Newbie

[Angelina B]

Hello

Planning my first Camino in September 2014.
Any pointers from those who have been there and any hellos from those who may be there at the same time.
It will be a little less daunting to hear from those who have and those who are going to .

All love
Angela

 

[gidivet]

Hi Angela

Allow me to welcome you to the forum. I'm not in either category you mentioned as my Camino is in April. However, I hope many other members will give you good advice.

 

[RobertS26]

Hello

Planning my first Camino in September 2014. Any pointers from those who have been there . . .

1. Get properly fitted for your backpack by a professional. Do not buy a backpack because a friend bought the exact same backpack. That's like buying a pair of shoes in your friend's size and hoping they fit your feet.

2. Get properly fitted for your boots by a professional. And break them in before you go.

3. Gather everything you believe is absolutely necessary to carry in your backpack. Now toss half of it away. Virtually everything you think you might need can be bought in Spain. They have these things now along the Camino called "stores". You can go inside them buy things. Less is more. Way more.

4. Read a book or two about the Camino before you go. I recommend, To the Field of Stars, A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela by Kevin Codd and A Million Steps by Kurt Koontz to get a feel about the day to day life on the Camino.

5. Don't over think this. Literally tens of thousands of people do this every year. It's virtually idiot proof.

 

[Hiker lady]

Hello Angelina
I leave Vancouver on the 4th Sept. Overnight in Paris on 5th ,fly to Biarritz ,walking from SJPDP on Sept 6th .I have reserved Orisson for that night.
Hoping I will recover from the journey from Vancouver over next few days.
Looking forward meeting you somewhere along "the way"
Let me know if any of this fits your plan))

 

[lynnejohn]

1. Get properly fitted for your backpack by a professional. Do not buy a backpack because a friend bought the exact same backpack. That's like buying a pair of shoes in your friend's size and hoping they fit your feet.

2. Get properly fitted for your boots by a professional. And break them in before you go.

3. Gather everything you believe is absolutely necessary to carry in your backpack. Now toss half of it away. Virtually everything you think you might need can be bought in Spain. They have these things now along the Camino called "stores". You can go inside them buy things. Less is more. Way more.

4. Read a book or two about the Camino before you go. I recommend, To the Field of Stars, A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela by Kevin Codd and A Million Steps by Kurt Koontz to get a feel about the day to day life on the Camino.

5. Don't over think this. Literally tens of thousands of people do this every year. It's virtually idiot proof.

Might I add, learn some basic Spanish. It will help both your communications and your confidence.
Buen camino!

 

[ColeenK]

Coleenk
I'm flying out of Prince George Aug.31st. Leave SJPP Sept 3rd. Might run into you on the walk. Planning to walk 20 to 30k aday.
See you on the walk.
ColeenK