sineadalexandria
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- October 2018?
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@sineadalexandria welcome to the forum. All your questions will be answered here, and then some! Have you looked at the bottom of the forum for local groups? There are quite a few in Australia and it can be useful to go along to a meeting, if there is one nearby.
As to your questions:
1. No need to do anything in advance. At that time of the year accommodation will be plentiful and you can simply walk up. If you do want to book do it the day before, using your smartphone. Unless your arrival coincides with some special event, but I cannot think of anything in October. As to baggage - yes, you can forward extra luggage directly to the main post office in Santiago and they will keep it for a month so you don't need to know exactly when you will arrive. You can send it from the post office in Sarria. Just check the opening times of the post office (it is Spain!) to make sure you will be able to co-ordinate your arrival to suit. There are also other storage facilities in Madrid airport if you are flying in and leaving from there.
2 and 3. It will likely be cold, at least in the mornings. Although you could get lucky. No, I don't think you need a puffer jacket as well but you should take gloves (woollen or possum/wool is my choice). I take a buff, and that can be used as a warm head covering. Most important is rain gear - it always rains in Galicia. Instead of a hat - would you consider an umbrella? I take one and it is fantastic for sun and rain. Unless it is windy!
4. Yes you need a sleeping bag unless you plan to only stay in hotels or expensive bed and breakfasts. Decathlon would be fine but if you are a member of Costco - here in Australia they have double down throws at only $15! Super lightweight. I sew a few large press-studs on the sides to make them into a sleeping bag (you could sew the sides together for a sleeping bag, but I get hot and like being able to open it out - a zip would do it but that is a lot of trouble).
6. No need for hiking boots. For years I wore lightweight Asic runners and now I walk in sandals. Especially between Sarria and SDC - there is nothing really tough in the way of terrain. What do you wear at home when you go walking?
7. Brierley - you won't need it. Only buy it if you enjoy reading guides or want it as a souvenir.
My bit of unsolicited advice? Take yourself outside your comfort zone and talk to everyone! Don't wait to be asked.
I have never done any kind of overnight hike before
Hello!
I am a solo female planning to walk from Sarria to Santiago, leaving around October 17 2018. I have never done any kind of overnight hike before, so I have lots of questions. I hope you can help!
Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer, even if it's not related to my questions! Feel free to throw in anything you think I should know as a solo female walking in late October
- From my research, I have gathered that companies such as Correos will transfer my luggage from Sarria to Santiago for 20 euros per 15kg piece. Should I organise my luggage transfer in advance, or can I simply arrive in Sarria and do it then? Also, will I need to book my accommodation in Santiago ahead of time so I can provide a drop-off address? I don't need my luggage to meet me at my various accommodations along the way, as I will have a 30L pack with me. Will they keep my luggage at a post office until I am due to arrive in Santiago? Also, if I take a day or two longer than expected, how can I notify them?
- How cool will this trail get in late October? I have purchased a polar fleece jumper, and I have a North Face windbreaker. Will that be enough or should I take a puffer jacket also (can pack down small and is super light)? Perhaps a beanie? I am determined to pack light as light as possible but I also really feel the cold!
- Will I need a hat? I'll wear good quality sunscreen regardless of how sunny it is or isn't, but a hat will be burdensome if it is not necessary.
- I don't have a sleeping bag, so I am planning to buy one at a Decathlon store in Portugal during my one-month stay in Lisbon. How much should I spend on a sleeping bag? Should I fuss about getting a super warm one, or buy a cheap one and plan to sleep in my warm clothes if it is cold at night?
- I haven't purchased hiking boots yet. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good quality boot that don't cost the earth? I live in Australia, so have the option to purchase here, or when I arrive in Barcelona and Lisbon in mid-September.
- A minor question - I'd like to pick up a copy of John Brierley's book, but wondering if I will find lots of second-hand cheap or free copies on the trail?
Hi -- I just started wearing Altra timps trail runners a month ago and they are the most comfortable trail runners I have ever worn. I have walked 2 caminos before, one in Saucony Peregrines and one in Altra Lone Peaks. I didn't have a problem, I find the Timps even more comfortable.#6 Altra Temp Trail trail runners. One full size too large
SJPDP to Finisterre in 1 week old shoes and ZERO blisters.
Worn out at finish but only $130
Hi! There's a group of 4 of us Canadians leaving Sarria on the 19th. I hope we meet you at some point. I'll be the lady with all kinds of streamers on my pack.Hello!
I am a solo female planning to walk from Sarria to Santiago, leaving around October 17 2018. I have never done any kind of overnight hike before, so I have lots of questions. I hope you can help!
Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer, even if it's not related to my questions! Feel free to throw in anything you think I should know as a solo female walking in late October
- From my research, I have gathered that companies such as Correos will transfer my luggage from Sarria to Santiago for 20 euros per 15kg piece. Should I organise my luggage transfer in advance, or can I simply arrive in Sarria and do it then? Also, will I need to book my accommodation in Santiago ahead of time so I can provide a drop-off address? I don't need my luggage to meet me at my various accommodations along the way, as I will have a 30L pack with me. Will they keep my luggage at a post office until I am due to arrive in Santiago? Also, if I take a day or two longer than expected, how can I notify them?
- How cool will this trail get in late October? I have purchased a polar fleece jumper, and I have a North Face windbreaker. Will that be enough or should I take a puffer jacket also (can pack down small and is super light)? Perhaps a beanie? I am determined to pack light as light as possible but I also really feel the cold!
- Will I need a hat? I'll wear good quality sunscreen regardless of how sunny it is or isn't, but a hat will be burdensome if it is not necessary.
- I don't have a sleeping bag, so I am planning to buy one at a Decathlon store in Portugal during my one-month stay in Lisbon. How much should I spend on a sleeping bag? Should I fuss about getting a super warm one, or buy a cheap one and plan to sleep in my warm clothes if it is cold at night?
- I haven't purchased hiking boots yet. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good quality boot that don't cost the earth? I live in Australia, so have the option to purchase here, or when I arrive in Barcelona and Lisbon in mid-September.
- A minor question - I'd like to pick up a copy of John Brierley's book, but wondering if I will find lots of second-hand cheap or free copies on the trail?
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