Starting 2nd of september from SJPP

[Roland Abi Hanna]

Hello all,

up until a week ago, i was confident that i will have fun during my camino francais trip which i casually decided to take about 3 weeks ago.

then i came across this forum, and noticed that people start preparing for this trip for month!
the only preparation i did is purchasing items that i would need along the way ( i went overboard, now i have 13 kg backpack including protein bars that should last me for the full trip)

Since i initially decided to wing it, i did not do any planning on how much i will be walking on a daily basis, other than booking a bed in Roncesvalles for the second night .

with that said, and reading all the comments and numerous advice and preparations on this forum i am now officially worried
i know i will have fun! but what i am worried about is that i may risk not finishing in time

Finally, do you have any advice? anyone starting on that date that would like to share their wisdom?

 

[NomadBoomer]

Hi Roland
I start from SJPP on the 2nd too, hopefully meet you along the way.
First bit of advice is to leave the protein bars at home. A lighter pack will make for an easier walk. Look at the packing lists experienced walkers have posted to see what else you can leave behind.
As long as you have decent footwear don't worry too much. You can learn along the way.

 

[Waka]

I agree with @NomadBoomer leave the protein bars at home, these can be bought along the way, the lighter the pack the better.
Don't be worried, this forum as you've learnt is full of so much information it can be mind boggling. The enjoyment I got on my first camino was that I didn't know what was around the corner, so everyday was an adventure.
You will meet some amazing people for the four corners of the world, and a lot of them will be as worried as you are. Try not to rush the camino, drink in the experience and just go with the flow, remember its not a race to the finish. If you don't finish in your allowed time you can always come back another time and finish.
Have a wonderful journey, what awaits you is amazing.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Very few can do it in three weeks, so you have a challenge ahead! Buen camino.

 

[Roland Abi Hanna]

Hi Roland
I start from SJPP on the 2nd too, hopefully meet you along the way.
First bit of advice is to leave the protein bars at home. A lighter pack will make for an easier walk. Look at the packing lists experienced walkers have posted to see what else you can leave behind.
As long as you have decent footwear don't worry too much. You can learn along the way.

Thank you for the advice! hopefully we may cross path..
i decided (may change my mind along the way) to take protein bars as i intend not to have lunch but only breakfast/dinner so basically need something to keep me going through the days
but you are absolutely right about the weight. protein bar box is around 1.9 kg so basically 2 kg of just snacks
as for list of stuff i've taken (please check attached photo)

I agree with @NomadBoomer leave the protein bars at home, these can be bought along the way, the lighter the pack the better.
Don't be worried, this forum as you've learnt is full of so much information it can be mind boggling. The enjoyment I got on my first camino was that I didn't know what was around the corner, so everyday was an adventure.
You will meet some amazing people for the four corners of the world, and a lot of them will be as worried as you are. Try not to rush the camino, drink in the experience and just go with the flow, remember its not a race to the finish. If you don't finish in your allowed time you can always come back another time and finish.
Have a wonderful journey, what awaits you is amazing.

Thank you for the advice and voice of confidence! i love how you described it and this is exactly why i want to do the camino, just slow down and smell the roses so to speak without worrying about what comes next except that i need to 'walk' ...
thanks again for your response! appreciate it

Very few can do it in three weeks, so you have a challenge ahead! Buen camino.

Thank you for your response! i apologize if i may have expressed myself in a confusing way..
i decided to do the camino three weeks ago, but i have time from 2 september till 12 of october to finish (i am hoping i have enough time to reach finisterre , not just santiago )

 

[Roland Abi Hanna]

36 days later, i have made it.
or should i say my camino family and i made it!

 

[Kanga]

Simply wonderful @Roland Abi Hanna - a lifetime achievement. Congratulations. Enjoy celebrating because it is a very, very, special thing you have done.

 

[HedaP]

Great photos. They say it all. A well deserved congratulations to you.
Keep walking!

 

[LdnWalker]

You'll be fine, you'll have more fun if you halve your pack weight. I did my first Camino with a similar weight and my feet did not thank me. I pack lighter now and it makes a huge difference. Buen Camino!

 

[MTtoCamino]

Well done! The smile tells all