Walking in August/September 2013

[Justdavid]

Greetings fellow pilgrims
I am planning on starting in SJPdP on August 21 and arriving in SdC on September 25. Any suggestions regarding the weather conditions, many pilgrims on "El camino", accessibility of the hostels, etc.? I appreciate any/all feedback!
Buen camino/Ultreya!

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Justdavid.

Sounds great. The weather should still be warm (or even hot) although expect a bit of rain at some point (especially in Galicia). I don't think albergues will be closed at that time, in fact it could be quite busy. Enjoy the company! If you're able to stay in private rooms as well as albergues if/when necessary you'll walk with more peace of mind. Remember you can share a private room with your walking buddies to reduce cost.

Buen Camino!

 

[mralisn]

Greetings fellow pilgrims
I am planning on starting in SJPdP on August 21 and arriving in SdC on September 25. Any suggestions regarding the weather conditions, many pilgrims on "El camino", accessibility of the hostels, etc.? I appreciate any/all feedback!
Buen camino/Ultreya!

What a great time you'll have and fantastic to already be planning/preparing. I'd like to suggest scrolling down a little and finding posts from this year that are close to/leading up to the time you'll be walking next year. Perhaps you'll find some information which would help in you and probably bring up more questions not answered.

In short, it will be warm and crowded. However, this will be an amazing journey. You've already begun!

 

[nreyn12]

If the statistics from SJPP Pilgrim's office for the last two years are anything to go by, your time frame will be quite busy. The good news, though, is that all the albergues will be open. A few will close at the end of September, but most are open at least through mid or late October.

Weather-wise, I'd expect it to be hot, right up until the last week of your walk. By that time you will be in Galicia, and it will be Fall, so it will probably have cooled off.

Nancy

 

[billvinhage]

I will be doing the Camino at almost the same time.....I'll be flying into Biarittz via connection on Ryanair from Dublin on Aug 21st (arriving 12:55). I'll get started out of SJPD sometime on Friday the 23rd, perhaps our paths will cross!!

 

[Patterle]

Same for me. I am planning on walking the Camino from SJPdP from the last week in August. Had originally planned to start in mid-August but do not want to miss my wife's 65th birthday celebrations, so have now opted for the later start.

The excitement is certainly building & I am out walking in my neighbourhood early each morning, most days of the week. Just doing short distances initially, 3-5 kilometres & planning to build on that in the coming weeks. Although I am losing some weight, I still have a long way to go & doubt that i will be down to my ideal weight by August. Stil, that won't stop me!

When i first discussed the Camino with my wife, she was supportive of the idea of my doing it alone. She seems to be having second thoughts though & recently suggested I should consider doing it as part of a group. However, I've assured her I will be alright & promised to be in regular contact whith her. Hopefully my Telstra mobile (Australia) will operate okay along the Camino.

Patterle

 

[sysilia_t]

Hi Patterle,

I'm planning first week of Sept also, haven't decided the date though. This will be my first long break from work for me Can't wait. Hope to see you around and Buen Camino!

Sysilia

 

[eku_79]

Hello everyone

I am a newbie here, but I have followed the forum already for some time and I am really greatful for all of you, who have posted in the threads and gave great advice! I've got so much useful information.

I will walk my Camino for the first time - all alone, but I hope to meet nice people along my way and I'm sure, I will!
My journey starts from Astorga at the end of August and I'm really excited about that already! It really inspires me!

So, all fellows, who will follow the road at the same time w me - see you there! Buen Camino!

 

[billvinhage]

My plans have shifted a few day looking to take my first steps out of SJPD on Aug 23rd. Looks like I'll be arriving in Biarittz on the RyanAir flight from Dublin on Aug 21st......anyone else coming in that day hit me up, maybe we can share a Taxi?

 

[jmcarp]

We'll also be walking the CF from mid-August through late September, and we'll probably be looking for fellow pilgrims to share a taxi from Pamplona to SJPP. I'll be posting the exact date in another thread dedicated to transportation to SJPP as the time nears.

Jim

 

[Beeker40]

Hi everyone,
Really getting itchy to start my 1st ever camino and am starting to walk a lot more locally especially at the weekends. Planning to do Achill Island and the Burren over the summer months. Anyway hoping to do my Camino starting August 29th'ish in SJDPP and flying home to Dublin on October 2nd from SDC.

Just in the process of buying new hiking boots in Great Outdoors this week to have them well broken in!!

I am sure I will get to link up with some fellow travellers in Biarritz Airport and share a taxi!

Thanks again for this invaluable forum..........it is priceless!

Ger

 

[Highheelcollector7]

Giving myself a birthday gift at the end of September 2013-God willing. As I reach 67, I wonder what part of the journey will be my celebration point. Figure I will treat myself to a nice expensive hotel on that day to give my feet a rest. Will purchase my hiking boots this month to start breaking them in. I can't wait!!

 

[mspath]

Highheelcollector7,

Walking the Camino will be a wonderful way to celebrate your special birthday!

Welcome to the Forum. You will find much useful information in these topics for planning your walk. Ask lots of questions since most pilgrims enjoy offering advice and sharing their tips. Be sure to check out this thread compiled for us aged Over 60 >> frequently-asked-questions/topic12014.html.

Watch out, the Camino can be very addictive! I first walked the CF when 65 and now at 74 hope to return for my 9th complete camino later in autumn. Hope springs eternal.

Carpe Diem and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[ajp]

I am planning to start my second Camino Frances in Sept 2013, the current plan is to walk out of SJDPP on or around Sept 8th. I turn 65 this year, and it is encouraging to see so many other pilgrims of that age and better that are doing the camino, again and again.

What is particularly exciting for me is the opportunity to experience the camino a second time, but with some knowledge gained from my first camino in 2009. I recall meeting other pilgrims that were doing the camino a second, third, fourth time or more, all said each camino was a unique experience.

In 2009, I walked from Sept 11 finishing at Finisterre on October 20th, ( with a few days off here and there). The weather was excellent for most of the time, Galicia in October was cooler and there was quite a bit of rain. The only time I felt the cold was when I got to the ocean, the temperature was otherwise mild, even on wet days.

Looking forward to September.

AJP

 

[fomahony]

Hi I am from waterford in ireland and I am planning to walk the camino in september. i am flying in to SDC on Saturday 7th from Dublin I hope to start in Leon on the sunday 8th September 2013 and walk for 2 weeks and hopefully arrive at SDC on the sunday 22nd september all going well.
Anyone know what is the best way to get to SDC to leon, train or bus?
Starting to get training now and buying some supplies?
How much money would I want to budget for per day?
regards
Flor O Mahony

 

[Tedh]

I too am looking at early September to begin at St. Jean. Given the sporadic weather conditions in the past couple of years, I'm expecting anything from hot sun to snow.

Clothing: jeans, bush shirt, light jacket and a rollup windcheater (not waterproof). A poncho to keep myself and pack dry (this also keeps the heat in) in downpours. This is my normal gear anyways.

One pair of heavier socks for my feet and some gloves if it does get colder are the only extra bits I'm taking. That's it. I always carry a hat so don't need another one.

As mentioned it looks like parts can be in the 25-30C range. It's always going to cooler in mountains and at altitude (and probably more windy). Snow in mid-late October stands to reason - that's when I head for the sun

Looking forward to it all.

 

[mspath]

Hi I am from waterford in ireland and I am planning to walk the camino in september. i am flying in to SDC on Saturday 7th from Dublin I hope to start in Leon on the sunday 8th September 2013 and walk for 2 weeks and hopefully arrive at SDC on the sunday 22nd september all going well.
Anyone know what is the best way to get to SDC to leon, train or bus?
Starting to get training now and buying some supplies?
How much money would I want to budget for per day?
regards
Flor O Mahony

fomahony,

There are two morning trains from Santiago de Compostela to León on Sunday September 8. See this RENFE site for time and price http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/. There is one bus on Sunday September 8 from Santiago de Compostela to León. See this ALSA site for time and price. http://www.alsa.es/en/

If you plan to stay in pilgrim albergues and eat a simple Menu de Dia for your main meal a good budget would be 35 Euros per day.

Happy planning and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

My wife and I are also starting our journey mid-August. We have 45 days which should give us plenty of time for "sightseeing" during or after the Camino. Just ordered our forum patches so my wife can sew them to our packs! We have been planning this for over a year now, less than 2 months to go. I can't wait!! This forum has been so helpful (and so amusing at times :lol: ). I feel like I have read every thread and post over the past year. You guys are amazing with all your tips and suggestions! Thank you so much for all your insight and the do's and don'ts of the Camino! Hope to see some of you along the way!

Jim

 

[Beeker40]

Just starting to get a little excited as the date of departure approaches! August 28th at 9:50am Dublin to Biarritz. Checked into Chemin du Esprit and really looking forward to meeting everyone in SJPP.

Have all the gear ready and just a matter of reducing the list down by eliminating the non essentials. Thinking I may actually leave the mobile phone at home likewise eReader. Just the Brierley guidebook as I would rather sit and talk or explore the locality than read in the evenings. Perhaps just going to bring an old iPod with some music for playing or sharing. So putting a list of songs that either mean a lot to me or a blend of Irish traditional and modern artists to share with new friends.

Anyway what do people think as regards leaving the mobile at home?
Total switch off and then occasionally checking in with family by use of Skype or get a pre paid phone card when I arrive.?

26 days ........but who's counting !! :lol:
Thanks

Ger

 

[Tedh]

Anyway what do people think as regards leaving the mobile at home?
Total switch off and then occasionally checking in with family by use of Skype or get a pre paid phone card when I arrive.?

I never take a mobile (cellphone) on long distance journeys. Any messages or the like are being posted on a private message board for family and friends. Otherwise email. Saves weight and expense.

Main reason being that English plugs are a pain in the butt. They're heavy and take up a lot of room in my pack. (got enuf with my netbook stuff - why add more).

ICE details are on a dog tag.

 

[Chefaj]

I will be bringing my mobile, it will serve multiple functions from a camera, logging in other future friends info, flashlight, earplugs(music during the evening so i can't hear my own snoring, hahahaha) and a few more functions. I have a solar panel charging station which doesn't weigh too much and folds up quite flat and I've already taken it on other hikes and it works very well. it definitely eliminates having to use adapters or plugs, of course you need sun for it to work but I think we will have plenty during the end of August through September. Plus if any other pilgrims need it yall will be be more than welcome to use it as well!

Buen Camino

 

[tpmchugh]

Flying into Bilbao from Dublin Sept 5th. Bus to Burgos next day and if I make it on time, catch a bus to Castrojeriz where I finished on Good Friday last. If I miss the bus then its walking from Burgos again. Anyone else starting at this time from Burgos area. Also, anyone know just how busy its likely to be at this time

 

[lambert58]

JUST GOT BACK: ABOUT ME: WENT SOLO, VERY FIT, QUIET NICE GUY, AMERICAN:
BRING: besides minimal clothes. and a total 18 pound pack (shoot for 14 lbs.)
IPOD--bunch of songs, suggest some podcast, worked for me...

GOOD HAT, GOOD SUNGLASSES, METAL WATER BOTTLE, I DID NOT USE WALKING STICKS..

CELL PHONE FOR PHOTOS, I used :VIBER free text with wi-fi, which is everywhere. have your contacts download viber in their cell phones, used Tango a couple of times too. I have wife, kids--things happen.

MED KIT: You will probably get Blisters, REALLY SUGGEST pre cut a bunch of moleskin patches-THIS IS A BIG DEAL..Take care of your feet every day. foot lotion, etc. the Comseed patches in Spain do not breath...pussy yellow gross stuff happens...also med tape..

SHOES-SOCKS: THE BIGGEST FACTOR in my opinion..I ended up with (1) pair of SALOMON high end off road hike shoes w/ speed laces, yep over $110 dollars..and (1) High end TEVA Sandles.
4-5 Pair of the best socks you can find...alternate between Shoes / Tevas --you will figure it out.
Big boots not needed..

SLEEPING BAG: I Sent mine back, per summer ALL I EVER USED was my sleeping sheet liner thing. If you bring a bag... get the smallest, lightest one made. never used a pad, etc. but i never slept on a floor either..

FOR STUFF YOU DO NOT NEED...find a Correos--post office box and send it to Santiago--super easy to do ...goes to main post office right by church about 10-15 bucks..

TID BITS: ATM's Everywhere..getting money there is not a problem. FOOD..if albergue has kitchen use it.. I made several dinners of pasta, eggs, rice, save lots, shared meals, met people, etc....
SANDWICHS---SECRET TIP--find small market, have them cut 5-6 slices of meat, 4-5 slices of cheese, buy an avacado(?) ...buy fresh bread, buy a small oil pack...make your own--TWICE as good, Half the price...last 2 meals.
WALKING: When you feel good walk--LISTEN TO YOUR BODY !!!!!..I did it in 25 days, took a rest day in Burgos...did an 11 mile day...did a 28 mile day...do what feels right..HAVE NO PLAN is a great plan...things always worked out....the JB guidebook is a must---have it !!!!

OK---THE SAD PART ..WHEN IT'S OVER !!!...it is wierd-depressing.??..Life is SO SIMPLE but so meaningful when your doing this...you will understand--trust me...then when the girl stamps your final stamp and signs your compestella...and then says congratulations ...and the "next"...it's over man..Yes, great memories, every emotion experienced, great people met--rerally great-but it's wierd when your done .

SO...HAVE FUN, YOU WILL. TALK TO GOD...YOU WILL...God Bless

 

[Tedh]

Socks are one of the biggest factors. I use 1000 Mile ones. Never get blisters and they last a long time.

Didn't know ATM's were all over the place. My main concern is free Wifi as all my communications with be via my netbook.

SANDWICHS---SECRET TIP

Good idea I was hoping that would be the situ. I'm starting in Pamplona and may get as far as Burgos this year - no rush, little money and lotsa time (just don't like snow).

 

[davidorr]

Hi Ger,

Im setting off on the Saturday morning right after you from SJPDP, Ill keep my eyes peeled and buy you a beer if i spot you. Over 2 weeks to go and i can think of nothing else.

 

[drutherford520]

Beeker40,
I will be starting also on august 29th. I will fly out of sd on the 3rd of oct. I am sure are paths will cross.

Buen Camino

Dan from colorado

Sent from my GT-N8013 using Camino de Santiago Forum mobile app

 

[filup501]

You'll probably pass me on the way. I'm starting from Pamplona September 4th. I'm giving myself 5 weeks. Coming from Oakland, California!