Bigfrog
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Soon...
Hello everybody!
I recently found myself between jobs and am contemplating doing the Via de la Plata starting in Sept. I'm an experienced backpacker/trekker, mostly in the wilderness of the mountains of California, so I do have the gear, map reading skill and fitness level to do this route. I've read a lot of posts on this forum already but haven't quite found all the answers I need or the answers are potentially old. If I choose to do this route I do plan on buying the Gerald Kelly guide.
Water - Descriptions say water sources are sometimes far between and to carry more water. Where do people normally get their water from? I always carry a filter so I have no problem getting water from streams or cisterns if they are available.
Albergue - how much on average does it cost to stay in one on this route? I'm vegetarian and don't really drink alcohol so I will probably prepare my own meals.
Places that accept donations for overnight stays - While I am on a budget I don't want to be cheap or disrespectful, how much should I donate?
Camping - I prefer to camp en route and from what I have read it's legal for a single tent for a single night. Of course permission is required for private property and I don't plan on making campfires however I might use an alcohol stove. Any feedback one can provide about camping on this route would be appreciated. Also how much would a fair donation be for setting up a tent on the grounds of an albergue, etc?
Toilets - what do people usually do for their "dirty business"? In the wilderness I usually dig a six inch hole and carry out the toilet paper.
I'm looking for a route with a blend of history/antiquities, culture and natural beauty - is this the best Camino route for me? I've previously hiked the 300 mile/500 km Lycian Way and St. Paul Trail in Turkey and loved every step.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
I recently found myself between jobs and am contemplating doing the Via de la Plata starting in Sept. I'm an experienced backpacker/trekker, mostly in the wilderness of the mountains of California, so I do have the gear, map reading skill and fitness level to do this route. I've read a lot of posts on this forum already but haven't quite found all the answers I need or the answers are potentially old. If I choose to do this route I do plan on buying the Gerald Kelly guide.
Water - Descriptions say water sources are sometimes far between and to carry more water. Where do people normally get their water from? I always carry a filter so I have no problem getting water from streams or cisterns if they are available.
Albergue - how much on average does it cost to stay in one on this route? I'm vegetarian and don't really drink alcohol so I will probably prepare my own meals.
Places that accept donations for overnight stays - While I am on a budget I don't want to be cheap or disrespectful, how much should I donate?
Camping - I prefer to camp en route and from what I have read it's legal for a single tent for a single night. Of course permission is required for private property and I don't plan on making campfires however I might use an alcohol stove. Any feedback one can provide about camping on this route would be appreciated. Also how much would a fair donation be for setting up a tent on the grounds of an albergue, etc?
Toilets - what do people usually do for their "dirty business"? In the wilderness I usually dig a six inch hole and carry out the toilet paper.
I'm looking for a route with a blend of history/antiquities, culture and natural beauty - is this the best Camino route for me? I've previously hiked the 300 mile/500 km Lycian Way and St. Paul Trail in Turkey and loved every step.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!