Camino "the French way" in May June

[Redrow]

Hi,

My partner and I are from Cape Town, South Africa and are intending to do the walk in mid May - June 2012. I know this seems a long way off but these things have a habit of creeping up on one.

We are looking for advise on wether this is going a good time of year or is it really much better to leave it to September. We thought it would be good to go in late spring to catch the flowers and maybe the odd bird singing, but I am a little concerned it may be a time when more rain the sunshine will spoil the enjoyment.

Also, the use of Vaseline on ones feet seems to be the done thing, but at a recent talk in Cape Town, no mention was made of this at all, even though it was stressed to be careful of blisters.

Could someone help us with advise?

Many thnks in anticipation,

Rod & Alayne

 

[lynnejohn]

Hi there and welcome to the forum!

May-June is a lovely time to walk the Camino Frances. As for weather, it's a toss-up, really. I would take rain gear. When I walked this Way in May-June, we had rain for only 4 days out of the 30-some that we walked. Others have had more. So be prepared but unworried!

I recommend vaseline. It doesn't help everybody, but it doesn't hurt either. Combined with appropriate socks and well-fitting boots/shoes, you've done your best for your feet.

Buen camino!

lynne

 

[Chignecto]

Hi,
The following web site gives the rain stats by month for five cities on the Camino (Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, and Santiago). You may find this helpful.

http://pilgrim.peterrobins.co.uk/santiago/weather.html

Buen Camino!

 

[BHfmSanDiego]

I walked my Camino last year from May 22-June 23, I only experienced rain for 2 days before Leon. The weather was usually cool in the mornings, I would start about 6:30-7AM, which made the walking easier, it does start to warm up considerably in the afternoon, I would usually walk about 20 kilometers a day and arrived where I wanted to stay about 2PM, that way the heat of the day hadn't set in yet and get chores done, washing etc.

As far as blisters I did the entire 790 km and did not get a blister, I strongly believe in liner socks, if you are not familar they are thin nylon socks that you wear under your wool or synthetic hiking socks. I have tried the vaseline on other long range hikes, put since I wear the liners can't honestly say if if worked for me. Some people complain that their feet get too hot with the liners, but I'd rather put up with that then blisters.

 

[jennysa]

I am also from South Africa (Durban) and am walking the Camino from late April through May. I recently attended the Confraternity of St James workshop in Durban where Father Stephen who completed it in September last year, was the guest speaker. He specifically mentioned that Vicks was now being used instead of vaseline, but I am not sure of the reason for it.

 

[Redrow]

Many thanks for the reply's and advice.

We have also been advised to by trainers that are two sizes bigger then the normal shoe size. Does this make sence as it is supposed to be the more comfortable option. I can sort of understand why, but two sizes is a fair amount of space in the shoe.

Rod & Alayne

 

[grayland]

I would be a little careful about the two sizes bigger. Blisters are caused by friction and the looser the shoe the more room there is for movement.

I can't imagine why Vicks would be any better than Vaseline as the purpose is to lubricate and lessen the friction. Never tried it myself.

 

[gittiharre]

Dear Rod and Alayne, after 3000 km on pilgrim trails in Europe, my personal opinion is that boots should not be too large. I wear 1.5 size bigger than my normal size and use thinnish wicking dry socks by Nike. The boots are somewhat snug, but not tight or short enough to cause pressure. My feet do not slide around in them, so basically no blisters. I found that showering in the evening is best, as the skin dries and hardens up over night. The one time I showered in the morning I got a blister between my little toe and the next one. I have had a multitude of footwear and struggled to find the right shoes for me, I have now settled on a pair of lightish Meindl boots, they are 90 percent perfect. It is hard to know how the boots/shoes turn out on your feet after a few days in different conditions and wearing a pack. All the best with your footwear choice, Gitti

 

[gittiharre]

Dear Rod and Alayne, after 3000 km on pilgrim trails in Europe, my personal opinion is that boots should not be too large. I wear 1.5 size bigger than my normal size and use thinnish wicking dry socks by Nike. The boots are somewhat snug, but not tight or short enough to cause pressure. My feet do not slide around in them, so basically no blisters. I found that showering in the evening is best, as the skin dries and hardens up over night. The one time I showered in the morning I got a blister between my little toe and the next one. I have had a multitude of footwear and struggled to find the right shoes for me, I have now settled on a pair of lightish Meindl boots, they are 90 percent perfect. It is hard to know how the boots/shoes turn out on your feet after a few days in different conditions and wearing a pack. All the best with your footwear choice, Gitti

 

[Beverley]

I think 2 sizes larger is a bit too big. Your feet will certainly not be anchored properly. You need room for your socks and for your feet to swell during the day. You will hve to be the judge when you are shopping. I would make sure it was my decision and not the sellers decision regarding the size. Usually, the seller has no idea or experience about walking the distance. :lol:

 

[Joni]

Hi,

My partner and I are from Cape Town, South Africa and are intending to do the walk in mid May - June 2012. I know this seems a long way off but these things have a habit of creeping up on one.

We are looking for advise on wether this is going a good time of year or is it really much better to leave it to September. We thought it would be good to go in late spring to catch the flowers and maybe the odd bird singing, but I am a little concerned it may be a time when more rain the sunshine will spoil the enjoyment.

Also, the use of Vaseline on ones feet seems to be the done thing, but at a recent talk in Cape Town, no mention was made of this at all, even though it was stressed to be careful of blisters.

Could someone help us with advise?

Many thnks in anticipation,

Rod & Alayne

Greetings Pilgrims! I, like Barry, did the Camino last year during May-June. It is a wonderful time of the year to go. The best part is the weather! It is spring and everything is beautiful! I liked being some of the first pilgrims to be in the Abergues as opposed to the end of the season. (less chance of bed bugs, etc.) I had a few rainy days, but nothing that I couldn't bear. On the whole, I would go back again during the very same time. I began in SJPP. There was still some snow at the top of the Pyrenees but nothing to worry about it. It was blue skies and sunshine most of the way!!
Buen Camino

 

[RENSHAW]

....... He specifically mentioned that Vicks was now being used instead of vaseline, but I am not sure of the reason for it.

I find Vaseline does work. Applied to the feet in the morning before setting off and also after the evening shower. I imagine that the eucalyptus vapour in VICKS helps to keep smelly boots and feet at bay.