Ginny said:
I am very interested to know whether you found it very hot and also July August is supposed to be the busiest time.
Apparently the summer of 2007 wasn't as hot as normal. But it was still quite warm, especially on the meseta (up in the 90s F; over 30C). However, it rained as well - especially in Galicia. Also, July-August is supposed to be the busiest time, based on my research. The Way gets especially busy during the last 100K, since many touristy types start at that point in order to get the compostela. I don't mind heat, and meeting people was one of the best parts of the Camino for me, so I'm glad I went during July-August.
Ginny said:
Did you have problems geting a bed?
No, I always got a bed for the night. However, I usually stopped walking between 12 and 3 PM (I started walking each day between 6 and 7:30 AM). The longer you wait, the tougher it is to get a spot for the night, especially in the smaller towns. However, the people running the albergues will help a tired pilgrim find a place to sleep - although it may be on the floor or in a tent. In the bigger towns and cities you'll also find hotels, pensions, and so forth if the albergues are truly full. As I alluded to above, there will be more competition for the albergues during the last 100K.
Ginny said:
I have been walking lots in preparation 12 - 14K's a day but not carrying a pack!
That's more training than I did!
I was in pretty good shape from my regular exercise, but consistently walking before I left would've been helpful. At least a couple of months before you leave for the Camino, I'd recommend walking with your pack and the boots you're planning to wear. That way you can make adjustments and break in your equipment (especially the boots). At the beginning of my Camino, I discovered that I brought too much with me, and my boots were too heavy. That caused me a lot of pain, so for a couple of weeks I walked slowly and for short distances while getting rid of stuff. I also got a pair of lighter boots in Logrono at the Planeta Agua outdoor store, and stayed an extra day at a hotel to recover and break them in.
Ginny said:
I'd be interested to hear any problems you encountered or anything you think would be useful to tell a novice.
Check out the other forums on this site - very informative. Here are a couple of tips, though:
1. Pack light - you shouldn't be carrying much more than 10K. You can always buy items along the Way if you really need to.
2. Become a student of your body - drink lots of water, use sunscreen, eat well, and take care of your feet by wearing good boots, the right socks, and practicing blister prevention. Indeed, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure on the Camino.
3. Be flexible & don't rush on the Way - taking rest days is OK.
4. Learn some Spanish (numbers, asking directions, travel-related vocabulary, polite terms, etc.).
5. The Camino is cash-driven (most of the albergues are cash-only), so bring a couple of debit/credit cards that will allow you to withdraw money from cash machines.
6. Get a good guidebook, like
John Brierley's book. In fact, find books by other pilgrims and read them before you go.
7. Be open to meeting new people from all over the world.
8. Go through the threads on this board - I wish I'd found it
before I did the Camino, instead of after.
I kind of envy you, because the Camino is a great adventure and you are just beginning it. I hope it will be everything you want it to be - and more. Buen Camino!
