Walking the Camino next year in Spring

[nadinewatson]

Hello. My husband and I are going to walk the Camino in 2006 between late April and mid-June, taking about 6 weeks. We are in our late 50's early 60's and would like some feedback on things like: the weather, the clothing, the footwear, accommodation (we intend to stay in private accommodation, not refugios). We are aware that a small amount of luggage is essential and do not intend to carry more than 5 or 6 kilos each. Although we walk a lot (most days about 5 to 8 kms) we have never walked for such a length of time or covered such a distance. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Nadine

 

[ivar]

Hi and welcome to the forum Nadine,

Weather
Regarding the weather in April, May and June have a look at these links:
http://www.peterrobins.co.uk/camino/weather.html
http://www.santiago-today.com/santiago- ... ebcams.cfm

There has also bee a few comments in the weather section of this forum that may give you an idea of the weather in this time-period. Visit it here:

viewforum.php?f=18

... and look for posts made in and around that time last year to get a general idea of the weather.

Grant Spangler has also a good collection of weather links, here:
viewtopic.php?t=135

Footwear
There are different opinions on what is the best footwear to use. To get an idea, have a look at this thread here:
viewtopic.php?t=389

I have talked to several pilgrims that have used private accommodation, so this should be possible. If anyone has anything to add to this, please do so here.

For some general tips on how to prepare your walk, have a look here:
viewtopic.php?p=206

I hope this helps.

Welcome to Santiago!

Ivar

 

[nadinewatson]

thank you very much for all these good links. I will explore them over the next few weeks.
kind regards
Nadine

 

[Mabel]

weight on the Camino

I have traveled a few times on the Camino. 18 pounds is more realistic if you keep in mind you will need to bring along
fly and mosquito repellents,
sunscreen and
3 pairs of socks are best incase the pair you wore the night before doesn't dry completely. Keeping things separate and using plastic storage bags like the kind you use for food, etc. is a very good idea. Makes it easy to find things AND keeps things dry.
WALKING Sticks are really good! You will need them for sure!!
Don't forget a first aid kit
and your essentials for hygiene!
A good cantene for water is also essential.
Also...using safety pins instead of clothes pins for hanging up wet clothes is lighter and easier. In Galicia it is always dewy in the mornings and sometimes your things don't dry...so the plastic bags come in handy!!
Buen Camino!!
Mabel

 

[sillydoll]

Staying in hotels

The tourism institute of Spain - Turespana - has published an official guide of hostals, pensions, hotels, and camping sites on the Camino called "Guia Oficial de Hoteles y Campings del Camino de Santiago". It is available in French, German, Spanish and English and lists all accommodation authorized by the appropriate municipal and national tourism authorities You can obtain the booklet free of charge in any tourist office or from TOURSPAIN E-mail: manuel.jurado@tourspain.es