Rambling Priest
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances July/Aug 2022
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One needs to be very cautious when it’s hot! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Be sure to carry extra water with you. My plan for the hot weather was to always leave early, just as you plan to do. Leaving at 5:30 should allow you to finish your stage by early afternoon. It’ll see be hot by late morning or mid-day, but you won’t have to walk in the more brutal later afternoon heat. If those first few days are going to be particularly hot, you might want to think about having your packs transported for you. As you have reservations for those first three nights, your packs can be easily delivered to your albergues.Hello! My family (two fit older teens and my wife) and I are heading out to begin the Camino Frances planning to start on this Friday 15 July in Saint Jean P-d-P. The heat, of course, looks brutal. We're New Englanders, and it's been a relatively mild summer here so far. We've hiked in the White Mountains in the past so not too anxious about elevation gain, although I'm a bit out of shape having broken 4 ribs in Feb which took long to recover (these 50 year old bodies don't heal as fast as they used to) and friends feeding me a bit too much. I've pre-booked us the first three nights out (to Pamplona after which we hope to get off the encourage stage stops).
So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
Do this.I definitely recommend starting early each day. I started walking many mornings between 5 and 6am and it was wonderful to see the sunrise, experience the cool, and avoid the worst of the sun.
Do this.I also recommend ending early each day. I almost never walked past 130pm and many times arrived at my destination just before noon.
You are prepared! I never walk in summer exactly for this reason. One of those UV reflecting umbrellas are supposed to help from what I have read here on the forum.Looking at the forecast highs in Pamplona on the AEMET site for this week, they are all over 35 deg C, with one day forecast to reach 41 deg C. These are dangerous temperatures to walk in, no
matter what your experience or preparation. The maximum UV indices are peaking at 10, in the very-high to extreme range, indicating you will need to be careful about sun-protection as well.
I organise and lead walks where I live, and in these forecast conditions, I would cancel a walk. I would be thinking about getting myself to Pamplona, and re-assessing the conditions after that if the forecast doesn't change, and not walking in temperatures that high.
If you cannot avoid walking, use the mornings and evenings, and stay out of the sun and heat in the middle of the day. You say you have booked accommodation. Take advantage of that and let them know you will be arriving later in the day to avoid walking in the heat.
My own approach to walking in the heat is to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, a full-brimmed hat and wear sun protection mitts and sunglasses. Even in lower temperatures, I will carry at least 2 li of water, and I expect to have to refill that at least once during the day. Once I get to where I will be staying, I use a re-hydration mix. I also try to have a couple of bananas, but if that is not possible, consider some form of magnesium/calcium supplement. I always carry some table salt sachets in my pack in case I cramp up in these conditions.
Please let us know how you make out! Buen CaminoMany thanks for all the suggestions above. It's helping us make a better plan than we would have on our own. It's so nice to have a group of so many willing to help and support those of us who are new. Much appreciated.
Good advice from Marbe2 but we need to be clear about the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.I posted this before but it is worth reviewing
How to prevent heat stroke
- Drink plenty of fluids. ...
- Do not drink alcohol, caffeine, drinks.
- Water is your best choice..
- Make sure the water or sports drinks are cool.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Wear wide-brimmed hat. Soak your hat in water periodically to bring down your temperature.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
- Avoid asphalt or concrete.
- Slow down your pace and take extra time in shaded areas.
- Walk very early in the morning and shorten your itinerary if necessary.
Wanted to remind everyone walkng of the signs of heat stroke
https://www.nhs.uk › conditions › h...
- a headache.
- dizziness and confusion.
- loss of appetite and feeling sick.
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin.
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach.
- fast breathing or pulse.
- a high temperature of 38C or above.
- being very thirsty.
These might be the signs of heat exhaustion, but they are NOT the signs of heat stroke. The key signs that a person is suffering from heat stroke are that they have an elevated body temperature and stopped sweating, which will normally be evident by their skin being hot and dry to touch. If someone has collapsed and become unresponsive, one should treat that as heat stroke, rather than provide first aid for heat exhaustion.Wanted to remind everyone walkng of the signs of heat stroke
- a headache.
- dizziness and confusion.
- loss of appetite and feeling sick.
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin.
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach.
- fast breathing or pulse.
- a high temperature of 38C or above.
- being very thirsty.
We use a grading system for how everyone is feeling during the day. Eg. "out of 10. Where 10/10 is perfect and 3/10 is feeling the need to get off the trail. We gather every 30 min and ask the question" out of 10?" especially in the heat this is useful for things like :Hello! My family (two fit older teens and my wife) and I are heading out to begin the Camino Frances planning to start on this Friday 15 July in SJPP. The heat, of course, looks brutal. We're New Englanders, and it's been a relatively mild summer here so far. We've hiked in the White Mountains in the past so not too anxious about elevation gain, although I'm a bit out of shape having broken 4 ribs in Feb which took long to recover (these 50 year old bodies don't heal as fast as they used to) and friends feeding me a bit too much. I've pre-booked us the first three nights out (to Pamplona after which we hope to get off the encourage stage stops).
So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
My daughter and I walked from SJPDP over the Napoleon in July (many years ago). It was in the days before there was a gîte at Orisson so there was nothing between Huntto and Roncesvalles. It is a very long day.So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
There seem to be a variety of different brands, but none of the ones that I was able to find ingredients lists for contained any electrolytes. They seem to be a combination of bicarbonate of soda, tartaric acid and malic acid. A chemist might have a view on what this does, but doesn't look like an electrolyte supplement to me.Basically, I think, they are electrolyte powders.
What beer have you found with any appreciable quantity of salt? And is it only a sodium salt, or the potassium and magnesium salts that you really need for re-hydration in the heat?However, a small light cerveza at the end of a day's walking serves to replenish salts.
Thank you! Yes, indeed, my post should have been titled heated exhaustion, not heat stroke. If one is experiencing heat exhaustion systems stop walking immediately!These might be the signs of heat exhaustion, but they are NOT the signs of heat stroke. The key signs that a person is suffering from heat stroke are that they have an elevated body temperature and stopped sweating, which will normally be evident by their skin being hot and dry to touch. If someone has collapsed and become unresponsive, one should treat that as heat stroke, rather than provide first aid for heat exhaustion.
The Australian Red Cross advice is to immediately call the emergency response number (112, 000, 999, 911) and to cool the person down. You shouldn't try and get them to drink fluids at this point to avoid the risk that they will choke or vomit.
I note that the advice on first aid treatment seems to vary a little from country to country. It seems to me that advice like waiting 30 minutes, which might be okay if one is an urban setting for someone in their own home, office, shops, etc just isn't appropriate for much of the Camino. If someone has hot, dry skin and has stopped sweating, I think immediate action to treat this as heat stroke is necessary.
Such wonderful suggestions. I’m currently doing the Camino. The heat is very serious. I try to start walking before 5:30 so I can be done before the heat becomes unbearable. It is very frightening, especially because I’m doing it alone. For tomorrow’s walk, I have arranged to walk with another peregrina that I met in st Jean. I think finding someone to walk with, during this heat wave may also be a good idea. If you run into difficulties, there is someone there to help.Three points: first, there's an urgent necessity for shelters to be set up at intervals on Camino stretches which require them. A simple 4 posts plus roof and bench would do. This is essential on the VDP and with the new normal of summer heatwaves, on sections of the CF as well.
Second, we need to eliminate the risk on the CF posed by pilgrims not finding a bed and bring obliged to walk on to the next albergue in the afternoon heat. Every town needs emergency overflow accommodation in the summer, an easy thing for the local government to organise I think.
Third, (and this is a bit of a stretch ...) Imagine a volunteer group of Camino Angels, in green tabards, walking and cycling Camino stages, with water, advice, basic medical help and a kind word for all. I don't know how many local people and walkers/cyclists would be up for this. Speaking personally, I'd do it in a flash.
I walked 2019 from Puente de la Reina to Los Arcos (43km) in 38°C. Just after the last (dry) fountain before Los Arcos I walked on and just after the small intersection of the A-12 I encountered the first bombero that picked up pilgrims (the food truck wasn't there) if they had a breakdown and were unable to walk further.Third, (and this is a bit of a stretch ...) Imagine a volunteer group of Camino Angels, in green tabards, walking and cycling Camino stages, with water, advice, basic medical help and a kind word for all. I don't know how many local people and walkers/cyclists would be up for this. Speaking personally, I'd do it in a flash.
As I just mentioned in a previous comment. I have heard that those UV reflective umbrellas are really good for protection. I never walk this time of year because of crowds and especially because of the heat which will only worsen as time goes on. Be safe.If they don't already could the volunteers in the Pilgrims Office remind those pilgrims who check-in, and perhaps give them a handout, strongly of the importance of hydration, starting early, sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, resting occasionally and I know that it sounds harsh but advise people of the casualties - "it could be you". I know they do the same where conditions are likely to be problematic over the Napolean route.
This is a good idea. I am also walking alone currently and have thought it would be nice to have someone to remind me to drink water (and vice versa). It's so easy to forget, esp if you don't have a hydration tube.Such wonderful suggestions. I’m currently doing the Camino. The heat is very serious. I try to start walking before 5:30 so I can be done before the heat becomes unbearable. It is very frightening, especially because I’m doing it alone. For tomorrow’s walk, I have arranged to walk with another peregrina that I met in st Jean. I think finding someone to walk with, during this heat wave may also be a good idea. If you run into difficulties, there is someone there to help.
It's good that you eventually realised what the cause was. These are lessons that we don't ever forget aren't they? I was 17 when I fell victim to the symptoms you describe, in my case ascending 4400 feet of steep mountainside with the sun beating down behind me and no cover for head nor neck. I'm now 69 and have never again suffered from heatstroke. I started on the Camino F in Sept 2019 finishing on October 31 in Finistera. Thoroughly enjoyable, the whole experience.While walking from Cajarc to Limogne-en_Quercy on the Le Puy in mid-Sept 2019, I got severely dehydrated - and it happened quickly. At first I thought I was just having an off day, had low energy, but I arrived at the municipal gíte exhausted, fried and dehydrated (not just the "I'm thirsty" kind of dehydrated but something more).
That night I was unusually tired, almost to the point of being sick. That's when I realized had teetered dangerously close to potential heatstroke.
Needless to say, the next day I took it much easier
I have read that the reflective umbrellas make a huge difference and can significantly reduce dehydration. There are some 'umbrella posts' on the forum. I have just purchased one for VdlP in September.Make your own shade. Carry a parasol -- an umbrella. Preferably a lightweight one with UV protection. Buen Camino
No. There is a more compelling need for pilgrims to not put themselves at risk for the conditions they face over the course of any particular day. If, and only if, local governments have sufficient spare funds to contemplate building such shelters, it might be an option for them to do so.first, there's an urgent necessity for shelters to be set up at intervals on Camino stretches which require them. A simple 4 posts plus roof and bench would do. This is essential on the VDP and with the new normal of summer heatwaves, on sections of the CF as well.
This is another fanciful notion that seems to shift responsibility for their accommodation from the individual pilgrim to an amorphous government entity. It is clearly a pilgrim's responsibility to find a place to sleep, not anyone else's responsibility to provide accommodation for them. Clearly a variety of local government, parish and religious organisations have stepped up to assist pilgrims with accommodation over the years, as have a variety of commercial providers. This has made it possible to support even greater numbers of pilgrims, but it doesn't shift the underlying responsibility away from the pilgrim themselves.Second, we need to eliminate the risk on the CF posed by pilgrims not finding a bed and bring obliged to walk on to the next albergue in the afternoon heat. Every town needs emergency overflow accommodation in the summer, an easy thing for the local government to organise I think.
I suggest that if, as you say, you'd do this in a flash, we can expect to see your next posts coming from somewhere on the Camino Frances with your bicycle and support trailer tending to the needs of those pilgrims walking in the current heat? You might want to read about some of @David's work over the years. You can even wear a green vest should you wish to, although it might be worth purchasing something that is hi-vis.Third, (and this is a bit of a stretch ...) Imagine a volunteer group of Camino Angels, in green tabards, walking and cycling Camino stages, with water, advice, basic medical help and a kind word for all. I don't know how many local people and walkers/cyclists would be up for this. Speaking personally, I'd do it in a flash.
I agree completely. The primary responsibility for a pilgrim's safety lies with themselves. I find it hard to understand why the pilgrim office can have issued over 1800 Compostelas today when temperatures in Galicia have reached 40C. Is walking in these conditions a wise decision regardless of any provision of shade or overflow accommodation the local authorities might make?@Gerard Griffin, I think there is a more compelling need for pilgrims to make sensible decisions about their behaviour than there is for local governments to provide additional facilities.
My Husband and I finished our first Camino (the Portuguese, Senda Litoral) last month, we found that Magnesium wafers with Zinc (the ones that dissolve in water) helped our bodies greatly, the aches & gave us more energy to last, even on the hot days. You can find them in any of the local farmacia's (Pharmacy's along the way)... also our cooling gel neck wraps helped a lot! R&M~Hello! My family (two fit older teens and my wife) and I are heading out to begin the Camino Frances planning to start on this Friday 15 July in SJPP. The heat, of course, looks brutal. We're New Englanders, and it's been a relatively mild summer here so far. We've hiked in the White Mountains in the past so not too anxious about elevation gain, although I'm a bit out of shape having broken 4 ribs in Feb which took long to recover (these 50 year old bodies don't heal as fast as they used to) and friends feeding me a bit too much. I've pre-booked us the first three nights out (to Pamplona after which we hope to get off the encourage stage stops).
So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
My Husband and I finished our first Camino (the Portuguese, Senda Litoral) last month, we found that Magnesium wafers with Zinc (the ones that dissolve in water) helped our bodies greatly, the aches & gave us more energy to last, even on the hot days. You can find them in any of the local farmacia's (Pharmacy's along the way)... also our cooling gel neck wraps helped a lot! R&M~
Sunstroke alone is rarely life-threatening, if it's not compounded by other factors. It is vital to get yourself into the shade ASAP, then to recover from it in some cool, calm, and quiet over at least 24 hours - - which in my experience the excited and pro-active emergency services do not provide, from the qualities of their engagement that are necessary in nearly all other cases.I came close to heat stroke in August 2016. I was very fortunate that day to survive.
Those are the afternoon temps, it's still cool enough in the mornings.I agree completely. The primary responsibility for a pilgrim's safety lies with themselves. I find it hard to understand why the pilgrim office can have issued over 1800 Compostelas today when temperatures in Galicia have reached 40C. Is walking in these conditions a wise decision regardless of any provision of shade or overflow accommodation the local authorities might make?
From a first-aid perspective, heatstroke is a medical emergency, and should be treated as such. What has been proposed here might be okay for someone suffering from heat exhaustion, but I wouldn't recommend it if you believe someone is suffering from heatstroke. The mere fact that someone might be able to contemplate doing what has been recommended here suggests to me that their heat stress hasn't progressed to the point of being heatstroke.Sunstroke alone is rarely life-threatening, if it's not compounded by other factors. It is vital to get yourself into the shade ASAP, then to recover from it in some cool, calm, and quiet over at least 24 hours - - which in my experience the excited and pro-active emergency services do not provide, from the qualities of their engagement that are necessary in nearly all other cases.
On the Camino, unless you're well off the beaten path, you usually won't be completely alone to deal with it, and in most cases a quiet rest day will be sufficient to recover from it. In worse cases, two or three days.
If you're anywhere near tarmac, you can get to it and flag down the first passing vehicle for emergency assistance. Get yourself into the cool and dark, and just rest - - this is the basic treatment, don't let anyone force water into you, but drink only according to your actual thirst. Cold shower, but ONLY after you've already been outside of the sun and heat for about 3-4 HOURS, and your body has already cooled off somewhat. Otherwise, you can risk a hydrocution, which can kill you.
I do understand that it can be worse for those with a heart condition and so on, and I have heard this year during the previous heat wave of pilgrims just dropping down dead, but as I am not a specialist doctor, I'm afraid I can provide no more than the above sort of general advice.
Start early in the cool, end early before the real heat starts, and take short days.
I've been walking PLR, Estella, Los Arcos & Logroño during the current heat wave and La Guardia Civil has been very visible and active, doing patrols, and going out of their way to tell pilgrims about the emergencu 062 number. It's been really impressive and heartening.Three points: first, there's an urgent necessity for shelters to be set up at intervals on Camino stretches which require them. A simple 4 posts plus roof and bench would do. This is essential on the VDP and with the new normal of summer heatwaves, on sections of the CF as well.
Second, we need to eliminate the risk on the CF posed by pilgrims not finding a bed and bring obliged to walk on to the next albergue in the afternoon heat. Every town needs emergency overflow accommodation in the summer, an easy thing for the local government to organise I think.
Third, (and this is a bit of a stretch ...) Imagine a volunteer group of Camino Angels, in green tabards, walking and cycling Camino stages, with water, advice, basic medical help and a kind word for all. I don't know how many local people and walkers/cyclists would be up for this. Speaking personally, I'd do it in a flash.
Yes, we've been walking at 5am (tomorrow will be 4am - full moon!) and it's been extremely pleasant. We try to arrive by around 10am and it's doable - not forever but while we ride out the heatwave.Those are the afternoon temps, it's still cool enough in the mornings.
Nothing like the 2019 heat that forced a stop for me in Catalonia, as it was 25° to 28° C at night (3 AM), and 32°C immediately after sunrise, into the 40s over the morning.
That's the kind of heat that can kill even the young and healthy.
This year's heat waves have been more or less manageable.
That's a great post, though there's some degree of cross purposes.From a first-aid perspective, heatstroke is a medical emergency, and should be treated as such. What has been proposed here might be okay for someone suffering from heat exhaustion, but I wouldn't recommend it if you believe someone is suffering from heatstroke. The mere fact that someone might be able to contemplate doing what has been recommended here suggests to me that their heat stress hasn't progressed to the point of being heatstroke.
The difficulty I think we face if we come across someone who we think might be suffering from heatstroke is that one are unlikely to be carrying a thermometer, and will only have available the visible signs to guide us on what is appropriate first aid to offer. If someone is capable and willing to take appropriate action to reduce their heat stress, ie by getting to a cooler place, removing clothing and improvising a cold compress to start cooling themselves down, then further assistance may not be required. If someone isn't capable of doing those things, then action does need to be taken to assist them.
@JabbaPapa, you are correct. My contributions have been through the eyes of a first-aider, and not on the self-care that would go to avoiding becoming so heat stressed as to require external assistance.What to do in the heat being just as much what to do for oneself as what one might do for others.
Update from the Spanish authorities on record highs on the 13th:Hello! My family (two fit older teens and my wife) and I are heading out to begin the Camino Frances planning to start on this Friday 15 July in SJPP. The heat, of course, looks brutal. We're New Englanders, and it's been a relatively mild summer here so far. We've hiked in the White Mountains in the past so not too anxious about elevation gain, although I'm a bit out of shape having broken 4 ribs in Feb which took long to recover (these 50 year old bodies don't heal as fast as they used to) and friends feeding me a bit too much. I've pre-booked us the first three nights out (to Pamplona after which we hope to get off the encourage stage stops).
So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
Input seen today on Twitter / Extreme Temperatures Around the WorldHello! My family (two fit older teens and my wife) and I are heading out to begin the Camino Frances planning to start on this Friday 15 July in SJPP. The heat, of course, looks brutal. We're New Englanders, and it's been a relatively mild summer here so far. We've hiked in the White Mountains in the past so not too anxious about elevation gain, although I'm a bit out of shape having broken 4 ribs in Feb which took long to recover (these 50 year old bodies don't heal as fast as they used to) and friends feeding me a bit too much. I've pre-booked us the first three nights out (to Pamplona after which we hope to get off the encourage stage stops).
So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
I am quickly discovering that "central air" is really not the same as having a unit in your room that you can control yourself!Yes, we've been walking at 5am (tomorrow will be 4am - full moon!) and it's been extremely pleasant. We try to arrive by around 10am and it's doable - not forever but while we ride out the heatwave.
Also I'm limiting walking to 20-ish kms and using buses for the extra kms plus utilising pack transport.
The toughest bit is the warm nights - sleep isn't easy to come by, so prioriting places with air con...even though Spanish air con isn't the best (living in Singapore and Abu Dhabi makes me a bit spoilt with air con!).
Hopefully only a few more days of managing these extreme conditions.
I'm preparing in Maine, where we're in a severe drought, no humidity, and reaching low 90s F (hot for here). In addition to the great advice I've seen here, my best discovery is to "pre-hydrate." I drink 12-16 oz of water as soon as I wake up, and have another big glass before I head out. I also try to skip that 2nd or 3rd large mug of coffee. The day I didn't do this, I ended up pretty woozy about 15km into my walking.Hello! My family (two fit older teens and my wife) and I are heading out to begin the Camino Frances planning to start on this Friday 15 July in SJPP. The heat, of course, looks brutal. We're New Englanders, and it's been a relatively mild summer here so far. We've hiked in the White Mountains in the past so not too anxious about elevation gain, although I'm a bit out of shape having broken 4 ribs in Feb which took long to recover (these 50 year old bodies don't heal as fast as they used to) and friends feeding me a bit too much. I've pre-booked us the first three nights out (to Pamplona after which we hope to get off the encourage stage stops).
So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
That was my method on valenca to Fatima pilgrimage I just finished July 11. I drank a liter of water before walking out the door before 6am when the heat wave hit. There was a hard day in Ourem where I got there by noon also my practice but had booked a room at the castle an hour more uphill in now 100+ temp. I just went very slow taking 4 breaks, 2 with boots and socks off for ten minutes. It was doable for me but we all have different bodies.I'm preparing in Maine, where we're in a severe drought, no humidity, and reaching low 90s F (hot for here). In addition to the great advice I've seen here, my best discovery is to "pre-hydrate." I drink 12-16 oz of water as soon as I wake up, and have another big glass before I head out. I also try to skip that 2nd or 3rd large mug of coffee. The day I didn't do this, I ended up pretty woozy about 15km into my walking.
So we’re 10 days in and the heat has regulated. Currently in Belorado and having a great Camino.Hello! My family (two fit older teens and my wife) and I are heading out to begin the Camino Frances planning to start on this Friday 15 July in SJPP. The heat, of course, looks brutal. We're New Englanders, and it's been a relatively mild summer here so far. We've hiked in the White Mountains in the past so not too anxious about elevation gain, although I'm a bit out of shape having broken 4 ribs in Feb which took long to recover (these 50 year old bodies don't heal as fast as they used to) and friends feeding me a bit too much. I've pre-booked us the first three nights out (to Pamplona after which we hope to get off the encourage stage stops).
So the question: what advice do you have on the potential heat for the first three days or so of our Camino? Leave early in the day (ie 5:30) to avoid it? Take a taxi to Roncesvalles and reassess each day? Delay in Saint Jean through the weekend until the heat breaks? Something else? We'll be carrying enough water and will have electrolytes with us, as well as cooling towels...
Many thanks for your input.
Currently in Villafranca del Bierzo. La heat wave est finis.So we’re 10 days in and the heat has regulated. Currently in Belorado and having a great Camino.
I wanted to let people know what we did: from SJPDP we caught a ride to Roncesvalles. We then grabbed our packs and climbed to the Collader de Lepoeder under the shade there. Steep and warm but we were grateful to have the view and to know we could turn back if needed. We got a number of questioning looks since we were headed the wrong way for a bit but it was a great start for our Camino. And since it topped out over 100 that day a very smart decision for us.
Thanks again for all the responses.
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