Hi to All

[jpq2001au]

Hi There

I'm John from Australia and I'm embarking, with two other Aussie friends, on the El Camino Frances in late March - sounds like it will be a bit chilly then, but sure beats the heat when you're walking.
Extremely excited about the prospect and have the luxury of no time constraints so we can really soak up the history and atmosphere.

Hope to say gidday along the way!

 

[steve]

Hi to All - Camino in Late March

Good fortune on the journey. Last year, towards the end of March, we did the Camino Frances starting in SJPP. We had a little snow at the beginning and again on the third or fourth day. Steve

 

[jpq2001au]

Thanks for that, Steve.
We were wondering about snow on the ground etc and how cold it might be - what's you're recommendation for outer clothing - will we need our ski jackets or something lighter? We were thinking lightweight long trousers and perhaps gloves as well? We realise that the walking will warm you up so we guess the choice of clothing is critical as we obviously don't want to be carrying a wardrobe full of clothes.

 

[Ulysse]

Not knowing what an australian ski jacket looks like :wink: I could suggest a cold clothing basic principle : use of clothing layers.

You will be better off with 2 or 3 layers of breathable and light clothing than with a big and bulky sweater. As you leave in the cold morning you peel off as the weather and you warm up. You add layers as it gets colder.

So, get 3 or 4 nice pieces of clothing; it will be light to wear and to carry. As for pants a regular "zippable" long pair of pants is enough. Sports glove is a good idea.

Good trip and cheers to you. Ultreïa.

 

[Kanga]

Hi John,
I started one camino from St Jean in early April, so similar to your plans. It was beautiful walking weather until Belorado (2 days before Burgos) and from there was wet, windy and very cold on the meseta, fine from Leon to Astorga, snowing and windy going over the pass to Molinasecca, then fine until one day before Santiago when it poured but was warm. Mud on the meseta was a trial, with several tonnes (so it felt) adhering on every step I took. Despite the difficulties, or maybe because of them, I had a wonderful time, met fabulous and entertaining people and got great satisfaction out of walking the whole way. Never does hot spicy chorizo and a glass of red wine taste so good as after a hard days march on the meseta in awful weather!
After three caminos (all from st Jean) I am a great fan of fine merino wool in layers, with a light windproof jacket. I also took ski gloves on the April trip and they were essential, as was a pashmina I wrapped around my head and ears for warmth. Not, of course, in summer!
Kanga

 

[jpq2001au]

Sleeping Bag vs Sheet

Hi Kanga

I've read that the refugios / auberges in Spain have no blankets on the bed, so that for the time I'm walking (March / April) I will need to take a sleeping bag rather than just a sleeping sheet?

If this is so, any ideas on what thermal rating the sleeping bag should be?

John :roll:

 

[Anonymous]

I did mine in same period, the pass from St. Jean was very snowy and cold and it snowed while I was up there - the wind at 5000 feet is what cuts in - though I did it with poncho and fleece underneath. Anything you take in error you can always post home ... socks can be used instead of gloves.
You will hear time and again that every ounce counts - but you won't believe it until about the third day and then you will start shedding! Actually, in the first refuge, at Roncesvalles, there are shelves full of stuff left behind by people - you can help yourself to anything you want.

Good tip, you being Australian, Do leave room in your rucksack so you can pop over to England afterwards and pick up a copy of 'How to play Cricket and just maybe win' to take home with you - ........... (lol)

I may just see you on the Camino - look out for my white camper with PilgrimSupplies logos .

The whole thing - enjoy!