In anticipation of my first camino

[K3Lee]

I am 52 days out from starting the Portuguese Coastal Camino, walking from Porto to Santiago along the Coastal/Senda Litoral path over 15 days.

I am excitedly looking forward to this as my “starter” camino and a trial run for the Camino Frances.

It has been my Big Hairy Audacious Goal to walk the Camino Frances for the last 7 years and it is still my intention to do so in 2024, when I have accrued enough Long Service Leave to take 2 months off work. The option to walk the Portuguese Camino become a possibility this year and I am seizing the opportunity with both hands. The time is right with both my kids settling in to their new out-of-home living arrangements and university studies, my family members including my aging parents are in good health, and my current work arrangements are such that I can take 4 weeks off. And while he has no interest in accompanying me, I walk with the encouragement and blessing of my husband.

I am taking the cushy option of booking through a specialist camino agent – all my accommodation is booked ahead, and I will be availing of luggage transfers. My daily job in real life is all about managing someone else’s diary and making arrangements down to the most minute detail – when I take a vacation, I like that to be someone else’s job. Having my accommodation booked ahead also takes away the pressure of the race to get a bed that I’ve read about. I want to be able to take the time to soak in the views, get sand between my toes, visit the sites, and relish the food along the way.

To avoid any possible luggage delays, I am attempting to pack my Osprey Mira 22 daypack and its contents into a roll-aboard case. The challenge is keeping it to the7kg allowance, so I intend to purchase toiletries and trekking poles on arrival in Porto. Once I start walking, I’ll have the roll-aboard portered and will be happy to check it in for the return flights to Australia.

For the last 7 years I have been reading up and researching the gear, and piece by piece I have been taking advantage of the annual sales and squirreling away everything I need and testing out shoes, socks, and clothes. I joined a local bushwalking club and get out with them when I can, although I am often the slowest amongst a group of sprightly octogenarians (I’m in my mid-50s).

With my start date now rapidly approaching, I have upped my training program and had great advice from my chiropractor regarding bodily mechanics and especially leg and foot care. It is quite a financial investment for me to take this trip – the return airfare from Australia to Portugal alone is eyewatering – so I want to do what I can to improve my chances of completing this walk and also enjoying it. Since adjusting my gait as per my chiropractor’s advice, I have had no blisters – even over 20+km training walks. She has also corrected the fit of my backpack and length of my trekking poles to suit my duck-like physique – long body, short legs!

After 31 hours of travel from home, via Melbourne, Dubai, and Lisbon, I arrive in Porto for 2 days of sightseeing and jetlag recovery before my walking itinerary commences. Walking-day #1 suggests catching a train to Matosinhos and walking the 22km to Povoa de Varzim. Instead, I plan to walk from the Sé do Porto along the river and coast to the Mercado metro station the day before, then catch the train back.

It is 3 hours from where I live in south-east Australia to the nearest coast, so several days walking along the Senda Litoral and Coastal paths sounds like a great way to top up on Vitamin Sea.

Whilst not setting out on a religious pilgrimage, I am certainly looking forward to a time of physical challenge and spiritual reflection - it is my intention that my camino is a walking meditation of mindfulness and gratitude. I have so much in my life to be thankful for.

I am especially grateful to all the experienced contributors to this forum who have made my research for this trip so much easier – such valuable information from those who have been there – some many times. Hopefully this will be the first of many for me.

Obrigada, and perhaps I'll see some of you on The Way.

 

[Grousedoctor]

Y

I am 52 days out from starting the Portuguese Coastal Camino, walking from Porto to Santiago along the Coastal/Senda Litoral path over 15 days.

I am excitedly looking forward to this as my “starter” camino and a trial run for the Camino Frances.

It has been my Big Hairy Audacious Goal to walk the Camino Frances for the last 7 years and it is still my intention to do so in 2024, when I have accrued enough Long Service Leave to take 2 months off work. The option to walk the Portuguese Camino become a possibility this year and I am seizing the opportunity with both hands. The time is right with both my kids settling in to their new out-of-home living arrangements and university studies, my family members including my aging parents are in good health, and my current work arrangements are such that I can take 4 weeks off. And while he has no interest in accompanying me, I walk with the encouragement and blessing of my husband.

I am taking the cushy option of booking through a specialist camino agent – all my accommodation is booked ahead, and I will be availing of luggage transfers. My daily job in real life is all about managing someone else’s diary and making arrangements down to the most minute detail – when I take a vacation, I like that to be someone else’s job. Having my accommodation booked ahead also takes away the pressure of the race to get a bed that I’ve read about. I want to be able to take the time to soak in the views, get sand between my toes, visit the sites, and relish the food along the way.

To avoid any possible luggage delays, I am attempting to pack my Osprey Mira 22 daypack and its contents into a roll-aboard case. The challenge is keeping it to the7kg allowance, so I intend to purchase toiletries and trekking poles on arrival in Porto. Once I start walking, I’ll have the roll-aboard portered and will be happy to check it in for the return flights to Australia.

For the last 7 years I have been reading up and researching the gear, and piece by piece I have been taking advantage of the annual sales and squirreling away everything I need and testing out shoes, socks, and clothes. I joined a local bushwalking club and get out with them when I can, although I am often the slowest amongst a group of sprightly octogenarians (I’m in my mid-50s).

With my start date now rapidly approaching, I have upped my training program and had great advice from my chiropractor regarding bodily mechanics and especially leg and foot care. It is quite a financial investment for me to take this trip – the return airfare from Australia to Portugal alone is eyewatering – so I want to do what I can to improve my chances of completing this walk and also enjoying it. Since adjusting my gait as per my chiropractor’s advice, I have had no blisters – even over 20+km training walks. She has also corrected the fit of my backpack and length of my trekking poles to suit my duck-like physique – long body, short legs!

After 31 hours of travel from home, via Melbourne, Dubai, and Lisbon, I arrive in Porto for 2 days of sightseeing and jetlag recovery before my walking itinerary commences. Walking-day #1 suggests catching a train to Matosinhos and walking the 22km to Povoa de Varzim. Instead, I plan to walk from the Sé do Porto along the river and coast to the Mercado metro station the day before, then catch the train back.

It is 3 hours from where I live in south-east Australia to the nearest coast, so several days walking along the Senda Litoral and Coastal paths sounds like a great way to top up on Vitamin Sea.

Whilst not setting out on a religious pilgrimage, I am certainly looking forward to a time of physical challenge and spiritual reflection - it is my intention that my camino is a walking meditation of mindfulness and gratitude. I have so much in my life to be thankful for.

I am especially grateful to all the experienced contributors to this forum who have made my research for this trip so much easier – such valuable information from those who have been there – some many times. Hopefully this will be the first of many for me.

Obrigada, and perhaps I'll see some of you on The Way.

You sound like you having everything well under control for your upcoming Camino. My wife and I walked the Portugués Coastal Route just two months ago. We thoroughly enjoyed it! When my wife and I travel together, we tend to book our accommodations in advance as you have done. Although we didn’t find the coastal route particularly crowded and beds/rooms were easy enough to find, it does take certain pressures off regarding where you’re going to spend the night. You will also find that the luggage transfer services work very well.

Are you planning including the Variante Espiritual in your Camino? It was a highlight of our Camino this year. In particular, we were able to stay at the Monastery in Armenteira. The boat ride from Vilanova de Arouza to near Padrón made the trip extra special. Taking the VE only added one extra day to our Camino and begins just after leaving Pontevedra. Bom Caminho!

 

[K3Lee]

Y

You sound like you having everything well under control for your upcoming Camino. My wife and I walked the Portugués Coastal Route just two months ago. We thoroughly enjoyed it! When my wife and I travel together, we tend to book our accommodations in advance as you have done. Although we didn’t find the coastal route particularly crowded and beds/rooms were easy enough to find, it does take certain pressures off regarding where you’re going to spend the night. You will also find that the luggage transfer services work very well.

Are you planning including the Variante Espiritual in your Camino? It was a highlight of our Camino this year. In particular, we were able to stay at the Monastery in Armenteira. The boat ride from Vilanova de Arouza to near Padrón made the trip extra special. Taking the VE only added one extra day to our Camino and begins just after leaving Pontevedra. Bom Caminho!

Thanks @Grousedoctor - I won't be walking the Variante Espiritual - one of the downsides of booking a set itinerary is that I am bound by their route. But the pros outweighed the cons for me. After I get this one under my belt, perhaps I will have the confidence to be more independent and have more flexibility in future. My understanding is that this route is not as well signposted as others, so a little apprehensive about possibly getting lost, but that's part of the excitement and challenge of travel!

 

[Grousedoctor]

Thanks @Grousedoctor - I won't be walking the Variante Espiritual - one of the downsides of booking a set itinerary is that I am bound by their route. But the pros outweighed the cons for me. After I get this one under my belt, perhaps I will have the confidence to be more independent and have more flexibility in future. My understanding is that this route is not as well signposted as others, so a little apprehensive about possibly getting lost, but that's part of the excitement and challenge of travel!

Having just walked it, I can tell you that the route is very well signposted. I don’t think you need to worry about getting lost. Nonetheless, one mapping app that I like and have on my phone is Mapy.CZ. In addition to having the camino routes, including the one you will take, marked in blue, you’ll always see your location as well on the map. In case you were to vary from the route, which I don’t think you will, you’ll know exactly were you are. Finally, there’ll be many other pilgrims out there with you all heading north. We all take an occasional wrong turn or miss a turn, but we get back on track pretty quickly. It’s part of the Camino experience! I know you’ll have a great walk!

 

[AlwynWellington]

Hopefully this will be the first of many for me.

@K3Lee. from across the ditch I can only say kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui (take care, be strong, confident and patient). And, of course, enjoy.

 

[Sue127]

What date are you starting @K3Lee ? I'm starting on the 3rd, maybe our paths will cross. In either case, Buen camino.

 

[lt56ny]

Thanks @Grousedoctor - I won't be walking the Variante Espiritual - one of the downsides of booking a set itinerary is that I am bound by their route. But the pros outweighed the cons for me. After I get this one under my belt, perhaps I will have the confidence to be more independent and have more flexibility in future. My understanding is that this route is not as well signposted as others, so a little apprehensive about possibly getting lost, but that's part of the excitement and challenge of travel!

I haven't walked the coastal route yet but just looking at the elevation gains and losses it looks like about the easiest camino to walk. As someone who has walked just mentioned it is well marked. Remember if the ocean is to your left you are going the right way haha. Check out Gronze.com as it gives you elevations and distances. Buen Camino and Wise Pilgrim have downloadable GPS maps that are super simple to navigate. There are actually two routes that I am sure merge often. THere is the "coastal' which at times goes slightly inland and the litoral which stays on the coast. I am sure lots of people can give you advice about both and I have no doubt you will quickly see your fears melt away.

 

[Jo H]

I am 52 days out from starting the Portuguese Coastal Camino, walking from Porto to Santiago along the Coastal/Senda Litoral path over 15 days.

I am excitedly looking forward to this as my “starter” camino and a trial run for the Camino Frances.

It has been my Big Hairy Audacious Goal to walk the Camino Frances for the last 7 years and it is still my intention to do so in 2024, when I have accrued enough Long Service Leave to take 2 months off work. The option to walk the Portuguese Camino become a possibility this year and I am seizing the opportunity with both hands. The time is right with both my kids settling in to their new out-of-home living arrangements and university studies, my family members including my aging parents are in good health, and my current work arrangements are such that I can take 4 weeks off. And while he has no interest in accompanying me, I walk with the encouragement and blessing of my husband.

I am taking the cushy option of booking through a specialist camino agent – all my accommodation is booked ahead, and I will be availing of luggage transfers. My daily job in real life is all about managing someone else’s diary and making arrangements down to the most minute detail – when I take a vacation, I like that to be someone else’s job. Having my accommodation booked ahead also takes away the pressure of the race to get a bed that I’ve read about. I want to be able to take the time to soak in the views, get sand between my toes, visit the sites, and relish the food along the way.

To avoid any possible luggage delays, I am attempting to pack my Osprey Mira 22 daypack and its contents into a roll-aboard case. The challenge is keeping it to the7kg allowance, so I intend to purchase toiletries and trekking poles on arrival in Porto. Once I start walking, I’ll have the roll-aboard portered and will be happy to check it in for the return flights to Australia.

For the last 7 years I have been reading up and researching the gear, and piece by piece I have been taking advantage of the annual sales and squirreling away everything I need and testing out shoes, socks, and clothes. I joined a local bushwalking club and get out with them when I can, although I am often the slowest amongst a group of sprightly octogenarians (I’m in my mid-50s).

With my start date now rapidly approaching, I have upped my training program and had great advice from my chiropractor regarding bodily mechanics and especially leg and foot care. It is quite a financial investment for me to take this trip – the return airfare from Australia to Portugal alone is eyewatering – so I want to do what I can to improve my chances of completing this walk and also enjoying it. Since adjusting my gait as per my chiropractor’s advice, I have had no blisters – even over 20+km training walks. She has also corrected the fit of my backpack and length of my trekking poles to suit my duck-like physique – long body, short legs!

After 31 hours of travel from home, via Melbourne, Dubai, and Lisbon, I arrive in Porto for 2 days of sightseeing and jetlag recovery before my walking itinerary commences. Walking-day #1 suggests catching a train to Matosinhos and walking the 22km to Povoa de Varzim. Instead, I plan to walk from the Sé do Porto along the river and coast to the Mercado metro station the day before, then catch the train back.

It is 3 hours from where I live in south-east Australia to the nearest coast, so several days walking along the Senda Litoral and Coastal paths sounds like a great way to top up on Vitamin Sea.

Whilst not setting out on a religious pilgrimage, I am certainly looking forward to a time of physical challenge and spiritual reflection - it is my intention that my camino is a walking meditation of mindfulness and gratitude. I have so much in my life to be thankful for.

I am especially grateful to all the experienced contributors to this forum who have made my research for this trip so much easier – such valuable information from those who have been there – some many times. Hopefully this will be the first of many for me.

Obrigada, and perhaps I'll see some of you on

I am 52 days out from starting the Portuguese Coastal Camino, walking from Porto to Santiago along the Coastal/Senda Litoral path over 15 days.

I am excitedly looking forward to this as my “starter” camino and a trial run for the Camino Frances.

It has been my Big Hairy Audacious Goal to walk the Camino Frances for the last 7 years and it is still my intention to do so in 2024, when I have accrued enough Long Service Leave to take 2 months off work. The option to walk the Portuguese Camino become a possibility this year and I am seizing the opportunity with both hands. The time is right with both my kids settling in to their new out-of-home living arrangements and university studies, my family members including my aging parents are in good health, and my current work arrangements are such that I can take 4 weeks off. And while he has no interest in accompanying me, I walk with the encouragement and blessing of my husband.

I am taking the cushy option of booking through a specialist camino agent – all my accommodation is booked ahead, and I will be availing of luggage transfers. My daily job in real life is all about managing someone else’s diary and making arrangements down to the most minute detail – when I take a vacation, I like that to be someone else’s job. Having my accommodation booked ahead also takes away the pressure of the race to get a bed that I’ve read about. I want to be able to take the time to soak in the views, get sand between my toes, visit the sites, and relish the food along the way.

To avoid any possible luggage delays, I am attempting to pack my Osprey Mira 22 daypack and its contents into a roll-aboard case. The challenge is keeping it to the7kg allowance, so I intend to purchase toiletries and trekking poles on arrival in Porto. Once I start walking, I’ll have the roll-aboard portered and will be happy to check it in for the return flights to Australia.

For the last 7 years I have been reading up and researching the gear, and piece by piece I have been taking advantage of the annual sales and squirreling away everything I need and testing out shoes, socks, and clothes. I joined a local bushwalking club and get out with them when I can, although I am often the slowest amongst a group of sprightly octogenarians (I’m in my mid-50s).

With my start date now rapidly approaching, I have upped my training program and had great advice from my chiropractor regarding bodily mechanics and especially leg and foot care. It is quite a financial investment for me to take this trip – the return airfare from Australia to Portugal alone is eyewatering – so I want to do what I can to improve my chances of completing this walk and also enjoying it. Since adjusting my gait as per my chiropractor’s advice, I have had no blisters – even over 20+km training walks. She has also corrected the fit of my backpack and length of my trekking poles to suit my duck-like physique – long body, short legs!

After 31 hours of travel from home, via Melbourne, Dubai, and Lisbon, I arrive in Porto for 2 days of sightseeing and jetlag recovery before my walking itinerary commences. Walking-day #1 suggests catching a train to Matosinhos and walking the 22km to Povoa de Varzim. Instead, I plan to walk from the Sé do Porto along the river and coast to the Mercado metro station the day before, then catch the train back.

It is 3 hours from where I live in south-east Australia to the nearest coast, so several days walking along the Senda Litoral and Coastal paths sounds like a great way to top up on Vitamin Sea.

Whilst not setting out on a religious pilgrimage, I am certainly looking forward to a time of physical challenge and spiritual reflection - it is my intention that my camino is a walking meditation of mindfulness and gratitude. I have so much in my life to be thankful for.

I am especially grateful to all the experienced contributors to this forum who have made my research for this trip so much easier – such valuable information from those who have been there – some many times. Hopefully this will be the first of many for me.

Obrigada, and perhaps I'll see some of you on The Way.

Hi K3Lee, All sounds wonderful. I too am starting on my first Camino from Porto in mid Sept flying from Brisbane, Australia. Can relate to all you say. I am not going with a travel company but have pre booked my accomm to Vila do Conde taking 3 days to get there as only walking 12kms with 7kg pack ea of those first days to Matosinhos, Angeiras and Vila do Conde. Looking forward to meeting others like you along the way. Good luck.

 

[K3Lee]

What date are you starting @K3Lee ? I'm starting on the 3rd, maybe our paths will cross. In either case, Buen camino.

Hi @Sue127 : I arrive in Porto on 14 September and officially start walking from Porto on the 17th - you will be well ahead of me. Bom Caminho!

 

[woody66]

Hi K3Lee!
Don't stress yourself.
You will love the Coastal i did! (it can be a bit windy your are by the sea)
I chose it as my starter Camino and glad i did.
The walk out of Porto along the river to Matosinhos was great as i love being by the sea!
The route is well sign posted all the way and pretty much flat until you move inland but no more than a few hills.
Its a shame you cant do the Variant as mentioned above it stood out for me with the climbs, scenery, Combarro wonderful, Armentiera the monastery the Pilgrim blessing and the boat from Villa Nova de Arousa had a great atmosphere.
I think with record numbers walking or should i say getting Compostela's perhaps booking sleeps might weigh in your favour regards bed hunting; piece of mind!
I sorted my Camino myself and booked all my sleeps last year; but i will book a max of two nights in advance if i have to next year when i walk again.
I want the freedom to walk each day and stop where i want when i want.
Just have the best time ever; the Portuguese people are amazing!
I have OCCD (obsessive, compulsive, Camino disorder) now ; i drive my family nuts!

Woody

 

[Jo H]

Hi @Sue127 : I arrive in Porto on 14 September and officially start walking from Porto on the 17th - you will be well ahead of me. Bom Caminho!

Hi K3Lee. I am walking to Matosinhos from Porto Se on Sept 15 so might see you if you walk to Mercado that morning. Bom caminho.

 

[Matthew_SWilson]

Sounds like your trip is all sorted - your planning, mindset and preparation. I walked the Camino Frances in 2010 and it was one of the best months of my life. Buen Camino from a fellow Aussie!