To the April fools,

[Angel-hart]

Just a note to all those who started the Camino France's in or near April 1-31. Just got back from Finestere a couple of days ago. Most all the folks that started on April 01 had a wonderful experience. It rained before us, after us and on us. Cool days, cool nights in no heat or low heat places to stay, many of us were and still are slow walkers finishing in 40+ days to Santiago.

Deb and I were surprised to meet up with so many in Santiago, and Finesterre. People we thought that due to injuries may not make it, or were ahead or us mostly all did make it. One man from Austrailia passed and his wife finished for them both.

Small towns treated us well and made our Camino experience delightful, one of the best a donitivo place in a small town, and a pension in a town of 40.

Australians, Koreans, Americans, Germans, English, Norwegianas, People of Ireland, Switzerland and more. Many "last suppers" at the ending points, making friends, talking about our experiences. The Camino spirit was lit and alive in us all. Right down to a woman giving her seat up on the full bus in Finesterre yesterday morning.

Want to experience a great Camino? Be an April Fool!

Deb and Rob

 

[stevedeployed]

I agree! Was an April fool myself (Leon to SDC) finishing on 30 April. Met amazing folks from all over and can't wait to get back. Planing SJPDP to Burgos next April.

 

[GreatDane]

I was an April Fool too!! Burgos to Astorga. Drizzled somewhat nearly every day but since that a treat for me I really enjoyed it!

 

[Deb&Jeff]

Just a note to all those who started the Camino France's in or near April 1-31. Just got back from Finestere a couple of days ago. Most all the folks that started on April 01 had a wonderful experience. It rained before us, after us and on us. Cool days, cool nights in no heat or low heat places to stay, many of us were and still are slow walkers finishing in 40+ days to Santiago.

Deb and I were surprised to meet up with so many in Santiago, and Finesterre. People we thought that due to injuries may not make it, or were ahead or us mostly all did make it. One man from Austrailia passed and his wife finished for them both.

Small towns treated us well and made our Camino experience delightful, one of the best a donitivo place in a small town, and a pension in a town of 40.

Australians, Koreans, Americans, Germans, English, Norwegianas, People of Ireland, Switzerland and more. Many "last suppers" at the ending points, making friends, talking about our experiences. The Camino spirit was lit and alive in us all. Right down to a woman giving her seat up on the full bus in Finesterre yesterday morning.

Want to experience a great Camino? Be an April Fool!

Deb and Rob

Rob and Deb, it was great to meet you two, and didn't we have fun!! Hopefully we will meet again one day. xx keep us posted on your travels.

 

[Pat Kenny]

Hi Deb & Rob, thanks for the info.
Did you travel across Route Napoleon on 01 April? or via Valcarlos?
Did it take long to get into the routine and groove?
cheers
Pat

 

[Pat Kenny]

Oops! there is an assumption in the previous post. I should ask from where did you start.

 

[vlebe]

I was an April fool once...arrived in SdC on April the 1st. It was a delightful journey!

Ultreia!

 

[Angel-hart]

Rob and Deb, it was great to meet you two, and didn't we have fun!! Hopefully we will meet again one day. xx keep us posted on your travels.

You two were such an inspiring couple. Helpful, fun to be around, and great fun to talk with. Hope we stay in touch, we got to Valencia today for our break days.

Deb and Jeff

 

[Angel-hart]

Hi Deb & Rob, thanks for the info.
Did you travel across Route Napoleon on 01 April? or via Valcarlos?
Did it take long to get into the routine and groove?
cheers
Pat

Sorry to get back so late. We've been traveling a bit in Spain. We were asked by the offivpce in SJPP to go Valcarlos, all of the early April fools agree there is plenty of hill there to hike. I would go that way again, it is a good walk.

Deb and Rob

 

[Geri_San Diego]

I am not sure if I qualify but I just got home - did SJPP to Santiago 4/14-5/22. A wonderful experience but physically harder than I expected though I trained very hard. Cold, wet, muddy,challenging and rewarding. I was told it would get easier but I am not sure if ever did.

 

[Angel-hart]

Hi Deb & Rob, thanks for the info.
Did you travel across Route Napoleon on 01 April? or via Valcarlos?
Did it take long to get into the routine and groove?
cheers
Pat

We did go over Valcarlos route as the Orrison route was closed. It takes a couple of weeks to get into a good groove. The walk was challenging for us. I trained a lot and found the combination of walking with another person or other people, the terrain, weather, food, and lodging to take time to get used to.
I took a plastic box for a lunch everyday and found that small thing to be one of the best things I did. Each day we walked our distance, would get settled in at the albergue or were we were sleeping and found it was off times for the local businesses. So we ate our lunch or snacks or whatever we got that morning on the way then. Took a little sleep time and then we're ready later for dinner.