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I personally wouldn't try it as guard dogs are unchained at night. I had a very frightening experience when I was the first person to go past a farm yard in the pre-dawn mist one morning, before the dogs were chained up. I still go cold when I think about it, and I haven't walked in the dark in since.
Jill
I haven't walked any camino at night but I suggest that you will get very little sleep in the afternoons in any albergue that I have stayed in. The comings and goings, showering, dressing and undressing etc. in the dorm will be far to noisy. So if you intend to try you may need to stay in hotels or other private accommodation or sleep out.
It might be doable, but route finding could be a challenge. I often look for my morning exit from a village in the evening before dark, as any early morning walking is a challenge, when route markings are less visible. Also, any highway walking is dangerous, as walkers are less visible to drivers. There are lots of challenges, but you might try it if it really is an advantage to your circadian rhythms, or those of your companion. But it is also possible that your companion would find him/herself able to fall asleep earlier than usual after a long day's walk. I sleep much better when on camino than at home (in spite of the snorers).
If you knew my person, you'd know the benefit. Just take it on faith.I met a guy who walked the VdlP in the summer and walked through the night to escape the heat. I really don't see the benefit of such a plan for any other reason.
Then don't wake up at 5 am. I rarely do on the Camino.There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person
Then don't wake up at 5 am. I rarely do on the Camino.
Forgive me, but I just don't understand why you would want to walk at night.... You're a Camino veteran: don't you think that doing so would deprive you of many/most of the blessings/benefits of the larger Camino "pilgrimage" experience?
Pax
Maybe people can do it on one night. I did it on one occasion, but not because I really wanted to. Plane was delayed so didn't get to the bus in time in madrid. Result was I arrived in burgos around 3 o'clock at night. Relaxed a bit in the busterminal and then decided to start walking around 3.45. Incredible how empty and quiet burgos is in the night. Only saw a police car - the officers even slowed down and said buen camino. That was the darkest and most unnerving walk I have ever been on. Not a single sign of life, neither sound nor light anywhere after burgos until I got to the first village where a cafe was being prepared to open - they were quite surprised when I said I just walked from burgos. Thank god for my flashlight btw.
Thank you! This is useful and generous advice!I live in the middle of the Meseta and I enjoy amateur astronomy. I am sometimes out on the road at odd hours of the night, and have met two or three pilgrims out there on their Way, "madrugadors" who prefer their own company and the peacefulness of the night. They are always men, always carrying a tent, always walk in good weather and when the night is bright, and sleep in their tents in some discreet spot during the day. They´re hardcore pilgrims, going without a shower or sello, laundry or hot meal doesn´t seem to faze them. I don´t know what they do when the moon is dark, or if it rains -- maybe they just grab a nap and walk in daylight, or use those days to get cleaned up and rested.
I can attest to the incredible brightness of the camino moon when it´s in its fuller phases and there are no clouds. It´s downright magical out here on "my" stretch of the trail, and perfectly walkable.. .when conditions are right!
That said, trying to navigate the albergues and food service hours would be a real headache if you insisted on walking in the dark. This is an enterprise for the independent camper-hiker person who doesn´t need much infrastructure support.
Good answer.
Vaya con Dios.
(I started writing my post below after reading post #15 above. I composed off line, ate lunch then finished my thoughts and just came back to paste it here. In that time much of what I suggested has been covered but I'm posting anyway due to the time I already put into it.)
Yes, do it.
Morgan, it’s unconventional and your friend “Vlad” would miss many of the typical highlights of the Camino but I’m sure the night time experience offers benefits that can’t be experienced in the day time. It doesn’t seem like an equal trade off from us “Non-Vlad” types but that’s the reason for your question.
It sounds like you are facilitating and perhaps sacrificing to some degree in order to give an unconventional person the Camino experience in the only way they can do it. I’m sure many others have done the same for someone who is blind or deaf or physically challenged. Society has no problem understanding special accommodation for those pilgrims but when we can’t see or understand the special needs of a particular pilgrim we are easily confounded by it. People with mental illness like anxiety or depression or any of the multitude of psychiatric challenges that can not be properly managed with medications might preclude them from participating in a Camino without a “guide/angel” like yourself…a person experienced walking the Camino that is also sympathetic to the special needs of that special pilgrim.
This is definitely do-able. If you are both in great physical condition, I can easily imagine you guys finishing the Frances in 22 days instead of 33 days because nights are long so 40km per night with lots of breaks would be easy. With double occupancy in hotel rooms and only 2/3rds of the expenses for food/drink, the costs for your 22 day with hotels Camino would be less than a “normal” 33 day Camino in Albergues.
But what do you do after you have walked 40 km and there is still 3 hours of darkness before any business is open? For this nighttime travel schedule I would definitely carry a small lightweight tent that is easy to put up in the dark. This shelter could come in handy for resting inside of at anytime during your walk when a hotel or bar is not available and as a shelter from the weather if you encounter some heavy prolonged rains in the middle of the night. The tent along with extra food, batteries, reflective vests and other miscellanea for overnight travel will add a couple kilos of weight to your pack.
Circadian Rhythms for you Morgan would be my biggest concern. Can your system adapt so that you don’t feel hung-over for 22 days? As I get older I’ve noticed I am less adaptable to these things. You might consider trying this for a week while home to see if your system can adapt before committing to the trip. Check with your Dr. for their opinion and whether sleeping pills should or should not be used to achieve this new schedule. I know I would need very good ear plugs and maybe a set of snug fitting head phones (Bose or similar design) made for noise suppression in addition to the ear plugs along with a sleeping mask to insure I had uninterrupted sleep during the day time.
Bright fluorescent Orange/Yellow vests for night walking. These are a Must Have for your safety. It will add weight and it will probably interfere with your normal/typical set up but this will protect you from the biggest hazard in night walking. I would also walk against traffic and I when cars approached I would try to get off the road by six feet or more if possible when cars passed by.
Navigation – I would have a couple of apps downloaded that don’t require internet connection. I would consult these apps frequently while walking to confirm I was on course. They might also be helpful for finding Fuentes at night to refill water bottles. With increased use of phone you may need a portable battery pack to keep it charged during your long nights of walking.
Be prepared for un-wanted attention while on the road at night. You are more vulnerable at night to someone with bad intentions so know ahead of time how you and your partner will handle it. However, I would think most of the un-wanted attention you would get would be from concerned citizens or public safety pulling over to ask if you are ok, lost or if you need a ride. Although it’s nice to know you are being thought about it might make for a stressful situation each time someone stops to check on you.
I think it’s a great gift you are considering giving to your night owl friend. I think it would be fun and interesting in a whole new way if you are properly prepared and can acclimate to the opposite waking/walking cycle. I hope others can add their creative ideas and insights on how to help make this work for you and your friend.
You should have said that in your first post, instead of describing him as simply a "night owl". Many people who like to stay up late and sleep through the morning consider themselves "night owls", but don't have sleep disorders, and can wake up and function during normal daylight hours. It sounds like your "person" (I assume very close friend or relative) can't function well on what is considered a normal schedule, so I understand why you want to do this.Because my person wants to go and has a sleep disorder.
I wouldn't. The logistics of food, water and lodging are challenging enough on the Plata without unconventional daily routines.Perhaps it will be a section of the VdLP
Folks... I have a serious night-owl in my life, but that night-owl likes to hike. A lot.
There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person, and could actually bring all kinds of stress that would be antithetical to a camino walk.
So, I'm wondering what would happen if, instead, we rose in the later afternoon, enjoyed the towns post-siesta, and took supper as our "breakfast" and then walked through the night from about 9pm.
Is it possible?
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep.
Anyone with any experience as a night hiker.... I'd love to hear from you.
I’m a night owl at home but quickly adjust to the Camino’s early pre-dawn starts when I’m there. As others have said your friend will be tired enough to sleep at night. Alburgues are abuzz with excitement of pilgrims stories in the afternoon and evening so you won’t be able to really get a relaxing sound sleep then, and besides you’ll miss out on all the pilgrim camaraderie which for me is crucial to “getting the message” of your journey. Buen CaminoThanks. I do always have my headlamp for the way-markers, and also because my night vision is failing. And I also find my way out of town the day before I actually go... so I'd locate the exit point on arrival in the daylight...
It's true that the walking might make for a tired enough person, and so I'm open to trying the typical mode, but there is also the problem of 7-or-so hours of jet lag that my person might not ever really adjust to. We've travelled to Europe together before, and generally walked the cities that we were visiting, but rarely started to do anything before mid-day in any location.
I’m a night owl at home but quickly adjust to the Camino’s early pre-dawn starts when I’m there. As others have said your friend will be tired enough to sleep at night. Alburgues are abuzz with excitement of pilgrims stories in the afternoon and evening so you won’t be able to really get a relaxing sound sleep then, and besides you’ll miss out on all the pilgrim camaraderie which for me is crucial to “getting the message” of your journey. Buen Camino
Amen Father !
Forgive me I was just agreeing with the Fathers first comment the “missing out...” Ultreia! .You should read the Father's revised perspective instead of just being mean.
Many times it is hard to find the markers in the daylight. Not that it won't work, but may be hard to find a quiet place for daylight sleeping.Thanks. I do always have my headlamp for the way-markers, and also because my night vision is failing. And I also find my way out of town the day before I actually go... so I'd locate the exit point on arrival in the daylight...
It's true that the walking might make for a tired enough person, and so I'm open to trying the typical mode, but there is also the problem of 7-or-so hours of jet lag that my person might not ever really adjust to. We've travelled to Europe together before, and generally walked the cities that we were visiting, but rarely started to do anything before mid-day in any location.
However, when I approached Santiago it failed me, as the route had been changed but the new route was not on maps.me.@Morgan Holmes
I don't think anyone on this thread has mentioned gps as an aid to route finding. I do not have an actual gps, but I used maps.me on the VdlP last fall. It is free to download on your smart phone. In the Resources section of this forum you will find camino routes which you can download as an overlay on the maps. Maps.me works even if you have no data power on your phone. I found it very useful on the VdlP. Any time that I came to an intersection, I just turned it on and checked if I was still following the route. However, when I approached Santiago it failed me, as the route had been changed but the new route was not on maps.me. Having followed it for about 1,000 km at that point, I stupidly continued doing so, even though new flechas were marked on a different route. However, in general I found it very useful and if you just look around, as well as at where maps.me is sending you, you should see any new flechas, and if old one are crossed out. In any case, it is another navigational aide which you might download and take with you. I think it is a good ideas to have it in Spain, where you can see the screen and any directional changes on camino routes, even in the dark.
No. This is a sleep disorder. The usual "common sense" notions about sleep do not apply.
With my sincere thanks to those who have given good tips and avoided judgemental dismissals, I'm going to go figure out how to delete my account. The meanness is too dispiriting, and I have other ways to spend my days.
Folks... I have a serious night-owl in my life, but that night-owl likes to hike. A lot.
There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person, and could actually bring all kinds of stress that would be antithetical to a camino walk.
So, I'm wondering what would happen if, instead, we rose in the later afternoon, enjoyed the towns post-siesta, and took supper as our "breakfast" and then walked through the night from about 9pm.
Is it possible?
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep.
Anyone with any experience as a night hiker.... I'd love to hear from you.
@Morgan Holmes please don't delete your account. There are some comments in the thread that are based on initial misunderstanding of your purpose and/or personal concerns about walking in the dark, but I really believe all are well-meant. I see no meanness here, but I do see lots of interest and some very practical advice and tips. Please don't feel attacked or dismissed. Your plan to help your loved one experience the Camino, in the only way that would be possible for them, is wonderful and admirable and amazing, and I know that you have the support and encouragement of many of us here (even those of us who have no practical experience of night walking to offer). It would be a privilege for us to be able to share in your preparations and hear how you get on. What an adventure you are planning! Please reconsider and stay on the Forum.
And Buen starlight-moonlight Camino!
Hey I’m a bit new at this. The last time I tried reply I ended up sending two messages. I’m really intrigued with your plans. The advice you’ve collected seems to me a bit short in nuts and bolts stuff. I’ve had some experience With overnight caving and with firefighting which involves walking in the woods at night. Investing in a couple of good head lamps and also Carrying flashlight with spotlight effect to pick out things in the distance would be useful. Redundant lighting will be comforting or even lifesaving. I would chose lights that that have The option of recharging or using AA batteries that are available everywhere. The AA lithium non-rechargeable batteries I find are the least expensive in the lightest to carry in the long run.Folks... I have a serious night-owl in my life, but that night-owl likes to hike. A lot.
There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person, and could actually bring all kinds of stress that would be antithetical to a camino walk.
So, I'm wondering what would happen if, instead, we rose in the later afternoon, enjoyed the towns post-siesta, and took supper as our "breakfast" and then walked through the night from about 9pm.
Is it possible?
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep.
Anyone with any experience as a night hiker.... I'd love to hear from you.
@Jeff CrawleyHowever, when I approached Santiago it failed me, as the route had been changed but the new route was not on maps.me.
I'd point out that Maps.me is just the background map - if the route has changed then it's the user's responsibility to update the informationbut I do agree with Maps.me's usefulness.
I ask my daughters@Jeff Crawley
I mentioned this possibility as a warning to new users, as it happened to me. But I am a computing moron. At best, I can use some apps or programs. But I would have no idea to whom I should report something or what good it might do, when I did not in fact follow or know the new route. I leave such actions to those who know what they are doing.
Folks... I have a serious night-owl in my life, but that night-owl likes to hike. A lot.
There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person, and could actually bring all kinds of stress that would be antithetical to a camino walk.
So, I'm wondering what would happen if, instead, we rose in the later afternoon, enjoyed the towns post-siesta, and took supper as our "breakfast" and then walked through the night from about 9pm.
Is it possible?
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep.
Anyone with any experience as a night hiker.... I'd love to hear from you.
Folks... I have a serious night-owl in my life, but that night-owl likes to hike. A lot.
There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person, and could actually bring all kinds of stress that would be antithetical to a camino walk.
So, I'm wondering what would happen if, instead, we rose in the later afternoon, enjoyed the towns post-siesta, and took supper as our "breakfast" and then walked through the night from about 9pm.
Is it possible?
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep.
Anyone with any experience as a night hiker.... I'd love to hear from you.
You said you were thinking about the CP. We just did the coastal from Porto, and I would think the combination of the boardwalks and the lack of tree cover could make for some beautiful sights out over the ocean, especially with a full moon. Buon caminhoI think that we will probably test run a cycle of 2 weeks of straight night-walking locally... see how I do. And if the test-run goes well, I’ll likely book daytime flights instead of my usual over-night...
I’m also thinking about the CP — partly because I’ve read about how inadvisable it can be for women to walk alone. Like I said, I never feel afraid when he’s with me.
The reason, @trecile that I don’t say all things right off the bat is that I don’t think they should be necessary. We should trust that people have their reasons, and that their reasons are legitimate, and aim to be generous. I don’t always succeed, but my life with my person has taught me much about trusting that the unusual is not frivolous.
My person adores seafood, and the unusual... mountains and sea air, so the CP appeals, but maybe that’s also too crowded.
Perhaps it will be a section of the VdLP and we would both go as equal “newbies” on that adventure. There is much for me to consider.
I have time to work on it. Can’t go until my next sabbatical anyway. And definitely thinking it will be in the “off season”.
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep
Fascinating points. I'm also a star gazer. I bet where you live has a truly dark sky. As far as night hiking goes I live in southern New England, USA. Black bears would be a danger here. Also, Im at an age where a simple stumble on a root or rock would likely cause injury. Stealth campaign might be a good strategy for Morgan and her friend.I live in the middle of the Meseta and I enjoy amateur astronomy. I am sometimes out on the road at odd hours of the night, and have met two or three pilgrims out there on their Way, "madrugadors" who prefer their own company and the peacefulness of the night. They are always men, always carrying a tent, always walk in good weather and when the night is bright, and sleep in their tents in some discreet spot during the day. They´re hardcore pilgrims, going without a shower or sello, laundry or hot meal doesn´t seem to faze them. I don´t know what they do when the moon is dark, or if it rains -- maybe they just grab a nap and walk in daylight, or use those days to get cleaned up and rested.
I can attest to the incredible brightness of the camino moon when it´s in its fuller phases and there are no clouds. It´s downright magical out here on "my" stretch of the trail, and perfectly walkable.. .when conditions are right!
That said, trying to navigate the albergues and food service hours would be a real headache if you insisted on walking in the dark. This is an enterprise for the independent camper-hiker person who doesn´t need much infrastructure support.
I think she has gone AWOL mate,Stealth campaign might be a good strategy for Morgan and her friend.
Peace
Ted
Dave Whitsen co author of " The Northern Caminos" guidebook has a podcast on Sound cloud in episode 25 ( I just heard it last night) he describes an evening spent walking with a group of students he was guiding at the time...it sounded like an overall positive experience, who knows how long it could be sustained though.Folks... I have a serious night-owl in my life, but that night-owl likes to hike. A lot.
There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person, and could actually bring all kinds of stress that would be antithetical to a camino walk.
So, I'm wondering what would happen if, instead, we rose in the later afternoon, enjoyed the towns post-siesta, and took supper as our "breakfast" and then walked through the night from about 9pm.
Is it possible?
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep.
Anyone with any experience as a night hiker.... I'd love to hear from you.
And especially far too beautiful for that (night walking)While there may be stretches where the trail is safe to walk at night w/o tripping, falling or plain wiping out I think the Camino Frances is, overall, far too treacherous a journey for that.
She said that she was going toHasn’t the OP left the forum ?
She said that she was going to
What route are you planning to walk?someone mentioned .gpx tracks. How would I get them? I am planning on going April through June and am thinking of taking my Garmin handheld in an effort not to get hopelessly lost.
I plan to do Camino Frances beginning in St. Jean Pied de Port. I am travelling alone so I want to be sure I don't get hopelessly lost.What route are you planning to walk?
I use the Editorial Buen Camino app, which has maps that show you exactly where you are on the Camino. Or if you have strayed you can see how to get back on. The website is in Spanish, but the app will be in the language of your choice.
https://www.editorialbuencamino.com/app-del-camino-de-santiago/
ThanksI plan to do Camino Frances beginning in St. Jean Pied de Port. I am travelling alone so I want to be sure I don't get hopelessly lost.
You may arrive alone, but you will quickly meet a lot of other pilgrims. It's very hard yo get hopelessly lost on the Frances!I plan to do Camino Frances beginning in St. Jean Pied de Port. I am travelling alone so I want to be sure I don't get hopelessly lost.
GOod to know. Thanks Ray!While there may be stretches where the trail is safe to walk at night w/o tripping, falling or plain wiping out I think the Camino Frances is, overall, far too treacherous a journey for that.
someone mentioned .gpx tracks. How would I get them? I am planning on going April through June and am thinking of taking my Garmin handheld in an effort not to get hopelessly lost.
I loved walking at night. Did I say loved? I mean LOVED. I did not go to be a sightseer. I went to walk and pray. I would get lost in the fog in the mountians and I was alone. But it made it interesting haha. I went every day \night with the flow. blissfull.Folks... I have a serious night-owl in my life, but that night-owl likes to hike. A lot.
There's no possible way to be certain that a traditional "up between 5-6am" approach to a camino would succeed with this person, and could actually bring all kinds of stress that would be antithetical to a camino walk.
So, I'm wondering what would happen if, instead, we rose in the later afternoon, enjoyed the towns post-siesta, and took supper as our "breakfast" and then walked through the night from about 9pm.
Is it possible?
We'd likely arrive in villages just as traditional pilgrims were waking and departing. And we'd have to nap in parks, take breakfast as our dinner, and check in as early as possible to albergues to sleep from 2pm.
I met some young people on camino this past summer who did most of their walking in the later day and checked in to whatever was available at 10pm. Usually they had their supper one town *prior* to where they would sleep.
Anyone with any experience as a night hiker.... I'd love to hear from you.
I think she is now an ex-member.. Sad...She said that she was going to
I agree, sad. Just sad.I think she is now an ex-member.. Sad...
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