Jakenmarie said:
Hello all. I'm planing to start my Camino on or around November 1st. Any advice/warnings?
Thanks in advance.
Jakenmarie,
Besides the practical advice offered above here are some further considerations for your November plans.
November 1, All Saints' Day, is a holiday in both France and Spain. Many families travel during this time to pay homage to their dead relatives. Hence roads and transport may be extra busy. Some businesses and services, but not all, will be closed on this day. In SJPdP, however, the Pilgrim Office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle will be open on the holdiday; their telephone is 05 59 37 05 09. Their volunteers can provide you with a Credential and on site lodging assistance.
Autumn is a wonderful time to walk and the days are usually golden. However you must always be prepared for varied weather. Nights can be chilly or cold and freezing rain or even snow might occur by November.
BE PREPARED! Listen to weather forecasts on TV and
HEED THE ADVICE of the locals. Do NOT be foolhardy and attempt the impossible. For recent Forum discussions regarding camino storms
BE CERTAIN TO READ this important thread >>
el-camino-frances/topic16961.html.
Many albergues start to close mid October, but the hospitaleros usually know who is open on the next stage. Since the crowds of summer are past you will find the welcome at those albergues which are open to be most sincere. Most albergues will either be heated or have blankets, but not all. Many a cold camino night I have worn a wooly hat to sleep resembling Goldylocks' "grandma"
Most of us who walk in late autumn and winter wear and carry lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed while walking. Each pilgrim develops a favorite combo. Scan the Forum's Equipment topic to see a multitude varied alternate approaches. Here's mine >>
http://mermore.blogspot.fr/p/kit-and-tips.html
Happy planning and Buen Camino,
Margaret Meredith