Prayers for the Pilgrims walking now.

[lorax]

I just read that Spain is getting hit with a big freeze... is this true?? I immediately wondered how the pilgrims walking now are faring?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The big city temperatures are in the 40's and 50's right now, so the situation is not dire. Higher elevations might be pretty cold, and I don't have the report for the Pyrenees.

 

[MiguelGomes]

Yep, it's a polar cold wave that is coming from Siberia, Russia, and it is supposed to last till next tuesday. I'll start my first camino next wednesday in Leon, so I hope I don't get it as strong as it is now.
But I would lie if I didn't say that it worries me a bit (to not say a lot!). I'm from Oporto, north of Portugal, and we're getting the same polar cold wave, so I know it's really, really cold.

 

[Arn]

Come on folks...if you have a good set of layers: 50% poly pro/cotton, a simple fleece vest, and a good rain repellant shell... You're good to 0'degrees C and 32 degrees F.

This is a minor weather situation.

Good planning is the best!

Arn

 

[Tia Valeria]

Many night time temperatures are down well below 0C and very low in the daytime. Also a windchill factor to be considered. Good layering and some sort of windproof jacket as Arn says, but take care especially at high altitudes. The Spanish weather forecast have been giving weather warnings and there is snow expected at around 200mts in some places.
Having said that all it takes is thought and listening to advice from the locals. Stay an extra day, or walk a lower route etc. Hopefully things will start to iprove again later in the week.
Weather can be checked on http://www.aemet.es/es/portada
and angulero has posted a list of other websites to on the weather thread,
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/board/weather/topic10649.html#p80503
Keep warm and safe

 

[sulu]

Hi Miguel,
I've just answered you on another post but if you are in Oporto your weather must be similar to mine. You certainly won't get the lovely sunshine of January but you'll be walking westward, so far the snow is in the other direction. It's the bitter winds that are the problem, as I'm sure you know. Good luck!
Buen camino
Sue

 

[bromeliad]

Come on folks...if you have a good set of layers: 50% poly pro/cotton, a simple fleece vest, and a good rain repellant shell... You're good to 0'degrees C and 32 degrees F.

I beg to disagree.
Wearing cotton next to your skin in cold weather is suicide.
You work out a sweat (possible even in polar conditions); your poly/cotton underwear RETAINS THE MOISTURE NEXT TO YOUR SKIN, as all cotton or cotton blend garments always do; you stop to rest; your body cools down; your soaked undergarments CHILL you down: hypothermia.

Never, ever wear cotton to exercise in cold weather. Instead, wear wicking fabrics, synthetic (polypropylene, bergelene, capilene, etc.) or natural (silk or merino wool).

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Arn]

What I meant to say is: if you think you must wear cotton...at all...make it a blend that's at least 50/50 polypro and cotton.

I am a firm believer that cotton can lead to death for the reasons you mentioned.

I've written about this extensively on other threads.

Good discussion

Arn

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Just ten pilgrims at the Santiago Pilgrim Office today.