Training was worthwhile

Our training was worthwhile as the route this year was harder than expected in places, chiefly due to paved areas on the coast paths. Our packs were slightly heavier than anticipated due to the need for food and extra water, however we had nothing that we didn't use or need - apart from a small pot of suncream.

Our walk is recorded as Camino 2015 and covers the route from Ribadeo westwards to San Andrés de Teixido then the Camino Inglés from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela.

We will continue to walk to keep in training although next time we expect to take a car and walk around rather than on the Camino. Some posts will have a place here, others on Walking Around depending on whether they class as preparation or walks of interest.

Packing lists and weights will still have their place as we would not intend to over-pack even with transport. They might be of interest to those who need to make their pilgrimage with aid or private accomodation. We feel that staying in hotels, for example, does require more than one change of shirt.

Packing - keeping the load light

Having checked our rucksacks we will use the same packs as in previous years. They are a comfortable fit and also convenient when actually packing. We are happy with the layout of the top loading main pack, zipped top pockets and mesh bottle pockets. Valerie's also has zipped side pockets to expand its capacity from 25lt to 30lts. The packs have a Freeflow back system which helps to avoid sweating. The old packs weigh less than the newer versions of the same packs so our new packs (bought in 2013) are kept for practise and holidays but would not suit us on the Camino itself.

For this Camino we will not be taking either sleeping bags or liners which helps to keep the weight down. We plan to stay only in private accommodation and not the albergues, especially as this is the only option for 50% of our walking this year. Also we will be taking only one fleece each, not 2 as previously, because we will be walking later then in other years. This brings Valerie's packing down to 5.5kgs and Terry's to just under 6.8kgs with water extra. This is for a hot day when wearing only hot weather gear. The full lists can be seen on Camino 2015:-
Valerie's
Terry's

We invested in new boots ready for last year but have not yet worn them so will be wearing them occasionally over the next months to ensure that they are a comfortable fit and ready for the Camino, otherwise most of our kit has already seen several Caminos and proved its worth. Any replacements have been made to lighten the loads but tried and tested items have been kept for use again.

Now we need to build up our walking distances again, after time out, and increase our practise pack weights too. We have time.... and are hoping the weather is kind over the next months as we continue our preparations.