Camino Frances - The beginning

The why

How does someone get to the point of starting the Camino? Why do we dare to carry our backpacks for 800 kilometers through mountains and valleys?

Everyone has a different answer to this. Maybe you're looking to disconnect from the world, you're trying to prove to yourself that you still have the drive after a health issue, you're looking for answers to problems, or you're simply driven by the desire to know if you can do it.

My reason was mostly the latter, can I do it? Are a few clothes and a sleeping bag enough? How does it feel to break away from the daily routine for a longer period of time?

I usually make plans at the beginning of the year (I'm not a fan of New Year's resolutions), and at the end of January I remembered that a vacation wasn't even on my to-do list. Since I hadn't been out of the country much in the previous 3 years, I wanted to dedicate more time to it in 2024. The first two things that came to mind were Everest Base Camp and the Camino. I have no idea why those were the ones. I thought I would need to be a little fitter for Everest, so I chose the Camino.

And so it began...

Is it familiar when your thoughts are spinning around something, and it you see it everywhere? Obviously, we focus on it and, so to speak, attract it into our field of vision. The next day, it came to me in the form of a presentation advertised on social media, the very next Saturday, and it was free, so what did I have to lose? It turned out that it was held by a lady my age who had already walked the camino twice, so there was a chance that I would get answers to my questions.

I really liked the presentation, the pictures, the adventures, the people that gathered. Obviously, by then I had already delved into the topic somewhat online, so I had an idea of ​​the distances I wanted to walk, what I wanted to bring with me, but I didn't know anything about the financial framework. I got a lot of useful tips on several topics. After I arrived home, I grabbed a plain backpack, threw my dumbbells in it, and went for a walk through the city streets in the dark of the evening as a test. So what is this if not enthusiasm at its best?

After that, all I had to do was ask my boss for time off, and to be on the safe side, I asked for two months. To my greatest surprise, I got it. This is where the crazy planning period began! Youtube videos, blogs, Facebook groups, excel spreadsheets about distances and accommodations, where shops and restaurants are. I think I went a little overboard, so I put it on hold for a while.

Equipment

I started to gather what I needed to bring: clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, socks, backpack. I mostly relied on the tips of minimalist hikers, because I didn’t want to carry half the house with me. I’m not a Sherpa.

One thing I would recommend to everyone is to first gather what you think you’ll need. Sort through it several times, take out what’s not so important, and when you have about the final equipment, buy a backpack that can fit it.

I chose trail running shoes because they are lighter than boots, the Goretex is somewhat waterproof, and the soles flex well. But it's up to each individual to decide what feels comfortable.

In the end, I managed to pack the necessary equipment quite well, it weighed 6.7 kg including the backpack, and the only thing I didn't use during the trip was my inflatable pillow (but it managed to make a hole on the top pocket of my bag).

When did the idea of ​​the Camino first cross your mind and why?

Hope these stories get you in the mood for your next adventure, and you found some useful information.  If you still need more details or build up confidence and courage for the start of your journey, don't hesitate to contact me or email me, I'm happy to help.

You can also find me on social media with more useful advice and travel pictures at @wander.with.dora name. Safe travels everyone.