Been there, done that

[Roselma Samala]

How about if you only have a week?!

--- Ben Olas <justforcaminoaHOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 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
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>
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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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