Hello!
I plan the pilgrimage beginning on about 27 October (Oviedo) and finishing on 13-14 November. It's about 17 days and I really hope to reach Finisterra on the trip. I've already read some posts on the forum and Liz's guide (great guide, BTW!). I also looked through this guide:
http://santiago.forwalk.org/en/route/the-primitive-way/.
However, I still have some questions:
- Weather: in case the weather is rainy, is there going to be a lot of muddy roads? I'm concerned about this because I have to choose shoes to wear. Muddy roads mean that I'll have to take some kind of waterproof shoes. Otherwise, it would be enough to take light shoes that dry fast.
- Weather: anyone knows what's the weather right now and how is it going to be in the beginning of November, 2015? According to AccuWeather, the weather is going to be pretty good in November this year. I don't believe long-term forecasts, though.
- I don't really understand the difference of Hospitales route. Could someone, please, explain it to me? I'd really appreciate if one could point me to some scenery photos of Hospitales vs. common one.
- Is there any archive of photos taken on Primitive route in October-November? I'd like to understand what to expect.
Thank you!
--Pavel
I crossed the Hospitales last October 25. It was beautiful! You can make the decision the day of. I would be careful if it is to be foggy, as it would then be hard to see the track.
Last October was the warmest of record in Spain, so I was very blessed. If we did have rain, it was done at some point, and we saw the sun every day (until leaving Santiago for Finisterre). The weather turned Nov 1. You could feel fall coming on while we were up on Monte de Gozo. I did well with my semi-water resistant shoes. I don't know how muddy the trek would be if it had rained a lot. There were a couple of streams to cross, but I can't remember off the top of my head where they were. It was beautiful, though.
The Pola route has an option to stop in the middle. It is up and down twice, whereas the Hospitales is up and then down just once. I had done the Norte from Irun and did not find the Hospitales that difficult. A challenge, yes, but not terrible. I'd definitely stock up on food supplies, though. Borres didn't have anything. Campiello is just before and there are shops there. Berducedo also had a small shop, but once you leave Borres, if going the Hospitales route, there isn't a place to stop for many kms. 15kms between water fill-ups, even more for food stops.
I also had friends walk this summer *they arrived in Santiago July 23) and they could not find a bed in Berducedo and needed to taxi to La Mesa (it was late), but I never had a problem finding a place last fall.
For pictures, you can look at my blog.
www.andreaonthecamino.wordpress.com
The post "Stage 24 - Borres to Berducedo" is a reflection on that day, including pictures.
Buen Camino!
Andrea