Many thanks for all of the great advice!

[MStypula]

Hi! My name is Merril and I am beginning the camino on April 14. Although I have been interested in embarking on this journey for some time now, I only very recently found myself in the position to take 6 weeks away from my life to enjoy this wonderful adventure. Due to my last minute(ish) decision to walk, I realize how LOST I would be without out all of the kind words and advice so many kind people have shared on this forum.
Thank you.
Buen Camino!

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Merril!

When you start walking you'll realise what a wonderful time of year you've chosen. I started on 19th April last year and the weather, the wild flowers and wildlife etc. couldn't have been better. It's spring, with all that that brings.

Having said that, the weather the previous year was dreadful, apparently... :shock:

You'll love it! Buen Camino!

 

[Sagalouts]

Hi Mirril
have a great time
I'll be one day behind you walking with my son,my only advice is if you see the old man huffing and puffing anywhere you must try and revive him with a glass of vino tinto
buen camino
Ian

 

[Sansthing]

Glad to hear you´ve returned to the fold, Ian, I had a feeling you hadn´t hung your boots up for good yet. Buen Camino.
Sandra :arrow:

 

[MStypula]

Tyrrek:
The thought just occurred me to ask you about some other weather conditions you experienced last spring. I realize you seemingly hit the jackpot with your weather scenario...but maybe you have some information to share nonetheless.
1.) When it rains, what "type" of rain is most typical? Torrential downpour? Or more like a constant drizzle or mist? I am planning on taking a reliable rain jacket, but no rain pants (as they make me hot and always stick to my legs, I think I would rather have wet legs) and no poncho (although highly recommended, it seems like a bit of a hassle, and not all the comfortable, thoughts?).
2.) How cold did it get during your camino? How many days were you hiking in pants and how many nights were you layering up in a sleeping bag?
3) (combo question!) When it rained, was it very cold? Like I said, I can handle getting reasonably wet as long as it is not also quite cold out. I have pretty poor circulation, and that combination does not tend to settle well with me.
Thanks in advance for your help. I realize weather stats of past years along the camino are posted online, but I find it harder to gauge the actual temperature without actually walking/hiking in it. Feel free to add any other useful information...
Cheers
Merril

 

[tyrrek]

Tyrrek:
The thought just occurred ....

Hi Merril.

I was a dreadful pilgrim, so I'm quite selective about giving advice on practical issues. For example, I accidentally left my sleeping bag in the first albergue I stayed in. That's how competent I was.

That said, I didn't freeze, didn't starve, and am still alive. And I will offer advice based on my mistakes!

When it rains it can be heavy (take a rest day!), but it was more often like a misty rain/drizzle, which can actually be quite refreshing! It is worth having a cover for your pack, and a rain jacket but at that time of year I personally don't think you have to worry about a seriously warm jacket too much. I think 80% of the time I was walking in shorts and a t-shirt. A decent fleece is good, especially for the evening when it cools down.

It will be a bit chilly at night if the sky is clear, so a sleeping bag rather than liner is a good idea. You'll notice in the morning when you start walking that there's still a chill in the air for an hour or so, but that just means that it will be warm later. You will need sun cream at times.

Clear skies at night mean beautiful starry skies so remember to enjoy them, especially when you're in an albergue away from the towns and cities. I might be wrong, but the air seems so much clearer in spring before all the summer dust. Find somewhere just to lie down, look at the sky and wonder!

Overall I think we sometimes overstate the equipment that is desirable on this forum. I took old or cheap t-shirts etc so I could just bin anything that I found was not necessary. Everything you put on your feet should be good quality, though, and quick-dry clothes are most certainly a plus. Remember that you're not climbing Everest. If you ever feel uncomfortable you can get what you need in Spain.

Buen Camino!