March 2016 / Lunch options

[Angel-hart]

My Friend and I are starting our first Comino in March 2016. We have been training and planing since January this year. Being 60+ we are setting a good foundation. Weather is very close to what it is were we live Oregon USA. Walking in the rain at 5 - 15 degrees celcius is the norm March, April, May here too.

We would like to hear from others planning at this time. Also how is lunch handled we will probably be walking and know lunch may not be available many days. So do you buy the night before, get lunches for take along on from the place you are leaving? Is that an option? What works best?


Thanks Angelhart

 

[Bajaracer]

My Friend and I are starting our first Comino in March 2016. We have been training and planing since January this year. Being 60+ we are setting a good foundation. Weather is very close to what it is were we live Oregon USA. Walking in the rain at 5 - 15 degrees celcius is the norm March, April, May here too.

We would like to hear from others planning at this time. Also how is lunch handled we will probably be walking and know lunch may not be available many days. So do you buy the night before, get lunches for take along on from the place you are leaving? Is that an option? What works best?


Thanks Angelhart

Buy the night before, buy some eggs (sold individually) and hard boil them, at the supermercados they sell the entire tortilla patata for less than €5, can be eaten as is or made into a bocadillo, plenty of fuel to keep you going. In the morning, ask the bar/cafe to make you a tortilla francesa (plain omelette) bocadillo para llevar (to go)

 

[grayland]

Welcome from Seattle.
I am not sure where in Oregon you are located, but Portland has an active Camino group if you are near.

It is very common practice to buy food for the next day from a market the night before. Often it would be bread plus cheese or sausage or something else for a sandwich. The shops and markets, even in the small villages, stock the items that Pilgrims would want.

There are also bars ( one stop restaurant, bar, coffee shop, village hang-out) along most of the Camino Frances. You can usually plan to stop at one if it is located in a convenient place for lunch.

Mid-day meals are often a picnic with the food purchased the night before.
It all just happens without much fanfare.

 

[VNwalking]

Hello and welcome angel-hart.
Lunch is easy--either carry a picnic or find a cafe...either/both may apply depending on where you happen to be walking that day.
One specific caution, seeing as you're starting in March is that there may be fewer cafes open along the way than the guidebooks indicate--I found this the case between SJPP and Pamplona in early March. So best to find out the current situation from the albergue you're staying in and carry sustenance if needed!

 

[scruffy1]

Anbd don't forget your emergency rations! I always carry a can of Estrella Galicia beer tucked into the top of my backpack. In March the weagther always keeps it chilled and one never knows when an emergency may spring up!

 

[SabsP]

Anbd don't forget your emergency rations! I always carry a can of Estrella Galicia beer tucked into the top of my backpack. In March the weagther always keeps it chilled and one never knows when an emergency may spring up!

Very good emergency ration but I would add also some mueslibars, dried nuts and a banana...especially that banana goes so well with the beer....

 

[scruffy1]

Very good emergency ration but I would add also some mueslibars, dried nuts and a banana...especially that banana goes so well with the beer....

I don't have good experiences with bananas, by the time I'm ready for a sugar boost, they have usually turned to pudding in the best of circunstances, often decorating large parts of my backpack in the less optimal situations.

 

[Tia Valeria]

As lunch in Spain is usually served between 13.00and 15.00 (1pm-3pm) we usually reached our destination for the day and had a menu del día. We carried bread and a tin of sardines/pack of Lomo crudo as our emergency supplies. In cool weather the little meat packs carried well, the sardines are better in warmer weather. We used the bought food for an evening picnic meal as meals out in the evening are usually late 21.00 (9pm) onwards, making sure to buy replacements at the first opportunity.

 

[movinmaggie]

Welcome from Seattle.
I am not sure where in Oregon you are located, but Portland has an active Camino group if you are near.

It is very common practice to buy food for the next day from a market the night before. Often it would be bread plus cheese or sausage or something else for a sandwich. The shops and markets, even in the small villages, stock the items that Pilgrims would want.

There are also bars ( one stop restaurant, bar, coffee shop, village hang-out) along most of the Camino Frances. You can usually plan to stop at one if it is located in a convenient place for lunch.

Mid-day meals are often a picnic with the food purchased the night before.
It all just happens without much fanfare.

This is great; reading the forum posts just as I was just writing down my choices for lunch in Spanish (practicing)….in English they would be, hard boiled eggs, hard cheese, sausage, olives, tuna, bread and Chocolate. Didn't realize you were a Seattlite Grayland; I moved back to Canada from West Seattle. I still miss it….

 

[grayland]

Maggie...I actually live in West Seattle...

 

[Anniesantiago]

Here are some lunch options:
http://caminosantiago2.blogspot.com/2011/08/lunch-on-camino-santiago.html

Also, I often eat my largest meal midday and buy the Menu del Dia instead of the Menu del Peregrino.

I find it less money, more food, and more convenient.
Then I picnic in the evening.

I'm in Portland, Oregon if you want to chat Camino.
Leaving around the 17th for the winter, but can always do Skype.

 

[Bobcat77]

Starting 10 March next. May meet along the Way. Great lunch tips. Suggest bring a plastic 'lunchbox' of suitable size. Stops banana 'decorating the pack'!
Buen Camino

 

[Gerry Sinclair]

My Friend and I are starting our first Comino in March 2016. We have been training and planing since January this year. Being 60+ we are setting a good foundation. Weather is very close to what it is were we live Oregon USA. Walking in the rain at 5 - 15 degrees celcius is the norm March, April, May here too.

We would like to hear from others planning at this time. Also how is lunch handled we will probably be walking and know lunch may not be available many days. So do you buy the night before, get lunches for take along on from the place you are leaving? Is that an option? What works best?


Thanks Angelhart

Welcome Angelhart... I will be leaving Vancouver, BC on or about the 15th of March 2016. I will be walking the Camino Primitivo finishing up with Muxia & Fisterre. Depending on the weather, I may start with the Camino del Salvator (Leon to Oviedo).
Buen Camino!!
Gerry

 

[Dave C.]

I am starting to plan my Camino. I will be starting late March or early April. I want to be ahead of the masses. I just found this site a couple of days ago. Wow, so much info!! Thanks to all who post.

 

[VNwalking]

And...just one person's (my) experience...but no need to plan too far in advance. You'll have a sense the day before what is possible, and lunch will happen. One way or another. The same could be said of most aspects of the journey. The open road is a rare thing in this world, and the chance to be spontaneous is even rarer. It is so wonderful and freeing to be able to relax into the unfolding adventure!

 

[movinmaggie]

I am starting to plan my Camino. I will be starting late March or early April. I want to be ahead of the masses. I just found this site a couple of days ago. Wow, so much info!! Thanks to all who post.

Welcome Dave. I'm a first year newbie with my Camino journey exactly 7 days away….you are going to love this forum.

 

[Dave C.]

Welcome Dave. I'm a first year newbie with my Camino journey exactly 7 days away….you are going to love this forum.

I already do! I am jealous you are only a week away!!

 

[VNwalking]

Hey, Dave, welcome...you have all that time to hang out with us and plan.
So whether you know it or not, your camino has already begun!

 

[Dave C.]

Hey, Dave, welcome...you have all that time to hang out with us and plan.
So whether you know it or not, your camino has already begun!

I think I knew that, but you saying that really makes me realize it. The more I research and read, the more I am drawn in to the experience. I just hope being 7 months away from my start doesn't cause me to over plan and ruin the experience that I want it to be.

 

[VNwalking]

No worries., Dave!
You can overplan all you like, but in the end it can't ruin the experience unless you hold on to ideas of how you've read the way is or how you think it should be. Until you actually put boots on the ground, the experience of the Camino is unimaginable--and there are surprises around every corner, sometimes pleasant, sometimes totally unpleasant. So to finally dive into the flow of experience, as it is, with a heart that is fully alive to all that...this is one of the best gifts of the way.
And...overplanning? Never mind. Most of us do that to a certain extent. It's part of the fun, and when we get sick of it, part of the letting go into what is.

 

[mary flo]

My Friend and I are starting our first Comino in March 2016. We have been training and planing since January this year. Being 60+ we are setting a good foundation. Weather is very close to what it is were we live Oregon USA. Walking in the rain at 5 - 15 degrees celcius is the norm March, April, May here too.

We would like to hear from others planning at this time. Also how is lunch handled we will probably be walking and know lunch may not be available many days. So do you buy the night before, get lunches for take along on from the place you are leaving? Is that an option? What works best?


Thanks Angelhart

Hi Angelhart! I am starting my first Camino in March as well! I'm over here on the other coast in Boston. I've read that lunch options are pretty easy...this forum is super helpful for organizing logistics! Maybe we can meet up along the way, I'm travelling solo so it will be nice to know some other folks heading out about the same time. I'll be in Paris for 4-5 days prior to starting the Camino on the 15th or 16th

 

[peregrina2000]

I can't enjoy eating much when I'm going to walk another bunch of kms afterwards, so I usually have snacks along the lines described by others and then eat my big meal soon after arrival, as both Tia Valeria and anniesantiago describe. The only thing I would add to what they have said is that frequently in Spain, lunch is served till 4 pm. That's perfect for an early peregrino supper, so that you only need something light from a store before going to bed. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Anemone del Camino]

On the Frances get a cafe con leche and napolitana (chocolatine) for breakfast. For lunch grab and ensalada mixta in one of the many bars you will pass by: lettuce, tomato, esparagus, corn, onion and tuna. Or buy one of those large and heavy chocolate bars and a chorizo and chew on that during the day and them shower and go have a menu del dia before doing laundry if it's available where you are. I don't recall it on the France nor Primitivo but wonderful on the Norte. Menu del peregrino is over priced pork and french fries, or some sort of pasta, at least on the Frances, but it's a moment to socialise.

Some towns have good tapas. Pamplona for one. Los Arcos has a weekly tapas bar hopping. Najera has a few bars with ok tapas. 4 or 5 of those will make a good dinner.

Have always looked for eggs sold by the unit, happy to hear this is now an option.,now, will they also discover,oatmeal and fruit for breakfast? And as odd as it sounds, bread and sardines is lovely, and yet back at home I cannot bring ,yself to eat it...

 

[mountaingoat999]

I am starting to plan my Camino. I will be starting late March or early April. I want to be ahead of the masses. I just found this site a couple of days ago. Wow, so much info!! Thanks to all who post.

Dave
your find a good amount of pilgrims late MARCH.(there was this year on the CF)..you can avoid the daily masses if you either leave first or last..sometimes people do this so they can have some me time... then see them for dinner or in the albergues etc.many do this

 

[Angel-hart]

Dave
your find a good amount of pilgrims late MARCH.(there was this year on the CF)..you can avoid the daily masses if you either leave first or last..sometimes people do this so they can have some me time... then see them for dinner or in the albergues etc.many do this

I am amazed and impressed with the outpour of help, links, and comments on our questions. We will hook up with the Portland Chapter(didn't know we had one). Thank you one and all. Keeping the comments coming !!

 

[GettingThere]

Another vote here for the great "ensalada mixta" you will find in nearly every bar/cafe and restaurant along the way. We had these a lot because my mother is vegetarian so had rather limited choice (she just had to remember to say "sin atun" to avoid the tuna which is a standard ingredient!). The salads are often huge, and can be very substantial so are a meal in themselves. Mum even had these for dinner sometimes if there was nothing else she could eat. They also often came with a basket of bread, which adds to the substance of the meal (no butter though). And never dressed - there was always olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper on the side, either in bottles or little sachets, so you can add the amount you want.

 

[MTtoCamino]

You all are making me very hungry! I only planned a lunch one time, & went to the market when I realized how far the next bar would be. When your hungry you just walk faster! The fellowship sustained me.
Have a great Camino!
Keith

 

[Angel-hart]

Thank you for the info on the Portland Comino Group, we didn't know they existed. This will help a great deal we looked up the website and it has good info.

Thanks Again

Angelhat

 

[Angel-hart]

Starting 10 March next. May meet along the Way. Great lunch tips. Suggest bring a plastic 'lunchbox' of suitable size. Stops banana 'decorating the pack'!
Buen Camino

Hope to meet along the Trail. I like the plastic Box idea too.

Thanks Angelhart

 

[Cruiser52]

My Friend and I are starting our first Comino in March 2016. We have been training and planing since January this year. Being 60+ we are setting a good foundation. Weather is very close to what it is were we live Oregon USA. Walking in the rain at 5 - 15 degrees celcius is the norm March, April, May here too.

We would like to hear from others planning at this time. Also how is lunch handled we will probably be walking and know lunch may not be available many days. So do you buy the night before, get lunches for take along on from the place you are leaving? Is that an option? What works best?


Thanks Angelhart

Hi.
64 yo from Melbourne Australia, well 65 by March, planning the get to SJPDP at the very end of March and probably start on the 1st or 2d of April as the Napoleon route will be closed until the end of March.
I am also looking for company as I will go alone.

Regards
Andre

 

[Dave C.]

Hi.
64 yo from Melbourne Australia, well 65 by March, planning the get to SJPDP at the very end of March and probably start on the 1st or 2d of April as the Napoleon route will be closed until the end of March.
I am also looking for company as I will go alone.

Regards
Andre

Andre, I am planing to go about the same time. Have not firmed up the date yet, but probably starting from SJPdP April 1, 2, or 3. I will be starting solo also, but planning on a 30 day Camino Frances.

 

[Angel-hart]

Hi.
64 yo from Melbourne Australia, well 65 by March, planning the get to SJPDP at the very end of March and probably start on the 1st or 2d of April as the Napoleon route will be closed until the end of March.
I am also looking for company as I will go alone.

Regards
Andre

Andre: I was not aware that the Napoleon / French Route From SJPDP is closed in March? I thought it was may be closed for brief periods due to weather i.e. snow and or ice? I thought (and could be wrong) March 1-15th this route was open? If that is the case we will be their at a similar time frame.
I am the same age as you 64 turning 65 by Comino start. We my see each other along the way or at the beginning at least. The last 12 years of my working life I was a Merchant Deep Water Seaman working between Korea and Africa mostly stopping many places in between. I have stopped a few times in North and Eastern Australia a few times. Oceania Is one of my favorite places on the planet.
Ill due more research on the opening of the French Route. Thanks for the heads up and hope to meet up with you.

Angelhart

 

[mspath]

Angelhart,

For a good overview on winter walking see this earlier thread.

For more on closing the Napoleon route from 1 November, 2015 to April 1, 2016
see this link.
Stay safe and Buen camino!

MM

 

[Cruiser52]

Andre, I am planing to go about the same time. Have not firmed up the date yet, but probably starting from SJPdP April 1, 2, or 3. I will be starting solo also, but planning on a 30 day Camino Frances.

I plan on going a bit slower then 30 days. A friend of mine did it this year at the same time and rushed it because of work commitment and told me he regrated it, and advise me to take it slow and enjoy. I am thinking more like 6 weeks or so.

Andre: I was not aware that the Napoleon / French Route From SJPDP is closed in March? I thought it was may be closed for brief periods due to weather i.e. snow and or ice? I thought (and could be wrong) March 1-15th this route was open? If that is the case we will be their at a similar time frame.
I am the same age as you 64 turning 65 by Comino start. We my see each other along the way or at the beginning at least. The last 12 years of my working life I was a Merchant Deep Water Seaman working between Korea and Africa mostly stopping many places in between. I have stopped a few times in North and Eastern Australia a few times. Oceania Is one of my favorite places on the planet.
Ill due more research on the opening of the French Route. Thanks for the heads up and hope to meet up with you.

Angelhart

Yes, there was a discussion on it a few weeks ago. Apparently the authorities have decided to close the route this year from the 1st of November to the 31st of March.

 

[Dave C.]

I plan on going a bit slower then 30 days. A friend of mine did it this year at the same time and rushed it because of work commitment and told me he regrated it, and advise me to take it slow and enjoy. I am thinking more like 6 weeks or so.

Yes, there was a discussion on it a few weeks ago. Apparently the authorities have decided to close the route this year from the 1st of November to the 31st of March.

Enjoy your journey, maybe I'll see you.

 

[Robo]

And...just one person's (my) experience...but no need to plan too far in advance. You'll have a sense the day before what is possible, and lunch will happen. One way or another. The same could be said of most aspects of the journey. The open road is a rare thing in this world, and the chance to be spontaneous is even rarer. It is so wonderful and freeing to be able to relax into the unfolding adventure!

Good advice

I always had something in my bag 'just in case'. Nuts, muesli bar, chocolate. Maybe a roll and some cheese or pate. On the CF at least, it was rare not to find a cafe for lunch.

 

[Sailor]

My (first) window of opportunity is for a 30-day in March or April I keep looking at my calendar and at the Catholic Calendar for planning purposes:

Palm Sunday (Sunday, March 20, 2016)
Holy Thursday (Thursday, March 24, 2016)
Good Friday (Friday, March 25, 2016)
Holy Saturday (Saturday, March 26, 2016)
Easter Sunday (Sunday, March 27, 2016)

Thank you.

 

[Angel-hart]

My (first) window of opportunity is for a 30-day in March or April I keep looking at my calendar and at the Catholic Calendar for planning purposes:

Palm Sunday (Sunday, March 20, 2016)
Holy Thursday (Thursday, March 24, 2016)
Good Friday (Friday, March 25, 2016)
Holy Saturday (Saturday, March 26, 2016)
Easter Sunday (Sunday, March 27, 2016)

Thank you.

Thank you for these dates it looks as though we will start April 1,2,or 3. The Holly week will have an affect on the Comino route no doubt.

Angelhart