Hi everyone

[trumpy]

I have just joined the forum and decided to say hello. My wife and I aim to start the Camino from St Jean in mid to late April 2012 when we will be 64 and 68 years old. We have travelled much of the camino over many years but always by car. The scenery is magnificent so walking through it should be quite an experience. We have seen the Emilio Estevez film 'The Way' and I can reccomend it to anyone considering walking the camino. I do have one question which may sound strange: Is the water from the fountains along the way fit to drink or do we need sterilization tablets for it? I expect I will have many other questions over the next 7 months so thank you in advance.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hello Trumpy - welcome to the Forum. Ask any questions you may have. Generally speaking the fountains on the Camino Frances have drinking water - there is usally a sign "Non Potable" or a Tap with a X through it if they are not. Bottles water is freely available in shops, bars and supermarkets.

Today in the Pilgrims' Office I met a couple from Scotland. They were in their early 50's. They went to see the Martin Sheen film and they were so inspired they packed rucksacks and just drove to St Jean Pied de Port. They did no preparation. Of course they had some problems with blisters etc...but the Camino Frances has sufficient infrastructure for pilgrims to ease themselves into the journey and recover if things get tough. These two pilgrims were beaming with pride. They did it. They were in Santiago.

Best wishes

John

 

[Arn]

Hi Trumpy and welcome to the Forum!
As JW said, there is a lot of pilgrim infrastructure along the CF. In addition, please check out the Pilgrim FAQ and Search tab at the top right if the page. Also, the Class of 2012 thread to identify with others you may meet along the Way.
Buen "ask...the answer will appear" Camino.
Arn

 

[Tia Valeria]

Welcome to the forum. You will find so much help here as well as links to peoples' blogs about their time on the Camino and preparation too.
We hope to be back on the Camino in 2012, but the Primitivo, at the ages of 63 and 68.

I have two suggestions:-
If you scroll to the bottom of this page you will find the forum badge. It is worth buying one each as you might then meet up with fellow forum members.
If you are in the UK and are not already CSJ members then think about joining them (link at the top of the page) their guides are excellent and they provide the essential 'Pilgrim Passport' (credencial) for members. Other countries also have their own confraternities.

Hope you enjoy you preparation and buen Camino
Tia Valeria