Starting next Monday

[PeteF]

Hi has anyone started in mid September and compleated it by nov 5? I had ankle surgery. I only want to do 10-15 miles a day. I’m bringing layers. I’m worried about the weather. Cold mornings. My pack seems heavy. Can a guy mail stuff home? What’s the food like? What are the showers in the hostels like? Any privacy? I’m a shy guy who doesn’t approach others often. Will I be approached? Anyone doing some serious sole searching? What kind of answers did you get?

Cheers
Go Hawks
Pete

 

[RJM]

First of all, you are worrying too much.
You can walk as fast or as slow as you want. You are off the really peak season, so you should have no problems finding room at the albergues. Albergue showers are in single stalls for the most part, but if you are that shy and want privacy and be alone, do not stay in an albergue. Get a room, as they say.
I do not know what you mean by "what's the food like".
As far as the weather goes, you will not see snow. Maybe some frost in the morning. Maybe. Chilly evenings and morning, but not cold per se. You will not need what would be considered cold weather gear. Check out one of the many web weather sites for real research.
I do not know where your home is, so unknown if you mail stuff there from Spain. My best advice is do not bring too much stuff that you nave to mail some home.
If your pack seems heavy, take less stuff. If it weighs over 8 kilos or so, you have too much stuff in it. If you cannot carry it on an airline flight as a cabin carry on, you probably have too much stuff in it.
My best advice is to research Spain and the Camino via articles, youtube videos etc.

 

[tomnorth]

Hi has anyone started in mid September and compleated it by nov 5? I had ankle surgery. I only want to do 10-15 miles a day. I’m bringing layers. I’m worried about the weather. Cold mornings. My pack seems heavy. Can a guy mail stuff home? What’s the food like? What are the showers in the hostels like? Any privacy? I’m a shy guy who doesn’t approach others often. Will I be approached? Anyone doing some serious sole searching? What kind of answers did you get?

Cheers
Go Hawks
Pete

I started walking on 9/24 and reached Santiago on 10/29. I averaged 14 miles a day. Layers are good. I wouldn’t worry about the weather. I would lighten your pack now. If you post your packing list here, many folks will give you advice on where to cut. Again, don’t worry about the food. You will get enough. You can make your Camino as social or as solitary as you choose. Don’t be surprised, though, if others reach out to you and try to include you in gatherings. As far as soul searching, there’s a whole lot of that going on on the Camino. The answers depend on the questions.

 

[Davey Boyd]

No need to mail stuff home. If your pack is too heavy mail surplus stuff to Santiago and pick it up when you get there. You can mail it to Ivar who runs this forum (bless him), there is a link to his service with details above. Much cheaper than mailing home!

Not too much privacy in albergues, but you won't be the only shy person there. You can keep yourself to yourself if you want, nobody will mind.

Go slow and you will be fine

Davey

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Dont worry get to start point find yellow arrow and start walking. Albergue and privicy dont mix. Earplugs a must and eye patches as after light out phone or note lights a nuicience. Food meals can be a lucky dip but wine good.

 

[kdespot]

Pete, you're going to be just fine. You can do anything you want. You can walk any distance, stay in any accommodations, carry any load. The load, however, will partially determine everything else. Either let go of the weight now or you'll be dumping it in the first few days. Believe all these experienced pilgrims... there is a strong web of Camino support and it will take care of everything else. Just train as much as you can and have good shoes. Everything else will be available along the way. I walked my one and only from Sept 17-Oct 21, doing 15 miles /day or so. Days were warm and mornings/evenings were mild. There was a bit of cold in the final days in the mountains but I picked up a pair of gloves in a shop and was just fine. You're in for a wonderful journey. Let go and enjoy!

 

[nycwalking]

You'll be okay Pete.

Try not to overthink. The Way is what it is.

Buen camino to you.