hokiebobwise
July '23 (CF/Astorga)
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF/Astorga July 2023
My son (19 yo) and I will be leaving the states on July 2nd and are planning to walk from Astorga to Santiago, prior to heading home on the 18th. All of my travel has been booked, including a July 17 train from Santiago back to Madrid -> available trains popped up on Renfe about 3 days ago.
A questions for the group
1. I reached out to the Madrid Airport as I have a 6am flight on the 18th and I'm attempting to determine what time I should get to the airport, any suggestions? I'm flying Air France, through Paris before leaving their and heading to the states.
1b. Do you have a favorite hotel near the airport? As I mentioned we are taking the train on the 17th, first train out of Santiago and we plan to just roam around the city, no real plans. However, I do wish to book a hotel prior to departing the states to ensure we are covered. Based on your thoughts on timing of the airport, any recommendations for places you've stayed? I did ask the airport about the rooms they have in T4; which would be ideal for some extra shuteye before having to check-in.
2. on the airport site it led me to believe that i won't be able to carry-on my 36L pack, as it is larger than the specs they provided. Since I'm flying Air France/Delta, i'm pretty sure the planes won't have a problem with the bag size, but I wasn't sure on how stringent their security would be in enforcing bag size. If I have to check it, no biggie since I am allowed 1 free bag. And no, i don't plan on bringing poles home.
3. We are taking the train to Leon on the 3rd, and staying the night before catching the 5pm train to Astorga. So I plan to do some last minute shopping to pick up poles and other items that might cause me to have to check my bag. I see lots about Decathlon but is there a Pilgrim shop, as i've read about in other towns? I would rather give back to those that are helping pilgrims than a "big box" type of store.
4. we will be walking in July and I know it's going to be hot; just like it will be hot back here in Virginia (odd to say, but I do love me some mid-90's weather). What I'm attempting to determine is whether or not I should go with the poncho, should I go with a light rain jacket or nothing? Afterall, it is summer and my pack will have a rain cover, so once the rain stops I should dry off in a few hours, right? Everything I have should be able to handle the rain and I plan on keeping items, in the pack, within dry sacks for when the water does seep into my pack (Osprey Stratos 36L). I love the heat, but I'm also not attempting to make myself any hotter than I'll already be.
Buen Camino
Bob Wise
CF / Astorga to Santiago July 2023
A questions for the group
1. I reached out to the Madrid Airport as I have a 6am flight on the 18th and I'm attempting to determine what time I should get to the airport, any suggestions? I'm flying Air France, through Paris before leaving their and heading to the states.
1b. Do you have a favorite hotel near the airport? As I mentioned we are taking the train on the 17th, first train out of Santiago and we plan to just roam around the city, no real plans. However, I do wish to book a hotel prior to departing the states to ensure we are covered. Based on your thoughts on timing of the airport, any recommendations for places you've stayed? I did ask the airport about the rooms they have in T4; which would be ideal for some extra shuteye before having to check-in.
2. on the airport site it led me to believe that i won't be able to carry-on my 36L pack, as it is larger than the specs they provided. Since I'm flying Air France/Delta, i'm pretty sure the planes won't have a problem with the bag size, but I wasn't sure on how stringent their security would be in enforcing bag size. If I have to check it, no biggie since I am allowed 1 free bag. And no, i don't plan on bringing poles home.
3. We are taking the train to Leon on the 3rd, and staying the night before catching the 5pm train to Astorga. So I plan to do some last minute shopping to pick up poles and other items that might cause me to have to check my bag. I see lots about Decathlon but is there a Pilgrim shop, as i've read about in other towns? I would rather give back to those that are helping pilgrims than a "big box" type of store.
4. we will be walking in July and I know it's going to be hot; just like it will be hot back here in Virginia (odd to say, but I do love me some mid-90's weather). What I'm attempting to determine is whether or not I should go with the poncho, should I go with a light rain jacket or nothing? Afterall, it is summer and my pack will have a rain cover, so once the rain stops I should dry off in a few hours, right? Everything I have should be able to handle the rain and I plan on keeping items, in the pack, within dry sacks for when the water does seep into my pack (Osprey Stratos 36L). I love the heat, but I'm also not attempting to make myself any hotter than I'll already be.
Buen Camino
Bob Wise
CF / Astorga to Santiago July 2023