July/August 2012 To walk the Camino

[DarlineUK]

Hello Everyone

Im new to this site and will be walking the camino starting July 2012 to August 2nd, with a group from the UK. We are in the planning stage, flights are booked. So excited about the prospect of the walk.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Welcome to the Forum. You have picked a pretty busy time, so practice being patient now!! When traveling in a group, it may be worthwhile to talk in advance about how you will handle the slow walkers, rest days when not everyone wants to rest, etc. Advance communication can anticipate the friction that can develop when two or more people walk the Camino together.

Have fun, and buen camino.

 

[DarlineUK]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[DarlineUK]

Hello Everyone

The date is for 18th July to August 2nd 2012.
After the Christmas overdose of Turkey and excessive amounts of Christmas pudding, the training has commenced, started 3 days ago walking for one hour a day around 5km, dosent sound a lot but Im hoping to build on this,a lot to pull in with a very busy schedule, of work and life in general. Trying to give up the car as much as I can, wish me luck. Think I will need it as Im intending to walk from Pontferrada to Santiago. God willing. Packing list anyone with good advice Im a small woman, aged 57 when doing the walk.
Thanks a lot

 

[Arn]

Darline...welcome to the Forum and the Class of 2012!

As Falcon mentioned, with a group, it's important to have reached an understanding before you start out. For example:
1. How far each day? If you intend to start together and finish together...walk only as fast as the slowest walker. Or, agree on a reasonable target and walk at your own pace.
2. What time to get up. Some folks are "morning people", some not. If not, start practicing getting up early before you depart.
3. Before you depart: inspect everyone's pack and get rid of the "but I might needs". The person that carries too much..is more likely to get injured by carrying too much.
4. If someone does get injured, or thinks they can't go on. Agree, right now, that that's OK! The key is finishing together...not being finished together. Anyone just worn out, or slightly injured can always send their pack ahead to the next stopping point. Many taxi services available for just such an occurrence.

Buen Camino

Arn

 

[DarlineUK]

Im going to Santiago! Were off on Wednesday July 18th to Oviedo. After 6 months of training now its upon me,
Buen camino to everyone we meet along the way

 

[fraluchi]

Were off on Wednesday July 18th to Oviedo. After 6 months of training now its upon me,

Buen Camino, and be careful to avoid dehydration!. Wednesday 18th July is going to be the hottest day in Spain so far this season (and that includes the North). Loads of water and sunblock this time! :wink:

 

[kweeva]

Hi, myself and my husband are walking the Camino Ingles from 25th July to Aug 2nd, Have to say being fair of skin I am a little worried about the high temps! Is it advisable to book all accomodation in advance? Maureen

 

[vandrefalk]

You can book in advance if you are planning on staying in hostals/hotels. I did this for the CI in 2010 (Holy Year), and that was in the autumn. It is not expensive either. Going in the summer you will need to book, wear a hat and carry reserves of water. You'll love it.

 

[Runningtothelight]

Kweeva
My two sons and I walked the Camino Ingles last week. We are fair skinned Scots. We had two cloudy days, a rainy day and two sunny days. We had no problems with sunburn. The temperature was never too hot. Having said that, the weather looks a bit better next week so some sunblock for the back of the neck, arms and face might be sensible. So far as booking accommodation is concerned, we only booked in Ferrol for the night before the start and in Santiago for the last night. In between, we usually wandered in to town about mid afternoon and there was never any problem in finding accommodation.
in Pontedueme, go left at the roundabout at the end of the bridge and the first street on your right is the Rua de San Augustin which has two bars with accommodation and a Hostal in it. In Betanzos we stayed in the accommodation run by the chocolateria in Plaza Francisco Blanco. The tourist information will point it out on a map. We didn't stay in the albergue in Bruma and made the inspired decision to walk an extra 2k to Meson do Vento where O Meson Novo was the best value accommodation on the trip. They have plenty rooms in a new and well appointed building next to the bar where we got great food and friendly service. Sigueiro has really only one option, Hostal Miras - very basic but the restaurant on the ground floor produces great food. Again, it was far from busy. Presently, there are road works as you enter Sigueiro which stopped us following the guidebook instructions, Don't panic, turn left just before the closed road, (assuming it is still closed), go past the swimming pool on your right down to the obvious main road and turn left. The Hostal is about 200 yards along on the left.

In Santiago, we stayed at the wonderful Hotel Costa Vella. Nice accommodation and wonderful gardens and gin and tonics!

We saw 5 other peregrines during the whole trip. You will love it.

Buen camino

Harry