Monday, January 6, 2014

Route and Map of the French Camino


When we begin our pilgrimage on May 5 we will start from the small French village of St. Jean Pied de Port, which is nestled in the French foothills of the Pyrenees. Then, over the next six weeks we plan to make our way west at the rate of 20 to 30 km a day until we reach Santiago de Compostela June 14. We plan on spending an extra night at major cities like Pamplona and Leon. Whereas most pilgrims stay overnight at albergues, generously situated along the route, we plan to stay in small inns with ensuites. Our luggage will be sent on each day to the next inn. We need carry only a light day pack. We will be finding our own way with the help of arrows and scallops that are marked on trees, poles and rocks along the whole route. By the way, there are other pilgrimage routes all over Spain also leading to Santiago. The French Camino is merely the most well known and supported. The route is mountainous at the beginning and at the end. In the middle there will be a week of walking the meseta, which is a high, treeless plateau. This all sounds rather daunting. But as Brierley says in his book, "Any reasonably fit person can accomplish this journey without undue stress"(pg. 20). Buen Camino!

3 comments:

  1. Joe here. Found it Chris. Very interesting and informative! We look forward to keeping up to date as you prepare for and walk the Camino!

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    1. Thanks, Joe. I'm surprised I could figure it out on my own. I will be adding a few more sections like history, equipment, training walks and the like.
      Chris

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  2. We are so excited for you and will look forward to seeing photos that Jeff takes along the way. This is a big big adventure adn would it be OK if I pass this along to Pam Hansen who says hi and to my brother Brian and his wife Janet who I hope you will meet someday. They are hikos like you guys adn have been all over the world with backpacks.
    I wish you a wonderful trip adn we will look forward to reading your blog from time to time. I was going to say every day but I hope you will just say ditto some days to give your self a brake. Love to both of you. Walk on Barbara Thornbrough

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