Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

Re: Tui to Santiago - updated information from walkers

anniethenurse — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:01:19 PDT

Hi Elzi!I have been planning to walk the Camino Portugues next year in the beginning of May. Walked the Camino Frances this May from SJPP to Burgos and enjoyed it very much. The next being the Holy Year I thought would be better to walk another camino, not continuing the CF but doing it sometimes later. - Now I´m interested how CP worked out for you, where did you stay, what are your recommendations, best stops and so on?I will be walking alone, is it safe for a female walker ?If everything works out the way I wish I´ll be flying to Porto, walk to Santiago and probably Finisterre and Muxia, spending an extra day in Santiago, Finisterre and Muxia,too. Then the plan is to take a bus back to Porto and fly back to Stockholm. Just can´t wait...buen camino xxxanniexxx

Re: Starting in September

nellpilgrim — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:47:00 PDT

I did the Camino from SJPP to Santiago in April this year but my friend walked it in mid Sept-late Oct 2007 and found that John Brierly's Book on the Camino was good for the practical information it contained. The French confraternity in SJPP also provided me with a handy A4 sheet which has the parochial and municipal hostals listed and their details including when they are open etc. Walking from Le Puy to SJPP is my next goal looking forward to your feedback on your return. Buen Camino

Re: What have I done? I just made a point of no return decision!

JohnnieWalker — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:42:09 PDT

Re: Pamplona v St Jean de Pied Port

Interesting question. The majority of pilgrims to Santiago remains Spaniards who all start in Spain - e.g. Roncesvalles or Pamplona. They wouldn't consider starting in a "foriegn country"!

Re: What have I done? I just made a point of no return decision!

alexwalker — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:29:16 PDT

I found these basics:

http://www.learn-spanish-language-onlin ... mbers.html
http://www.learn-spanish-language-onlin ... tings.html

good as a start anyway. Will print out.

Re: I hope to walk for a week from le Puy in August.

KiwiNomad06 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:07:01 PDT

The gites in France always have blankets so a sheet will be fine. You may well get fine weather on the Aubrac Plateau then, but you will be walking at 1300m+, it takes some two days to cross, and can turn on nasty weather anytime I gather! I never like to underestimate the clothing I need for mountain terrain at any time of year.Margaret

Re: I hope to walk for a week from le Puy in August.

BobM — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:47:37 PDT

This is going to be a very minimalist camino, if I can manage it. For only a week, I will try to fit everything into a small daypack, relying on only a thin sheet to sleep in (August is hot!). Only one spare set of clothes, poncho in case of rain, no fleece, no luxuries like shaving gear or i-pod.

I figure that for only a week I can endure anything, especially having previous experience of walking from SJPDP to Santiago

This spartan regime may not be workable, so I would be interested to hear of other pilgrims who have experience of minimalist walking.

Bob M

Re: What Size Water Bottle?

ricksca — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:04:49 PDT

gittiharre wrote:Hi, I took a 750 ml bottle and there was only one stretch on the meseta where there were no facilities , so I took extra that day. Sorry can't remember the stretch, but it is clearly pointed out in the guidebooks. The trick is to down 1/2 to 1 litre of H2O before you leave in the morning, especially when hot. There was one day where I got lost, just past the wine fountaind, I carried straight on instead of turning sharp right within the monastery grounds and it was perilously hot and I had next to no water left, I thought I only had a short distance to go. That was not good. I felt very dry overheated, not a good moment. Regards, Gitti

Yeah, I'm a water wimp. I live in California where we don't fool around with dehydration. I think I'll carry the 100 oz's. Thanks!

Re: I hope to walk for a week from le Puy in August.

KiwiNomad06 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:57:53 PDT

I walked the Le Puy route from mid-April through May, and May especially was a very popular time for the French to walk. It was usually best to book ahead a day or two in advance, so you didn't end up staying in a more expensive chambre d'hote rather than a gite. But in summer I am not sure if it is quite the same. You can book some places in Le Puy online, eg I booked the Capucins gite online. Margaret

Re: Keeping the costs down: lowest possible expense?

keilnirby — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:39:29 PDT

What saved money for me last time was learning that just because I'm sitting at a cafe doesn't mean I have to buy a big lunch. Sometimes I would just order some cafe and open up my own bread, fruit meat, etc. that I bought at a market. That helps. While I do like eating out, sometimes it was more fun to cook in the albergue because it may give you an opportunity to meet other pilgrims who you can join.

Re: I hope to walk for a week from le Puy in August.

BobM — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:09:24 PDT

Thx, Margaret, for the helpful tips - especially Assumption Day. That's about when I will be starting, I think.BTW, re gites, someone told me that it is best (necessary?) to phone ahead each day to book a room. Is that the case in summer?Bob M

Re: Another Backpack recommendation request

gittiharre — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:03:46 PDT

Hi I took a Civetta 32 by Vaude, I am female 161 cm tall. I liked the pack because it was light and had lots of side, top and bottom and front pockets, which makes it easy to organise your gear. The straps were a bit minimalist and I felt a bit sore around the hipbone/waist, but that settled down quickly. It lasted the length of the camino, but when I took it on a second long walk the long strips which bend outwards to keep the back of the pack away from you back kept on collapsing.I have now bought a women's Deuter pack, 35 litres. It has similar pocket arrangements,is slightly heavier, but very comfortable and the hipbelt and straps are vastly superior. The bendy bits on the back are steel and will not collapse like the Vaude ones. I have looked at lots of lighter weight packs, but they all have hopeless straps, and hardly any pockets and the weight consequently does not sit as well on the back, but at the end of the day it is such a personal decision. Keep the pack small, you should only take a maximum of 10 per cent of your body weight in weight. I have my pack down to 5.00 kg, fully loaded, except for water. Regards, Gitti

Re: What Size Water Bottle?

gittiharre — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:52:50 PDT

Hi, I took a 750 ml bottle and there was only one stretch on the meseta where there were no facilities , so I took extra that day. Sorry can't remember the stretch, but it is clearly pointed out in the guidebooks. The trick is to down 1/2 to 1 litre of H2O before you leave in the morning, especially when hot. There was one day where I got lost, just past the wine fountaind, I carried straight on instead of turning sharp right within the monastery grounds and it was perilously hot and I had next to no water left, I thought I only had a short distance to go. That was not good. I felt very dry overheated, not a good moment. Regards, Gitti

Re: What Size Water Bottle?

Janeh — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:30:51 PDT

I walked with a camelbak water bottle that was 750ml. It was fine. There are a few stretches where water fountains are few so just for those days I added a 500ml water bottle I bought at the shops and then threw it out once I'd gone past the long stretch. I am a thirsty walker, so the golden rule is, always, always refill your water bottle at every fountain, even if that means stopping and drinking a good dose of it and refilling.

Re: I hope to walk for a week from le Puy in August.

KiwiNomad06 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:53:47 PDT

Bob, I am not completely sure, but I was told by a gite owner that around Moissac further south, the route gets a lot quieter in July/August because of the heat. One of the people who could answer you best is Janet who has walked this route in the summer, but she has just left home en route for a sumertime walk via Vezelay, so can't speak up!MargaretPS: Just one date to watch out for: Assumption Day on August 15th is a Public Holiday in France, and I imagine there will be a lot of people in the Le Puy area around then since the Cathedral is a place of longstanding Marian devotion.

What Size Water Bottle?

ricksca — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:24:12 PDT

I am trying to bring the smallest pack/weight I can. How small a water bottle can I get away with to last between refills? Or, put another way, what's the longest distance between water? I'm sure that my Camelback would be plenty, but who wants to carry 100 ounces of water if you only need 32? I'd prefer to carry my one liter steel bottle if it is sufficient. (I realize that i can fill the Camelback halfway. But my smallest pack doesn't have a sleeve for it, and I like not using the plastic if I can. Using it would add 2 lbs just for the larger pack). Thanks.

I hope to walk for a week from le Puy in August.

BobM — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:04:28 PDT

I am hoping to get time to walk for a week from le Puy in August. Can anyone tell me how busy it will be then compared to the route from SJPDP?Bob M

Re: Musical instruments

otter — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:22 PDT

Thanks, that won't be a problem.

Re: It's me... a nervous first time pilgrim

BobM — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:56:48 PDT

Good luck! I am sure things will turn out well for you. The train to SJPDP is pretty easy, as others have pointed out. I arrived about 6:30 pm and stayed in SJPDP that night.

The pilgrim centre can be busy and it might take 15 minutes or so to get the credencial and find a place to stay. Personally, I would not walk to Hunto that night. Relax, get your gear set up and settle into the camino routine. No point stressing.

My pack was less than 7.5kg. The key thing is to be ruthless - and also to cast aside vanity. By vanity I mean that a man does not NEED to shave, so don't take shaving gear. Ladies don't NEED facial cosmetics, so leave them at home. I normally have very short hair, so I did not need a hairbrush. Men may want to consider a "Number 3" haircut like mine and leave all the hair grooming stuff at home.

It is certainly good to do at least one training walk of say 20km with the actual stuff you will be carrying, including water and food. I did a couple of these and weeded out items each time.

On training walks, unless you are an experienced walker and know your body and its capabilities, try to do one walk of the distance you plan to cover in one day, say 30km. In my case, the optimum for me on the Camino turned out to be 25 - 30 km/day, with one day of 42km. One has to pace oneself for the 30-day journey and certainly not try to keep up with companions who may have a faster pace.

The thing is that a heavy pack might seem OK at home, or after one training walk. But it is different thing to carry that pack for 30 days over all kinds of terrain. The aim is to maximise your chances of completing the camino without injury.

Re animals, I never had a problem. You see quite a few dogs with sheep, but they were OK for me.

I hope this is useful.

Bob M

Re: Keeping the costs down: lowest possible expense?

Rebekah Scott — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:40:30 PDT

Out on the meseta you can usually pitch your tent in flat areas near cemeteries, or on "eras," community threshing floors. In towns with bodegas (little outlying houses that sometimes look like hobbit caves) it is traditional for wanderers to sleep in the doorways. Just be careful where you choose to lie down -- many pilgrims mistake bodega doorways for field toilets!

Re: Keeping the costs down: lowest possible expense?

BobM — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:19:04 PDT

ricksca wrote:
ivar wrote:I had a pilgrim in my office today that had biked from Holland to Santiago, sleeping only in his tent (except one day, he told me).
Ivar

Do you know if he was camping next to refugios? or was he camping along the way? I've been trying to figure out for months if that was a viable option.

Have a look at this thread, if you have not already seen it:
el-camino-frances/topic1714.html

I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in May/June 2007 and saw some campers, but not a large number. My impression though, is that in the villages you would always be able to find somewhere to camp by asking around.

In the country it is different. There are certainly "wild" areas in the hillly regions where one could camp somewhere off the trail. However, much of the camino goes through farming areas and it certainly would not be proper to simply camp in some farmer's fields without seeking him out and asking permission.

The Spanish people I met were very helpful to pilgrims. (On one occasion an old couple were excessively helpful in showing me the correct way that it was difficult to break free politely). So I think a respectful camper would always be able to find help.

Bob M

St,Jean de Luz

Alan Pearce — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:35:26 PDT

Does any body on the forum know of budget accommodation available in St.Jean de Luz? I realise it is a touristy area and I might have to pay more than i like but hopefully someone can help me with a cheaper option. AlanBe brave. Life is joyous.

Re: camino on radio 4

MikeB — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:25:24 PDT

Andy

This link will take you directly to the part on the pilgrimage, rather than having to listen to the trials and tribulations of a certain Silvio Berlusconi first, however entertaining for non-Italians that may be!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8129333.stm

Note the link will last only for a limited time.

Mike

Re: "A Journey of Spiritual Significance"

Bridget and Peter — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:46:22 PDT

MichaelB10398 wrote:

For those that are pained by a feeling of loneliness, I am reminded of teaching my children to walk. They have been in my arms in total comfort. At first I set them on the ground, holding their hands, as they begin to take steps. Then the day arrives and I remove my hands and they stand all alone. For some children this causes fear immediately and is easily seen on their face. However, I am right behind them prepared to pick them up should they fall. We are like that in this life. There comes a time when our Father, still standing by, removes his hands to help us to learn to walk. To grow, to become stronger. Our fear is unfounded, but even as our children are fearful, so are we...and yet He stands ready to lift us up.

Other children are left to explore, out of the parent's arms, if not his sight. As they follow their interests in fascinating objects out of reach, they discover how to get on their feet, how to 'travel' round the furniture, how to clamber on top of the coffee table, all the while developing the muscles and balance and co-ordination necessary for walking. One day they let go because they need both hands to pull the cat's tail, or to tear up the tax reminder, the parents calls them and they take a step, or two, and only realise what a wonderful thing has happened because of the pleasure in the father's face.

Surprised by Joy, someone called it.

Re: Seattle Area Camino Gathering

MichaelB10398 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:41:24 PDT

Thank you for the email. I look forward to meeting everyone later this month. Peace. Michael

Re: Irun-Bilbao what's wrong with it? :S

Bridget and Peter — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:35:49 PDT

Viajero,Good to hear your enthusiastic endorsement of the Norte - can you make any comments on the cycling potential of Irun to Santander, please? We will be traversing that part in Sept/Oct.Thanks

Re: "A Journey of Spiritual Significance"

MichaelB10398 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:03:20 PDT

The mind sees what the heart desires? That is a good mindset for a skeptic (which I am, btw), but it also one ignorant of spiritual experience. There are many who are desperate to experience an interaction with the divine. More importantly, there are those who feel discouraged because they did not see that burning bush, or have that burning in the heart felt by the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, etc. Revelation is often not receiving that which is desired, but what God seeks to give us. This conflicts with only finding what the heart desires. Revelation is the truest form of learning because it comes directly from the Holy Spirit.

For those that are pained by a feeling of loneliness, I am reminded of teaching my children to walk. They have been in my arms in total comfort. At first I set them on the ground, holding their hands, as they begin to take steps. Then the day arrives and I remove my hands and they stand all alone. For some children this causes fear immediately and is easily seen on their face. However, I am right behind them prepared to pick them up should they fall. We are like that in this life. There comes a time when our Father, still standing by, removes his hands to help us to learn to walk. To grow, to become stronger. Our fear is unfounded, but even as our children are fearful, so are we...and yet He stands ready to lift us up.

This can be a very long conversation, but I would encourage those who are skeptical to first seek to be hopeful, then seek to find faith and through it all seek to be charitable. Charity in this context is to have the pure love of Christ and express that love daily by our actions toward others. When we are in the service of our fellow man (humanity), we are in the service of our God. God communes with those who serve him without condition, without pretext, but with a heart that is pure, single to His glory.

I appreciate St. Francis' words, "Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith." The Camino offers us the opportunity focus ourselves and to express these actions daily. Be open to finding the divine in all that we do and you will find His grace easily embraces you, comforts you, and is wholly capable of being sufficient to forgive all things.

Peace and joy to all.

Starting in Villafranca del Bierzo, July 23, 2009

PattyPilgrim — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:41:09 PDT

Hello Group!My sister and I are doing our next leg of the Camino, Villafranca to Melide, and would love to know what the weather might be like from July 23 to Aug.1, 2009. Any help out there?Thanks!PattyPilgrim

Re: IRELAND - EIRE

falcon269 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:19:45 PDT

Aramaic, the language of Christ, not gibberish.

Re: IRELAND - EIRE

ocomaingf — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:01:56 PDT

Excuse me? The post was written in Irish and not gibberish.

Re: What have I done? I just made a point of no return decision!

WolverineDG — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:42:53 PDT

Hi Alex! Good for you! I've found that most people are quite polite & helpful when you make any attempt to speak Spanish, no matter how badly you speak it. As for numbers, concentrate on learning 1 through 10; anything higher, most people will write it out for you.

You should be able to quickly pick up the "pilgrim lingo" & it's amazing how well you can communicate with others by using various languages & charades.

Kelly