place to finish. (It's less than 3 hours in a bus from Santiago). The Camino spirit is alive there plus you get the magic of a sunset over the ocean sitting on rocks underneath the light house.
When arriving in Santiago allow plenty of time. Backpacks are not allowed in the cathedral so if you plan to attend the 12 noon mass allow enough time to get your room sorted and leave your pack. Alternatively there is a left luggage service just past the pilgrim office (2 euro). Just follow the signs. The church and the left luggage service get busy so allow plenty of time. My rushed arrival took the gloss off things and ensured that I stood through the mass after 820km of walking!
But finally. It was an amazing experience. One that I will remember for ever. I encourage you to do as much of the Camino as you can.
Buen Camino.