New Pilgrim leaving STJ on Aug 6 - have questions - Part 1

[BigWhiskers]

Wife and I are planning to leave from STJ on Aug 6, have questions;

1) If we stay in hotels in some cities, maybe once a week, will we get a stamp at the hotel or local Albergue or somewhere else? Will/can we get a stamp in STJ even if we spend the first night at Orisson?

2) In August & September, what is the likely morning temperature when starting walk at 7/8 am?

3) In August & September, what is the likely afternoon temperature when finishing walk at 2/3 pm?

4) Where will we find restrooms along the way, besides the Albergue? Will they have toilet paper, sink, etc.?

5) I understand that you can't get a dinner until 8 pm or later...way too late for us (can't sleep with a full stomach)...how late can we get lunch? Do they have pilgrim meals (fixed price menu) at lunch as well? Hoping to get by with a large lunch and then sleep early.

6) Planning to wear running shoes (very breathable), what (if anything) do you do to protect against the rain? If the answer is "just get wet", do you seek shelter and perhaps end the day early if it doesn't stop, or do you just walk your stage regardless? Worried about blisters and other feet issues.

7) Planning to use 30L Backpack for each of us, is that usually enough space? Not planning to use a sleeping bag, probably just a bag liner, We are assuming the albergue will be warm enough during Aug-Sept, but if it gets too cold later in the trip we would just buy something in Spain. Sound reasonable?

8) If we have any problems with our ATM/Credit cards, is there an international money transfer outlet like "Western Union" in the big cities?

Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

4) Where will we find restrooms along the way, besides the Albergue? Will they have toilet paper, sink, etc.?

Bars have restrooms for customers. They have toilet paper, but run out. You should have a small supply of your own. Along the trail every copse of trees has become a latrine, where you must bring your own toilet paper.

5) I understand that you can't get a dinner until 8 pm or later...way too late for us (can't sleep with a full stomach)...how late can we get lunch? Do they have pilgrim meals (fixed price menu) at lunch as well? Hoping to get by with a large lunch and then sleep early.

Many restaurants cater to pilgrims, so they open at 7 p.m. The Spanish show up after 9 p.m. when most pilgrims are in bed. The menu is available at both "lunch" and "dinner."

 

[3walkingtoSantiago]

1) If we stay in hotels in some cities, maybe once a week, will we get a stamp at the hotel or local Albergue or somewhere else? Will/can we get a stamp in STJ even if we spend the first night at Orisson?

You'll get your first sello in SJPP when you get your credencial. Hotels along the Way have stamps. Bars have stamps. The guy who sits beside his van in the field going up from Orisson selling coffee, tea, chocolate, and boiled eggs has a stamp - the last stamp in France - buy a coffee and get one!

 

[Lydia Gillen]

Hi Bigwhiskers,

I'll try to answer some of your questions.

1. You gan get your passport stamped in the pilgrim office in St. Jean. You can get it stamped in hotels, bars, cafes, churches along the way "sello" is the Spanish word for the stamp. pronounced 'sell-yo'

2. All bars,cafes restaurants have toilets with toilet paper, but it is wise to have a packet in your own pocket in case anywhere runs out.

3. In most towns the local people eat late mid day. there is 'Menu del dia' which is very reasonable usually served from 2.00pm. to 3.00 pm. There is a choice on the menu but if you depart from it you pay much more.

4. I have traveled with a 30 litre rucksack and find it roomy enough and I also have a sleeping bag in it.

5. You do not say where you are from. I am from within the euro zone and have never had any difficulty with ATMs in Spain. However I do let my bank know that I will be travelling in Spain before I go..

6. You ask about running shoes I think. When it rains in Spain the wind comes from the west and your feet will get wet. Very often not possible to take shelter along the way. It is a chance you take.

Buen Camino to you both,

Lydia

 

[Deleted member 3000]

2) In August & September, what is the likely morning temperature when starting walk at 7/8 am?

3) In August & September, what is the likely afternoon temperature when finishing walk at 2/3 pm?

You will be traversing Spain from France to the Atlantic, from sea level to a couple thousand meters of elevation, from desert to forest. There honestly is no answer to these two questions!

 

[scruffy1]

Eat a big lunch and you will learn all about the siesta - its hard to walk after three courses. Your evening dinner includes wine, drink one more glass then you are accustomed and sleep like a babe.

 

[naplesdon]

I agree with one of the earlier posters, there are no answers to any of your questions. You will hopefully learn that in the first 3 or 4 days, mais bien sur bring a supply of TP because you may need to use it in the woods.

 

[vagabondette]

5) I understand that you can't get a dinner until 8 pm or later...way too late for us (can't sleep with a full stomach)...how late can we get lunch? Do they have pilgrim meals (fixed price menu) at lunch as well? Hoping to get by with a large lunch and then sleep early.

Walking on a large lunch will probably be as uncomfortable as trying to sleep on a big dinner. While having lunch, stop at the tienda in town and pick up some stuff for dinner if you don't want to risk having to eat late.

6) Planning to wear running shoes (very breathable), what (if anything) do you do to protect against the rain? If the answer is "just get wet", do you seek shelter and perhaps end the day early if it doesn't stop, or do you just walk your stage regardless? Worried about blisters and other feet issues.

You can try putting your feet into plastic baggies and then wearing gators so water doesn't run down. That might help. Personally, I don't do extended walks in the rain so on rainy days I'll either stay where I am, stop early or taxi ahead. Slogging for 8 hours in wet misery is not my thing.

7) Planning to use 30L Backpack for each of us, is that usually enough space? Not planning to use a sleeping bag, probably just a bag liner, We are assuming the albergue will be warm enough during Aug-Sept, but if it gets too cold later in the trip we would just buy something in Spain. Sound reasonable?

That should be more than enough. I am going in September, also not taking a sleeping bag and my stuff could fit into 20l. bring all your stuff to the store with you (if you're buying a new pack) and load it up and find out what's comfortable. Buy the smallest, lightest, most comfortable bag you can.

8) If we have any problems with our ATM/Credit cards, is there an international money transfer outlet like "Western Union" in the big cities?

Yes, but if you notify your bank(s) there shouldn't be problems. In years of international living and travel to dozens of countries I've only ever had problems twice and a quick call to the bank fixed it right away. Keep in mind that many places will be cash-only and probably only in the cities will you be likely to use your cards.

 

[Chacharm]

It is pronounced 'Say-yo'. Just ask anywhere you happen to be. Every hostel, every Albuergue, every bar, every attraction has one.
You can buy gators for rainy days. It rained every single day the first three weeks of my Camino in the Spring. I had boots but saw lots of people with the gators.
You can cook dinner in many albuergues. Just about every little town has a store. Many places have lunch still available up to 4 or 5 pm. Lots of bars have tortilla or bocadillos available at any time.
Don't fret. You'll work out your own system for when to leave, when and what to eat, etc on your own. You'll have cold days and hot days and windy days and wet days and you'll get through them all. You'll have a lot of fun and you'll never forget it!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

gators for rainy days

Crocs work pretty well on rainy days, too. :twisted: :mrgreen: