Walking today In SNOW Fromista to Carrion de los Condes

[AndrewH]

Wow what a days walk.

Woke early as we all seem to do, except this was no ordinary morning. We begin with a Snowball Fight. Yer yer so much fun.

I started in SJPDP on the 14th January and with no rain or snow for the last 2 weeks its been a pleasure to be on my Camino. Chilly icy winds some days especially over the Meseta. Took myself 3 days to really settle into my own pace and walking speed. I am a solo walker and yet have met at least 40 pilgrims going the same way. I have also spent time alone and walking with others.

For anyone who is still needs to make their minds up on should they come noe in the winter. The answer is always for me a FAT YES.

Some Alburges are closed but most are open, and most have heat and good facilities. If you expect the Ritz Hotel you will be very dissapointed. If however you are pleased with the minimal requirements then you will be more than surprised, as many pilgtims will club together and cook with each other, a true family away from home.

If i could explain in words what i feel and how magical this has been so far everybody would choose to walk the winter. Less people yet there are plenty to make really good close freinds and companions.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL

 

[Anniesantiago]

Andrew, I'd be interested in hearing what kind of gear you took?
What shoes.. cold weather gear... sleeping bag?

Just out of curiosity.

 

[grayland]

Andrew, I'd be interested in hearing what kind of gear you took?
What shoes.. cold weather gear... sleeping bag?

Just out of curiosity.

I agree with Annie....it would be interesting to see your pack list....and what you dumped in the first week :wink:

I have walked twice in March and April and have thought that the summer months would result in a lighter pack as some of the clothes would not be needed.

 

[Kialoa3]

I think most would be surprised at how little you need to walk the Camino Frances comfortably in the winter. There is enough body heat generated while walking that a t-shirt with a good turtle neck 1/4 zip mid weight base layer topped with a fleece or light weight down vest should cover most needs. A wind proof/waterproof jacket rounds out the upper body when the wind really kicks up. Gloves and wooly hat, yes. Waterproof/windproof pants with the option of using long johns on cold days takes care of the lower body. An Altus poncho for the truly rainy days is recommended. Our packs weighed in at around 17 pounds for a Dec-Jan walk, including food and water. Yes, the weather we experienced this winter was milder than expected but we carried the clothing that would have allowed us to walk safely in weather down to 15-20 F (perhaps lower if we just piled everything on). You don't need Denali kit to walk a winter camino. Our pack list is posted on our blog. Don't let the winter intimidate you. It is a wonderful time of the year to walk.

John