Nashville to Santiago!

[Srobin02]

Dear All,
My name is Sarah- this is my first post and I leave next Wednesday for my Camino! Although I have a lot of supportive friends, family, and coworkers, I'm going by myself and am a little nervous. It seems from this forum that a lot of young women have done this on their own and have met fabulous people along the way, so I put my faith in that! If anyone has advice, particularly on the following, I would appreciate your help!

My dates are June 7 from St. Jean Pied de Port, hopefully arriving in Santiago July 4th. I'm limited on both sides because I'm a teacher and can't fly out until June 5th, and have to be back for my brother's wedding by July 6th. I know this is less time than typically recommended, but do you think it is doable? I've run half marathons, but not recently, and I know this is a very different type of "fit."

I have all of my transportation except for Bayonne - St. Jean on June 6th. Is this a ticket that is easy to purchase when you arrive at Bayonne, or do the busses/trains frequently sell out?

For all my attempts to learn Spanish I haven't been able to pick it up - what do you think are the most important phrases you've needed? I'm going to try to do it technology-free but can see myself breaking this rule to use my iPhone for translating - I don't want to, so I'm trying to practice these ahead of time.

For walking in June/July, have you needed a sleeping bag? I've purchased a really lightweight sleeping bag liner and was wondering if it would be enough. What about long sleeves/jackets? Someone mentioned a "rain suit" on their thread with pants and jacket and I didn't know if that was something others found helpful/necessary.

Other things I've wondered if people found them necessary are trekking poles, sock liners, and a headlamp. Also do you think it would be wise to bring running shoes in addition to hiking boots and nighttime flipflops in case you have blisters from the hiking boots, or do you think it is just unnecessary weight?

The guidebook mentions that there are dogs sometimes, and I have a weird terror of dogs. Are there frequent run-ins? It seems from other posts that if you don't get in their way they won't bother you, but there were some conflicting ideas of what to do if they do come to you. My hope is that I will have met some friends by this point and won't be alone .

Sorry for the long introduction and questions - even though I'm scared I am so excited! If you are going to be on the path at the same time, I hope I meet you!

Sincerely,
Sarah

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Is this a ticket that is easy to purchase when you arrive at Bayonne

Yes. They add buses when the bus is full.

dogs. Are there frequent run-ins?

Rare.

Buen camino. Have fun.

 

[ThisIsSpain]

Gracias ..... is the most beautiful word in the Spanish language. You can use it often and say it with a smile. It will take you a long way!

Buen Camino

 

[Ekelund]

Welcome to the Forum, Sarah.
Most of the dogs I have met during my Caminos would be tied up, they would bark and growl in a very fierce way but they did no harm being tied up. Sometimes a dog would run up to me, the owner would be near by and call the dog. Don't worry about it, you will be fine.
Buen Camino to you.

 

[Srobin02]

Thank you all so much! As I wrap up my school year I'm getting incredibly excited. Your help, advice, and encouragement are appreciated, and I'll keep you in my prayers as I start!
Sarah