Unsolicited Camino Prep Ideas

[Juspassinthru]

I've now completed 3 Caminos including the Francés, Inglés (with a León-Sarria side trip) and Arles-Aragónes-Francés. I've hiked and backpacked most of my life. I've learned from others and by making mistakes on preparation and packing. I've attached a PDF with some thoughts on preparing, as a newbie or older returning Pilgrim. It's by no means comprehensive but after seeing the questions posed in the Forum about preparation, equipment, packing, aches/pains, stage ideas, etc., I figured I may have learned something of value to someone. Please accept it for what it is, treasure or junk, all in the eyes of the beholder.

 

[maxsdyke]

Thank you for sharing your prep guidelines! I am now officially one week into my first Camino and I definitely agree with everything you said! Booking ahead especially makes life so much easier as you just don’t have to worry about rushing there, you can sit down every 5 or so kilometers and rest, you can take your time eating at a cafe, or do whatever!

 

[WildandFound]

This is great. I'm headed out on the Frances route in August and I'm like a sponge for insights right now, even though I trust in the end it's mostly commonsense. Appreciate you taking the time to share yours cents! Erin

 

[davebugg]

I appreciated your spending the time to write down your thoughts based on what you've experienced and learned. Thank you.

 

[DocJeff]

Thank you for the Unsolicited advice. It is much appreciated!

 

[Pegstar]

Thank you SO, SO much! I'm embarking on my first camino in 10 days and as a solo female on a limited budget and travelling the norte I was starting to stress seriously about accommodation. The 'free spirit' side of things I might have aimed to achieve (completely contrary to my normal nature) know would have soon dissipated as my anxiety to get a bed in the few hostel dorms each day overwhelmed everything else! After reading your words I feel like I have permission to book ahead and know that will enable me to enjoy and make the most of it far more!

 

[wturkington]

I've now completed 3 Caminos including the Francés, Inglés (with a León-Sarria side trip) and Arles-Aragónes-Francés. I've hiked and backpacked most of my life. I've learned from others and by making mistakes on preparation and packing. I've attached a PDF with some thoughts on preparing, as a newbie or older returning Pilgrim. It's by no means comprehensive but after seeing the questions posed in the Forum about preparation, equipment, packing, aches/pains, stage ideas, etc., I figured I may have learned something of value to someone. Please accept it for what it is, treasure or junk, all in the eyes of the beholder.

Very informative and encouraging thoughts. Have saved this for future reference in planning for our upcoming (and quickly approaching) Camino Frances. Thank you!

 

[Charles Ross]

If I had to pre-book a substantial portion of the Camino Frances, I simply would not do it. There's lots of ways to visit Europe, experience Europe; I've had the 'If this is Tuesday, it must be Berlin experience'. Never again. I don't want to know what's around the next turn; I don't want to be on a schedule, I've spent most of my life doing just that and I'm walking in Spain to wander not commute.

 

[tskenney]

Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom. I am getting "in shape" for my third Camino which begins August 26th. I really appreciate lots of your pointers as great reminders for me. Cheers!

 

[TracyB35]

Thank you so much! My husband and I are preparing for our first camino next year. Grateful for your insights!

 

[dougfitz]

What a thoughtful, well balanced contribution. Thank you.

 

[Richard Smith]

Excellent advice and well written, thank you for doing it.

 

[trecile]

If I had to pre-book a substantial portion of the Camino Frances, I simply would not do it. There's lots of ways to visit Europe, experience Europe; I've had the 'If this is Tuesday, it must be Berlin experience'. Never again. I don't want to know what's around the next turn; I don't want to be on a schedule, I've spent most of my life doing just that and I'm walking in Spain to wander not commute.

Depending on the number of albergues and other accommodations on the next stage I have been booking a day or two in advance. If there are many albergues in a town or a large municipal I don't feel the need to book.

 

[Lou Lulu]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I will be embarking on my fourth Camino later this year and found your thoughtful comments very wise and encouraging as the older I get the more uncertain I become of my ability to just keep walking.

 

[Windwomyn]

I've now completed 3 Caminos including the Francés, Inglés (with a León-Sarria side trip) and Arles-Aragónes-Francés. I've hiked and backpacked most of my life. I've learned from others and by making mistakes on preparation and packing. I've attached a PDF with some thoughts on preparing, as a newbie or older returning Pilgrim. It's by no means comprehensive but after seeing the questions posed in the Forum about preparation, equipment, packing, aches/pains, stage ideas, etc., I figured I may have learned something of value to someone. Please accept it for what it is, treasure or junk, all in the eyes of the beholder.

Thank you

I've now completed 3 Caminos including the Francés, Inglés (with a León-Sarria side trip) and Arles-Aragónes-Francés. I've hiked and backpacked most of my life. I've learned from others and by making mistakes on preparation and packing. I've attached a PDF with some thoughts on preparing, as a newbie or older returning Pilgrim. It's by no means comprehensive but after seeing the questions posed in the Forum about preparation, equipment, packing, aches/pains, stage ideas, etc., I figured I may have learned something of value to someone. Please accept it for what it is, treasure or junk, all in the eyes of the beholder.

Thank you for the great read, lots of good advice. Hope you get out for another Camino soon.

 

[Juspassinthru]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I will be embarking on my fourth Camino later this year and found your thoughtful comments very wise and encouraging as the older I get the more uncertain I become of my ability to just keep walking.

I understand completely, I was fortunate to be walking with a friend from Ireland I met in 2017. He’s a great walking partner and we encouraged each other on the tough days. We also met more great pilgrims along the way. Take it slow, and take time to smell the flowers. Age probably won’t stop you from getting there, it may impact what time you get there. One o’clock, three o’clock,

 

[Suzanne S.]

I understand completely, I was fortunate to be walking with a friend from Ireland I met in 2017. He’s a great walking partner and we encouraged each other on the tough days. We also met more great pilgrims along the way. Take it slow, and take time to smell the flowers. Age probably won’t stop you from getting there, it may impact what time you get there. One o’clock, three o’clock,

This is perfect. I'm with @Lou Lulu ...my fourth this year, and I'm ten years older now. One step at a time, and smell the flowers. Thank you!

 

[Juspassinthru]

This is perfect. I'm with @Lou Lulu ...my fourth this year, and I'm ten years older now. One step at a time, and smell the flowers. Thank you!

Poco a poco.

 

[JenCook]

I've now completed 3 Caminos including the Francés, Inglés (with a León-Sarria side trip) and Arles-Aragónes-Francés. I've hiked and backpacked most of my life. I've learned from others and by making mistakes on preparation and packing. I've attached a PDF with some thoughts on preparing, as a newbie or older returning Pilgrim. It's by no means comprehensive but after seeing the questions posed in the Forum about preparation, equipment, packing, aches/pains, stage ideas, etc., I figured I may have learned something of value to someone. Please accept it for what it is, treasure or junk, all in the eyes of the beholder.

Who did you use to transport your baggage from one place to the next and are there multiple options and what is the weight restriction on your bags. I'm from NZ and going next year with two other ladies who are a bit older), thanks in advance.

 

[Juspassinthru]

On the Camino Francés there are several services, Jacotrans is one, almost every albergue will have envelopes available. Ask the hospitaliro which one serves the area best.

 

[Doingit]

I've now completed 3 Caminos including the Francés, Inglés (with a León-Sarria side trip) and Arles-Aragónes-Francés. I've hiked and backpacked most of my life. I've learned from others and by making mistakes on preparation and packing. I've attached a PDF with some thoughts on preparing, as a newbie or older returning Pilgrim. It's by no means comprehensive but after seeing the questions posed in the Forum about preparation, equipment, packing, aches/pains, stage ideas, etc., I figured I may have learned something of value to someone. Please accept it for what it is, treasure or junk, all in the eyes of the beholder.

Hello, Just read your prep and packing document. I am a 66 year old women who has just finished her first Camino (done over 2 years with 300 km then 500km). I enjoyed the read and agree with all what you said though i had less clothing. Itt was so cold this year , i was wearing it all! and loved having my sleeping bag. I am saving this as a reminder for next year! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Juspassinthru]

Hello, Just read your prep and packing document. I am a 66 year old women who has just finished her first Camino (done over 2 years with 300 km then 500km). I enjoyed the read and agree with all what you said though i had less clothing. Itt was so cold this year , i was wearing it all! and loved having my sleeping bag. I am saving this as a reminder for next year! Thanks for sharing!

Congrats! Yes, it was cold and I too had all my layers on at times which is why I recommend layers. Interesting that it was warmer in early April than in late April/May. I hope you enjoy your next adventure.

 

[andylm65]

Thanks so much! Great list. Walked in 2018. Norte & Primitivo at 64. Finally headed back for another go at 69. Vasco del interior to Burgos, Francés to Leon, San Salvador to Oviedo then the final stages of the Norte. Hoping I haven’t bit off more than I can chew. Built in rest days… late July to mid September.

 

[mattythedog]

I've now completed 3 Caminos including the Francés, Inglés (with a León-Sarria side trip) and Arles-Aragónes-Francés. I've hiked and backpacked most of my life. I've learned from others and by making mistakes on preparation and packing. I've attached a PDF with some thoughts on preparing, as a newbie or older returning Pilgrim. It's by no means comprehensive but after seeing the questions posed in the Forum about preparation, equipment, packing, aches/pains, stage ideas, etc., I figured I may have learned something of value to someone. Please accept it for what it is, treasure or junk, all in the eyes of the beholder.

Very good points. I use most of them myself