Rafa on the Camino

[Trawlercat]

Flying from Los Angeles to Madrid May 25th 2019 on my first Camino. Planning to walk the Camino Frances and as of today with plans on ending in Finisterre. Giving myself just 44 days for this life altering experience that I have until now only read and viewed on YouTube. Member of the American Pilgrim Association with six iPhone apps under my belt for quick reference.

My equipment is everything left over from an attempted 2011 thru hike of the infamous Pacific Crest Trail. My physical training started just last week. My spiritual training is on going.

Hablo muy bien el Espanol. Fortunately or unfortunately I find myself being rather a bit chatty on the trail if given a chance.

Retired at 55 and at sixty the camino is now calling due to life, family, friends passing on to the great adventure.

My family roots according to my DNA are of the Iberian Peninsula and with a Spanish surname of Perez by way of Cuba and then Miami.

Looking forward to some motivation or online words while waiting my departure flight in less than two months.

Rafa
My given trail name

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Welcome to the Forum, Trawlercat.

I don't know if you LITERALLY meant that your gear is everything leftover from your attempted PCT thru-hike, but if so, the good news is that you'll be able to trim that gear list down and save quite a bit of weight.

Your preparation and knowledge base puts you on a great track for going and having a great Camino.

 

[Trawlercat]

Well it started that way. Since then my then ULA ultralight pack is now a new REI Flash 50, Merrill’s May also change, Mountain Hardwear windbreaker just got updated but, keeping the puffy lightweight down jacket. More to follow. My method is to throw things in a tough bin box and keep testing it, eventually what remains is what will go on the Camino.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Yeah, believe me I get that . Some of my stuff came from both my PCT thru-hike and Colorado Trail thru-hike, as well as keeping assorted stuff that I have gear tested for various companies. Below is the gear list I use for Camino.

 

[RJM]

The PCT and the AT and the Camino de Santiago don't have much in common.
The first two being actual backpacking hikes, and the Camino being simply a series of long daily walks between towns.
No tent. No water purifier. No cook stove or utensils, and actually save for your daily snacks, no food really.
A late May through July Camino Frances you won't need to bring much gear. About 12 pounds worth, maximum.

 

[gobjorn]

Welcome Trawler Cat!

Sounds like we are brothers, ditto retired then stepped out on 15 March 2017 on the Camino Frances, also aged 60. You know, as Dad used to say- "It's good to be (worried/scared/nervous/excited) - it means your paying attention." You sound like you got this knocked! The gear really isn't a big deal.

This ain't no through hike. For you it will be coming back to where you came from and a 800k prayer/meditation. Welcome home, amigo. Walk through your past...

 

[Trawlercat]

The PCT and the AT and the Camino de Santiago don't have much in common.
The first two being actual backpacking hikes, and the Camino being simply a series of long daily walks between towns.
No tent. No water purifier. No cook stove or utensils, and actually save for your daily snacks, no food really.
A late May through July Camino Frances you won't need to bring much gear. About 12 pounds worth, maximum.

Great info for anyone not doing their due diligence about this trail. For my timeframe I am looking at Cold weather gear, rain, ultralight sleeping bag, etc. My complete load is now at 12 pounds including an REI comfortable but heavy pack at two pounds plus. I am planning on carrying no more than eight pounds. Upgrading to the new iPhone and Apple Watch allow me to leave my camera, guide book, extra batteries etc.

Prepping for the PCT I posted on trailjournals.com. Now that I look back at my gear testing and stories I see that trawlercat ( trail name) has over 65k hits. Will likely do the same for the Camino.

 

[RJM]

Also, nobody does the trail-name thing on the Camino. Everyone just goes by their actual names. I don't think I met anyone on my Caminos that introduced themselves by a nickname. Only names such as John, Jim, Mary, Katherine, Carlos, etc. I didn't meet anyone named Moonbeam, StarChild, LongBeard, Geezer etc like you do on the AT.

 

[Trawlercat]

Thanks. I have a difficult time remembering names anyway but, looking forward to speaking lots of Spanish on the Camino.

 

[linkster]

¡Buena suerte peregrino!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Thanks. I have a difficult time remembering names anyway but, looking forward to speaking lots of Spanish on the Camino.

Pickup some greetings and courtesy phrases in Euskadi(Basque). My greetings in Spanish didn't always get the desired response. They didn't seem to mind Castellano as much in Galicia.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yeah, believe me I get that . Some of my stuff came from both my PCT thru-hike and Colorado Trail thru-hike, as well as keeping assorted stuff that I have gear tested for various companies. Below is the gear list I use for Camino.


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You are so organized, Dave, but then, those of us who feel we know you virtually would not be surprised. You are always so full of wisdom and sound advise. I'm so glad you "came back" and continue to bless and share it with both the newbies and oldies alike!