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Camino Primitivo - Preparation

Updated: Jul 25, 2021

There is no single right way to do the Camino, nor to live life.

Some people just get up and go while others take a serious preparation for their way. I am probably more of the first ones than second, however I mentally prepared myself by watching lots of YouTube videos and read posts on FB:

There are many different guides can be found online - what to pack, what to wear, how to train, where to stay, etc. I am not going to repeat them, but here are some of mine prep steps:


GETTING THERE.

There is no direct flight from Seattle to Madrid, so I will have to stop and change flights either in Europe (most likely London, Paris or Frankfurt) or somewhere in US on east cost. In order to avoid uncertain situations in other foreign countries during this covid period, I booked my flight directly from US to Spain (SEA - JFK - MAD total duration about 15hrs) and back. I booked flexible tickets (paid extra $$) in case I will need to change my flights.

From Madrid I will take a train to Oviedo (Renfe 4hrs ride, with free ride from the airport, just show your Renfe ticket at Renfe airport terminal) where I am planning to start walking Camino. I already bought my train ticket at the same time as I bought my airline tickets while they are available during this busy summer time. I have not bought my return train ticket yet as I am not sure where I will finish my Way (Santiago or Finisterre, or somewhere else), I might fly back to Madrid.


ACCOMODATION.

People stay in albergues, which like hostels, they can be booked in advance or can be walk-ins (mainly municipal/government albergues). I booked just one night stay in a hotel in Madrid and one night stay in a hotel in Oviedo. I'll need to adapt to time difference before I start walking Camino. I am planning to book albergues or hotels as I go, day by day. Hopefully I won't sleep outside :-)


PACKING.

I fond the most useful link to Camino packing list at: https://americanpilgrims.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/camino_packing_list.pdf

In general, the weight of the back pack shouldn't be more than 10% of your body weight. So my backpack shouldn't be more than 16lb. What can I fit there?

Here is my list of what I am planning to take with me:

- 40L+ capacity backpack with waterproof cover, lightweight of course

- lightweight sleeping bag

- sleeping pad (in case I won't find a bed or just to rest along the way)

- walking poles (I decided I won't carry it with me but rather buy in Spain since they aren't allowed in carry-in language)

- 2 sets of clothes for warm days

- 2 sets of clothes for cool days

- rain jacket

- hat (still undecided if I wan to take my cowgirl hat...)

- sandals (I bought ATIKA Women Athletic Outdoor Sandals, lightweight with closed toe)

- hiking shoes (I'll use my Solomon that I have for last 5-6 years and they still in a very good shape and fit me well, planning to use them only on raining days and mostly walk in sandals, August is Spain can be ver hot)

- 4 pairs of Merino wool socks (plus 4 light cotton socks) I've read that wearing cotton socks under hiking wool socks and sandals shall reduce the risk of blisters, will see how it works :-) I also bought Injinjil liner crew socks as they were highly recommended.

- 1 par of waterproof socks (to wear with sandals in case my Solomon won't dry quickly in raining days)

- 1 microfiber towel

- 2 bandanas (could work as mask in areas where covid restrictions still in place, as well as wash cloth)

- toiletries such as shampoo bar (which will work as soap and for washing clothes sometimes), tooth paste/brash, sunscreen and bug spray, lip balm, deodorant.

- first aid kit plus blister prevention cream, bandages, bed bug exterminator spray.

- waist pack for passport, phone, cc/money

- European power adapter, extra long charging cord, security cable and small lock.

- head lights

- earplugs and sleeping mask

- vacuum-Insulated stainless-steel water bottle


Still undecided if I want to take my laptop or not... it would be great to have it, easier for blogging. But It is additional 4lb...


I'll review this after I finish my first Camino Primitivo and comment what was really a necessity and what could be left behind.

Now preparing myself by hiking in beautiful Pacific Northwest



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