Long ago, I said I would tell the story of my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela along the Way of Saint James. Though it has taken quite a while, be assured, it is happening. It would be rude to jump right in, so let us start with how I initially planned my trip. The pre-departure trip planning, if you will.
My Trip Planning Process
I like planning. Maybe that is why I am a transit planner, and why my family and friends trust my trip planning ability. It was obvious that going on a journey as long and arduous as a pilgrimage would require a good plan. As soon as I decided to go on a pilgrimage, my mind was hard at work figuring out my plan.
After I learned I could take three weeks off work, I decided where I would start. When I first began trip planning in the summer of 2013, I read on one of many websites that the Camino Frances, or the French Way, was the most popular route and therefore would be the busiest. I was not fond of being with a ton of people. I’m a bit shy and I like walking alone, but what really concerned me then was finding space in the albergues along the way each night.
More research showed that there were other, less travelled ways. The Camino del Norte, or the Northern Way, drew my attention because of its proximity to the ocean. Splendid ocean views for hundreds of kilometres?! Sign me up!
Now I needed to figure out which city along the Northern Way to start my walk. Apparently, walking along the full length of the route would take at least a month, so after fiddling around with Google Maps, I decided on the port city of Santander. I figured with a walking rate of 40 kilometres (24.85 miles) a day I could get to Santiago with time to spare.
A Change of Plans
However, my trip planning would not go according to plan. A mere month before my trip my boss informed me that I could no longer take my time off during my planned vacation time. Saddened by the news, I cancelled my flight and put aside my excitement…but not for long. This was a momentary setback, as I was still intent on going, even if I was forced to reexamine my plan.
February 2014 was my new departure month, after a more clear talk with the boss. I also examined my route again, and decided that walking in winter along a stormy sea would be much less fun than along beaches during a hot summer, which was my initial plan. After more research, my new plan was to start at the city of León, complete the Camino San Salvador, then continue to Compostela along the Camino Primitivo.
From what I had read, it would be quite the adventure. I would be walking through mountains in the middle of winter along rarely trodden paths. Just my kind of trip! I prepared myself by taking long walks through nearby neighbourhoods (sometimes through knee-deep snow – I’m Canadian!). I also asked my family for a good jacket and hiking boots for Christmas.
Final Preparations
With the plan set, I rebooked my flight to Madrid, noting that I would have to take a train to León. I booked a room for a night in a university residence, printed a few maps, and mentally prepared myself for the journey.
With the day of departure nearing, I packed up and got ready to go. Though I would have to carry everything I needed on my journey upon my back, at least I would not have to pay for check-in luggage! Besides the clothes I wore on the plane (pants, shirt, thin hoodie, and jacket), all of my meager belongings would need to fit in my pockets and backpack:
- Two more hiking outfits (pants, shirt, underwear, socks), plus spare socks and underwear
- Pyjamas
- Water bottle with filter
- Guidebook to the Camino de San Salvador
- Guidebook to Northern Spain
- Multi-tool
- Compass
- Camera
- Passport, wallet w/ID, credit card and hundreds of Euro in cash
- Protein bars
- Detergent pods
- Medical supplies (ointment, needle, lighter, sports tape, bandages, gauze)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, soap, small towel)
- Wool gloves
- Hat
- Small sleeping bag
- MP3 player and earphones
- Blackberry phone and charger
Yes, this is a long list. However, there were some things I did not think to bring, such as sunscreen, sunglasses and a power outlet adapter. All in all, my backpack weighed about 9kg (20lbs). Keep in mind that I would be putting more things (such as food and water) in it throughout my journey, which I would also have to carry.
Trip Planning Complete
After all this planning and packing, I felt ready to take on whatever came my way (or rather, what I would end up meeting). However, there were many things to worry about that I had not yet thought about: where to go in León to begin my pilgrimage, common Spanish phrases I might find handy, and what other supplies I might need. Despite this, I was ready to travel!
The next post (whenever I get around to that) will be about Day 0 – Travelling to León, Spain. Thanks for reading!
It’s so interesting hearing about how you first started planning such an incredible trip, and I’m sure lots of people planning pilgrimages of their own will find this especially helpful! I’m excited to hear about the next part of your journey!