Prepping for Camino 2024

Once we decided to walk the Camino Frances again, we began our preparation process for the 9th time.

We started by building on our Camino 2023 experience, which was an abbreviated version of the 500 mile trek across Northern Spain. That result was a mere 316 miles, as we skipped various sections between SJPdP and Santiago for various reasons. We used taxis and buses to cover the skipped sections.

We had walked each of the skipped sections at least 3 times in our previous Camino’s. They were sections ranging from 6-15 miles in length and were selected to avoid industrial areas, low or no services (lodging, food, restroom) or extremely difficult walking paths. We also attempted to keep our daily walks to less than 10 miles.

So, for Camino 2024, Linda and I did a verbal walk of the full Camino based on memory (we know the Camino Frances, like the back of our hands, by now) and roughed out a plan. The result for 2024 is a Camino that begins in Roncesvalles and ends in Santiago 46 days later, walking a total of 300 miles.

We then decided to fly directly to Madrid, take the train to Pamplona and a taxi to Roncesvalles in one long day.

Next, in addition to walking the Camino, we decided to spend three nights in Roncesvalles to recover from jetlag and a missed night’s sleep on the flight to Madrid. Along the way we’ll spend two nights in Pamplona, two nights in Leon. After finishing our Camino we’ll stay two nights in Santiago before taking the train back to Madrid where we will spend four nights before flying back home.

We established when we’d like to be back home, plugged in the time to achieve the plan, and arrived at the departure date. This allowed us to begin making reservations for flights, trains and places to stay. This process which started in late January was finished in early June.

Because August and September are the busiest months for walking the Camino Frances and the accommodations are still recovering from the pandemic, we decided it would be prudent to make reservations for the entire 60 days to avoid unnecessary stress along the way.

In the meantime, based on our previous Caminos, we determined what to take and then what to buy or upgrade (footware, packs, poles, socks, etc).

For simplicity, we will limit our checked luggage for the two month adventure to our backpacks. We also have selected and tested flight carry-ons that will also work as a day pack for walking. Loaded backpacks are 14 lbs. for Linda and 18 lbs. for Jim.

Finally, during the past several months, we have reviewed the items we will take, making sure everything is needed and that it works/fits. And we have packed and re-packed, verifying that everything will fit comfortably into our packs (backpacks and daypacks).

So, we’re feeling ready for and excited about Camino 2024. We will leave for Spain in only 15 days.