Been there, done that

[Ben Olas]

If all you have is 2 weeks and would like to put in enough miles to receive
the Compostella, I would recommend beginning at least in Ponferrada.  From
there to Santiago you have about 202 kilometers. Going east from there would
be Astorga to start from which roughly 32.5 kilometers so another 2 days
added.  Starting from Astorga, you are looking at about 9 days of some
really serious hiking, most likely getting rained on alot.  For maps I am
referencing The Pilgrims Guide that came with a detailed book and maps.
Astorga begins on map 23a.  We picked up the book and maps in St Jean and
took them with us the whole way.  THAT BOOK IS FREAKING HEAVY.  I HIGHLY
recommended you pick them up before you leave and LEAVE THE BOOK HOME. Or,
at least mail it home if you get it in Spain.  I would also recommend you
get to Santiago and hang out for a day or two at the University (final
refuge).

Buses in Spain are plentiful and cheap too if an emergency comes up.  Oh,
and don't trust the mile markers between Arzua and Santiago.  They mark the
trail really well, but don't have the right milage on them (at least when we
went).  Kinda seemed like a final test when one marker says 13km left, and
the next one says 15km.

Does this help?  Let me know.

Merry Christmas!

Ben


>From: honestdoug <honestdougaWORLDONLINE.CO.UK>
>Reply-To: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
>To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
>Subject: Re: Been there, done that
>Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:35:46 +0000
>
>Ben Olas wrote:
>
>>Hello All,
>>
>>Oct. 2002 my girlfriend and I did the Camino starting in St. Jean Pier du
>>Port and finishing in Santiago de Compostela (4 weeks total). I was
>>listening to some music today that reminded me of the camino, so I
>>decided
>>to re-subscribe to the listserv. I would be happy to answer any questions
>>anyone would have about the experience or our preparations. There were a
>>number of very helpful people here who also have websites (can't remember
>>them at the moment though, although E.O. Peterson rings a bell) that I
>>found
>>invaluable. Some things that I would HIGHLY recommend above all else is
>>proper shoes and socks, and ESPECIALLY in Galicia some decent rain
>>gear. We
>>had some U.S. military issue rain ponchos that fit over ourselves and our
>>gear, but if we do it again we will have pants, jackets, and backpack
>>specific covers. Waterproof/goretex shoes are a plus, and a good pair of
>>Gators to wear over your shoes to keep out water and mud really made a
>>difference (one again, especially in Galicia).
>>
>>After 10 days straight hiking with few to no rest stops, my feet
>>looked like
>>ground beef. I cannot stress how important taking a break occasionally
>>and
>>taking off your shoes is. There are plently of bars/cafes along the way
>>where you can take a break and get a cup of vino, or just crash anywhere
>>along the trail. Be social, try learning some simple Spanish. You can get
>>by without knowning the language, but any little bit helps.
>>
>>Getting off my soap box, one final thing. Keeping in mind that the camino
>>is not about how much pain I could take was an invaluable lesson I
>>learned
>>(finally!!!) in Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
>>
>>_________________________________________________________________
>>Have fun customizing MSN Messenger — learn how here!
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>>
>Hi Ben my son and I will be walking last week in April and first two
>weeks of May we are not sure how far we would be able to walk in two
>weeks to get to Santiago de Compostela .we are both fiit me at 56 and
>and my son 31 can you give us some thoughts we are flying from Bristol
>England into Bilbaon ,flight already booked get in at 5.30 local time .
>
>Have a Blessed Christmass to all
>
>God bless
>Doug

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