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I walked 2 caminos (Frances), the first in 2016 and the second in 2019. I bought a ZPack Arc in 2016 and used it for both and for numerous other hiking jaunts. I really loved this pack! I'm about your height and a few pounds heavier, if that helps. I was 67 on the first, 70 on the second...
I can attest to #3. On my last camino in 2019, I walked out from Fromista with a young woman and we were having a very interesting conversation. She walked at a slightly faster pace than I, but I was keeping up ok. I thought. I realized that she was 50 years younger than I -- how amazing! And...
One thing I noticed about your list: you have a liner for sleep, how heavy is this, will it keep you warm? For most of time, you will encounter cool/chilly nights. I didn't see reference to a sleeping bag. A light weight sleeping quilt may be in order unless you are planning to stay in...
Another reason to bring 2 cards with you: during my walk, someone in the US somehow used my card fraudulently. This was the card I used for most everything. When this was caught by the bank, they immediately shut down my card (standard practice). It took more than a week to fix, especially...
At home I more into fine tea rather than coffee, but I too am a cafe con leche fan when in Spain. I did find an excellent coffee place in Leon: Culture Coffee. It's off one of the main pedestrian streets going towards the river from the Cathedral. They make the best mocha I've ever had. Ever.
There are many differences in feet, but for what it's worth: I supinate, and I went to a running shop owned by a pedorthist (I think there's another name for this, but a specialist in foot issues of outdoor types). He fitted me with Altra Lone Peaks and Currex inserts that he tweaked for my foot...
I had similar experiences in high school, not really liking/understanding Camus. But then later I found this, which I read again from time to time:
"In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile...
I am Catholic (a convert). I did not bring 'evening wear' on my 2 caminos, just 2 changes of walking clothes (I don't wear shorts). I was never out of place in any of the churches/cathedrals I attended along the way.
Personally, I found the Spanish Masses to be difficult to follow, but I got...
On my 2 caminos, I'd be walking with some others and we'd treat ourselves to a combined wash and dry at the albergue -- maybe every 4 days or so. Meanwhile I'd hand wash, though once I had a new Icebreaker T stolen off the clothesline.
But one time I was alone in Leon, and I found a...
I believe that is the long day on the Meseta where there basically aren't opportunities to water up. Or find food unless the respite area is open. Plus not much shade. So maybe a good idea to jot down taxi numbers you might find along the way, just in case???
I walked over the Pyrenees twice in mid-April. It was quite chlilly both times. Since most of the walk is uphill, I was plenty warm much of the time. I did stay at Orisson both times, and found it chilly there too, but was able to warm up with soup etc. I don't remember being cold at night even...
I am very sensitive to many ingredients and did not do well with the crystal kind. I have been making my own deodorant for years now, a mix of coconut oil, baking soda, and a very small amount of arrowroot. Adding in a very few drops of lavender or other essential oil ( I've used tea tree oil)...
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