My Camino Guide: evolution of your guidebook

December 9, 2017 / wanderinglightning / 0 Comments

  1. Check stores, search online, find best of few guidebooks.
  2. Read and re-read guidebook at home, underlining, making notes.
  3. Carefully pack guidebook in plastic to keep it dry.
  4. Carry guidebook in jacket pocket or top of pack to consult easily.
  5. Day 1: what the fuck! 26.5 km, terrain = 5 on a scale of 5 (which means “Climb straight up a ski run. Twice. Enjoy the blisters.”).
  6. Day 2: mistake?? 19 km, terrain = 5 (which means “You are old and out of shape, no matter how much you hike or run at home.”).
  7. Day 3: WAITTT a minute here. I take breaks at home – why am I not taking breaks?
    24 km, terrain = 4? NO. I know what this means. Set my own goals each day.
  8. Too bad – no bed at the albergue, so actually hike 28.9 km. Plan, plan, how to do this?
  9. There are albergues along the way that the guidebook doesn’t list. Private ones. The cost a little more and save your feet. Stop at 3pm. Daily. Pay the extra 5 euros.
  10. If the guidebook says 30-36 km, split into two days.
  11. “Fork right” is useless.
  12. “Take a minor road” means the writer has never walked this stretch, as they are ALL minor roads.
  13. If the guidebook says “there is nothing to see here,” the writer was hung over that day.
  14. All towns with bars are mentioned in the guidebook.
  15. Stop at every beach. Even if it means missing a bed. Totally worth it. Don’t just walk them. Live them.
  16. Two 30K days make three nice 20K days.
  17. Do not choose a resort town as your day’s destination: completo.
  18. Schedule rest days. Sabbath matters.
  19. Always take time for a coffee. Always.
  20. Just follow the yellow arrows.