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You could say my mom had "dodgy" knee as well, she relied heavily on her walking sticks, the hills were killer though, she would basically zig zag down the hills, took her three times longer but she did it!
Well since everyone addressed your other questions so well, I'll comment on the caves part....
There are the popular "altamira caves", a half hour walk from Santillana del Mar, it is a guided tour of caves with paleolithic art, however only open for tours on certain days/times of the week, very...
A few thoughts, for one I only came across one hostel the entire time that I found unpleasant, it was in sebrayo, covered in mold, the mattresses were gross and flies were extremely thick. Other than that I really can't complain. In fact many time I would have thought, any nicer and it would...
So I would suggest the same as others had, to go it alone. I think a tour group would be all the cons you listed, more money, take away from the experience etc.
As far as accomodations, I found that most hostels did not allow you to book in advance, I only tried a couple times the same day...
Well I only did the Norte so I have nothing to compare it too, but I'm very in shape, a runner and a hiker and I found the first two weeks of the Norte to be extremely challenging, like literally the hardest thing I've ever done in my whole life. Most of it had to do with my horrible boots and...
Oh yes, I enjoyed every minute of it, even the through the pain haha. We've been back for a month now and I miss it everyday, we are already entertaining a repeat visit. So wonderful, the beaches, the cider, spanish culture.... You will have a great time. We've even talked about the next time we...
Good for you, the thing I loved about the Camino del norte, is, (if you have the time), you can walk it in as many or as little stages as you please :). Despite having your chronic pain and fatigue, I think on the camino you will not be alone in your struggles, as everyone will be in a constant...
We went in July, and I mostly slept in my bra and underwear on top of all my covers, only at the end of the trip could I finally tolerate being in my sleeping bag. I brought a sleeping sheet liner, and a sleeping sack from REI, both lightweight, but warm together. I liked having the sheet to use...
Despite hearing about the rain and preparing for it, I only put my rain jacket on once for three minutes haha, other than that it never rained! I couldn't believe it, I"m not sure if bringing an extra set of rain pants is needed, maybe some water resistant hiking pants? Also yes, the "Correos"...
I actually met several people who were doing the Camino in chunks. One family was doing a week every year, others would be two weeks at a time etc. I think you will still have a wonderful experience, and absolutely do what you can despite your employment! Don't let your job stop you from doing...
Mine would be in Orio as well - what a piece of heaven with that seperate kitchen room! next was the albergue llanes in playa de poo, 15 euros but another slice of heaven, dinner, coffee/wine/beer for purchase, and a whole outdoor retreat with couches, hammocks, and an orchard/garden. also less...
I carried two tampons in my pack for when I started so it would carry me through until a store. Honestly I ended up not being able to get to a store, but the hostel we were at (like many others), had tampons/pads left behind by other pilgrims. Since I was desperate I stocked up, bought some...
If you like the communal aspect... I would stick with the Frances. the Norte is much less populated, which is what I loved about it, even the days with bigger hostels (30 beds) would make me feel overwhelmed and annoyed. I'm probably a bit more of an introvert which is why I enjoy less people. I...
I did not camp, we went back and forth on bringing a tent and decided not to. We really just wanted to bring it 'in case'... unnecessary and glad we didn't bring it. We noticed a few people pitching tents at hostels in the backyard, I think it would be a good idea to do if you planned on...
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