End of Sept/October embark on Camino Frances

[ouroboros]

Hi, first time poster here.

My husband and I will be starting the Camino Frances Sept 27 thereabouts.
We are from USA, and this will be our first time.
I have been on pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy and Glendalough Ireland,
but my husband has never done this.

We barely decided to do this but two weeks ago, and everything seems to be
falling into place.

So, hello, fellow peregrinos!

 

[mspath]

Hi, first time poster here.

My husband and I will be starting the Camino Frances Sept 27 thereabouts.
We are from USA, and this will be our first time.
I have been on pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy and Glendalough Ireland,
but my husband has never done this.

We barely decided to do this but two weeks ago, and everything seems to be
falling into place.

So, hello, fellow peregrinos!

Hello Ouroboros,

Welcome to the CSJ forum! I am certain that you will find much helpful information here as you plan your Camino. Past pilgrims to Santiago who are Forum members are always eager to share their experiences and information.

In your past pilgrimages did you walk alone or go with a group?

Autumn is a wonderful time for walking. Generally good weather and fewer crowds. However as time goes by it will get cooler and quite cold at night so be prepared. Also some albergues close after mid October or so.

Happy preparation and Buen Camino!

Margaret

 

[ouroboros]

Thank you, Margaret!
Your advice had been so helpful and your blog is just fabulous!

 

[tjz]

Great to hear this! My current plans have me leaving SJPdP on 29-Sep-2012 so I may be right behind you. I don't have confirmed tickets yet, so I am a bit "thereabouts" as well. Perhaps we will meet somewhere along the way. I know it's still Spring but, Come on Autumn!

Tom

Hi, first time poster here.

My husband and I will be starting the Camino Frances Sept 27 thereabouts.
We are from USA, and this will be our first time.
I have been on pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy and Glendalough Ireland,
but my husband has never done this.

We barely decided to do this but two weeks ago, and everything seems to be
falling into place.

So, hello, fellow peregrinos!

 

[camelle]

Welcome to this great Forum. I too will start from SJPdP on Sept. 26. I will fly from Canada on Sept. 23. I am checking on this site all the time to find answers to a lot of my questions. So far so good! One question I have not been able to figure out is: If I check my backpack as baggage, what would the most practical thing be to carry my personal belongings in and yet be small enough to carry all the way to Santiago?
Have fun with the preparations and maybe we will see each other on the way.

Ellen

 

[julie]

One question I have not been able to figure out is: If I check my backpack as baggage, what would the most practical thing be to carry my personal belongings in and yet be small enough to carry all the way to Santiago?

Ellen, I prefer to do it the other way round i.e. boots are on my feet and my backpack is on the plane with me. The items that are not allowed in the cabin are checked in. For me that includes my walking poles, knife and first aid kit.

I put those items in a postal tube and check that in. I dispose of it when I arrive at my starting point. That was a tip I read about on the Forum some years ago and it has served me well many times.

There is nothing in the tube that can't be easily replaced. On the other hand, if your backpack were to go astray ...

 

[Pete Grieve]

Thats a great tip Julie. I'm arriving in SJPP on the 17th Sept and was going to leave my poles at home so I could just have carry on luggage. Might re think it now.

 

[camelle]

Julie, I love that idea!! I will plan on checking my poles, knife and whatever else needs to be checked. My boots will be on my feet for sure. I have picked out my Deuter 30L backpack, it fits really well. I think that size will be cabin size (I hope!). Socks is next and then I will start training in June, can't wait!!
Thank you so much for your awesome advice!

Ellen

 

[camelle]

Another idea could be to FEDEX your tube with poles etc. to SJPdP??? What address should be used?

 

[dmartin53]

I will be leaving SJPP on Sept 20th and plan to take my pack aboard the plane with me and check poles. If for some reason the poles do not arrive I can find replacements. The same can not be said for all the stuff in my pack. I still need to get a sleeping bag as I anticipate chilly nights especially toward the end. But that said I look forward to the autumn days. What percent of the albergues close in October? Is finding a place to stay difficult ?
Debbie in NH, USA

 

[mspath]

I will be leaving SJPP on Sept 20th and plan to take my pack aboard the plane with me and check poles. If for some reason the poles do not arrive I can find replacements. The same can not be said for all the stuff in my pack. I still need to get a sleeping bag as I anticipate chilly nights especially toward the end. But that said I look forward to the autumn days. What percent of the albergues close in October? Is finding a place to stay difficult ?
Debbie in NH, USA

Debbie,

September and October are wonderful months to walk the Camino. However you must be prepared for varied weather. Nights can be chilly or cold and freezing rain or even snow might occur. Be prepared!

Since the crowds of summer are past you will find the welcome at those albergues which are open to be most sincere. By mid October not all albergues will be open but the hospitaleros usually know who is open on the next stage. Most albergues will either be heated or have blankets.

Happy planning and Buen Camino,

Margaret