Camino Community Guide

10/01/2019

A young woman is doing a survey about safety on the Camino. If you are interested, you can find the survey at this link. https://seguridadcaminodesantiago.es/inicio-2/

Safety of St James´ way On the occasion of carrying out a study of the Safety of the Camino de Santiago, a research project has been developed, which through this online questionnaire of 20 questions will allow gathering information on the perception of Safety of pilgrims who have traveled some of ...

02/06/2017

Food on the Camino…. in case you are wondering. Many hostels provide a “pilgrims dinner”. These are normally inexpensive and many include wine. They do vary greatly in quantity and quality. We had far more good ones, than bad ones. The big plus is that you typically eat family style so you get to share a meal with other pilgrims staying at your hostel (new friends). But, there are typically many other options. There are food shops in most villages and broad ranges of restaurants from very expensive and formal to causal and inexpensive. One night we rounded up other pilgrims and talked a mother and daughter who ran a restaurant to make us dinner even though they were closed. We stayed for over two hours and the mother and daughter joined us for dinner. At one point, the mother was sitting on one of our friends laps. It was a wonderful time for both us and our new restaurant-owner friends. Anything can happen on the Camino. We also had many picnics along the way.. also a time to rest and air out one's feet. Here are just a few pictures of dinners we had along the Camino. For more tips on preparing, equipment, photos, and stories see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

15/04/2017

The Camino is such a special experience. With serene parts of the walk, great fellowship, surprising architecture, humors signage, and so much more. Around every corner is something totally unexpected. Anyone know what these odd structures are? You’ll see them along most of the Camino. For more tips on preparing, equipment, photos, and stories see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

08/04/2017

The Camino walk is amazing on so many different dimension, including spiritual, the stunning beauty of Spain, centuries of history that you’ll walk through, and the wonderful and interesting people you meet along the way. And… the spectacular art and architecture you'll find around every corner! For more tips on preparing, equipment, photos, and stories see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

25/03/2017

If you start your Camino in St Jean Pied de Port, it is best to have a reservation in a place before you get there. Each day hundreds of Pilgrims start the Camino and most are looking for a place to stay the first night in St Jean. There are many wonderful lodging options in St Jean, but plan ahead the fill up quickly! The walk over the Pyrenees is stunning, but it is also quite long (~24KM) and ends with a very steep descent into Roncesvalles. Get an early start. A good strategy is to stay at the Kayola or Orisson hostels ~6KM from St Jean. Both hostels have limited accommodations, so make a reservation well in advance. Kayola is ~1KM before Orisson, but the check-in is in the Orisson. Kayola does not have a host, but it is a wonderful experience. Bring some food and enjoy a communal meal with new Pilgrims (there is no food service there). The Orisson has an incredible deck along the Camino for an afternoon beverage while watching the Pilgrims flow by. It does have a restaurant. After Roncesvalles, pilgrims spread out and competition for lodging diminishes. For more tips on preparing, equipment, photos, and stories see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

11/03/2017

Its time to start preparing and training for the Camino. Get the right equipment and get use to hiking with a pack. The right shoes are key. You really don't need to carry more than 10% of your body weight depending on the season. You can get most things you need along the route. .... so enjoy the experience and don't overpack! For more tips on preparing, equipment, photos, and stories see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

02/03/2017

An amazing element of the Camino is all the wonderful people you'll meet along the way. We started meeting 4 people on the train to the start and at the end in Santiago we invited people thru the Camino network to a restaurant to celebrate our collective achievement. Over 50 people showed up and we took over the restaurant. Some of these people we hadn't seen in weeks. It was a special celebration with people that will remain lifelong friends. Don't miss that along the Way. For more photos and stories see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

03/12/2016

The Camino presents over 1,200 years of history. Don't be surprised when you see an ancient Roman bridge with a Fossball table below it. Stop and have a glass of wine and enjoy the mix of history and fellow Camino Pilgrims. This is in Ponferrada not far from a Templar Castle. For more photos and stories see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

07/10/2016

Be prepared for a broad range of sleeping arrangements along the Camino! Remember....you are probably only 5KM to the next hostel. If you find yourself looking at a three tier bunk bed in a small room.....move on. There are a lot of other choices. BUT...the hostel experience is an important part of the Camino experience. Although...don't leave your ear plugs at home. For more hostile information see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

17/09/2016

You certainly see some interesting things alone the Camino. Here is a picture of a celebration we stumbled on to in Pamplona and a map of the world outline in old tires on a hillside just outside a small town. It was created by the local middle school. Around ever bend...something to marvel at as you experience the wonders of the Camino. For other interesting photos and information see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

27/08/2016

Don't miss the roof tour of the cathedral in Santiago. Great history, engineering, and visuals. Find out about the tours at the entrance to the left of the main plaza entrance. For other interesting photos and information see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

16/08/2016

The Camino is a community....including impromptu recycle centers along the route. Take something or add something. Some times to lighten a load or to pick up a needed shoestring. For other interesting photos and information see: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

06/08/2016

When we saw the sign the first day of the Camino, we wondered what lay ahead for this 790km (475 mile) journey. You can't really measure the Camino in miles or kilometers...it is a journey of self introspection and sharing life's perspective with new friends from around the world. So powerful, that toward the end we were slowing down....because we didn't want it that journey to end. We had picked up hundreds of new lifelong friends and many of them ended up together at the very emotional Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Camino pilgrim service together. All of us silent and knowing this experience would travel with us the rest of our lives. You can see more photos at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

20/07/2016

If you have time, consider taking a side trip to Bilbao, or another city or town that interests you. Rail travel is fast and cheap in Spain. We were glad for the break from walking and hostels. When we joined back up with the Camino and fellow pilgrims, it was with a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude and a rested body. if you don't want to take a diversion, consider staying in one of the larger towns or cities along the way and really immersing yourself in it. You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

17/06/2016

This German family chose to walk the last 100 km of the Camino during the children’s fall break from school. It was so wonderful to share the hostel with them and watch them talk about their day and plan for the next one. I’m sure this was an adventure those children will never forget. Parents should never underestimate the ability of their children or the impact we make by choices in how to spend valuable time together. Imagine this experience, versus other choices they could have made. You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

25/05/2016

Even though I enjoyed reading meaningful messages left by fellow pilgrims, doing that along the Camino can be an issue. Perhaps a better communication approach is to leave messages in hostel guest books or post them on Camino chat rooms. If you are keeping a journal, make note of an inspiration or thought that came to you. Many choose to leave a small rock at a location that was particularly meaningful to them. It's so important to respect property, along the route. You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

16/05/2016

When you arrive in a town, find out if any celebrations or festivals are going on. We happened upon a group gathered in native costume in Leon. The locals are so happy to share their traditions with you and pose for photos. Check online or go to the visitor center to see what’s happening. Don’t assume everything costs money. Later this same day, hundreds rode their bikes through the street cheering and singing! You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

08/05/2016

It is important to stay hydrated while walking. Many towns have faucets where you can refill your water bottle, so you don’t need to carry a big water bottle. Fill up each morning before you head out, and drink often, being mindful of distances between towns where you can go to the bathroom and refill. In many instances there will not be a bathroom when and where you need one!! Trust me! Take disposable wipes and if need be, find a well hidden or secluded place to do and bury your business. Avoid getting frustrated with why there are not more facilities along the way, and just accept it. It’s all part of the experience! You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

30/04/2016

That wrap on my head may not seem like much of a fashion statement, but it was one of the most valuable things I took on the Camino. I could use it as a headband and sweatband in the heat, neck gator in the cold, and mouth cover in the dry dusty regions. This particular one is called a BUFF, and you should be able to find one for $5-15 USD. The good thing about it, as opposed to just a bandana, is that it is circular and has spandex in it so there’s no fussing with tying knots. You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

23/04/2016

One of the most important things you can pack for the Camino is clothes pins! You will be surprised at how many uses will come up for them. If you should forget them, however, there are Dollar Stores in many of the towns at which you can buy them and other things you might have forgotten, like a bandana. In one town, my underwear blew away while hanging it out to dry, but I was able to replace it in a Dollar Store! You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

09/04/2016

Take frequent breaks, especially in the beginning of your Camino trek. This was the first day in the Pyrenees. Even though I had trained well, I was determined not to put too high expectations on myself. I wanted to break myself in gradually, and it paid off. Better to slowly adapt then to get an injury that can either slow you down or halt your journey all together. We ran into pilgrims who had to quit because of severe foot problems, such as bleeding blisters and strains, as well as knee and back issues. Be kind to your body; it’s your friend on the Camino, not your enemy to beat into submission. You can find more information and ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

02/04/2016

Don't be so focused on walking and the distance you’re covering each day that you don’t look around and appreciate the beauty you’re surrounded by. I literally made a point of smelling the flowers that I passed by, particularly roses. And every now and then I would just stop, take a deep breath, look around, and then continue. If you have your eyes and ears wide open each day and commit to really “experience” the Camino, you will be amazed! You can find more Camino stories and images at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

20/03/2016

A lightweight down “sweater” is indispensable when walking the Camino. When you need it for warmth, you really need it. Yet, it rolls up into a tiny bundle in your backpack. In wet weather, you still need a lightweight waterproof layer or poncho. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in April, May, September and October. Bringing a lightweight merino wool hat and cheap gloves is also a good idea during these periods. Better to be warm than cold. You can find more about equipment at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

09/03/2016

Fortunately, Pharmacies (Farmacias and Herborists) are available in most towns along the Camino and are well stocked with products for common problems, including colds, coughs, foot issues, sleep issues, etc. Many of them have doctors or pharmacists on duty who can diagnose and care for most issues and needs. In many cases, they speak english, but if not you can use Google translate to communicate with them. However, if you have regular medications, either take the quantity you will need for the trip or check to see what the equivalent would be in Spain and how accessible they are. You may also have the need of an emergency room, as we did, when I was cut by a broken bottle. Know how to ask for a doctor or emergency room in Spanish and be prepared to pay cash for their services. We always purchase travel insurance that can cover a medical need and even arrange medical transport back to your country if needed. We use a company called TravelGuard, and pick the “build your own” policy to cover just what we need. You’ll have to pay for service, but the insurance policy will reimburse you. You can find more at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

27/02/2016

Lots of different opinions on whether walking sticks are worthwhile or not. One good way to decide for yourself is to take a walk down a relatively significant descent. If you think sticks would provide you some needed stability, you should seriously consider them. Buy the type that collapse so they are easily transported and stored on your pack. You can buy them in cities close to the Camino Francis start like Bayonne, or bring them with you. Check with your airlines on their policies toward them before you invest. You can find more equipment ideas at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com

07/02/2016

There were times when we sent heavy packs ahead to the next hostel due to fatigue or injury. Your hostel host can help you arrange that service, and the service charge is minimal. Have you heard of Merino wool? Check it out. We wore shirts made of it by a company called Ice Breaker. It breathes well, absorbs sweat, is cool, and doesn’t smell after many wearings! You can find out more about this amazing material at: http://www.caminocommunityguide.com See the equipment section.

04/11/2015

Check out this evening bike ride through LEON! These people have fun! Leon is a great town with lots of good restaurants and a Gaudi building. (famous Spanish architect) Enjoy the nightlife! See http://www.caminocommunityguide.com for more details.

11/10/2015

Depending where you are, these are either called pinchos or tapas. You walk up to the counter, point at what you want, ask for red or white wine, sit down and enjoy, and pay after you’re finished! We still to this day don’t know how the bartender kept track of our orders. Try a bunch of different ones, and call it your dinner! See http://www.caminocommunityguide.com for more details.

05/10/2015

Walking stick or no walking stick? I'm glad I used one, as there were many places that had lots of steps or that the decline was very steep. When I didn’t need it, I could untwist it and wedge it in my pack straps. I bought mine once I arrived in France, because I wasn’t sure if the airline would let me carry one on the plane. See http://www.caminocommunityguide.com for more details.

23/09/2015

Every now and then it’s nice to stay in a hotel where it’s quiet and you have your own bathroom. They are not too expensive and you can book on bookings.com along the way when you get wifi. You may be lucky enough to encounter some artwork like this!! See http://www.caminocommunityguide.com for more details.