Cloirtheach
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- I'm planning on going this spring (2014) or next spring (2015)
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Hi-ya! I recently just watched the movie The Way with Martin Sheen and it got me thinking that I needed to walk the Camino. I know it's probably not going to be as nice as the movie and I'm prepared to get a lot of blisters. I have very little to no knowledge of the Camino, except that it's related St. James the Apostle and that the usual 1000km route starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Now because I barely know anything about The Way, I have several questions:
1. How long should I be planning for this? Is this something you can plan for two months and jump in or should I be planning my trip a year in advance?
2. Because I want to walk like a pilgrim I am looking for the cheapest way possible. How much a day (food and hostels) would it cost? I know a lot of people say around $30-$35 is comfortable living, but I feel like I could sacrifice a couple things and do it cheaper.
3. When's the best time to go? I know flights are cheaper in the winter and I would love to walk at that time, but are there many people walking during the winter?
4. Do you make Camino Companions quickly? I know individual prayer and reflection is important, but I also feel you need at least one person to share the experience with.
5. Where should I be flying in if I'm going to be starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port? I read somewhere that I should be arriving in Pau, but is there a closer airport?
I appreciate all your help and please feel free to share some of your experiences!
Hi, wow so many questions. Sounds just like me back in April 2012 when I first saw the movie, I knew instantly that I was to walk the Camino. I finally did Sept 3 - Oct 6 2013. I spent 34 days walking the 800K, SJPdP to Santiago.
1. It took me 1 1/2 years to start my journey only because I had to save money and vacation time. I met some pilgrims who decided just a few weeks before to take the journey. It all depends on the individual.
2. The cost for me was average 24 euro a day, 34 days, 800 euro total (does not include airfare/transportation). $33/$1100 This amount spent is one of the lowest you'll find. I stayed in alburgues, municipal and private. I ate what I wanted and never sacrificed anything. Life as a pilgrim is very simple and you realize you really don't require a lot to be happy. I rarely drink alcohol so this contributed to me spending less.
3. Weather wise Spring. Summer or Fall are ideal times to go. I've heard that Winter can be too harsh. The crowds are hit and miss and when to go is really a personal preference. Just remember though, that when you go it's the right time for you.
4. Yes, you will meet plenty of other pilgrims. If you stick together all the way to Santiago depends on personalities, walking pace, sick days, rest days, etc. It's hard to walk on when a friend needs to stay due to illness or injury but I witnessed plenty of pilgrim's having to make that choice.
5. This is a tough question to answer so I will just share with you what I did. Idaho to Paris, bus to Orly airport to catch flight to Biarritz, taxi to train station in Bayonne, train to SJPdP. Whew! This worked brilliantly for me, I was blessed that everything was on time and ran smoothly. There are so many different routes and suggestions. This will most likely be the hardest part of your trip, figuring out how to get to SJPdP.
Please, let me add that your Camino will be nicer than the movie, this I am sure of. Happy planning and God Bless.
Pack included, I will probably end up carrying 25 pounds.
Roger
25 lbs? Be careful about what you pack, I started out at around 22-23 lbs, towards the end I shaved it down to 16 lbs with 1 liter of water, it may sound crazy, I started with an Osprey Exos 46L pack and it was too big, I'm looking at the Deuter AC Aera 30 for my next Camino and I will shave the weight down to 6KG (13.22lbs)
You'd be surprised with how little you need to carry, most anything you need to buy can be bought locally.
Roger: When you arrive at the albergue in Roncesvalles you will find a big box for donations (not money). After walking through the Pyrenees for 1-2 days you, like many others, may decide that there are a few things you don't need to carry the remaining 700 plus kilometers. Yep, I made a donation myself .
Buen Camino
@Bajaracer, what is your proposed pack weight as a percentage of your body weight? And what season are you planning to walk in next?25 lbs? Be careful about what you pack, I started out at around 22-23 lbs, towards the end I shaved it down to 16 lbs with 1 liter of water, it may sound crazy, I started with an Osprey Exos 46L pack and it was too big, I'm looking at the Deuter AC Aera 30 for my next Camino and I will shave the weight down to 6KG (13.22lbs)
You'd be surprised with how little you need to carry, most anything you need to buy can be bought locally.
I have heard many times that most things can be bought locally. However, I have also read the crowds can be tough so I am concerned about being prepared in that I want to be able to camp if I have to. I keep hearing about this "race for the bed" routine that goes on. I plan on a Sept/Oct trip. I have a Bug Out Gear pack that my son gave me a couple of years ago. It weighs about 5 lbs on its own. Add a sleeping bag, pad, clothes, water, small amount of food, rain gear, personals, etc .... I can see the weight adding up. But I totally understand the benefit of NOT hauling extra weight and I am listening.
Thanks for the feedback. I'd like to discuss this in more detail if you are okay with that.
Roger
Hi Tumbleweed,
I am considering a pilgrimage about the same time of year you did. From about 9/14 to about 10/17. Were your 34 days all walking days or did that include some rest/tourism days? If so how many?
I am estimating about 28 walking days with 4 or 5 rest/tourist days added on.
Any specific suggestions on where along the route would be the nicest to spend a day? Pamplona, Burgos, ... someplace particularly restful or interesting?
I have been studying the german language. I'm kind of hoping to tag along with a german group and enhance my language skills.
Did you calculate how much weight you carried? Pack included, I will probably end up carrying 25 pounds.
Any tidbits of advice would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance and God Bless,
Roger
HA!!The "race for the bed" is for the cheaper accommodations such as the Municipal Albergues, Donativo Albergues, the "racers" are the ones who get up at 0400 and wake everybody up and walk like hell till 1200 and then wait hours for the cheaper accommodations to open, and then they spend the rest of the day sleeping and turn off the lights inside, they get pissed at you when you turn on the lights in the early evening when lights out is at 2200.
The Municipal and Donativo Albergues are not the only game in most towns, I stayed at a couple of Donativo Albergues and a few Municipal Albergues, for the most part, I stayed primarily at private albergues and never experienced not getting a bed nor did I have to call ahead.
Please feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.
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