Camino Frances - Starting May, What To Expect?

[ramonvanderburgt]

Hey everyone,

I'm just new here, and I think this is the perfect place to ask a couple of questions.

1 - What kind of weather can I expect?
I'm currently planning to start in early May. I've been to Spain only once during summer, and it was HOT! Of course, being from the Netherlands, I'm not used to such high temperatures. What kind of weather can I expect in May and June?

2 - Can I sleep outside?
I've checked around a bit and found out that it might be a smart idea to NOT bring a tent. I'm not planning to sleep in the hostels since I wanna save as much money as I can, so I thought about buying a tent and just finding a spot outside to sleep. What about the temperatures at night? Is it possible (and allowed) to sleep outside in a tent in Spain? Or might it be so hot that I won't even need a tent? Ofcourse, it would save me some extra weight.

3 - Doubts?
Just out of curiosity, did any of you experience feelings of doubt right before setting of on your journey? I sometimes have doubts, and right now I'm in the early stages of planning. I simply force myself not to worry about them, because I know that if I don't do this pilgrimage I will regret it for the rest of my life. Of course, I am very enthusiastic about going and having this amazing experience, but at times it's a bit scary, the idea of walking on your own for about a month.


Thanks in advance for your answers.

- Ramon.

 

[sillydoll]

1 - What kind of weather can I expect?
I'm currently planning to start in early May. I've been to Spain only once during summer, and it was HOT! Of course, being from the Netherlands, I'm not used to such high temperatures. What kind of weather can I expect in May and June?

Early May can be quite cold with snow still on the mountains, frost on the ground and you could have lots of rain. Not every nice for sleeping outdoors! This year it rained constantly for almost the whole of May. Everything will be green though and the wild flowers will be spectacular. By the time you reach the meseta it might be warmer but once you get into the Irago mountains you'll freeze your butt again! And it nearly always rains in Galicia.

2 - Can I sleep outside?
I've checked around a bit and found out that it might be a smart idea to NOT bring a tent. I'm not planning to sleep in the hostels since I wanna save as much money as I can, so I thought about buying a tent and just finding a spot outside to sleep. What about the temperatures at night? Is it possible (and allowed) to sleep outside in a tent in Spain? Or might it be so hot that I won't even need a tent? Ofcourse, it would save me some extra weight.

Check previous posts on camping wild. This fellow camped along the way. http://worldtravelerandthinker.blogspot ... amino.html
You will need a tent and you'll need a decent sleeping bag, and waterproofs!

3 - Doubts?
Just out of curiosity, did any of you experience feelings of doubt right before setting of on your journey? I sometimes have doubts, and right now I'm in the early stages of planning. I simply force myself not to worry about them, because I know that if I don't do this pilgrimage I will regret it for the rest of my life. Of course, I am very enthusiastic about going and having this amazing experience, but at times it's a bit scary, the idea of walking on your own for about a month.

Doubts? More like nightmares! More like someone might come and take you away to the looney bin!
Your'e a young fellow, you'll be fine. There will be lots of other young people to walk with - and not-so-young!

 

[fraluchi]

1 - What kind of weather can I expect?
I'm currently planning to start in early May.

>>>All sorts of weather, changing temperatures, etc.

2 - Can I sleep outside? I wanna save as much money as I can,

>>>Wild camping is taboo, or at least not recommendable. Municipal albergues are economical enough and you can enjoy basic facilities. Check this Forum on subjects of costs for accommodation, meals, etc.

3 - Doubts? I sometimes have doubts, and right now I'm in the early stages of planning. I simply force myself not to worry about them

>>> Don't worry too much, prepare yourself well (this Forum gives much info) and go ahead and do it!

 

[lindseh]

Hi Ramon,

As far as walking in May goes, it can vary greatly. When I went two years ago, I got only two days of rain and most other days were around a nice 20-30 degrees. It can get quite hot during the day (I tried to get my walking done early on those days cause I know how you feel - Canada's definitely not much better than the Netherlands!) but it cools off substantially in the evenings. However, this year I know it was really quite dreadfully cold and wet the whole time... fingers crossed for another dry year. I'm not sure how much research you've done about the albergues, but they're not conventional hostels - you can generally expect to only pay around 5 euro a night! And, of course, it's where you really get to know other pilgrims, which is the best part of the journey (for many people at least).

Most people spend around 25 euro a day on the camino staying in the albergues - if you're looking to spend less than that, food and drink is where you could cut a lot of your expenses, ie. by cooking for yourself when the occasion arises, and splitting a 2 euro bottle of wine rather than going to the bars.

I'm starting off from SJPP on around May 1st as well. Good to see that there's at least one other young person doing it! Haha when I went last time, at the age of 19 I was the youngest person by a good 10 years the entire time! Which is fine, of course - still met many amazing people.

As far as doubts, definitely - it's totally normal. What you just kind of have to keep in mind is that if you don't want to be alone, you won't be. You're walking at the same pace as all these people around you and eventually, even if you're quite an introvert (like myself.. this TERRIFIED me the first time) you will find yourself a part of this grand pilgrim family. We all take care of and watch out for each other, and of course, help you finish that 2 euro bottle of wine. And don't worry too much about planning (aside from getting there and home). Do some research, of course, but expect any "plans" you've made to go out the window once you get there! Listen to your body, follow the yellow arrows, and you'll be just fine.

Ultreia (and perhaps see you along the way!)
Lindsey

 

[Flatcat]

We'll see you guys there around May 01st as well leaving SJDP

 

[ramonvanderburgt]

Thanks for the replies!

@Sillydoll: Thanks for the link, I'll check it out later today!

@Lindseh: I know about the albergues, but while I was writing my previous post I forgot the word and could only come up with 'hostel'. My bad.
I'm definitely planning to stay under €25,- a day. It's kind of an extra sport for me to try and have the cheapest vacations. And yep, in my dail life I am also a bit introvert, but I've noticed that I'm very talkative when I'm traveling and I love to get to know different people from around the world. I can't wait to experience this on the Camino!

 

[sillydoll]

Anyone planning on starting 1 May be prepared for huge numbers of pilgrims, most businesses closed and some transport not running on that day - its Labour Day.
The 1st May is a Wednesday next year so many locals will take time off and make a long weekend of it. If you are felxible, try starting a few days before or a few days after the 1st May.

 

[hecate105]

Re; Doubts - Better to try and fail, than to fail to try. Most things in life assail us with doubts as well as joys - moving house, getting married, setting out on a journey. We would not be human without feelings of doubt to balance the other feelings of optimism. But we do need to just get on with it....
If it turns out to be not for you - then don't do it again, if it turns out to be a great life experience (full of ups and downs - literally!) then hurray. Go forth and enjoy!

 

[Flatcat]

Anyone planning on starting 1 May be prepared for huge numbers of pilgrims, most businesses closed and some transport not running on that day - its Labour Day.
The 1st May is a Wednesday next year so many locals will take time off and make a long weekend of it. If you are felxible, try starting a few days before or a few days after the 1st May.

Thx
Didn't know that we'll change our start day by a day or 2
:/

 

[mralisn]

What can you expect?

The Camino will take what you think you need and provide what you think you don't.

Your Camino has already begun, and we're excited for you Ramon!

Trust in the arrows. :arrow:

 

[Chacharm]

We started in late April of 2012 form SJPP. The 19th I think. It was cool and mostly wet for the first two weeks. Lovely and green and covered in flowers. In fact we didn't really hit any truly warm weather until the Meseta. I stopped and bought a really expensive down coat in Astorga...I ended up wearing it three times I think - but AHHHHHHH it was so nice to be warm!
I am from Texas though - not very well aclimated to cool and wet.
I never saw anyone sleeping outside..but I did talk to a couple with a dog who spent every night outside. Some albuergues let them set up their tent in their courtyards. There was a woman traveling with her 6 month old and her 3 year old who also slept in a tent anywhere they wouldn't allow her children. (Those babies ended up with strep throat and she was still begging the albuergues to take them.)
I was seriously freaking out just before we left for Spain. I couldn't sleep and I was actually fretful - strange for me. But it all fell away once we started walking. Lots of people are on their own and nearly everyone is doing it for the first time. Try not to let your nerves get to you and know that if it were that hard to figure out people wouldn't do it. In SJPP they'll help you find an albuergue and the albuergue will answer questions and you'll meet some people there. After a couple of days you'll have some friends and a routine. No worries!