Where to begin? I suggest Leon

[Richard Ferguson]

I will take a shot at Jennifer's question, as I am also planning a
relatively short trip, and I want to walk less than 20 miles a day.

I suggest Leon as a starting place.  You can fly to Madrid, take a train
to Leon for 25 dollars US or so, and have 311 km (192 miles) to
Santiago.  This is about 10 days of walking at the 20 mile a day rate,
but this gives you extra time for rest days, weather days, a day in
Santiago, travel time from the USA, train travel within Spain, etc.  You
could start in Burgos (take the train from Madrid) if you really wanted
to do more miles, but I suggest a more conservative plan will mean less
pressure and more time to think and relax, at least a little, and you
will have a greater chance to be successful.

People who bite off more than they really have time to do are shooting
themselves in the foot.  I have considerable experience planning
expeditions, usually successful, and an extra day or two is a key
element for success.  Overreaching is the most common error in planning
big trips.

Richard


> Date:    Fri, 22 Feb 2002 13:21:54 -0500
> From:    Jennifer Holleman <jhollemanaGTS.GATXCAP.COM>
> Subject: Where to begin?
>
> I will be walking the Camino in late Aug. I have a total of 19 days (work
> does not allow for many days for vacation) and I am wondering where would
> be a good place to start the walk? I am not familiar with Spain, so I would
> like some suggestions on how to go about seeing as much as I can in the
> time frame that I have. I most definitely want to make it all the way to
> Santiago de Compostela, but need a good starting point. I expect to walk
> near 20 miles a day, and would like to stay away from having to catch a
> train or bus. Any suggestions?
> Thank you in advance for your help!
>
> Jen
>