walking via de la plata in may - july

[anita]

Hi, i need some advice please. Will be walking the VdlP starting late May 2010. Using the 2004 book of Cole and Davies to do my planning. However, might be outdated in terms of costs and albergue/hotel names. Any recent walkers can you please assist? Anita

 

[Caminando]

Hi Anita

More experienced walkers than me will contribute here, but I walked a chunk of the VDP in July and it was really hard because of the heat. I would not go back in that month.

Buen camino anyway! :arrow:

 

[anita]

Hi Caminando, thanks for the advice - i am worried about the heat but will have to endure it since i have to plan my camino sabbatical to coincide with the world cup in SA, when i assume (hope i am right!) my work will slow down a bit. Any other advice re type of backpack, etc. will be so welcome!

 

[Caminando]

Hi Caminando, thanks for the advice - i am worried about the heat but will have to endure it since i have to plan my camino sabbatical to coincide with the world cup in SA, when i assume (hope i am right!) my work will slow down a bit. Any other advice re type of backpack, etc. will be so welcome!

Hi Anita

I dont want to be negative, but I ignored all advice about the heat and paid the price. I began in Merida, started every day just before dawn, yet I fried by around 11.30. The heat was like a hammer. After a week or so, I hopped on a bus to begin again in Salamanca, where it was a little cooler. Now I would consider another way, for the VDP is tough.

On equipment, the forum is full of advice on that. But you only need a sac which will carry around 8-10 kgs. Footwear is important and a wide ranging topic. Please use a specific trekking boot, whatever type you choose. It need not be heavy or in leather, but something sturdy is needed. Many suffer in sports/training shoes. Use them plenty before starting, at home. Use 2 socks for blister prevention, one close fitting and thin, the other snug on top but not restricting. Personally I also use a big bandana which I continually soak in water, and stick that on my head.

Maybe more people will be along to offer ideas.


Do search around the forum for different views from mine and decide as you can.

Best wishes for your camino
Buen viaje, buen camino

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Anita,
I'm walking the Vdlp in 2010 also, but will be beginning a little earlier. Though you will likely encounter some really hot weather, one thing to keep in mind is that if you start in late May, you should be out of Andalucia and Extremadura well before July. As you can see from this chart of average temperatures, there is quite a difference month to month:

http://www.elcaminosantiago.com/Weather ... limate.htm

I know how frustrating it is having to schedule walking to fit with work, which is leading me to consider retirement. Laurie

 

[MermaidLilli]

Yes, that is what I wanted to say.... that by the time July hits you will be north in the mountains where it is significantly cooler.
Buen Camino
Lillian