Sunrise in Spain right now.

[Phillypilgrim]

It is SO close now. I leave for Madrid on Sunday evening. I see the sun rises in Madrid about 7:30 AM. I am now rethinking the need for a headlamp. I have a "flashlight" app on my iPhone, and a small keychain light as well, but nothing for walking. I am planning on walking short stages, so will probably leave each morning between 7-7:30 AM. However, perhaps I should be prepared for earlier walking with a headlamp. What do you think?

 

[SYates]

Why would want to start so early that you need a headlamp? If you walk only short stages 8:00 is early enough to set out plus you see where you are walking through / past. Enjoy your camino, SY

 

[JohnMcM]

So happy for you that you ate about to start out from Madrid.
Sunrise is usually agreed to be when the sun in your area breaks the horizon. I'm not convinced you'll need a headlamp, however, do what you are comfortable with,and have a great time.

 

[Madidi]

I don't know this route but if there is a risk of rough terrain then I would either take a head-torch or start after sunrise. With short stages planned, it should not require too early a start: just relax and enjoy a decent breakfast before you head off.

Buen Camino

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Thanks! No headlamp. Just last minute jitters I think!

 

[coldweather]

Although you may not need a headlamp for your morning walk, you may want one for use in the alburge. It will help with getting to/from the bathroom at night and morning packing. Buen Camino.

 

[RoryGentry]

Always take a headlamp! This is an "emergency" item that no hiker should be without. Many of them feature strobe modes, etc.

Not only could it be very helpful in an emergency... but I most often use mine if I have to get up during the night to find a toilet, etc. Mine has a red lamp feature, so it doesn't disturb others.

 

[MoniRose]

I didn't use my headlamp for seven weeks on the Camino last summer, so I didn't take it with me this year but twice in the first five days I needed it when I reached a portion of the path that was completely covered with low trees. I would have had to stop and wait for more light had my friend not had hers.
That said, the Camino will provide for you. Enjoy! - Monica

 

[kjbug]

I took a headlamp when I started in late April from SJPP. Never used it. But then I was usually the last one out the door in the morning. I think the folks who walk in the dark either are concerned about the heat, concerned about getting a bunk, or have planned a very long walk that day. I used my iPhone for light several times around the alburgue at night since I had it handy, ears plugged into Nature Sounds mix for white noise due to snoring. Enjoy your trek-

 

[whariwharangi]

Many washrooms have lights on timers. Some of them work on motion sensors that don't cover the inside of the toilet stall. Imagine standing there in pitch black with pants around your ankles and a hank of soiled paper in hand.

(I'll spare you the gory details)

Bring a headlamp and be careful to cover it with your hand to block most of the light when you make your way from your bed to the can at night so you don't inadvertantly annoy someone with it. Get the lightest weight lamp. When you get home put it in your earthquake/tornado/hurricane survival kit.

There is no need to leave before 0730. Particularly if you plan short days ... any time you save starting early will be lost waiting for the albergue to open.

If you are walking beside the road in low light conditions it may be worthwhile to wear the light. I'd consider first whether you need to be there.

 

[camino-david]

Dawn will be about half an hour before sunrise and light enough for you to see your way. In late October sunrise will be about 8.30. If you are doing less than 20 kms a day, then at 4 kms per hour plus time for café con leche, rests etc and leave by 8.30 you will be at your destination by 2 or 3 pm, time enough for shower, laundry, prepare your bed, socialising etc. before dinner. No need to stress. It is a good idea to have some sort of flashlight for use during the night.

 

[kjbug]

Oh, I forgot to mention. Although I never used the borrowed headlamp, when I left home I did put fresh batteries in it. When I got home 6 weeks later, the batteries were dead. Note to self, after checking to make sure everything works, remove the batteries at least until you get to Spain. I don't know if it was packed/jostled and inadvertently switched on or what. Wouldn't have done me much good.