I don’t care if it rains or freezes...

[witsendwv]

My husband and I have been caring for sick family members since May. We have the opportunity to go to Spain from the middle of November to the middle of December for about a month, and are in need of a break. We are thinking of walking from A Guarda to Santiago in short stages, no more than about 20km max. We generally stay in local hotels and hostels together. We are used to walking in cold rain and snow here in WV, but am I crazy to walk the Camino Portugues along the coast at the end of November? I know there are other routes in warmer places, but at this point I need to walk to Santiago, the cathedral, and make my confession before receiving our compostelas. Also, Carlos Nunez has announced several concerts in Dec. and I could go for some good foot taping music. Advice from anyone who has walked in Nov. is appreciated.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

You have earned the right to walk your camino. You have paid it forward. Just go, and walk. The trail will open itself before you... not always gloriously, but providentially. Expect nothing, and you will find yourself, in the end, with everything you need. Do not hesitate.

 

[witsendwv]

Hi Rebekah, thank you for your kind words. I expect if we do this we will upset other family member because we will not be home for the Thanksgiving holiday in the states, but at this point in time my husband and I need to just get away from all the drama and reconnect. Even if it means walking in the rain all day, we will be doing it together and land together in the evening. Thanks again.

 

[james mcev]

Self care, is also care for others. It means you can return with a fresh perspective. Take time for yourselves. I sincerely hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[witsendwv]

Hi James, you are correct. It is easy to lose perspective. You try to understand and empathize with the family members that are sick, but it is difficult at times especially when an individual behaves in a way that is detrimental to themself. You can only try to guide and care. Thank you for your insight. We are hoping to purchase inexpensive tickets in the next few days and throw caution to the wind, and walk....

 

[VNwalking]

Welcome, @witsendwv .
Just go.
You will be giving genuine thanks along the way, which is what counts. Other people will have their opinions, but that's their problem, not yours.

 

[witsendwv]

Hi VN Walking, I am truly hoping to give thanks alomg the way. If we get to do this I realize I do have to discount all the negative from family, and at this point we have to only look at the positive, so when we return we are better emotionally able to help everyone.@

 

[Miki Goldie]

Another option to miss some of the cold winds coming off the Atlantic is to walk the central, less seamist.....
You deserve the break, go for it....there is also the 5 day Muxia, Finisterre or 5 day English Camino heading to Santiago.
Buen Camino
Miki

 

[Former member 59618]

Go, refresh, reconnect, be in nature and let the camino do its work. I walked from end of September to mid-November and it was perfect. Not perfect weather but it certainly didn't kill me. Plenty of infrastructure to support you. I love it when people throw caution to the wind. Buen camino to you both!

 

[Kanga]

Yes, I say go too. It might be cold and wet - but there are always warm places, buses - and pastel de nata! And sharing together. Who could ask for more?

 

[witsendwv]

Thank you all for your encouragement. I have to touch base with my sister before making a final decision, and she is in the process of helping her daughter return to North Carolina post hurricane. She will have the burden of dealing with family if I am gone. If it is a go then my next question will be Altus or Ikea poncho. Again, thank you all. I frequently read the form, but rarely post. Your kind words are truely appreciated.

 

[nycwalking]

Hi Rebekah, thank you for your kind words. I expect if we do this we will upset other family member because we will not be home for the Thanksgiving holiday in the states, but at this point in time my husband and I need to just get away from all the drama and reconnect. Even if it means walking in the rain all day, we will be doing it together and land together in the evening. Thanks again.

Caregiving is wonderful and selfless. Now, you two take care of each other.

I've heard Altus is nice.

Buen camino without guilt.

 

[Kanga]

@witsendwv I would go with the Altus, having tried both an Altus and a poncho in cold weather. The Altus is better because it has sleeves, and can be opened down the front. It is also easier to pull on and off - when I am not wearing mine (and the weather is threatening) I hang it over my backpack at the ready. The poncho was difficult to put on and off and always at the mercy of the wind.

Edited to add: - but the Altus would be better if it were in a breathable fabric!

 

[Former member 59618]

Thank you all for your encouragement. I have to touch base with my sister before making a final decision, and she is in the process of helping her daughter return to North Carolina post hurricane. She will have the burden of dealing with family if I am gone. If it is a go then my next question will be Altus or Ikea poncho. Again, thank you all. I frequently read the form, but rarely post. Your kind words are truely appreciated.

Loved my Altus poncho-you’ll stay dry in squalls.

 

[Swift3]

Just to let you know that someone else of your vintage gets your post heading, I offer this, knowing that I am intentionally omitting words and phrases:

"...sitting on the dashboard of my car!"

And this from the version Paul Newman sang in "Cool Hand Luke""

"Comes in colors pink and pleasant,
Glows in the dark cause he's iridescent
Take him with you when you travel far."

Via con Dios. But keep your head up and your eyes open.
And pack good waterproof/windproof gloves.

 

[loumura]

My husband and I have been caring for sick family members since May. We have the opportunity to go to Spain from the middle of November to the middle of December for about a month, and are in need of a break. We are thinking of walking from A Guarda to Santiago in short stages, no more than about 20km max. We generally stay in local hotels and hostels together. We are used to walking in cold rain and snow here in WV, but am I crazy to walk the Camino Portugues along the coast at the end of November? I know there are other routes in warmer places, but at this point I need to walk to Santiago, the cathedral, and make my confession before receiving our compostelas. Also, Carlos Nunez has announced several concerts in Dec. and I could go for some good foot taping music. Advice from anyone who has walked in Nov. is appreciated.

I think you should go for it! My husband and I are taking the coastal camino in Portugal in early March and expect lots of wind and rain. We figure we can stop if it gets too bad and hole up in some friendly place. Just good raingear and one change of dry clothes and we will be happy!

 

[Canche]

Hi Rebekah, thank you for your kind words. I expect if we do this we will upset other family member because we will not be home for the Thanksgiving holiday in the states, but at this point in time my husband and I need to just get away from all the drama and reconnect. Even if it means walking in the rain all day, we will be doing it together and land together in the evening. Thanks again.

Go!

 

[Lindy Loo]

My husband and I have been caring for sick family members since May. We have the opportunity to go to Spain from the middle of November to the middle of December for about a month, and are in need of a break. We are thinking of walking from A Guarda to Santiago in short stages, no more than about 20km max. We generally stay in local hotels and hostels together. We are used to walking in cold rain and snow here in WV, but am I crazy to walk the Camino Portugues along the coast at the end of November? I know there are other routes in warmer places, but at this point I need to walk to Santiago, the cathedral, and make my confession before receiving our compostelas. Also, Carlos Nunez has announced several concerts in Dec. and I could go for some good foot taping music. Advice from anyone who has walked in Nov. is appreciated.

It will do you and hubbt the world of good! Do it! You'll find yourselves refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to deal with whatever is waiting for you and your return. Self healing is priceless. My sister and I start from Valenca on 27/10! Beun Camino. Lindy