LIVE from the Camino Anyone Walking Today? Rain? Rain? and more Rain?

[LesBrass]

I have a flight booked for Porto on Saturday. I am due to start walking the central route on Sunday. The current 10-day forecast for this area is rain every day... some days light rain, some days sun with rain and some days just rain rain rain.

Is anyone walking now? In Porto/central route or Galicia? Is the weather really as bad as the forecast suggests?

I want to walk... I am soooo looking forward to this trip but I don't want to walk in the rain for 2 weeks

Wise words of wisdom appreciated

 

[SYates]

Here in Santiago it is raining on and off since pretty much days - So, just pack your rain gear and start walking! Hope to see you here!
BC SY

 

[LesBrass]

Here in Santiago it is raining on and off since pretty much days - So, just pack your rain gear and start walking! Hope to see you here!
BC SY

Eeek... I guess at least I know in advance I should be there by the 5th December... weather permitting

 

[Isca-camigo]

If your kits up to it, I would say go with SYates suggestion of just start walking. I had continuous 120km wind and rain from Portamarin to Santiago in December a few years ago, it didn't have the freezing aspect that pilgrims had to face up to in addition last week but it certainly built for a great pilgrim spirit in the people around.

Buen Camino

 

[alansykes]

I left Cea this morning and it only started raining after I got to the very fine albergue at Castro Dozon. Last Thursday really was quite foul, but other than that it's been mostly quite nice here in Galicia - some drizzle, some clouds and some pleasant: November, in other words. On Monday going into Ourense I even had to get my sunhat back on. Friday looks as if it will be a bit nasty but so it goes.

 

[SYates]

Hope to see you when you arrive in Santiago @alansykes

BC SY

 

[LesBrass]

thanks for the feedback folks! I think my kit will cope... it will be tested for sure Alan i don't mind drizzle... I'll take a bit of drizzle with clouds... this gives me some hope that it wont be too terrible every day!

I'll keep you posted... and just keep hoping that the weather and rain eases just a little

 

[SYates]

And just remember, rain means that someone somewhere will see a rainbow ;-)

BC SY

 

[natefaith]

It's basically been raining for the last 8 weeks or so....it has to stop some time! Come on over and walk, and if it really gets to be too much you can evaluate then, or just sit out the days with the hardest rain.

I was in La Coruña yesterday on the Paseo Maritimo and was amazed that even with the rain - hard at times - it still seemed bright and "airy". The rain didn't seem to affect me there as much as it does in Santiago where everything feels more closed in. Hopefully in the Portuguese countryside there will be some big sky and it will feel the same way for you.

Buen Camino!!

 

[LesBrass]

It's basically been raining for the last 8 weeks or so....it has to stop some time! Come on over and walk, and if it really gets to be too much you can evaluate then, or just sit out the days with the hardest rain.

I was in La Coruña yesterday on the Paseo Maritimo and was amazed that even with the rain - hard at times - it still seemed bright and "airy". The rain didn't seem to affect me there as much as it does in Santiago where everything feels more closed in. Hopefully in the Portuguese countryside there will be some big sky and it will feel the same way for you.

Buen Camino!!

That makes sense... it’s rained a lot in France recently too but it comes in waves... I guess (hope). It doesn’t rain continuously with some breaks hopefully I’ll come and warm myself in pilgrim house when we finish.

 

[natefaith]

Yes! Would be great to finally meet you!

 

[SYates]

That makes sense... it’s rained a lot in France recently too but it comes in waves... I guess (hope). It doesn’t rain continuously with some breaks hopefully I’ll come and warm myself in pilgrim house when we finish.

Yes! Would be great to finally meet you!

I am in at that meet-up!
BC SY

 

[LesBrass]

I am in at that meet-up!
BC SY

I’ve planned an extra day this time... I’ll bring cake

 

[t2andreo]

Do try to look on the bright side... at least it is not SNOW!

Pilgrims walking towards Santiago from the North side, like on the Primitivo, like @Saradhooma, are encountering significant snow every day. She is approaching Lugo now, and her last three or more videos have been mostly - white...or alternatively brown - with prodigious mud.

Getting rained on, especially along the Atlantic Coast, and particularly once you hit Galicia is just part of the "fun" of the Camino in those parts of Portugal and Spain.

Just try to keep your feet as dry as possible, to prevent "pruning" and increased likelihood of blisters. Also, staying warm is essential when wet. Don't forget your gloves and beanie hat... Put your fleece on under your rain gear to keep your core temperature up.

Also, and especially if one wears eyeglasses, I find that wearing a ball cap under a poncho hood works very well. A broader brim sun hat just channels water down my back under the poncho hood. So, I bring one of each, ball cap and sun hat.

Finally, do bring a positive, sunny disposition. If enough people with positive karma show up, perhaps the sun will make an appearance too.

Hope this helps.

 

[LesBrass]

Finally, do bring a positive, sunny disposition. If enough people with positive karma show up, perhaps the sun will make an appearance too.

Hope this helps.

Well I'm going to have to now ☀

 

[alansykes]

Well I'm going to have to now ☀

It's a really pleasant sunny day here in Lalín, 44km from the saint, so your positive thoughts seem to have helped me at least. Thank you.

 

[LesBrass]

It's a really pleasant sunny day here in Lalín, 44km from the saint, so your positive thoughts seem to have helped me at least. Thank you.
View attachment 66905

wow! just look at that view... oh... well you know they say the sun shines on the righteous

 

[alansykes]

wow! just look at that view... oh... well you know they say the sun shines on the righteous

I forget if it was Chesterton who wrote "the rain it raineth on the just and on the unjust fellow, but more upon the just because the unjust hath the just's umbrella"

 

[Kathar1na]

I forget if it was Chesterton who wrote "the rain it raineth on the just and on the unjust fellow, but more upon the just because the unjust hath the just's umbrella"

Lovely ☺.

All that I could come up with not so long ago when the Galician rain (and hail) did not stop falling on us was: Pluie du matin n'arrête pas le pèlerin. I'm sure @LesBrass knows that already.

 

[LesBrass]

Lovely ☺.

All that I could come up with not so long ago when the Galician rain (and hail) did not stop falling on us was: Pluie du matin n'arrête pas le pèlerin. I'm sure @LesBrass knows that already.

Sadly this is so true! At least we get to use the rain gear that we so diligently carry

 

[Chris Gi]

I have a flight booked for Porto on Saturday. I am due to start walking the central route on Sunday. The current 10-day forecast for this area is rain every day... some days light rain, some days sun with rain and some days just rain rain rain.

Is anyone walking now? In Porto/central route or Galicia? Is the weather really as bad as the forecast suggests?

I want to walk... I am soooo looking forward to this trip but I don't want to walk in the rain for 2 weeks

Wise words of wisdom appreciated

I have a flight booked for Porto on Saturday. I am due to start walking the central route on Sunday. The current 10-day forecast for this area is rain every day... some days light rain, some days sun with rain and some days just rain rain rain.

Is anyone walking now? In Porto/central route or Galicia? Is the weather really as bad as the forecast suggests?

I want to walk... I am soooo looking forward to this trip but I don't want to walk in the rain for 2 weeks

Wise words of wisdom appreciated

Well - if it makes it less painful it is also raining here in supposedly Sunny San Diego in California.

 

[Paul Corrin]

I have a flight booked for Porto on Saturday. I am due to start walking the central route on Sunday. The current 10-day forecast for this area is rain every day... some days light rain, some days sun with rain and some days just rain rain rain.

Is anyone walking now? In Porto/central route or Galicia? Is the weather really as bad as the forecast suggests?

I want to walk... I am soooo looking forward to this trip but I don't want to walk in the rain for 2 weeks

Wise words of wisdom appreciated

Poncho! Think about feet being wet! Try to walk early in the day. Finish by 2pm then have time to dry gear. Two pairs of very light trainers??

 

[Paul Corrin]

Poncho! Think about feet being wet! Try to walk early in the day. Finish by 2pm then have time to dry gear. Two pairs of very light trainers??

Buen Camino

 

[Trevor Ockenden]

Rain rain rain. I'm Australian and some rain would be great. Whilst the drops drip o off your nose just think of the Australian farmers, towns folk and others that are relying on bottles water. It's all relative and we need it to rain... often. Bonne Canino

 

[alansykes]

And just remember, rain means that someone somewhere will see a rainbow ;-)

BC SY

And this morning that someone was me, an hour or so from the albergue of A Laxe. It's not very pleasant, but once you get your gear on and just get on with it, it's not that bad - one stick down, one foot forward, repeat 30-40 thousand times until you get where you're going. Could have done without the hail squalls, but so it goes. I find music helps - for a really dark day like today, "la Forza del Destino", Verdi's darkest Spanish opera, seemed right.

 

[CatPhillips]

I just finished the Portuguese route! And it rained! But some days it only drizzled and some days it only rained part of the day and some days it didn't rain at all! It really wasn’t so bad. Someone gave me an umbrella in Porto and I took it along and it made all the difference. I rigged it up so I didn’t have to hold it by tucking it under the chest strap and then attaching it to my waist/shoulder pack. Note: when it gets windy, you’ll have to put away the umbrella so you need a rain coat and pants, too, or a poncho.

Make sure everything inside your pack stays dry, too. You don’t want a wet sleeping bag, etc. I had both a pack cover and a dry bag. On that note, I should add, many albergues don’t have heat so come prepared for that. Maybe smart wool base layer pants and a sleeping bag. I even slept in my down puffer jacket most nights.

I enjoyed it, rain and all! But be prepared!

 

[linkster]

You can be wet, or wet and miserable.

 

[Charte57]

I finished the Portuguese two weeks ago and yes, it rained all but two days. It got old at times but it also forced me to go a little deeper in my thoughts and explore what keeps me walking and why I love it so. Buen Camino! Slosh, slosh...

 

[VNwalking]

n the bright side... at least it is not SNOW!

Whatta ya mean, on the brighter side? I'd take snow any day.

You can be wet, or wet and miserable.

Snap. My thoughts exactly.
Go for it, @LesBrass . Hopefully your righteousness will make the sun come out. Then you'll be greeted in Santiago like a hero.

 

[alansykes]

This is the view just taken from the albergue at O Outeiro, 4km after Ponteulla, 16 from Santiago. It sums up the last few days fairly succinctly - a lot of rain, a bit of sun, and quite a lot of beauty as well. I even woke up in Bandeira this morning to the unexpected sight of Sirius blazing in the west and a dying moon overhead in a virtually cloudless sky.

 

[t2andreo]

My comment stems from the often heard complaining from migrants / exiles who move from very cold northern US states to Florida. Once here, they complain about the seasonal rains. At times, they can take on almost, but not quite, the southeast Asian monsoon intensity...

So, one commonly says, "...look on the bright side, those 4 inches of rain we got today were not some 40 inches of dry snow..." The nominal conversion rate is one inch of rain to 10 inches of dry snow...

That was my perspective...

 

[Ctshagr]

I have a flight booked for Porto on Saturday. I am due to start walking the central route on Sunday. The current 10-day forecast for this area is rain every day... some days light rain, some days sun with rain and some days just rain rain rain.

Is anyone walking now? In Porto/central route or Galicia? Is the weather really as bad as the forecast suggests?

I want to walk... I am soooo looking forward to this trip but I don't want to walk in the rain for 2 weeks

Wise words of wisdom appreciated

Do not doubt the forecast. I walked the central last year it rained everyday. Sometimes sleet/freezing rain. But usually there are breaks in between and even still we had a great time. One night in Ponte de Lima high winds power lost and no internet for a few days. Make the best of it and you will have a great time just be prepared for the it. Buen Camino

 

[Cicada]

I have a flight booked for Porto on Saturday. I am due to start walking the central route on Sunday. The current 10-day forecast for this area is rain every day... some days light rain, some days sun with rain and some days just rain rain rain.

Is anyone walking now? In Porto/central route or Galicia? Is the weather really as bad as the forecast suggests?

I want to walk... I am soooo looking forward to this trip but I don't want to walk in the rain for 2 weeks

Wise words of wisdom appreciated

send some of that lovely rain to us in Sydney! We're about to start level 4 water restrictions
Buen camino

 

[Former member 49149]

Just seeing your post, and as all the wise words have already been given, and you are probably already afoot on day 3, I just say: animo, chica! Courage! You know many are envious, and others are hoping you can make the most of it.

 

[LesBrass]

I am here. Its been a mixed bag of weather and on the whole we've been lucky. This afternoon it's been very very wet!

Nonetheless I'm glad I'm here... Even in the rain

 

[Paul Corrin]

I am here. Its been a mixed bag of weather and on the whole we've been lucky. This afternoon it's been very very wet!

Nonetheless I'm glad I'm here... Even in the rain

Still set off walking early. You get wet, finish by 3pm latest! Plenty of time to dry everything. Buen Camino!!

 

[LesBrass]

Still set off walking early. You get wet, finish by 3pm latest! Plenty of time to dry everything. Buen Camino!!

That was the plan but nothing was open so I finished at 18:30 clothes currently hanging around my hotel room. The alburgue we've stayed in so far had no heat so it's really hard to dry clothes... However I'm a happy Pilgrim... I'm hoping for a shorter day tomorrow!

 

[VNwalking]

Buen (dry) camino, @LesBrass!

 

[SYates]

Buen Camino and hope to see you here in Santiago!
SY

 

[linkster]

You may try placing some small things at your feet under the blankets overnight to dry. I have done this several times camping in my sleeping bag and it worked quite well.

 

[DeansFamily]

In the unheated alburgues and the ones that were centrally heated we had to resort to squeezing out as much moisture as we could with our chamois towels and suspend them from the base slats of the bunk beds above us while we slept. The body heat we gave off dried them enough to be wearable. Nothing like waking up to the view of laundry

 

[steve 217]

I hope you all have at least one warm dry day to get the dampness out of your bones .
If its any consolation i still envy you being there rather then stuck in our everyday lives .
Have a great Camino and Buen Camino to all pilgrims on the “Way”

 

[LesBrass]

Today out of Ponte de Lima was great... Wonderful wonderful walk! But wow so much water everywhere. The river burst its Bank and a few times we had to turn back and take the road... But still a beautiful day!

(and alburgue had a dryer so all good)

 

[LesBrass]

Buen Camino and hope to see you here in Santiago!
SY

4th or 5th... I'm thinking the fourth would be nice as it would have been my mums birthday ill keep you posted

 

[domigee]

Today out of Ponte de Lima was great... Wonderful wonderful walk! But wow so much water everywhere. The river burst its Bank and a few times we had to turn back and take the road... But still a beautiful day!

(and alburgue had a dryer so all good) View attachment 67130View attachment 67131View attachment 67132View attachment 67133View attachment 67134

Wow, so much water! Thanks for the pics.
Enjoy the rest of the Camino

 

[FLEUR]

Today out of Ponte de Lima was great... Wonderful wonderful walk! But wow so much water everywhere. The river burst its Bank and a few times we had to turn back and take the road... But still a beautiful day!

(and alburgue had a dryer so all good) View attachment 67130View attachment 67131View attachment 67132View attachment 67133View attachment 67134

Wow! " a river ran through"!

 

[Jean Ti]

I am currently in O porrinno and there is also a lot of rain.

I must say the people of Portugal and Spain are very generous and helpfull.

 

[Jean Ti]

Today out of Ponte de Lima was great... Wonderful wonderful walk! But wow so much water everywhere. The river burst its Bank and a few times we had to turn back and take the road... But still a beautiful day!

(and alburgue had a dryer so all good) View attachment 67130View attachment 67131View attachment 67132View attachment 67133View attachment 67134

Hola LrsBrass

I saw your pictures in real a day or 2 ago in real!!! And at some place you can swim in the Camino...

Just amazing all this rain!

 

[VNwalking]

(and alburgue had a dryer so all good)

Thank goodness. We were born wet, but once clothes get involved, it's more complicated and potentially really unpleasant!
May you have more glorious days~
Buen camino, peregrina!

 

[LesBrass]

I am currently in O porrinno and there is also a lot of rain.

I must say the people of Portugal and Spain are very generous and helpfull.

100% agree about the kindness. Today for us was the worst rain so far. We're in Tui so a day behind you. Buen camino Pilgrim

 

[natefaith]

So much water!!! But I'm so glad you're out there and enjoying the walk! They say next week will bring some sun. Yay!

 

[Jean Ti]

It is a duc Time!

I am not sure they enjoy the rain but they are under it all day long!!!!

 

[LesBrass]

Guess what? I was a bit too warm today the sun came out, the paths were clear and I had a wonderful day. If the forecast is right I've got three days of sun for my walk in to Santiago

 

[Paul Corrin]

Keep poncho close!!

 

[domigee]

Woohoo!

 

[Jean Ti]

No rain today!!!
I am in Sara Maro if of course I understand properly.
Finally!

 

[LesBrass]

I walked Arcade to Caldas del Reis today and it was glorious. Not a drop of rain and wow the forests are magical.

 

[Paul Corrin]

Guess what? I was a bit too warm today the sun came out, the paths were clear and I had a wonderful day. If the forecast is right I've got three days of sun for my walk in to Santiago

View attachment 67216View attachment 67217View attachment 67218View attachment 67219

Good luck - Buen Camino

 

[natefaith]

Gorgeous photos! See you soon!

Edit: I just read your latest blog post. You made it! Definitely an emotional moment and a wonderful way to honor your father. Happy birthday to your mom tomorrow. We'll see you next time! ❤

 

[LesBrass]

I dropped in today... I was early... So sorry that I missed you. I'm going home tomorrow... Sorry... My blog might explain better . Maybe next time xx

https://caminobrassblog.wordpress.com/2019/12/03/i-thought-it-might-help/

 

[SYates]

Congratulations on your arrival and sorry to have missed you again!

Abrazos, SY

 

[LesBrass]

Congratulations on your arrival and sorry to have missed you again!

Abrazos, SY

To be honest I'm an emotional wreck. I blame @t2andreo ... He planted the seed about walking for my father

 

[SYates]

To be honest I'm an emotional wreck. I blame @t2andreo ... He planted the seed about walking for my father

Sometimes this kind of wreckage is good, believe me, I have been there. Hugs, SY

 

[DeansFamily]

We thought “Morocco will be a nice dry place to go to after walking through all that rain” and guess what.....it’s cold and raining! Aghhhhhhh

 

[Pelegrin]

We thought “Morocco will be a nice dry place to go to after walking through all that rain” and guess what.....it’s cold and raining! Aghhhhhhh

In Xauen (Morocco) it rains more or less the same as in Ourense (Galicia). 900 mm.

 

[DeansFamily]

In Xauen (Morocco) it rains more or less the same as in Ourense (Galicia). 900 mm.

I asked a local today if the rain was unusual for this time of year and he said it always rains a lot in winter. Glad I’m not riding a camel across the Sahara in this weather, it would be way too bizarre Should have saved the money and gone back for a thermal bath and more good cheese, jamón and wine in the rain there.

 

[Isca-camigo]

To be honest I'm an emotional wreck. I blame @t2andreo ... He planted the seed about walking for my father

I walked for my closest friend in May 2012 who died far too early on my birthday in March of that year, I had so many plans on how I was going to honour him, they came to naught. I was in emotional turmoil for most of the walk. People walk for departed friends and family all the time on the Camino and get on with it and do all the things they set out to do, but sometimes those emotions can be too raw and they give your Camino a direction you didn't expect.

Buen Camino LesBrass

 

[Jean Ti]

I am on the Portuguese 17 km from Santiago. Frío this morning... But the sun is out now!

 

[LesBrass]

I must have walked by you at some point... We seemed to always be half a day away . It was like that yesterday too and I only warmed up at midday... But oh the sky is so blue!

Enjoy your walk in... Beun camino

 

[Jean Ti]

Very calm here!

And to get a Compostela the waiting time is half a second!!! Amazing service at the counter because you have 3 people at your service!

@thebrass I think we should try to meet next time. A pleasure reading you!

 

[Jean Ti]

Today inside the cathedral. A lot of renovations are happening!

 

[LesBrass]

It felt oddly sad seeing the building so wrapped up like that. I can't wait to see it complete and looking magnificent again. The towers to look amazing after the renovation as did the Portico... such a beautiful building. Buen Camino @Jean Ti ... I came home early to try and avoid the French Air Traffic Control strikes but looking at your pictures makes me feel the urge to return

 

[Jean Ti]

Wonderfull day here looking to meet pilgrims that I meet along the way!

@Les Brass vous manquez une très belle journée ici!!!

 

[LesBrass]

@Jean Ti - Santiago looks amazing in the winter sun! c'est triste, bien sûr, mais pas si mal. Je suis chez moi en France et elle était très belle aujourd'hui... Et mon chat est très content aussi

❤

 

[Jean Ti]

When you walk the Camino you can see small cats and big cats...