Santiago Pilgrimage

[Eva]

Mary Frances,

I don't think you need a lot of physical training before you start the
Camino. You will be getting more fit as you walk. However, I would
recommend taking your backpack (with its Camino contents) on a longer
walk before you leave - say 15 - 20 miles. You may decide you don't want
to carry all that weight. Also, make sure you have very comfortable
hiking boots.

I would highly recommend doing the climb over the Pyrenees to
Roncevalles. You will love it! The only unknown is the weather on your
first day, and this can make a big difference. It can be very hard or
even a little dangerous in some bad weather conditions. I walked that
route in August, and we were lucky to have perfect weather. But it is
pretty difficult since it's the highest climb of the Camino and it's on
your first day.

I hope the end of May is not as crowded as August. One way to be assured
to get a bed in an albergue is to start each day early and stop by 1 or
2:00 p.m. when the albergues open. In many towns (but not all) you can
also get a room in a private hotel.

-Eva

Glenview, IL

-----Original Message-----

From: Pat Harrison [ <mailto:Pilgrim_OCDSaATT.NET>
mailto:Pilgrim_OCDSaATT.NET]

Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 8:54 PM

Subject: Santiago Pilgrimage



Hello All:

I am new to this email list. I am writing to help me make a decision
about doing the Camino with my husband this year. Right now, I do not
feel that I am in good shape and don't know if the next four months of
getting into shape would be sufficient to do the Camino. My husband has
his heart set on doing the Camino and I don't want to disappoint him.
Yet, I am 55 years old and aware of my limitations. If we went, we would
leave on May 23rd and fly into Paris. We would start the pilgrimage in
St. Jean. I have reservations about hiking through the Pyrenees. Could
someone give me an idea of how rigorous the hike through the mountains
would be to get to Roncevalles?

Also, in reading various email threads, I learned that 600,000 to
900,000 people are estimated to do the Camino this year. Another concern
is about sleeping accomodations. I don't really want to sleep on the
floor of a Refugio if there are no more beds available or sleep on the
ground under some tent that the Spanish army would set up. Did anyone do
the Camino in 1999 when St. James feastday fell on a Sunday, too? If so,
what were the crowds like, what does one do if there are no sleeping
accomodations? It is the unknown that is causing me to have anxiety. Any
information would be beneficial to help me make a decision.

Thanks very much!

Mary Frances Harrison



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