Camino Frances 2020

[sarahsmurray]

My friend, Elizabeth, and I are planning on starting the CF the middle of June, starting from SJPdP. Its our first camino. Making plans now. Preparing for crowds and heat, ha ha! But its the only time we can go.

 

[Tincatinker]

Buen camino

 

[trecile]

My friend, Elizabeth, and I are planning on starting the CF the middle of June, starting from SJPdP. Its our first camino. Making plans now. Preparing for crowds and heat, ha ha! But its the only time we can go.

You probably won't encounter "crowds" until after Sarria. It's actually quieter on most of the Camino Frances than in May or September.

 

[jungleboy]

Buen camino! As far as crowds go, try to embrace it. This isn't a wilderness hike where you hope to see no one and be alone in nature. Instead, it's a shared experience. The people you meet and interact with along the way will help shape the story of your own camino and might end up being the most memorable part of your journey.

 

[sarahsmurray]

Will the heat be unbearable on the meseta in July? We are thinking of renting bicycles from burgos to Leon. Does the temperature drop off much at night? Just wondering about sleeping. I assume the albergues do not have air conditioning. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[DenWhite]

Have walked from Leon in June/July and struck some warm weather in the mid thirties the other side of O'Cebreiro. Good not to get caught with no water.

 

[Genevievala]

Hi Sarah! Our plan has us just a few weeks behind you. I'm very much in planning mode (something I enjoy), if you ever feel like comparing notes, drop me a line. Had similar concerns re crowds but I know July from SJPDP not quite as busy as spring/fall. Heat - yes that's something I'm trying to prepare for. Buen Camino !

 

[sarahsmurray]

Hi Genevievala,
You are lucky you can start sooner. My friend is in the field of education and we are planning to leave when when her summer begins. I work for my husband, so I have a lot of flexibility. We are thinking of Orisson for the first stop. Also, planning on bicycling the meseta. For the heat I plan to bring a cooling neck tie. It has gel in it that keeps you cool. You have to soak it in water for 30 minutes prior. Helps keep your heart rate down, too. This is our first camino. Is this your second? How many advance reservations do you plan? I was thinking only of St. Jean PIed de Port, Orisson, and Santiago on July 24 and 25th for reservations. Much easier to cancel a reservation sometimes than to get one at the last minute. Orisson makes you pay in advance. I got the reso but I didn't pay yet. Must pay to confirm, but you can't get your money back. You look muy joven. My amiga y yo son viejas! ha ha. yes, i like to compare notes. Do you have any recommendations for ways to get to SJPDP? There are several options. Will probably go with the lowest air fare. buen camino!

 

[Genevievala]

Hi Genevievala,
You are lucky you can start sooner. My friend is in the field of education and we are planning to leave when when her summer begins. I work for my husband, so I have a lot of flexibility. We are thinking of Orisson for the first stop. Also, planning on bicycling the meseta. For the heat I plan to bring a cooling neck tie. It has gel in it that keeps you cool. You have to soak it in water for 30 minutes prior. Helps keep your heart rate down, too. This is our first camino. Is this your second? How many advance reservations do you plan? I was thinking only of St. Jean PIed de Port, Orisson, and Santiago on July 24 and 25th for reservations. Much easier to cancel a reservation sometimes than to get one at the last minute. Orisson makes you pay in advance. I got the reso but I didn't pay yet. Must pay to confirm, but you can't get your money back. You look muy joven. My amiga y yo son viejas! ha ha. yes, i like to compare notes. Do you have any recommendations for ways to get to SJPDP? There are several options. Will probably go with the lowest air fare. buen camino!

Hi Sarah - too funny, don't let the fuzzy black & white pic fool you

This will be my first camino and I'm travelling with my mum. We are actually going about 2 weeks later than you. I work in education too, so that's why the July departure. Also planning first stop in Orisson though I haven't reserved yet. Once our flights are booked will most likely book SJPDP and Orisson and leave the rest to fate. In my mind I see us figuring out a rough plan each morning and calling ahead to book if we feel we should. I think we'll get a feel for how busy, or not, things are once we're there (and see how we're holding up . There are a few special places we don't want to miss so I might book those ahead.

Funny I have one of those gel bandanas from years back. It works quite well, thanks for reminding me about it!

As for getting there - I'm hoping for a January seat sale! I've looked at many many options but keep coming back to Air Canada to Bordeaux (train to SJPDP), return from Madrid. Madrid seems to be one of the only cities you can fly out from in the afternoon - for Vancouver departures most flights leave early so it means arriving night before and I'd like to avoid that. Lots of deals on return tix to Paris but connections lengthy and/or $$$. Love to know what you end up booking!