Camino de Santiago de Compostela

[gypsyscholz]

Hi,
I am planning to walk the Camino the summer of 2013. I am expecting to walk from mid June through the first week of August. I am currently walking so that I can walk up to 15 miles per day. Will 6 weeks be enough or too much time to walk from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. I found and have a backpack, light weight sleeping bag and a tent that weighs 1.5 pounds (sleeps one). Any ideas or tips for me. This is a very special trip for me.
Thanks,
Gypsy Shoes

[CatherineOH]

I may see you on the trail.
I too hope to go next summer, or 2014.

I've hiked parts of various trails in the us so I have some experience at the physical requirements.
Even at that, I'm going to start in London and train tour to Paris, then on foot from there.
I expect to take two months, but will be prepared for three.
If I'm retired, I may just head on down to Rome.

I was advised this week to leave the tent at home but to pack a rain poncho that covers the backpack as well.
It can double as a tent in a pinch, but it should not be needed.
I may be borrowing a waterproof bag cover.
I was also advised to have good wet weather gear for warm climates and a wool Irish sweater.
Sleeping bag wise, get as good and as light as I can, and consider a solid foam half pad.

Invest in sturdy hiking boots. NO Goretex as it holds moisture in.
Walking sandals, and flip flops for the hostiles showers.
Foot powder
Blister cures including a lighter, needle with thread and moleskin.
(needle with thread is for a blister...thread the needle and pierce the blister clear through leaving the thread behind to drain the blister.

Hiking stick and water bottle
Important papers in document pouch at the waist
Decoy wallet in pocket with a small amount of cash.

I'm female so adjust this list as needed
This list includes clothing worn.

Clothing
3 pair hiking socks...those blister preventing couhioned kind.
3 pr underwear,
2 bras
Shorts
Zip off pants (convert to shorts) or a long skirt.
2 sports tshirts one long sleeved
1 taylored shirt

Ditty bag with medicines
Antiinflamitory drugs
First aid kit
Ace wrap
2 bandanas
Bottle of shampoo that doubles to wash clothes
Castile soap
Wash rag
Quick dry towel
Bungee cords to hang laundry off pack
Sunscreen
Uv lip balm
Sunglasses

Backpack that rides low at the hip, with waist belt, breaths and isn't too big
Before mentioned rain poncho
Wet weather jacket and pants
Hat with full brim..prefer cotton so it can be wetted for cooling

pencil
Log book
Camera
Passport
Stamp book for the trail
Batteries

The whole should not which more than 10 to 12 lbs.
Wear your pack when you are breaking in your boots at home.
Don't find out on the trail that that one extra pound is going to cause that blister.

If you have never overland hiked more than one day before,
Have a healthy attitude for yourself to be able to forgive yourself.
Even if you are not catholic, take some prayer beads.
It is a strenuous but rewarding thing to go by foot.
I'm looking forward to it.

[CatherineOH]

I almost forgot the next important thing to the water bottle.... toilet paper.
Carry your own TP.
Also I was advised don't drink water not bottled.
Alternately, I was thinking of taking a water purifying unit like I do on trails here in the USA.

I've been looking at the temperature maps too.
Looks like I'll be doing a fall or early spring trek.

enjoy and God speed.

[gypsyscholz]

Thank you CatherineOH,

I hope to see you on the trail. I am from WI and I am looking forward to the trip. I have been hiking the hills of the Kettle Moraine, the villages and towns of central WI as well. The list is very helpful. Thank you.
Again, I hope to see you on the trail.
If you are Catholic, don't forget your Rosary!
Gypsy Shoes

[CatherineOH]

Yes, Even when I was Lutheran, the Rosary is always in my pocket.

I need to add some heavy sunscreen to the list.

I have been directed to a board site too...
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/board/

God Bless.