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Hi @Kielty , welcome to the forum. We haven't seen any reports of a bed-race yet this year and more and more accommodation opens every year to meet demand. The sensible strategies frequently posted here such as avoiding the classic Brierley staging points will help with that issue. Wi-fi (wee-fee in Spain) is practically ubiquitous along the Frances, perhaps less readily available along the Norte but far from unknown, if you need to be confident of connectivity the Frances may be a safer bet. That said @Kanga is live on the Norte at the moment and doesn't seem to be experiencing any difficulty posting.
As to relative expense: the north coast is a popular holiday destination and costs / availability of non-Albergue accommodation will reflect this in late July and August but you will be home and dry by then.
Buen Camino
Also suffering from lingering sinusitis for the 1st time in years. Have you tried flushing out your sinus cavities? You can DIY or get a kit from chemist. It's not pleasant - feels like you're drowning at first - but it does seem to help. You want to get rid of it before you start.I am about to leave for my first camino (alone) on June 9th 2015. I am relatively fit - but sick all week and weekend with a lingering sinus infection that has gone on over a month... so I am worried for the first time about fitness levels..
Thanks for the suggestion Lachance! (I like the picture of the dogAlso suffering from lingering sinusitis for the 1st time in years. Have you tried flushing out your sinus cavities? You can DIY or get a kit from chemist. It's not pleasant - feels like you're drowning at first - but it does seem to help. You want to get rid of it before you start.
If a boot or shoe is well fitted you shouldn't have to 'break it in'. Just wear it to make sure its comfortable to begin with
If your heart is speaking to you to do this then follow it... I've heard of several people that weren't physically fit but did it anyway and succeeded...don't think. Just do.Hi everyone!
I was thinking about walking the Camino del Norte in July.
However... I just started playing with this idea a few days ago. It's been a dream of mine for years but I've forgotten it for a while, I didn't have money/time etc...
My workplace is closing down end of June. I have no idea what to do next, and a friend suggested I finally realize this dream of mine
Which all sounds great, but I can't really prepare at all. I would have two weeks max to buy equipment (walking shoes and a decent backpack), so won't really have time to break in my shoes. I'm not exactly in the best shape either and also overweight. Plus I'll still be working a lot till the end of the month, I could probably make it out in the weekends but there won't really be any opportunities for long hikes on a regular basis.
Do you think it's still possible? I realize it probably won't be easy, but I'm hoping it should get better after the first week or so... Plus, everything I seem to read about this camino makes it sound like most stages are 30+km apart. Is it possible to do it in smaller stages? I can't really see myself walking 35km daily in the beginning. I'm guessing there is always private accommodation to be found somewhere in between the stages?
I know the camino Frances is also an option, but I deal with so many people in my daily job, I'm not sure if I would be able to deal with the seemingly hordes of people there (especially in July I suppose). I would love to have some peace and quiet if possible. Apart from that I've visited the north of Spain before and I love it!
Thanks in advance for your advice.
I would strongly suggest that you try to think of all the positive point rather than concentrating on what you can't do and all the possible difficulties. That should be a good start in my own humble opinion. Write a list of all the reasons you want to walk the Camino and the plus points like you CAN get the boots, backpack and other equipment. You HAVE got the time and opportunity. Also, little things, as the old song goes, mean a LOT. Walk, don't take the stairs, walk whenever you can-always. Plan the route with short distances for at least a couple of weeks to build your strength on the Camino and take it easy. It isn't a race so take your time and enjoy it all. You don't need to plan everything-let it happen. There will always be other pilgrims to help out with information and advice for example. Consider which route with a modicum of care-the Norte is a difficult Camino especially if you are unfit-the route has changes of altitude that can be very challenging. Having said that I still believe that if it is taken gently it can be achieved by just about anybody. You could also keep in mind that the Camino isn't there to be easy...nor is it there to be beautiful although it usually is! For most of the Caminos it is possible to break down the distances, more so if you can get a room instead of always being in pilgrim-only accommodation. I use www.gronze.com a LOT. It is in Spanish but even with my very basic Spanish I can use it easily enough. It has maps, altitude charts and accommodation information as well as route info which you could translate using good old Google or just go with the flow. Personally-and let's face it, the Camino is deeply personal-I use the maps, charts and albergue info without the route information. I like to discover as I walk. Many others are firmly attached to their guide books. It is entirely a matter of choice. The Camino will lead you in its own way I have found. Have a wonderful time and buen Camino!Hi everyone!
I was thinking about walking the Camino del Norte in July.
However... I just started playing with this idea a few days ago. It's been a dream of mine for years but I've forgotten it for a while, I didn't have money/time etc...
My workplace is closing down end of June. I have no idea what to do next, and a friend suggested I finally realize this dream of mine
Which all sounds great, but I can't really prepare at all. I would have two weeks max to buy equipment (walking shoes and a decent backpack), so won't really have time to break in my shoes. I'm not exactly in the best shape either and also overweight. Plus I'll still be working a lot till the end of the month, I could probably make it out in the weekends but there won't really be any opportunities for long hikes on a regular basis.
Do you think it's still possible? I realize it probably won't be easy, but I'm hoping it should get better after the first week or so... Plus, everything I seem to read about this camino makes it sound like most stages are 30+km apart. Is it possible to do it in smaller stages? I can't really see myself walking 35km daily in the beginning. I'm guessing there is always private accommodation to be found somewhere in between the stages?
I know the camino Frances is also an option, but I deal with so many people in my daily job, I'm not sure if I would be able to deal with the seemingly hordes of people there (especially in July I suppose). I would love to have some peace and quiet if possible. Apart from that I've visited the north of Spain before and I love it!
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hi everyone!
I was thinking about walking the Camino del Norte in July.
However... I just started playing with this idea a few days ago. It's been a dream of mine for years but I've forgotten it for a while, I didn't have money/time etc...
My workplace is closing down end of June. I have no idea what to do next, and a friend suggested I finally realize this dream of mine
Which all sounds great, but I can't really prepare at all. I would have two weeks max to buy equipment (walking shoes and a decent backpack), so won't really have time to break in my shoes. I'm not exactly in the best shape either and also overweight. Plus I'll still be working a lot till the end of the month, I could probably make it out in the weekends but there won't really be any opportunities for long hikes on a regular basis.
Do you think it's still possible? I realize it probably won't be easy, but I'm hoping it should get better after the first week or so... Plus, everything I seem to read about this camino makes it sound like most stages are 30+km apart. Is it possible to do it in smaller stages? I can't really see myself walking 35km daily in the beginning. I'm guessing there is always private accommodation to be found somewhere in between the stages?
I know the camino Frances is also an option, but I deal with so many people in my daily job, I'm not sure if I would be able to deal with the seemingly hordes of people there (especially in July I suppose). I would love to have some peace and quiet if possible. Apart from that I've visited the north of Spain before and I love it!
Thanks in advance for your advice.
So I went shopping today (again) and got myself some gear I need but I did hesitate on few things: 1) do I need those special hiking pants or are any kind of shorts well enough?; 2) I've read about "poncho vs big waterbroof coat" but ... how bad is the rain when there is some and would I get by with poncho and waterproof pants? Those coats are quite expensive, poncho 9 eur and coat 45 eur.
Pepin!
So awesome answer and good tips! Thank you so much!
One question more - why not goretex? 'cause... that's what I got and what recommended. Very light, not boots, comfortable. You put "NO" in caps there, I'm scared now
Hi!
I'm out of work over a month and thought to myself that Camino has called for me for a several years - and when to go if not now?! I made my decision this Monday and my first camino starts June 22th with plane taking me to Madrid. So I can't give any advice but I can share a little bit what I have done and will be doing next two weeks.
On this Monday I bought the tickets to Spain and back, train tickets to Ponferrada and booked two places where to sleep (in Madrid and in Santiago). What happens between - for the first time in my life, I'm letting it to lifeLet's see what happens! After all, it's all part of the experience. And believe me, I'm organizer, I like to plan and it comes easy for me - right now I have summer to learn how to let things happen also and, well, to think what I want to do next.
For planning how long will I stay and how many km I will do, I took into consideration that I'm overweight (thankfully lot of this is muscle weight), I go to gym, I swim, I cycle a lot, do garden works, eat quite healthy and I am totally healthy but I don't like to walk because of a knee surgery I had 2013 and it still hurts sometimes, as doctor promised it will. Also there is much warmer and different landscape than in my homecountry, so I decided that it is not a race, this is my camino and so I think there are days that I walk 11 km and then there are days that I will walk 15 km. I'm doing the last 200 km and took myself about 15 days for that, just to make sure I don't too bad for my knee.
I'm thinking about buying walking or hiking poles or one while I'm there - I've read that they help when you have a bad knee, also they supposed to take some of the weight of from shoulders and back and help to keep good posture.
I read and I read and I read and then decided to buy silk liner - in June-July there's gonna be hot (people say), also silk isn't something bed bugs like. And I can always put some clothes on or ask for a planket, if possible. Right now, I'm crossing my fingers that I recieve it before plane departs - ordered it from Vietnam, takes 10-14 days.
On Tuesday I put together what do I need to bring with me and ordered two books from Confraternity of Saint James Ltd - "Camino Lingo: English-Spanish Words and Phrases" and "Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino de Santiago" by John Brierley. To learn the language and to read about the place I'm staying. Hoping they also will make it before my plane leaves.
And Wednesday a friend lent me her rucksack - it is 50 l, we think. It's a bit much, but I can't afford to buy my own so I decided I must look out for not overpacking itand I'll be fine. (Again - crossing my fingers!)
Also, on that day I bought my first hiking shoes - I read that Salomon's are good and there they were, with discount and light, waterproof, just for me! I have worn them in the house and .. well, still planning to go for a walk. Thankfully I have a little bit time but I will do the walks, because I'm going to put my feet in this situation for half a month. And then I went to pharmacy and got everything I need from there. And I ordered Pilgrim Passport also (waiting for that to arrive, again crossing my fingers it will make it)
There's still packing to do and stuff do buy - I'll do that next week. Oh, a whistle, they say, is a good thing to wear.
And between everything I'll try to study a little bit of Spanish - common phrases, and there's lots of good sentences in this forum also. Like this one: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/learning-easy-spanish.14029/
It takes time to plan, but I think both, You and me - we'll be allright!
Buen Camino!
Yeah.. Wanted to go to sleep, but all the sleep is gone - thinking about how my feet are hot and blistered. That's not good.
Just read about goretex and thinking about how one should not rush into things. A lesson to learn, oh well
I read some reviews also about those shoes I have and some say that they are breathable and ok in hot summer also. But - I don't know how much they used thoseoutdoorgearlab.com says: In dry summer conditions, the mesh upper lent breathability and they didn't weigh us down while hiking to the tops of mountains.
And well.. I like mountains, so I probably hike in the mountains in the future too, then they would be good to have.
I also want to bring sandals to wear in the evening or when the walking goes bad. Or maybe I can find someone who wants my almost new Salmon shoes and I can buy something else - I still have a week : )
Liina, hi again. I'v just seen your initial text. Ok, things are easy , you are and will be impressed by many new thing before you get on the way. You will need only first day to adapt yourself to the Camino.
Take it easy, 10 to max 15 Kms for the first few days than every now and than say max 20 k.
Walking poles are recommended, light weight back pack say all included just under 8 kg this way you relief your knees.
If you are taking a 50l pack, it really dose not matter if you do not fill it up with unnecessaries, and fit it properly, do not hang anything on the outside of the pack to avoid axial molest movements.
Liner is more than enough now,
One of beauties of the Camino is speaking to the locals, sometimes difficult if you do not speak the language. BUT no worries El Camino is Universal, you will speak to everyone even if it is with a smile. Feel free to use your Spanish no matter how limited. In the villages locals might not speak English but they will not laugh at your Spanish !!
To avoid worries, walk at the same time as most people do, so you will always have people insight. There are no dangers on Camino except on crossings with traffic.
Enjoy your Camino. You will be surprised how people help each other
Liina, hi again. I'v just seen your initial text. Ok, things are easy , you are and will be impressed by many new thing before you get on the way. You will need only first day to adapt yourself to the Camino.
Take it easy, 10 to max 15 Kms for the first few days than every now and than say max 20 k.
Walking poles are recommended, light weight back pack say all included just under 8 kg this way you relief your knees.
If you are taking a 50l pack, it really dose not matter if you do not fill it up with unnecessaries, and fit it properly, do not hang anything on the outside of the pack to avoid axial molest movements.
Liner is more than enough now,
One of beauties of the Camino is speaking to the locals, sometimes difficult if you do not speak the language. BUT no worries El Camino is Universal, you will speak to everyone even if it is with a smile. Feel free to use your Spanish no matter how limited. In the villages locals might not speak English but they will not laugh at your Spanish !!
To avoid worries, walk at the same time as most people do, so you will always have people insight. There are no dangers on Camino except on crossings with traffic.
Enjoy your Camino. You will be surprised how people help each other
Pepin
Pepin
Liina, hi again. I'v just seen your initial text. Ok, things are easy , you are and will be impressed by many new thing before you get on the way. You will need only first day to adapt yourself to the Camino.
Take it easy, 10 to max 15 Kms for the first few days than every now and than say max 20 k.
Walking poles are recommended, light weight back pack say all included just under 8 kg this way you relief your knees.
If you are taking a 50l pack, it really dose not matter if you do not fill it up with unnecessaries, and fit it properly, do not hang anything on the outside of the pack to avoid axial molest movements.
Liner is more than enough now,
One of beauties of the Camino is speaking to the locals, sometimes difficult if you do not speak the language. BUT no worries El Camino is Universal, you will speak to everyone even if it is with a smile. Feel free to use your Spanish no matter how limited. In the villages locals might not speak English but they will not laugh at your Spanish !!
To avoid worries, walk at the same time as most people do, so you will always have people insight. There are no dangers on Camino except on crossings with traffic.
Enjoy your Camino. You will be surprised how people help each other
Pepin
Hi!
Smell the roses - that's nicely put and that was my plan!
Thank you all very very much! And I hope that Bianca (who started the theme) also got something from that discussion.
So, I talked to the shop where I bought my GTX shoes - and they offered me about 50 euros discount for same model Salomon walking shoes but without gore tex. And help me god, but I went and bought those! For that price and discount I think it was a right thing to do - maybe someday I'll go Camino some other season or start hiking in home : )
Wore them all day today with special hiking socks and they felt comfy!
Thanks again! Already feel like I'm on Camino and good people are around me
There are techniques to dry your shoes in extrem cases.
It is much better to find that out before you start the Camino than after you have started! Take very long walks on successive days before you go (6 to 8 hours). Foot problems come from cumulative effects, not fit. Hours of rubbing are much different than twenty paces in one's living room. The Camino is not a good place for having a first experience with boots.wonder what it's going to be like after a few hundred kms!
Hi! Haven't checked this thread in a while, but I just went out to buy my shoes and socks! They feel like heaven right now, wonder what it's going to be like after a few hundred kms!
I'm STILL not sure whether to do Frances or del Norte. The crowds on Frances are REALLY putting me off tbh. But, it's easier (or so I've heard). Also, I have a kind of fear of wide open high spaces, not really ideal, haha. Although it would be the best opportunity to get over it I suppose ;-)
A few specific questions regarding the route and packing.
How important is it to have walking poles on the camino del Norte? Is it really that much more expensive than the Frances? How much does it rain? Are there still lots of walks in nature or is it paved cities all the way?
Would it be best to take shorts or longer pants? I have a North Face rain jacket but it can get quite warm/sweaty on the inside if I wear it without the fleece liner, should I get something else?
I booked a flight to Bilbao already, arriving the 3rd of July. I'd start walking on the 4th. I have to get the train to Madrid from Santiago de Compostela on the 2nd of August. Would it be enough time to walk from Bilbao at a not-too-hardcore pace?
Soooo many questions actually, these are just a few of them, my mind is kind of racing with everything I still have to do and plan! But I booked my flights and got some equipment so there's no turning back now...
Thank you, Bluffgirl!
Would you please share those tips/techniques?Or maybe you know a thread on that subject that is already in this forum?
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