Last Minute Advice

[Shelby Pauletto]

Hello past pilgrims, I need your help.

This Wednesday evening I am taking a nighttime bus to Sarria to complete the 110kms to Santiago de Compostela in four days. I have been studying here in Spain for almost a year now, and my goal is to complete this part of the Camino before I return to the states.

As I am taking this journey on my own, I am having many last minute doubts, questions, and fears. It was a spur of the moment trip, and I do not feel prepared. Whatever knowledge you may be able to share would be very much appreciated...

1) Should I be worried about the weather? Will pants and a sports jacket be sufficient?

2) I have cities I should make it to, but in the case that I don't make it there, will I be able to find sleeping arrangements easily?

3) I know you do not book albergues in advance, but are they easy to find upon arrival to the city?

4) What time do people usually begin their days?

5) Is there usually internet at the Hostels?

6) Packing wise, do I need to bring a small towel?

7) Where do I receive my pilgrims certificate? Can I get it when I arrive in Sarria?

These are just a few of my endless questions, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much in advance.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi Shelby, I can see from your other posts that you have been given some help and encouragement already but here is my four-penny-worth:

1: Yes you should. This is Galicia in late winter / early spring depending on how much of an optimist you are. Pants and a Sports Jacket won't hack-it - unless you are talking water-proof / wind-proof and warm. This may be a language thing - sports jackets here in the UK tend to be made out of wool

2: Cities? There is really only Santiago, the rest of the places you will pass through will vary from hamlet (6 houses and a bar) to village (12 houses, a farm and a bar) to towns (shops and things as well). The Mayors of Sarria and Arzua may disagree with me.

3: Most Albergues are fairly clearly sign-posted. If in doubt ask a local or any-one carrying a back-pack.

4: Most Albergues will expect you to be gone by 8:00AM.

5: Nope. But it is generally available somewhere nearby.

6: Yes. Albergues do not (with very few exceptions) provide towels. Hostales and Hotels will.

7: You will need a Credencial ( a pilgrim passport easily obtained in Sarria) which you need to be stamped a minimum of twice each day between Sarria and Santiago if you wish to obtain a Compostella or Certificate of Distance (walked) from the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago.

Buen Camino

 

[Shelby Pauletto]

Thank you so much @Tincatinker ! Where is Sarria can I get this credential? Also, when you walked the Camino, did you do those last 100 km in four days?

 

[Tincatinker]

Maybe another member can help with specific sources of a Credencial in Sarria but try the Iglesia de Santa Marina or the Tourist Office. I walked Sarria to Santiago in 4 days but I had started in St Jean so was well into the groove. Be careful, don't try to walk to far to soon.

 

[Shelby Pauletto]

Maybe another member can help with specific sources of a Credencial in Sarria but try the Iglesia de Santa Marina or the Tourist Office. I walked Sarria to Santiago in 4 days but I had started in St Jean so was well into the groove. Be careful, don't try to walk to far to soon.

May I ask what your stops were? Do you remember?

 

[Tincatinker]

Samos, (which is East of Sarria) Mercadoiro, Ventos de Naron, Arca des Pinos. You will need to find your own pace and your own stopping places. The best Albergue on the Camino is the one in which you lay your head; the finest sights are those before your very eyes. Walk your Camino, no-one else's.

 

[mspath]

Maybe another member can help with specific sources of a Credencial in Sarria but try the Iglesia de Santa Marina or the Tourist Office. ....

You can also obtain a Pilgrim passport / Credencial in Sarria at the Xunta albergue, C. Maior, 79. It is open all year from 13:00 to 23:00. Buen camino!