The mess that is my first camino

[Pathfinder075]

It started with lots of plans to walk this and walk that, and do a full camino, and now I finally reach a point where I will be committing to it, albeit a much smaller cut down version.

So my history and issues are scatted throughout threads on this forum. I found a job I enjoyed doing, then we had the brexit mess which has caused the exchange rates to plummet. So ive decided I would like to keep my job if I can. The original plan was to terminate my contract and go walkabout for 5 weeks, but then I discovered I actually enjoy working at this new place. So now I am trying to negotiate a two week window at the start of October, but if it falls through, I will stay a third week. So either way i've booked a ferry from Plymouth on the 2nd October. I havent decided on length of stay yet, and until ive discussed things with work cant.

I have family who will be in Spain at the time I will be over, and have managed to arrange a lift to somewhere near Ourense, and will (after sampling the hot springs) be walking the last 100km into Santiago.

Thats what I know for now. Actual dates once im in the country, I have no clue of, and will probably make it up as I go along.

I dont have most of my kit, but have also considered just using hotels, since my intention is to walk it in no more than 5 days, so I have time after that to sight see and be a tourist.

 

[C clearly]

do a full camino

It sounds like a full camino to me! Shorter but full.

 

[OTH86]

Relax, @Pathfinder075 the Camino will show you the Way! Enjoy all those options!

 

[Fearbocht]

I think the best way of looking at it might be "The rules are there are no rules"...Enjoy the way whatever way is yours!

 

[Waka]

Let the camino guide you.

 

[stevenjarvis]

And relax ! The Euro approaching parity with the Pound is financially distressing , but it sounds like you've got a great start planned in Ourense and then the Camino will guide you to SdC. So, it's not a mess, it's a plan ! Have a great time, wish I was doing the same .

 

[andy.d]

Ourense to Santiago is a lovely walk.
Enjoy!

 

[Pathfinder075]

Oh I intend to enjoy it. That part is the easy bit. Walking I can do without much issue. The mess refers to the getting there bit, the logistics side of things. I have a rucksack, sleeping bag, tent, inflatable mat and will have a good pair of shoes sometime in the next week. Everything else is small as long as you have the basics.

One of the prep things that I will be doing is summitting Snowdon in a couple of weekends (Up the Rhyd Ddu and down the Ranger Path, missing out Crib Goch this time). I've also done a handful of 15-20 mile walks to get me to the point where I can walk a fair bit without issue. Would any of you recommend poles for a 5 day excursion? Up until now ive been hiking without them, without any issue.

I am looking forward to it. Also exploring the Spanish countryside as I walk through it. Still have no clue what the actual route is, but gronze has provided me the rough waypoints (Cea, A Laxe, Outeiro, Santiago) but their are two 33km stages on it, and I am only planning on walking about 20km a day, so I guess I need to revise it a bit. If anyone has any ideas on that, Im all ears. I am specifically looking for places I can pitch a tent, albergues, hostels, etc.

 

[jprogers]

Oh I intend to enjoy it. That part is the easy bit. Walking I can do without much issue. The mess refers to the getting there bit, the logistics side of things. I have a rucksack, sleeping bag, tent, inflatable mat and will have a good pair of shoes sometime in the next week. Everything else is small as long as you have the basics.

One of the prep things that I will be doing is summitting Snowdon in a couple of weekends (Up the Rhyd Ddu and down the Ranger Path, missing out Crib Goch this time). I've also done a handful of 15-20 mile walks to get me to the point where I can walk a fair bit without issue. Would any of you recommend poles for a 5 day excursion? Up until now ive been hiking without them, without any issue.

I am looking forward to it. Also exploring the Spanish countryside as I walk through it. Still have no clue what the actual route is, but gronze has provided me the rough waypoints (Cea, A Laxe, Outeiro, Santiago) but their are two 33km stages on it, and I am only planning on walking about 20km a day, so I guess I need to revise it a bit. If anyone has any ideas on that, Im all ears. I am specifically looking for places I can pitch a tent, albergues, hostels, etc.

Hi I just finished this walk in June...I didnt take a sleeping bag so stayed in hotels. I think I should have taken a sleeping bag. It was wet wet wet.
Day 0 hotel in Ourense prebooked
Day1 Cea casa Manosa prebooked -its in the town that was a 23 km walk
Day2 Lalin ...I phoned from Estacion de lalin and they picked me up and they will drop you back/ I believe there is accomodation at Estacion de lalin ....which would have been better... but not able to prebook on internet and really wasnt sure. There are references to this place on this forum
Day3 Silleda pre booked Hotel Ramos
Day4 Casa Pazo Galagos near Outiero pre booked.....as this was a bit off track (ie extra km) I could have stayed at Puente Ulla in an Albergue maybe
Day 5 to Santiago approx 17km

The albergues along the way were not full...so these are an option if you have a sleeping bag.

 

[long trails]

At least doing a Camino is a cheap way to live for w while!

The £ was trading at around 1.15 - 1.20 to the Euro for a very long time, so it's not too far off the norm.

 

[Sheffield James]

Have you considered doing the 39-mile 'Peak Pilgrimage' in Derbyshire (from Ilam to Eyam) as part of your preparations? It mimics characteristics of the Spanish caminos, ie., you obtain a pilgrim passport + collect stamps at churches along the way. A momento is given to anyone who collects the full set of stamps. I will be joining eight fellow Camino enthusiasts to complete the route over three days/4 nights starting this weekend. We will stay in Youth Hostels and pubs each evening.
You can google it for more information.

Buen Camino,
James