Pre-Camino Tips and Preparation

Almost two years ago I first learnt about the Camino de Santiago’s existence. The Camino de Santiago is traditionally a Catholic pilgrimage across Spain over many different routes. Today many non-Catholics take on the challenge of crossing Spain to Santiago de Compostela for various personal reasons. The most popular route is the Frances Way: starting in the South of France and crossing the Pyrenees into Spain. When I discovered its Catholic heritage I was shocked that I had never learnt about it sooner after attending a Catholic High School. Instead I stumbled across it like most great things: by chance.

My desire to walk 800 kms across Spain on The Frances Way began with a trip to the local DVD rental store. I specifically went to the store to hire out a new release. In line to hire out the DVD, I realised it would be cheaper if I chose another film. With nothing else really interesting me, I grabbed the nearest one and added it to the pile. Once I sat down to begin my movie night I immediately lost interest in the other film and put on The Way.. From that moment I hit play, I knew I had to walk the Camino de Santiago not because of the film, but because I felt drawn to the road across Spain (sounds cheesy I know but we travellers have experienced these urges at some point or another).

Choosing a route

As I am an inexperienced pilgrim with below average Spanish speaking abilities, I have opted to take the most common Frances route to Santiago de Compostela. I feel this is my safest option and “apparently” it is near impossible to get yourself lost along the way. To receive your Compostela you only are required to walk 100km with many people choosing to start their Camino from the Sanctuary of O’Cebreiro in the Galician mountains. I am beginning my pilgrimage from St Jean Pied du Port which is the most popular starting point of the Frances way.

Accommodation

I have pre-booked my transport through France’s SCNF website. Arriving in St Jean in the late afternoon, I wanted to ensure I had a good bed and no hassles finding accommodation so I have taken the option to book in advance. Many albergue’s (pilgrim accommodation) take no reservations. If you choose to book in advance, my advice is to get in early. Many hours trawling through Camino websites, I selected Refuge Ultreia, which is run by experience hikers and pilgrims. With all rooms booked I was disappointed and sent what I thought would be a fruitless email off enquiring about a bed. I got lucky! Just after I sent off my email and restarted my search, someone cancelled their reservation and I scooped up the last bed. Below are two great websites for seeking accommodation in St Jean:

Camino Adventures:

A great resource for all things Camino! Has a breakdown of accommodation along the way with contact details.

http://www.caminoadventures.com/pilgrim-hostels/

Pilgrims Office:

This website provides more detailed information about the various accommodations in St Jean. Advises check in hours, contact information and if reservations are possible.

http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/spip/spip.php?rubrique343

Physical Preparation

Prior departing for Europe in August last year, I made a goal of having to complete 800 km walking prior departure. I made it with a week to spare and was ecstatic. Again in November 2013 I made a new goal of completing 1300 km in 5 months and rented a cross-trainer for my room. It was a struggle but I completed the 1300 km with two weeks to spare. I have also committed to walking 3 km each way to and from work minimum each day since January and, to be honest, I don’t exactly feel I am fit enough to walk the 800 km across Spain, but we will see. I will definitely be ready for it by the time I complete my pilgrimage.

Packing Preparation

With a month’s travel prior to my Camino and another three months on the road after, I am breaking all the advice I have read in my books and on the online forums. Instead of taking a small bag with no more than 7 kg total I have compromised by taking a 40L Osprey Farpoint backpack. It’s carry-on dimensions and with water I hope to not exceed 10 kg on my back. To find a balance has been difficult and I am not taking items such as a sleeping bag or tent, so hopefully I will be able to find a bed in an albergue every night. Fingers crossed…

Mental Preparation

This one is a little tricky. For my mental preparation I have waited until I feel ready to take on the challenge of the Camino. Walking everyday all day is not an easy task and there will be a lot of time on my own delving deep into my inner thoughts and memories. I have maintained consistent and steady physical training and I know I am stubborn and determined especially with exercising over long distances. I’ve mentally visualised the challenges I may face on the road and feel completely comfortable with what lies ahead of me. Lastly I have just accepted that blisters are going to be a part of the experience and have already moved past the issue for when it may cause a reluctance to walk.

For further insight into what the Camino de Santiago will entail and advice by those who have completed the pilgrimage check out my top 5 Camino Resources article HERE!

I will be posting along the way and re-visiting the pros and cons of my preparation once I have completed my pilgrimage across Spain. Buen Camino!