- Time of past OR future Camino
- Francés x 5, Le Puy x 2, Arles, Tours, Norte, Madrid, Via de la Plata, Portuguese, Primitivo
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I live in a world where starting a business very often is about just that....money. And like it or not, the camino is not some alternate fairytale universe for the people living on the camino compared to the feelings many pilgrims walking the camino have, myself on occasion included. Otherwise we all would not not consider it to be such a special place.I think this is an unfortunate characterisation of the motives behind running this particular or any other private albergue.
Lol Well I like the fairytale universeI live in a world where starting a business very often is about just that....money. And like it or not, the camino is not some alternate fairytale universe for the people living on the camino compared to the feelings many pilgrims walking the camino have, myself on occasion included. Otherwise we all would not not consider it to be such a special place.
Weird much like a different dimension, or universeMe = confused about this thread. I am not sure if it still clear what this thread is about, since some posts from another thread have been moved here.....
I start mid-april, but I had thought the Albergues would be open by then. Should I be prepared for some to still be closed? Will the list at SJPDP show which ones are not yet open?Kanga
After talking with 2 forum members on the Camino Francis currently I would say there are locals who definitely need some time off.
I think you are correct for those of us that have walked in the off seasons or close to the off seasons it is good to put info out for those who may be planning a walk. During the times you mentioned. Mark S makes a very good point this needs to be thoughtfully planned. The weather gets rough quick & for days or weeks.
If someone is planning from Oct thru April please create a thread with questions so those on the forum with experience can help with questions. Heck for that matter any time of year.
Keith
I'm wondering if we, on this forum, are doing people a disservice by encouraging them to walk off season. Maybe we need to do more to stress the intemperate climate that is northern Spain, and particularly the potential for extreme weather conditions. Obviously some people get lucky and have glorious weather, but that cannot be relied on. I noticed from the latest Cathedral statistics the drop in the percentage of Spanish walkers during October. Maybe they know something about their own country!
By then you will have no issues finding a bed. The pilgrim office in SJPDP will still give you a list. I am not in the least picky if it was a mattress on the ground I was good! Everyone makes there own rules to what they will deal with as some folks stay in some very nice digs. Overall you will not have any issues with finding a bed. Also if you wait until mid April you should not need a sleeping bag. Just a light liner. What you will need is rain pants, a fleece coat & a good rain coat. Rain/ sun hat.I start mid-april, but I had thought the Albergues would be open by then. Should I be prepared for some to still be closed? Will the list at SJPDP show which ones are not yet open?
I've just re-read the "best time of the year to go" thread in the FAQ (above). There are several posts warning about how cold it can get in May. The information on weather is not hard to find.
That is very good. I would also avoid any boot/shoe with Gortex or like water proofing. I carried extra wool socks. Your boots will never dry regardless when it rains for days. you need them to breath. It won't take long to figure out what equipment you take works but if you get the chance to take 10-15 mile hikes on consecutive days in pouring rain, you can test before you leave. Your pack cover is just as important.My GF and I are planning on starting our Comino in Early April from SJPP we were going to start mid March. This forum and its contributors helped us decide on a later start date. Even though average temps only vary 1 or 2 degrees from March to April. We live in the Pacific Northwest and I whole heartdly agree if you wait for the weather to clear you may wait a very long time to start an activity.
That being said we are taking a few extra items to ensure a better experience: superior rain gear to stop wind as well as water back up by an altus poncho, thinner waterproof gloves for the same reason, good sleeping bags not to warm but adequate, good boots for the ankle deep mud days, warmer hat and baseball hat, thin wool under layers, even a jet boil for hot water. It added a less than 2 pounds or a kilo still keeping our packs under 16-18lbs so we figure it may be worth it?
As far as the Allbergues offering basic elements like heat, warm water, etc that would be great too>
And so do iLol Well I like the fairytale universe
This site has a wealth of climate data as well, starting here. Some, but not all, of the information is available in English. It includes summary statistics forYou may find this site useful for current conditions http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/provincias?p=27&w=
So there is a wealth of climate data for the whole of Spain available that points to the challenges for those walking outside of the summer months.
It is interesting that although it is, as you say, a very mild autumn, apparently some are having difficulties with the cold.
Thanks -- that's good to know. I expect to accept whatever I can find, but started to worry that I wouldn't find anything! I have all the rain and warm gear I think I'll need. And based on my reading in this forum about whether a sleeping bag would be needed, I finally decided to bring a 400g packable down quilt, in addition to a liner. I may be among the many who mail or discard along the way, but it seems prudent for April.By then you will have no issues finding a bed. The pilgrim office in SJPDP will still give you a list. I am not in the least picky if it was a mattress on the ground I was good! Everyone makes there own rules to what they will deal with as some folks stay in some very nice digs. Overall you will not have any issues with finding a bed. Also if you wait until mid April you should not need a sleeping bag. Just a light liner. What you will need is rain pants, a fleece coat & a good rain coat. Rain/ sun hat.
Thanks, Keith. I will take advantage of that invitation and will soon expose my kit to the collective peregrino wisdom.The more experience one has had in all types of weather the better prepared they will be. Since that is really the thing none of us know of each other it is very important to simply ask questions of each other. That is what makes this forum so useful.
We all may think our individual kit is best but I certainly have found better ideas. The one thing that stands out is we should never assume the new walker will take the essentials of equipment if for some reason they get stuck in a bad storm. So we simply continue to ask what time of year & a list of their kit.
Keith
I just want to know where a person finds a down quilt that takes up less space than a sleeping bag... That is a great idea. It seems the smaller the packing size the more $$ for equipment. Maybe we start a thread & see what others have figured out.Thanks, Keith. I will take advantage of that invitation and will soon expose my kit to the collective peregrino wisdom.
I just want to know where a person finds a down quilt that takes up less space than a sleeping bag... That is a great idea. It seems the smaller the packing size the more $$ for equipment. Maybe we start a thread & see what others have figured out.
I think we can make the distinction between packing for the climate and dressing for the weather. Clearly one doesn't not need to be prepared for absolutely everything, but it might pay to be at least prepared for the average minima and maxima temperatures, not just the median or average temperatures.I suppose anyone predicting the weather with confidence should be challenged, but we can only really talk in terms either of statistical averages, our own experience, or ( my personal but not very helpful favourite) 'be prepared for anything'.
I disagree about the boots . A few days ago I went up to O'Cebreiro in pouring rain that turned the paths into small brooks. Waterproof Salomon boots helped tremendously and the slight damp was helped by newspaper overnight with soles removed. I do not have sweaty feet, however.That is very good. I would also avoid any boot/shoe with Gortex or like water proofing. I carried extra wool socks. Your boots will never dry regardless when it rains for days. you need them to breath. It won't take long to figure out what equipment you take works but if you get the chance to take 10-15 mile hikes on consecutive days in pouring rain, you can test before you leave. Your pack cover is just as important.
The variation in temps can be extreme to -0 to 90+ so breathable zip clothes & rain Gear that breaths is very nice. But good breathable rain gear is $$. You can get by with garbage bags if you needed to
I disagree about the boots . A few days ago I went up to O'Cebreiro in pouring rain that turned the paths into small brooks. Waterproof Salomon boots helped tremendously and the slight damp was helped by newspaper overnight with soles removed. I do not have sweaty feet, however.
Raingear is another problem as body moisture condenses under it, clothes get wet and when I stopped I got quite cold. My advice for that: take clothes that can go into a hot dryer. Mine could not and dried in a nice and warm hotel room.
Thanks -- that's good to know. I expect to accept whatever I can find, but started to worry that I wouldn't find anything! I have all the rain and warm gear I think I'll need. And based on my reading in this forum about whether a sleeping bag would be needed, I finally decided to bring a 400g packable down quilt, in addition to a liner. I may be among the many who mail or discard along the way, but it seems prudent for April.
@Kanga I got Sealskinz from your advice in another thread and they are estupendo. I've tried out the 'light' version with sneakers, stomping through deep enough water to saturate the shoes, but the socks kept my feet bone dry. No liner, not cold. V comfortable to wear. Not cheap, but these are rolls royce socks.For really cold and wet weather I have found Sealskinz waterproof socks invaluable. Normally I wear sandals with no socks, but in terrible weather on the mountains on the Norte, I used the Sealskinz, with a pair of fine merino socks underneath. The down side is that they very, very expensive. They are also thick, a bit like wearing a wetsuit over the feet, so not sure how they would be inside shoes or boots.
Oh yes, it's so hard to make those final decisions, isn't it? Just remember to plan for your needs and that there will be plenty of chances to augment/discard along the way (or so I've been told, since my Camino is next year!). So, what I finally decided on:would you mind sharing about your rain and warm gear I can´t decide what to bring, don´t know what kind of clothes or rain gear to wear. For now I´m thinking about walking in my training tights and have rain pants over them to protect for wind and rain and to keep warm (need to figure out what rain gear to buy though).
would you mind sharing about your rain and warm gear I can´t decide what to bring, don´t know what kind of clothes or rain gear to wear. For now I´m thinking about walking in my training tights and have rain pants over them to protect for wind and rain and to keep warm (need to figure out what rain gear to buy though).
Sea to Summit Traveler TR1 compresses to size of grapefruit weighs less than a poundI just want to know where a person finds a down quilt that takes up less space than a sleeping bag... That is a great idea. It seems the smaller the packing size the more $$ for equipment. Maybe we start a thread & see what others have figured out.
So this is my list of 3 season clothing for my April/May camino, long sleeve tee shirts, heavy and light bike sleeves, lightweight base layer, long sleeve shirts and pants, ultra lite down vest, technical fleece, waterproof wind breaker, rain gaters, and a long zip up poncho. With the exception of my socks and down vest, everything's synthetic. Any suggestions or observations, or criticisms.
It's my trusty Tilliy hat with a head lamp. I do carry a be beanny for cold weather. I've had cold weather training in the Navy and with the Marines. Gear was outdated then but the layering concept was the gospal. Buen CaminoHi Urban Trekker. Sounds like you know what you are doing! Can't tell from your avatar pic if there is any "thatch on the roof", but for me a beanie or similar was essential for the cold bits. I used a comfy cotton skullcap that I bought ages ago in Toronto. I hope to be on the CF about the same time as you next year. Buen Camino.
Oh yes, it's so hard to make those final decisions, isn't it? Just remember to plan for your needs and that there will be plenty of chances to augment/discard along the way (or so I've been told, since my Camino is next year!). So, what I finally decided on:
I have the Sea to Summit TR1 also, amazingly light and small and can be fully unzipped to make an open blanket.Sea to Summit Traveler TR1 compresses to size of grapefruit weighs less than a pound
I absolutely agree with this assesment. I live in a city at the bottom of the jet stream, and it gets really cold here, and humid cold as well. And by cold I mean that a day at 10C below I consider fine for winter. 15 below and I am not very happy, 20 below is cold. So when I read about the Camino winter temps I mever really know what to expect....and in summer too. The lowest temperature in July in Burgos was 0.1ºC (BTW, on a Holy Year, 1993). How many summer pilgrims are well-equiped for such temperatures?
Maybe because they come from areas where that sort of temperatures aren't considered mild but cold. That's a point we shouldn't overlook when talking about weather and climate. The concept of cold isn't the same for someone used to winters with bellow zero temperatures than for someone used to winters with minimum temperatures well above zero.
P.S.: Another point we shouldn't overlook is the possibility of finding fogs along the route.
Thought this was too good to be true, and it's only rated for 10 C. Good for your typical late spring or early fall camino, but would it be enough in colder seasons?Sea to Summit Traveler TR1 compresses to size of grapefruit weighs less than a pound
Is it warm enough for a winter Camino? Love how compact it is.I have the Sea to Summit TR1 also, amazingly light and small and can be fully unzipped to make an open blanket.
3 season warmth add base layer socks and hat you should good to go.Is it warm enough for a winter Camino? Love how compact it is.
Keep the thermastat set at 18.5c at time of year. Plan is to wear base layer, socks and watch cap if needed at night. Buen Camino.Thought this was too good to be true, and it's only rated for 10 C. Good for your typical late spring or early fall camino, but would it be enough in colder seasons?
Have you tried it on a winter Camino?Keep the thermastat set at 18.5c at time of year. Plan is to wear base layer, socks and watch cap if needed at night. Buen Camino.
No I have not done a winter camino and after reading all the feedback I have decided it would be prudent to bring my camino sleeping bag and augment it with my down blanket. I think April there is simular to where I live in the Sierras and like the camino, very fickle. I also have trouble with mind set and tunnel vision. Thats why I use this forum to plan my camino. Buen CaminoHave you tried it on a winter Camino?
I am starting my Camino on April 14 and like Urban Trekker I think this will do if wearing some thermal layers/socks/etc. Is it likely to be much lower than 10C indoors? I'm also taking a silk liner. It feels beautiful, light and snuggly. I love the fact that it opens up to a 'blanket' and that I can get my feet out at the bottom and that 389 gms is very appealing.No I have not done a winter camino and after reading all the feedback I have decided it would be prudent to bring my camino sleeping bag and augment it with my down blanket. I think April there is simular to where I live in the Sierras and like the camino, very fickle. I also have trouble with mind set and tunnel vision. Thats why I use this forum to plan my camino. Buen Camino
Happy Trails
I think thermostats and theor setting are thebiggest difference between Nevada and Spain. May 2013 I remember so many albergues where you could not warm up. But love the idea of such a small and compact bag.No I have not done a winter camino and after reading all the feedback I have decided it would be prudent to bring my camino sleeping bag and augment it with my down blanket. I think April there is simular to where I live in the Sierras and like the camino, very fickle. I also have trouble with mind set and tunnel vision. Thats why I use this forum to plan my camino. Buen Camino
Happy Trails
Hola Johanna, I started from SJPdP on April 8, 2015 and encountered quite a range of weather conditions along the Way. Please note that I didn't walk the Meseta so cannot comment on that part. When you say "training tights" are you talking about proper compression tights? I can highly recommend full length compression tights for walking. They help with fatigue and also seem to help with temperature regulation. Even when my pants got soaked in rain I still felt comfortable as the tights seemed to repel the water. My lightweight Goretex jacket was adequate protection for cold and rain, with a light merino fleece for additional warmth when needed. Some water did get through though where the straps of my backpack rubbed on the shoulders, so a pancho might be better. I also wore a long sleeved compression top under my T shirt for sun / rain protection and comfort, although this would not be for everyone. I only wore my rain pants a couple of times, and they got very hot. I picked up a cheap pair of very light gloves at the last minute in SJPdP and was glad I had them. It was freezing on the Route de Napoleon! Buen Camino.
I'm wondering if we, on this forum, are doing people a disservice by encouraging them to walk off season. Maybe we need to do more to stress the intemperate climate that is northern Spain, and particularly the potential for extreme weather conditions. .......!
I'm sure you will be OK Johanna. Just remember, as many on this forum have said, you can always find what you need in Spain.Hi and thanks for the tips. I don´t have the compression ones but I work out a lot so the ones I have are good quality and material. So maybe if I decide on the tights and go for rain pants over (will buy high quality and light weight so they are easy to move around in). Compression top or something similar, a fleece and a rain jacket, would that be enough you think? And yes I will also bring my gloves =)
Johanna,
When in April are you going? We plan to leave from SJPDP aroung April 20th.
I've just re-read the "best time of the year to go" thread in the FAQ (above). There are several posts warning about how cold it can get in May. The information on weather is not hard to find.
I have a Revelation quilt from Enlightened Equipment. Expensive but very light and warm, a good camping alternative to a mummy bag.I just want to know where a person finds a down quilt that takes up less space than a sleeping bag... That is a great idea. It seems the smaller the packing size the more $$ for equipment. Maybe we start a thread & see what others have figured out.
Thanks Sabbott, interesting handle & spelling. I will look up Enlightened Equipment.I have a Revelation quilt from Enlightened Equipment. Expensive but very light and warm, a good camping alternative to a mummy bag.
This is a really good idea. I think I have a single down quilt, and could pack it into one of my waterproof bags (Sea and Summit, referenced above). By the way, those bags are invaluable. I found that packing all clothes in those, along with anything else I wanted to keep dry, meant that my backpack could be soaked and those items were fine. This means that any problems with a less than perfect pack cover are mitigated.
I'm also exploring options other than the Altus poncho, as I occasionally found it to be pretty uncomfortable.
I'm also taking a Cocoon silk liner, since the quilt is supposed to be used open-side down, unlike a mummy bag, and when camping in cold weather outdoors (which I'm not doing on the Camino) is wrapped around a pad for maximum warmth. The Enlightened Equipment bags are made to order and take about 5 weeks. This is a splurge, but I'm hoping to use it many times in the future.
Instead of a poncho, I'm taking rain pants and a good quality, breathable (Aspire model by Outdoor Research) rain jacket. My thinking is that both pants and jacket can do double-duty as layers. I'm starting mid-April, and it will probably be chilly and wet at times.
I think I've settled on a Gregory Z40 pack. It's more comfortable than the Ospreys for me.
I've finally decided on shoes, after reading so much information here and trying many pairs on my difficult feet: New Balance 1080v5 (Thanks for the recommendation, Anniesantiago.) They are very wide and soft, like bedroom slippers...but with good treads and support. Bringing a pair of waterproof socks also, for rainy days. Sounds like the trick with these is to keep water from going over the top of the sock.
Also have a pair of Ecco Yucatan walking sandals on order, as alternate walking shoes. (Thanks for the info on these, Kanga.)
I'll be glad to have my kit assembled, so I can quit obsessing about this gear and start using it!
Oh, I love love love my down blanket!
I even use it at home.
I guess I'm just used to the ALTUS - I've used it more than once for shelter and to keep warm at night.
I wouldn't go without it myself.
The first year I walked in rain gear and it wasn't as warm for me.
But everyone is different.
I think the key to the ALTUS is to leave it open at the top so you don't get condensation?
Thanks Mike. I am missing the walking but it was good to return home after almost 3 months away.Congratulations Sharon and welcome home!
Is it warm enough for a winter Camino? Love how compact it is.
I am coming for my first Camino, arriving at Pamplona on 12th October and booked to fly out of Santiago on 21st November. I hope to walk a significant portion but as I am 70 and traveling alone (by choice) I am not going to be rigid about this. I also have a limited budget so I will be sparing of the luxuries of a single room and restaurant food but I have lived well on the simple things before and accept that this is part of my journey. The one plan that I have allowed myself thus far is to walk 10 k by 0900 and let the rest of the day look after itself. Your advice will be most welcome.I'm wondering if we, on this forum, are doing people a disservice by encouraging them to walk off season. Maybe we need to do more to stress the intemperate climate that is northern Spain, and particularly the potential for extreme weather conditions. Obviously some people get lucky and have glorious weather, but that cannot be relied on. I noticed from the latest Cathedral statistics the drop in the percentage of Spanish walkers during October. Maybe they know something about their own country!
I checked the weather averages, temps and rainfall, for the months of May and October for about 20 locations across the CF. Over a 15 year sampling period they are the same.I'm wondering if we, on this forum, are doing people a disservice by encouraging them to walk off season. Maybe we need to do more to stress the intemperate climate that is northern Spain, and particularly the potential for extreme weather conditions. Obviously some people get lucky and have glorious weather, but that cannot be relied on. I noticed from the latest Cathedral statistics the drop in the percentage of Spanish walkers during October. Maybe they know something about their own country!
I was 70 last year when I walked from Roncesvalles to Santiago. This year I am walking from SJPDP starting on 4 October, and will celebrate my 72nd birthday somewhere around Estella. Buen Camino.I am coming for my first Camino, arriving at Pamplona on 12th October and booked to fly out of Santiago on 21st November. I hope to walk a significant portion but as I am 70 and traveling alone (by choice) I am not going to be rigid about this. I also have a limited budget so I will be sparing of the luxuries of a single room and restaurant food but I have lived well on the simple things before and accept that this is part of my journey. The one plan that I have allowed myself thus far is to walk 10 k by 0900 and let the rest of the day look after itself. Your advice will be most welcome.
I checked the weather averages, temps and rainfall, for the months of May and October for about 20 locations across the CF. Over a 15 year sampling period they are the same.
May is a great time to go!I've just re-read the "best time of the year to go" thread in the FAQ (above). There are several posts warning about how cold it can get in May. The information on weather is not hard to find.
Excuse me, English isn't my native language and I'm having problems to understand your post. What do you mean? Do you mean the averages in each location are the same every year during a 15 years period? Do you mean the averages of a 15 years period are the same in each location? Do you mean the averages of one location on a given year are the same than the averages of the last 15 years period on that location? Do you mean any other thing? BTW, What standard deviation do you consider puts the limit between same and different?[/QUOTE
I typed in weather averages for the locations in Google. Here is an example https://weatherspark.com/averages/32040/Leon-Castilla-y-Leon-Castille-and-Leon-Spain. This page gives a tremendous amount of information, including deviations of temperatures. This is not the only web site to give such information. Looking at the various locations on the CF I found the average temperatures and rainfall to be the same for May and October. Yes, there are significant differences year to year but averages are useful in helping to prepare.
Absolutely. Started last year on 1 May. Wanted to go again this year in May but had to delay until 4 October.May is a great time to go!
Most albergues are open at least from March until November.Does anyone what albergues are open in Octobers.
Haha, love this! It is so me, glad to know there are others!I have a friend starting her walk on the VdlP in Zamora at the end of September.
Every time she goes anywhere "stuff happens" like snow, rain, riots, strikes, etc
I am predicting massive snow falls, followed by even more flooding in October in Galicia (its a La Nina year too)
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