New to everything ... but willing to learn

NualaOC said:

Welcome to the forum @Vieja and thanks for sharing your story. You'll find lots of information in the Camino Portugues sections: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/camino-portugues.13/. You can ask a specific question in that forum if you need help with something. As regards what you should bring, just put 'packing lists' in the search box and you'll get lots of information and suggestions.

You've plenty of time, so there's no need to worry too much about gear or packing just yet. You mentioned that you're not much of a walker - this is your time to discover the great pleasure of walking! Good luck and Bom Caminho!

Click to expand...

Wokabaut_Meri said:

Welcome!

You've certainly come to the right place and I hope that the Forum will assist you in preparing for your Camino. How exciting! and wonderful and so many other things ... where to begin... I assume that you are living in America? Are there any walking groups - or better still Camino groups anywhere near you? That would be a great place to start out on your walking career

It's easy to become totally confused by the abundance of stuff and advice that's available. Think of it as going to a supermarket - there is so much choice out there. I would suggest that you pick one or two items and research them both here and at a local outdoor store if one is available for you e.g. footwear and backpack to begin with. You've heaps of time so need to rush.

and then there's the 'going home'... I was a little girl when I left my English birthplace for Australia and didn't return until a few years ago for my 60th birthday when I went walking in the fields of my childhood again. It's a wonderful way to come home... and it will add another dimension to your Camino.

Enjoy your preparations - WARNING!! you'll become addicted (and there are plenty of threads about that!)

Buen Camino - for you are truly on the Way already

Click to expand...

natefaith said:

@Vieja : We just watched the movie "Brooklyn" and your story already intrigues me!

This Forum will have a lot of great advice for you. There's also an organization called American Pilgrims on the Camino (http://www.americanpilgrims.org/), and on its website you can see where they have local chapters that meet to talk about the Camino and walk together. They also run a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmericanPilgrims/).

Also, John Brierley has a good guidebook on the Camino Portuguese.

Enjoy all the planning! Take care and Buen Camino.
Faith

Click to expand...

natefaith said:

@Vieja : We were just in Vigo last week! Beautiful town, especially when it's sunny and you can see the deep blue of the water

That's great that you'll be coming back to your homeland so soon. Lots of emotions for you I'm sure!

Take care,
Faith

Click to expand...

natefaith said:

@Vieja : We were just in Vigo last week! Beautiful town, especially when it's sunny and you can see the deep blue of the water

That's great that you'll be coming back to your homeland so soon. Lots of emotions for you I'm sure!

Take care,
Faith

Click to expand...

edumad said:

Go to a good sports shop and try different trainers and backpacks.
Som will even have weights to put in, so you can have a realistic feel. Aim for not much more than 7kg.
If you get this gear early than you'll become acustomed and your body will thank you on the trail.

The important thing is not to get the best "performance" or the best deal, get something that will not be an issue on the trail so that you can just appreciate your journey and your homeland.

Best wishes.

Click to expand...