LIVE from the Camino ‘The Way’ or ‘No Way’

[Willdtrout]

Been raining a bit in Galicia. This is sections of the Camino Norte between Gontàn and Baamonde on November 4. I’ve been able to keep my toes mostly dry and still enjoying the walk. Impressive as the rain has been the wind has impressed me more. Heard one tree blow over today. Intense rain followed by sunny skies then more rain.

Buen Camino

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Willdtrout , great photos - and pretty unique too! What an awesome experience. Stay safe and enjoy!

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Some nice puddles to play in!

 

[Sue127]

Impressive photos, stay safe.

 

[pelerine]

Yes, stay safe! Lots of trees blown over in Brittany…..

 

[Willdtrout]

An update for todays walking….

The pictures were from yesterday and today walked the short road between Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes. Reports from people who walked this route yesterday were that conditions were worse and wading in knee deep water was required. After another stormy night we feared the worse and thought we were in for big adventures. Not to be though. The route ahead had dried out and we made it through without having to swim. Word from amigos behind reported that yesterdays water had also receded.

All is well on Camino again

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

And here I was, thinking you might have to live up to your name…

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Hip waders may become a footwear choice on some Caminos?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Some nice puddles to play in!

A nice tiger to play with.

 

[SirenGray]

View attachment 159690View attachment 159691View attachment 159692View attachment 159693

Been raining a bit in Galicia. This is sections of the Camino Norte between Gontàn and Baamonde on November 4. I’ve been able to keep my toes mostly dry and still enjoying the walk. Impressive as the rain has been the wind has impressed me more. Heard one tree blow over today. Intense rain followed by sunny skies then more rain.

Buen Camino

As I crossed that same bridge just a few short weeks ago, I wondered what it would look like if the stream beneath rose a little more…then promptly slipped going down the far end of the bridge, banging my knee on the rocks underfoot. If only I’d waited, I’d have had my answer and I could’ve had a softer landing albeit a sloshy one. Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[kelleymac]

Thanks for photos. The water is high!
I'd like to remind everyone that we, pilgrims, who are walking through do not know the local creeks and streams well. Water is stronger than we are.

I started to write out how I would cross safely with my scouts, but found this article by the Appalachian Trail. They write out safety guidelines better than I could. It's a short read and worthwhile information about backpacking and crossing water.

River and Stream Crossings | Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Fording streams and rivers may be the most dangerous challenge hikers confront. River crossings can be deceptively hazardous. Even a very shallow, swiftly flowing body of water can pack enough force to knock you off your feet. Use caution and common sense. Carry a map and compass and know how to...

appalachiantrail.org

Kate

 

[JimG59]

Encountering such water, is it a case of shoes/boots off and maybe wade across with a pair of flip flops on ?

 

[Willdtrout]

Encountering such water, is it a case of shoes/boots off and maybe wade across with a pair of flip flops on ?

I managed to keep my feet dry. One place ahead was flooded and camigo ahead of me waded in sandals thru several stretches but for me the next day the road was clear. Other places had road detour and one of the pics we just walked out on the field for a few hundred yards. Mostly it was just adapt to the situation

 

[kelleymac]

Encountering such water, is it a case of shoes/boots off and maybe wade across with a pair of flip flops on ?

Both the A-Trail and the Pacific Crest guidelines advise to keep shoes on while crossing to protect feet and increase friction on slippery surfaces in fast moving water. They do recommend changing to shorts or underwear to keep trousers dry.

 

[Kitsambler]

This is not an absolutely unique situation, as I also encountered flooded sections and over-the-boot-deep puddles 8(?) years ago (the last year in Germany, whenever that was ...). It really pays to give detailed attention to the weather forecasts and the road reports up ahead. Plus, with the water receding so quickly, just holing up for a day (or two) is another workable strategy.

 

[CWBuff]

so...ditch the whole sleeping bag vs sleeping liner thingy and pack an inflatable kayak!
I can see that....
...with tigers

 

[ksam]

Heard one tree blow over today. Intense rain followed by sunny skies then more rain.

Buen Camino

Be careful out there!

 

[Maggie Y]

Are you near the Monastery? Random thought sorry

 

[jpflavin1]

Encountering such water, is it a case of shoes/boots off and maybe wade across with a pair of flip flops on ?

I never take of my boots/shoes when walking through water/streams. You never know lurks under neath the water. I would much rather deal with wet gear than an injured or lacerated foot. On wet days I usually wear a plastic bag between my socks and shoes. That usually keeps my feet dry.

 

[ksam]

I had a rather nasty experience in a cow pasture (looong story).... but can vouch for ... crocs. My shoes and my pants and socks were SOAKED to the knees. So rinsed clean... swapped sock and walked the next 13km in my crocs. Barefoot ...never. As @jpflavin1 said, too easy to get a laceration or who knows what. Keep your feet protected. Even if they do get wet.