Am I totally insane?

[Jamie Louise]

Hello!

My name is Jamie and I am from Melbourne, Australia.

I was planning on beginning my Camino in March/April 2016. Fate has a funny way of taking one down a totally different path and I am only am now able to begin planning... For mid July 2016.

I will be beginning my Camino at St. Jean de Pied Port.

A few questions.

Is it crazy to begin late July? I'm ok with heat and prefer heat to rain.
I will be solo so I feel that walking in peak season would be a safer option?
Is there a forum thread I can get on that has others that plan on commencing that time too?
Given that I'm travelling in summer would I also need to take a sleeping bag and warm/protective clothing?


Any tips or reference points? I feel like I've read a ton of blogs and am really excited but also a little scared that I am getting in over my head! (Which is also a major buzz!)

Thanks!

JL

 

[Stuart Lennon]

Hey JL.

Yes. You are almost certainly totally insane.



I haven't walked the camino - so I am not qualified to answer, I'm sure that there will be some wise posts any minute now. From what I have read researching my own camino, you should have no problems. Plenty of sun screen and water required though. Buen Camino!

 

[Bradypus]

You are seriously thinking of walking nearly 800km across a foreign country in mid-summer. You may not be insane but you are definitely a little peculiar. That goes for most of us here - welcome to the asylum!

I do not know Melbourne's weather but if heat does not trouble you then you should be OK. I'd imagine that an Australian interested in long-distance walking has a better idea than most of us of the importance of staying well hydrated and protecting her skin from too much exposure. On my first Camino Frances I understood neither because I'm a Scot and we never normally see daylight. The result was heatstroke and a neck cracked from ear to ear like a Sunday pork joint If I ever walk in Spain in summer again I will wear a French Foreign Legion kepi like Beau Geste. The last piece of crystal-ball-gazing I read on here predicted there might be upwards of 300,000 Compostelas issued this year - not to mention the people who only walk part of the way for whatever reason. I doubt you will be short of company for long. Despite a few sad and well-publicised incidents the caminos are generally very friendly and safe to walk. Try not to worry. Do stay excited though - planning and anticipation are a huge part of the fun

Sleeping bag and warm clothing? Really depends if you handle cold as well as heat. Certainly you have to expect rain at some stage. Galicia is very green for a reason Pack something to protect you and your gear from that. I prefer a jacket but many people swear by a big poncho. In July and August I would be far too hot in a sleeping bag and I'd probably just use a silk liner. There are only a handful of places higher up like O Cebreiro that might be cooler. Never going to be properly cold though. Might be worth making a special request for advice from fellow Aussies.

Ultreia!

 

[dfborg]

Hello!

My name is Jamie and I am from Melbourne, Australia.

I was planning on beginning my Camino in March/April 2016. Fate has a funny way of taking one down a totally different path and I am only am now able to begin planning... For mid July 2016.

I will be beginning my Camino at St. Jean de Pied Port.

A few questions.

Is it crazy to begin late July? I'm ok with heat and prefer heat to rain.
I will be solo so I feel that walking in peak season would be a safer option?
Is there a forum thread I can get on that has others that plan on commencing that time too?
Given that I'm travelling in summer would I also need to take a sleeping bag and warm/protective clothing?


Any tips or reference points? I feel like I've read a ton of blogs and am really excited but also a little scared that I am getting in over my head! (Which is also a major buzz!)

Thanks!

JL

Hi Jamie, we are all a little insane. I walked my first Camino in September, no need for a sleeping bag and as for warm clothing, I had a very light fleece and a windbreaker. The first few days were very hot, it all depends on what you are used too. There were plenty of pilgrims in September and on into October . I , too started alone but once I started walking did not have a meal alone until the train ride to Madrid after the walk, so I would not worry about being alone. I would agree with Bradypus a silk liner is all you need.

Buen Camino

 

[gerardcarey]

Welcome to our asylum.
We have a branch in Melbourne which may prove to be of assistance.
http://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Camino-Community/
This forum has a calendar on which you can see other pilgrims who will be departing from St Jean. I contacted some b4 departure and met up with them there.
A sleeping sheet will suffice in summer.
Lots of good info on this forum.
Good planning!
Regards
Gerard (Brissy boy)

 

[MichaelB10398]

Hello!

My name is Jamie and I am from Melbourne, Australia.

I was planning on beginning my Camino in March/April 2016. Fate has a funny way of taking one down a totally different path and I am only am now able to begin planning... For mid July 2016.

I will be beginning my Camino at St. Jean de Pied Port.

A few questions.

Is it crazy to begin late July? I'm ok with heat and prefer heat to rain.
I will be solo so I feel that walking in peak season would be a safer option?
Is there a forum thread I can get on that has others that plan on commencing that time too?
Given that I'm travelling in summer would I also need to take a sleeping bag and warm/protective clothing?


Any tips or reference points? I feel like I've read a ton of blogs and am really excited but also a little scared that I am getting in over my head! (Which is also a major buzz!)

Thanks!

JL

You will be beginning with many other people and will enjoy many opportunities to meet other pilgrims from around the world. Don't give it another thought or concern. Safety in numbers is always a better option for those who are anxious. As numbers have increased on the Camino there has been a corresponding increase in some safety concerns. Use your common sense and you will be fine - the vast majority of pilgrims have no problems.

A sleeping bag will not be needed - most just use a sleeping bag liner. The link I just gave is for REI, but I know you will have something comparable in Melbourne.

With all your reading I am sure you have already been exposed to the typical packing lists, do's and don'ts, good shoes/boots depending on your choice, etc. If you are in great physical condition you will have no problems. If you have doubts about your physical condition, then take your time at the beginning. GO SLOW for three or four days and then you will sense when you are ready to lengthen your stride. The Camino is not a race; it is yours to walk like you want.

Buen Camino,