Preparing for Camino Portugal

Having had such an amazing experience on my first Camino de Santiago, I have decided to begin another. Actually, I had already began planning Camino Portugués while I was on the Camino Francés. At first, I thought of it as an extension of my Camino Francés as I worried about timing and ability to get to Finisterre. I felt that reaching the ocean would be my completion, my Camino's end and I somehow had to ensure the Atlantic as a final destination. Believing I would return later to "finish" this goal via the Camino Portugués, I asked about this route as I met pilgrims who had followed it before. Some were positive and others not so. But I determined it worthy as I had opportunity to walk along the Atlantic via its Coastal Route. Plus it's Portugal, a new place to see. And the other good news is it's just around 300 kilometers (rough estimate as I try to follow parts of both Coastal (370km) & Central (240km) routes instead of 790km from SJPP to Santiago. Depending on weather and whim, I may even continue my walk to Muxia and/or Finisterre. 

The Portugués Way is also considered both the starting and ending point in the legendary Santiago story. It is believed St. James sailed to Padrón and preached the teachings of Christ here, rather unsuccessfully.  When he returned to Jerusalem he was beheaded, becoming the first apostle to be martyred. His body was returned to Padrón, taken to Finisterre and ultimately laid to rest in Libredon (Santiago de Compostela).  While the Camino Francés route accounts for 70% of pilgrims, Camino Portugués has become the second most popular route with 13% of pilgrims traveling to Santiago. 

I learned much during my long walk to Santiago and Finisterre, and even now as the memories and experiences continue to shape me. I'm looking forward to new lessons and the "ease" of the walk-eat-sleep routine found on the pilgrim paths. Bom caminho! 

Getting Fit

Before CF I'd had tons of training and fitness classes. I was in my best form and completed the walk with only minor aches. Now after two months of travel between cities and countries, I've lost a bit of form. Only a few hikes and a lot of walking have been my exercise. I've spent the last week adding swimming and yoga to my routines. I have more confidence that I'll be able to complete this Camino, but I do believe it will harder for me than the first. 

The Pack 

My Camino Frances pack was just over 11 pounds dry. While light in comparison to many fellow pilgrims' packs, I felt weighed down after just a couple weeks of constant hauling. Plus I purchased a few items along the way that added more weight, even though I tried to compensate by sending things back to Germany from Leon. I was hoping to scale down for Camino Portugués. 

The pack list from CF:                                             For CP:             
1 28 L Jade by Gregory w/ rain cover.                      ✔️

1 2 L Big Zip Lip Platypus water system.                  ✔️
1 mini Leatherman                                                    ❌

1 Arc'teryx Maka travel purse.                                  ❌
1 bamboo sun hat signed with love                          ✔️                              

1 Brierly Guide Camino de Santiago.                       Pages only for Porto to Santiago
1 Brierly Guide Finisterre                                           ❌                     

1 Fast Talk Spanish.                                                  ❌
1 personal journal                                                      ✔️                       

1 emergency poncho.                                               ✔️
1 silk liner for sleeping w/pillow insert                       680 gram sleeping bag                  

1 sleeping short.                                                      Leggings, multi use as layers too. 
1 sleeping tank top                                                  ✔️                         

2 smart socks.                                                        ✔️
1 sock liner                                                             ❌                        

1 Ice Breaker underwear.                                        ❌
1 Ice Breaker sport bra                                           ❌                            

1 Hanes sport bra (double as swim suit top).           VS comfort bra
1 Hanes briefs (double as swim suit bottom)            ❌                

2 VS panties.                                                           ✔️
2 Weatherproof 32Cool Tshirts                                 One                        

1 Columbia Omniheat.                                             ✔️
1 Columbia Omnishield Rainjacket                           ✔️                      

1 Athleta travel skirt.                                             Light weight dress for "dress up"
1 REI hiking pant                                                  Hiking shorts              

                                                                            Long sleeve camp/hike shirt

1 large REI camping towel.                                      ✔️
1 first aid kit w/ Compeed glide and blister kit          ❌  (will buy as needed)            

6 pk contact lenses.                                              One pair
1 lens case                                                              ✔️                        

1 travel size lens solution.                                       ✔️
1 travel toothbrush w/paste                                     ✔️                       

1 pk floss threaders                                                ❌
1 razor                                                                    ✔️                         

2 feminine pads.                                                    ❌

1 large tube sunscreen/moisturizer duo                  ✔️                     

1 deodorant.                                                         ✔️
1 Chapstick                                                         ✔️                               

1 comb.                                                                ✔️
1 hair clip                                                               ✔️                          

4 hair bands.                                                         ✔️
1 bandana                                                            ❌                            

1 large shawl multipurpose luxury                          ✔️
1 all purpose soap for personal and laundry use    ✔️                          

1 travel pk wet wipes.                                            ✔️
1 travel pk tissues.                                                ✔️                             

1 12 pk Macks Earplugs (to share :).                     One pair
1 headlamp                                                          ❌                         

1 whistle.                                                              ✔️
2 clothes clips                                                       ✔️                           

10 safety pins.                                                     Four 
1 spoon                                                                ✔️                            

1 nylon shopping bag.                                          ❌
2 quart size ziplocks                                            One                              

4 sandwich size zip locks                                   Sandwich bags / no zip
Passport, DL, Pilgrim Credential                           ✔️                       

1 phone with global acces                                    ✔️
1 car charger                                                        ❌                             

1 European charger                                              ✔️
1 Nano with 17 hours Of eclectic music                ❌
1 pair headphones                                                ❌                             

1 pair Adidas water sneaker for shower and town   ✔️
1 pair Leki trekking poles                                       ❌                           

1 pair sunglasses                                                   ✔️
Wearing: REI hiking pant                                        ✔️
1 Ice Breaker Tee with "Best Omi" undershirt        Light weight camp shirt plus quick dry t shirt 
1 pair Darn Tough socks Hanes                             ✔️
Ahnu Sugarpine waterproof hiking shoe.              Salomon Speedcross 3 (2 sizes larger w/gel liners)

Dry weight with poles 13 lbs (5.9 kg).                    Dry weight 5.6 kg = 12 1/2 pounds
Without poles 11 lbs (5.3 kg)

Agh!! Although I've left many unnecessary items out of the CP pack, the few necessary (cooler weather based) substitutions have added more weight than I took out. Nevertheless, it's the gear I feel I need and so I'll be hitting the trails again carrying my world and needs with me.