starting 18 June 2010 in Saint Jean Pied de Port

[kajjensen]

Hi!

I'm planning to walk the Camino Frances next year. I want to start 18 June 2010 and I want to do the Camino in 33 days with 3 resting days.

I will be happy to receive good advice from those who have already done the Camino.

I guess it's going to be lot of people next year. Is it sure that I will find a bed every night? Do I need to take my tent with me? Shoes? Can I have my long distance runningshoes? etc. etc.


Thankful for all advice I can get.

/Kaj

 

[sillydoll]

Hi Kaj,
If you start off slowly, take it easy the first week, build up your walking fitness and do longer distances on the flat days, you can easily walk el camino in 30 days. 780kms in 30 days = 26km per day.
It IS going to be crowded next year but there are plans to cater for the extra pilgrims in tents, containers, sports halls etc. Aim to reach your overnight stop by mid-afternoon and you should be alright.
Thousands of pilgrims walk the camino in running shoes. I did 2 caminos in New Balance All Terrain shoes and they were fine.
You will miss the Saint's Feast Day celebrations by just a few days but there might very well be celebrations the week leading up to the 25th July and a week after.
Good luck!

 

[MichaelB10398]

There is a difference between long-distance running shoes and hiking shoes. You may get along just fine with what you have, but the advice of almost all pilgrims is that you take the best care of your feet possible. I suggest visiting a shoe store that specializes in hiking shoes and boots. If you are in excellent shape, with strong ankles (i.e. you have never had sprains, etc.) than a shoe would be fine. Alternatively, if you have weak ankles consider a boot that is designed for light hiking. There is not need for the heavy, stiff alpine boots that are designed for carrying heavy packs long distances.

You will be fine on the Camino and will find a bed. There is some wisdom to being prepared, but I will not be bringing a tent with me next year and will make do with what I find along the Way on June 1.

Buen Camino,

Michael

 

[kajjensen]

Thanks for all letters i got. Im thankful for all advice i get.

I little worried about how i could find places to sleep. Next year is a holy year.
My tent's weight is 2,8 kilo (4,4 lB). I don't sound much but after 750 km i think it will be heavy. Would be god to leave my tent at home.

I use to run long distant (50 - 100 KM) running and i'm comfort in my runningshoes. (i have at least 7 par).

What must i visit under my walking. What did you like to se.

 

[Minkey]

I suspect next year will be like no other previous holy year. June will be particularly busy, I think.

That said and done, there are significantly more places to stay along the way... Difficult to say, really.

33 days is definitely enough time. You may even find that three rest days aren't needed to be honest!