Have you heard of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela? Well, if so, then I have the book for you!
If anyone is considering walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage in Spain, I highly recommend reading the book, "I'm Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago" written by Hape Kerkeling. Hape is a German comedian who offers a comical (of course) and realistic description of his adventure on the trail.
There are many different paths to take but my friend and I are planning to complete the 778 km trek in 30+ days during the summer 2010.
Reply to this Hey there Polly, I, too, will be attempting the Camino from St Jean Pied du Port on the French side of the Pyrenees. I choose to go earlier than summer because in my research I've found that next year will be one of the big years for Santiago because July 25th falls on a Sunday. When this happens there are many more travellers which makes it difficult to find a bed each night. I'm hoping to start end of March or early April.
Buen Camino!
Reply to this You might pass a couple of older Aussies on your way. I will be doing the Camino for the first time with a mate who did it in 2008. We start in St Jean Pied de Port in early April. Chose to walk early for similar reasons. I hope you enjoy your experience.
Reply to this Hi Doug, I'll keep a look out for you. I hope to meet many people who are walking the Camino. I read your preparation blog. How heavy is your pack for it to be 6 or 7 kg overweight? They say to carry 10% of your body weight. Are you camping along the way or staying in Albergues? What are you taking with you? I'd be interested in seeing your list to make sure I'm considering all contingencies. I have a small pack with side pouches for water bottles. It has it's own raincoat. I will have my own raincoat and brolly; 1 soft cell jacket and fleece vest or jumper; 2 pairs of hiking pants (you know the ones with the removable legs), 3 sets of lightweight long underwear (it'll be cold at night and early morning), very lightweight sleeping bag, small blow up travel pillow, cotton sheet/sarong, 3 pairs socks, 3 pairs liners, 3 long sleeve skivvies/Tshirts, thongs, 3 sets of personals (hm mm), one casual outfit for night time. and then a small bag of toiletries and first aid stuff, small camera and definitely ear plugs if sleeping in one hall with many other pilgrims.
Have a great walk Doug. Buen Camino!
Reply to this Hi, thanks for the advice. I am aiming for a base of 12kg, which I am pretty sure I can achieve once I am ruthless about what goes in - its just getting to that ruthless point!
Agree with you about the earplugs. My standard 'travel survival kit' includes earplugs and eye mask and inflatable pillow. Some of my friends know how badly I snore, and suggest these are really only to stop me waking myself up!
Doug
Reply to this I was excited to read your posts, and I hope you write about your adventures when you return! Doug, I left a message for you on your blog.
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