Late Sept start...

[mkvaughn86]

Hello all!
I am planning to start my pilgrimage along the Camino Frances from SJPdP on 29/30 Sept 2013 and hope to be in Santiago on 1 November before continuing on to Muxia and Finisterre. I am currently completing my 7th military deployment in the last 15 years (I am a reservist!). It is my last one and as I don't have a job to go back to, it is an opportune time. Before all this military stuff started I was a history professor (medieval history at that) and have wanted to make a pilgrimage to Santiago since 1989. Anyway I hope to meet many of you along the way! One question - my anticipated completion date is 1 Nov in Santiago - is that a bad time to be there? Will everything be closed? Or perhaps is a better time to be there - of course I can alter my travel plans but any guidance would be much appreciated.
Buen Camino!

 

[mspath]

Hello all!
I am planning to start my pilgrimage along the Camino Frances from SJPdP on 29/30 Sept 2013 and hope to be in Santiago on 1 November before continuing on to Muxia and Finisterre. I am currently completing my 7th military deployment in the last 15 years (I am a reservist!). It is my last one and as I don't have a job to go back to, it is an opportune time. Before all this military stuff started I was a history professor (medieval history at that) and have wanted to make a pilgrimage to Santiago since 1989. Anyway I hope to meet many of you along the way! One question - my anticipated completion date is 1 Nov in Santiago - is that a bad time to be there? Will everything be closed? Or perhaps is a better time to be there - of course I can alter my travel plans but any guidance would be much appreciated.
Buen Camino!

Hola mkvaughn86,

Welcome to the Forum!

Walking the Camino will be a GREAT way to mark the changes in your life. As a medievalist you will find so much along the way to be of interest such as the traditions and, of course, the wonderful architecture.

Everything will NOT be closed by November. Many pilgrim albergues start to close for the season after mid October. However since the crowds of summer are past you will find the welcome at those albergues which are open to be very sincere; most albergues will either be heated or have blankets and the hospitaleros usually know who is open on the next stage.

Those of us who walk in late autumn and/or winter find the empty landscape and lack of crowds to be particularly pleasing. There is always time for personal contemplation and the joy of serendipity. It may be cold but there are plenty of bunks!

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[serenalms]

Hi mkvaughn, my husband and I will be starting from Pamplona on October 4th. Perhaps we shall cross paths at some point!

Buen Camino!
Serena

 

[MichaelB10398]

You have much to look forward to as you commence the Camino. Your academic background should offer a number of opportunities to explore and keep the mind busy. I suspect that these last many years has presented a host of challenges both physically and spiritually. The Camino will open her arms to you and embrace you as you release yourself to her. All will be well and there is no need to alter your plans. Of course, while in Spain you may find yourself altering your plans. Be open to those kinds of alterations. The Camino is not a walk from one specific spot to another, but it is a journey of the soul that covers a lot of different ground.