Camino de Santiago (The French Way) Autumn 2023 - the why, the how and the preparation

You guys ask "Why?" My answer is "WHY NOT?*

How do I go about it?

Research, research and research.

This is my Camino, my own Camino, my personal Camino.

Firstly, the decision is to walk the whole route or part of it. After much consideration, decided to walk the whole route from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela.

Secondly, I have to decide the daily distance to be walked. 17kms, 22 kms ir 29 kms? Average taken by pilgrims is 22 kms, so would I.

Thirdly, luggage transfer is non negotiable. This is the only way that I can handle walking average 22kms a day.

Fourthly, own room with private ensuite is a must. Again, not negotiable. Pricacy and comfort are paramount.

Preliminary decisions have been made.

Next step is to check out the Camino tour companies that offer Luxury Camino option. When I read the details between words, I know I have to organise my own. Booking 37 nights at the better hotel/auberge is a relatively simple process, albeit room in three small villages took a bit more work via emails.

Each night I could expect to have a better room in a nicer hotel/auberge with private ensuite preferably with soaking bath tub whenever possible.

Luggage tranfer is tougher as most organisations offering such services finish mid or late October. Caminofacil offers beyond October. The only glitch is the online booking system cannot skip one day allowing two nights stay. Hence, I just put the correct pick up date in the Note Section. Luggage transfer services booked and full payment made.

Ouch, 3 weeks prior the walk, Caminofacil emailed to say due to their IT glitch, they charged me the full distance even their services cease October 31.

Jacotrans comes into the picture and would do the whole distance. Somehow they changed my starting date to October 10. Advised them by email snd would reconfirm when I arrive St Jean Pied de Port. Caminofacil refunded the full amount.

THE PREPARATION

First call, GP. Magdalena was very happy for me. Given that she told me to increase daily walking from 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day 15 years ago (and I do as told) , she does not see much problem. She advises me to see a physiotherapist to learn some stretching exercises to do every morning before walking. Also, she told me to take the socks and shoes off after walking every 2 to 3 hours to minimise blisters. Three weeks before Camino, I see my GP to get all medication, regular ones and specific for overseas trip.

Paddy Pallin is my go to Outdoor travel gears Store. Over the next few months prior flying out, bought from them the hiking shoes, hiking socks, toe liner socks, clothes, rain cover, Osprey Tempest 20 backpack, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ treckng poles for women, lightweight, foldable, adjustable.

And I gave myself a Camino present - Insta 360 camera. Crazy, eh!