Hello, we (my wife and I) are new pilgrims, now with tickets from US to Madrid in hand, so we will be making the Camino, or the last parts of it, in mid-May. We are in our 60’s, fit enough I hope with plenty of walking experience, but not much backpacking experience; however we are training. We’re apprehensive but eager to start. I’ve seen a lot of helpful information on this forum, about packing, refugios etc.
We have about 10 days to walk to Santiago, plus one or two spare days for mishaps, sightseeing etc. I wanted to start at/about Villafranca del Bierzo. Is it feasible to first travel to Leon on the day we arrive in Madrid then the next day take local transport to our start point?
I’ve noticed discussions about what to do with extra bags while on the Camino, and the main suggestion seems to be to use Poste Restante addressed to Santiago. This sounds a good idea, has anyone done it that they can report about?
Finally, do most people check their (packed) backpacks when flying by air (as against taking in the cabin)? Does anyone have experience of doing this from the US?
Many thanks for any tips
Mike
We have about 10 days to walk to Santiago, plus one or two spare days for mishaps, sightseeing etc. I wanted to start at/about Villafranca del Bierzo. Is it feasible to first travel to Leon on the day we arrive in Madrid then the next day take local transport to our start point?
I’ve noticed discussions about what to do with extra bags while on the Camino, and the main suggestion seems to be to use Poste Restante addressed to Santiago. This sounds a good idea, has anyone done it that they can report about?
Finally, do most people check their (packed) backpacks when flying by air (as against taking in the cabin)? Does anyone have experience of doing this from the US?
Many thanks for any tips
Mike