Camino de Santiago de Compostela

Re: Camping on the camino

k1ypp — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:35:18 PST

Jane and I carried a Hubba Hubba tent. I was also carrying a tiny amateur radio, so the tent offered opportunities to put up a wire into a tree and operate the radio. The tent worked splendidly and affords privacy and freedom of schedule that one doesn't have in the albergue. That said, we did stay in albergues often.

We camped in a few commercial camps and on albergue properties. Usually, there was no price difference from sleeping in the albergue, or camping on it's grounds, but there are inexpensive anyway.

As for weather, we walked for 41 days and only had a light shower for about twenty minutes near Santiago. We never did need our rain equipment. We did carry GoLite Chrome Dome umbrellas and they proved more useful in the meseta as shade while we walked. We did our Camino in Sept/Oct. 2011.

This photo was at Roncevalles. Enjoy your tent.

Dennis "K1" Blanchard

Re: Sharing the Camino de Santiago

sillydoll — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:48:17 PST

Peregrino Vince, you are now part of the circle of el Camino as you shared the Camino with all of those who have walked before you, and with all of those who will follow in your footsteps.

Ultreya Santiago
From the Confraternity of Saint James
bulletin No 72 :Alan Sheppard

I stand upon the road of time
And see the path I have to climb;
From valleys low to heights sublime:
The way to Santiago!

This shrine for pilgrims from each age
Has been writ large on history's page;
And now I, too, will take the stage
To play for Saint Iago!

I see the ghosts of pilgrims past
Who to the challenge all held fast
And reached their journey's end at last:
The goal of Santiago!

I see them all as I look back,
Who trod before this ancient track,
And in their faith did nothing lack,
With strength from Santiago!

The legends of Asturia say
That pilgrim souls still walk The Way;
I too believe that, from today,
O mystic Santiago!

Their presence overwhelms me here,
Those pilgrims who, in every year,
Went forth without concern or fear,
In hope of Santiago!

Yet what a strange thing it must seem
To join a ghostly pilgrim stream!
I wonder if it's just a dream
Of ancient Santiago?

Have I, through time's machines and gears
Transported back a thousand years,
To hear the early pilgrims' cheers
As they reached Santiago?

Not so! I'm here in time and space,
And on this path I take my place
With those of every creed and race
Who go to Santiago!

Then suddenly, so soft and low,
I hear a voice from long ago.
Within that timeless pilgrim flow
En route to Santiago:

"Take heart, my friend, you're not alone.
Think not you travel on your own:
Though we're no longer flesh and bone
We go to Santiago!"

The Field of Stars before me lies
'Neath Compostela's blessed skies.
To that fair place I lift my eyes:
The sight of Santiago!

That vision spurred me to the end
And pilgrimage brought many a friend;
I also learned how to depend
On trusty Santiago!

But now that journey's far behind
I seek to help those who're inclined
To look for that same peace of mind
I found in Santiago.

So come, dear friends, and take your turn.
My ashes lie in funerary urn
Yet still my pilgrim spirits yearn
To fly to Santiago!

Because in time I played my part
And 'El Camino' won my heart,
I wait to join you at the start -
Ultreya Santiago!

Re: Water

tyrrek — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:48:12 PST

dougfitz wrote:The term 'sin purificado' would appear to literally mean that it has not been treated, but doesn't appear to necessarily mean 'non-potable'. I didn't use water from fonts marked sin purificado as I wasn't sure. Someone might be able to clarify what it means for a font to be labelled that way.

Yes that would be useful. I was also slightly concerned about pesticides or other chemicals that may have found their way into the water.

Re: Post Camino Sanctuary Muxia

sillydoll — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:43:46 PST

Tracy - it sounds like heaven! I have walked to Santiago six times but stopped claiming a Compostela after my second walk so would I still qualify? I still get my credencial stamped along the way.

Re: Passing my hobby off to the masses

dougfitz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:37:18 PST

wisepilgrim wrote:snip ... The website in question is wisepilgrim.com.

Michael, I like the site, and have bookmarked it. Only time will tell if there is general interest in this resource.
Regards,

Re: Class of 2012

Tim-the-fat-Canadian — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:39:55 PST

Amourier,

I am going alone as well. There will be lots of people there and as you continue along the trail, more and more people will join in. Although there are no guarentees, a lady from London, Ontario, walked the Camino this past September and had 33 days without any rain! I am sure that is extremely rare but September is typically not a rainly month. Although I do not have my flight booked yet, I am leaning not to start on a Sunday.

Tim
http://www.timscamino@blogspot.com

Re: Water

dougfitz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:15:11 PST

Anniesantiago wrote:I suspect those "non-potable" signs are probably there simply because the water has not been chemically treated. But best to pay attention.

My understanding is that 'non-potable' means that it does not meet health standards for human consumption, which could mean anything from too high a concentration of various salts to having too heavy a bacterial load. Its not at statement about whether or not it has been treated as such.

The term 'sin purificado' would appear to literally mean that it has not been treated, but doesn't appear to necessarily mean 'non-potable'. I didn't use water from fonts marked sin purificado as I wasn't sure. Someone might be able to clarify what it means for a font to be labelled that way.

Regards,

Re: Water

dougfitz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:03:52 PST

antelope wrote:Anyone had stomach problems from the water they've used to fill up with?

I didn't. I filled up at a variety of public fonts, at bars and cafes, and before leaving each morning in the albergue. I did not use any public font sign posted non potable or sin purificado, but otherwise took the risk and didn't seem any the worse for that.

Altus Poncho in Logroño

DesertRain — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:00:19 PST

Quick and specific question.... Anyone know if I can purchase a Altus Atmospheric Poncho in Logroño? If so, where? Thanks!

Re: Charles Schwab ATM card - NO FEES!

Anniesantiago — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:49:01 PST

I have heard the Capital One credit card is also good.Unfortunately (or fortunately) I no longer have credit due to a medical bill issue...BUT.. I'm looking forward to hearing the report back on Schwab!

Re: Water

Anniesantiago — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:46:59 PST

When walking last year, we came into a town thirsty and immediately found a fountain with two spigots. As I filled my bottle at one, Joe began drinking from the other.... until I brought to his attention the sign above it that said, "Non-potable!"

Uh=oh!

He'd probably already downed a liter of "non-potable" water... so what to do?

We went directly to the nearest bar where he immediately downed a few shots of straight whiskey

He quite enjoyed the treatment and never suffered at all.

I suspect those "non-potable" signs are probably there simply because the water has not been chemically treated. But best to pay attention.

As to how much water to carry, I never carried more than a .5 liter bottle on the Frances, filling it at each village.

Re: Le Puy Accommodation - Hope this is of use

tatiana — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:55:28 PST

hello Guy, I'm dreaming of walking the via gebenennsis to santiago in april 2013, I'm only just begining to research it. Thank you for the extensive list you are sharing. Have any ideas where to find accommodation guides for the route Geneva to Le Puy? By the way, what is the class 2013?cheers, tania

Re: Arrive Biarritz at 16:15. Can I make it to SJPdP that night?

BlackDog — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:52:19 PST

Bus timetable http://www.chronoplus.eu/ftp/FR_lignes/ ... igne14.pdf

2 possible buses: 16:51 from aeroport arrives 17:25 and 17:21 arrives 17:55

All depends on your actual flight disembarkation time, baggage collection and immigration times. Should be OK with last bus listed. Still time to buy a ticket at the station.

Re: Porto to Santiago in February

cote.lesta — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:43 PST

Hi Trekker: Welcome to the forum . Will be great to hear how you get on as I will be following your route in June. Buen Camino.

Re: Camino in March - Can't Find Shoes!

lynnejohn — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:30:09 PST

Yesterday I emailed Keen because of the information that red1too3 provided regarding special order of different sizes from Nike.I of course told them I have walked through 2 pairs of Targhee II mid boots and am loathe to buy them again because I now need two different sizes. I asked if there was a provision or special order category for folks who needed two sizes.I received a response this morning offering me 25% off any Keen product. It's not overly generous but I sure appreciate the offer and the quick response. I will likely take them up on it and buy two pair.

videos

flechitero — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:23:57 PST

http://youtu.be/cFeC6XGQheA

http://youtu.be/nv06fQVKOII

Re: Body wear n tear

Tincatinker — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:15:16 PST

Hi Almath,
the endurance question is always, ultimately, a personal one but you asked "Are we really designed for sustained daily walking of 20k or so". The short answer is yes, though I prefer evolved to designed - the outcome is pretty much the same. The human body is a remarkable example of a highly adaptive and enduring entity. The San people of southern Africa still, despite their attrition in modern times, hunt by running down their prey. They will run in pursuit of prey species for hours, into days. Species that evolved to sprint eg antelope may escape a first approach but will succumb to relentless pursuit. Much like crooked politicians. The Innuit, before the myth of global warming made their world go soggy round the edges, could and would endure hours of exquisite stillness in their deeply frozen world waiting for that one unfortunate seal to gasp it's last breath.

Human beings are the most remarkably enduring creatures on this remarkable planet. We have survived and thrived through everything that nature and nurture has produced so far. We have travelled from mother Africa to the far corners of the globe long,long, before the Airbus 350 shortened the travel time.

Can you walk that far, for that long, along that path? Yes, you can.

video

flechitero — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:14:18 PST

http://youtu.be/uTB19-fS1UY

Re: Camping on the camino

pedalingpensioner — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:10:36 PST

Don't worry to much about your fitness level. You will build up your fitness level along the way. By the time you reach Santiago, you will be fit for the Olympics!! Banish all your doubts, because we humans can do anything that we set out to do. Building up determination and self belief is just as important as building up fitness!
Compostela means something like "the field of stars" so I am sure that camping out under them will make your experience all the richer. I intend to cycle another of the Caminos (the Via de la Plata) from Seville, this year and hope to camp out for some of the time also.

See http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/mycamino for a journal and some photos of my Camino de Santiago Cycle 2011.

Re: Wild camping and bikes on / around Camino Frances

james-o — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:57:42 PST

Thanks for the directions!

Re: Camping on the camino

antelope — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:44:19 PST

Thanks for that. Trouble is, I'm so unfit, after years of relative inactivity and working at computers, that it's going to take me a long time to get from St Jean to Santiago, and so I'm going to meet every variety of weather I think. I'd like to sleep out sometimes...perhaps I'm just going to have to be selective as to when.

Re: Camping on the camino

pedalingpensioner — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:30:43 PST

antelope wrote:A fundamental aspect of this subject seems to me to be the time of year one is walking as some are more prone to rain than others, and welcome though the descriptions provided so far are, no one has mentioned this explicitly. I've just finished reading 'The Call of the Camino' by Robert Mullen [recommended], who walked at the same time I intend to, which is late april through May, and he gives the impression that it rained a lot of the time. Is this true?

I cycled the Camino last year from Logrono, but one month later than your intended walk (28th. May to 4th. June). I had heard a lot about the rain in Gallicia, and was certainly not looking forward to it. However, the following was my experience; I encountered heavy rain for just under two hours on one evening, near Olmillos de Sasamon which is about 30 miles west of Burgos. I stayed in the only hotel in Olmillos de Sasamon that night as they do not have an albergue or refugio. However the cost was still very reasonable. €30 including breakfast and a garage to lock my bike in.

That was the only rain that I encountered for the whole 8 days. Not even one drop in Gallicia! I then stayed in Santiago for a further 3 days, as I had reached there ahead of time and was waiting on my flight home to Ireland. Again, fantastic weather. I wish you well on your Camino. You will really enjoy it. Everybody should do it, at least once in their lifetime. (Even in the rain!)

Re: New Camino documentary

caminka — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:29:33 PST

great job, neil! it was almost like walking the camino again. I was even there about the same time you were!

I too met the goat before samos. she was quite naughty and didn't want to look in my camera. every time I wanted to take a picture, she looked away, and when I put the camera down she looked at me. in the end I got a picture where her head is turned away but she is looking at me.

keilnirby wrote:I'm not sure exactly what problems the couple encountered with their donkeys in France--that would be an interesting post since they weren't the only people I saw with a donkey. If anyone can shed some light on this I'd be interested to know.

I met them at the refugio of italian confraternity at the chapel of san nicolas before crossing rio pisuerga. they told me that in germany and france you can stay with horses or donkeys at many farms where they have their own livestock. 'donkey-tourism' is quote popular there (I met a family in france walking from farm to farm, with prior arrangement). but in spain sometimes locals prevented their donkeys to drink from the village fountain or take shelter in a shade of a house or a tree; it got even so far that they were chased away with stones. I was very surprised at these reactions and often wondered what could be their cause.

Re: Body wear n tear

tyrrek — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:28:56 PST

Hi Wingnut!I hope you're OK. You're so close and all the hard work is done! If you can rest up for a while and then do the few more days it will be amazing. If not, the Camino and Santiago are going nowhere so you can finish another time.The winter weather has been a nightmare for the duration of your Camino. Respect.Buen Camino!

Re: Water

antelope — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:21:38 PST

Well it's probably just as well. I've a beer gut to lose.

Re: Water

tyrrek — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:10:49 PST

antelope wrote:That's a point! I'm a real ale man myself. Six weeks or more without a pint!! Can you at least buy baked beans somewhere?

Not sure. You can get Guinness from time to time if you're really running dry. There's a place in Sahagun, and I'm sure several others. Real ale is tricky, though. Unfortunately on this occasion the Camino is unlikely to provide!

Buen Camino!

Camino Portugues

Katahdin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:06:58 PST

Hi, I am new to the forum. Hiked St. Jean to Santiago in 2009. Looking at this time for flights from Miami to Porto. Who has done Porto to Santiago and then go on to Finisterre? Hope to go April into May. I am somewhat confused on the different routes leaving Porto, like the idea of walking along the beach. Any feedback? A friend from Holland is joining me can't forget 2009 need to come back.Ineke

Re: Body wear n tear

wingnut — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:04:31 PST

Today i am laid up in palace de rei. Second injury from st jean a month a go, its a real pain cos im ready to go home now. The camino is a test of endurance. Keep that pack light! I am forced over 10 kilos but try and get 8 kiloz. You will be ok. Its a beautiful trip of architectural, scenic andgastronomic interest. its tough in the winter.