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  1. ncali12

    Extra shoes during the day

    Before the Camino, I wore size 6 1/2 (American). A friend told me that my feet would swell a lot but they had never swollen on treks in Appalachia or Himalayas. So I took Size 7 Keen hiking shoes and black crocks for casual wear. I thought I had covered and protected myself from foot swelling...
  2. ncali12

    Craziest thing you've seen someone bring on Camino

    The craziest thing I saw walking in spring of 2012 was a spunky Irish woman not carrying but pushing a "hiking-baby" carriage with her two children inside. They were accompanied by the family bird dog. The children were about 2 and 4 or so and rode in the carriage. On up hill segments, the...
  3. ncali12

    So which is the best guide to the CF right now?

    I just tried going to Gronze.com and got some sort of Apache default page gibberish. Is that the way into it?
  4. ncali12

    Daily backpack transfer?

    Ditto on what Keith writes. I met people who never carried their bags and just used the transfers everyday. In fact one couple had come with a suitcase each and just had the 2 suitcases transferred everyday while they did their walking. There are a couple of services. Jacotrans is one. You...
  5. ncali12

    Extra shoes during the day

    For me it was definitely important to have two pairs of shoes: one for walking and one for casual wear. My two pairs were hiking shoes and crocks. Be aware that it is not unusual for feet to swell on the Camino. The first time I walked on the Camino I took hiking shoes that were only 1 size...
  6. ncali12

    Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner/Clothes

    I did not actually weigh the dry shampoo/container. But they didn't weigh much. My whole pack and all my stuff was only 13.5 pounds so they couldn't have added too much. I did use the round tin that comes with the soap and both were about 2" or a little less in diameter. I used the soap for...
  7. ncali12

    Where to stay in Paris relatively cheaply

    My absolute favorite place to stay in Paris is Maubausson directly across from Ile St Louis. It is a WONDERFUL hostel owned by the French Government and has a monastic feel. Phone number: 33142742345; address: 12 Rue des Barres Paris France There are 3 similar hostels in the same...
  8. ncali12

    Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner/Clothes

    I used dry shampoo made by LUSH and loved it. It comes in a small round cake which comes in a small tin container about 2 inches in diameter. The shampoo is made with fresh natural ingredients. I used it for shampoo and also soap and laundry hand washing. It was perfect.When I wasn't walking...
  9. ncali12

    Is a sleeping bag necessary on the Frances in the summer?

    I went in April and then again in late October/November. Sleeping bag definitely not necessary. Thin silk sleeping bag liner is best idea. Blankets are usually available. I took long silk underwear for PJ's and all was good.
  10. ncali12

    Anxious debate with myself about the Camino

    In my experience, it is generally best to listen to and follow a discerning heart. But it is also true that "the mystic never misses the bus." i.e. listen to the heart but be practical. Your heart may be prompting you toward the Camino. Listen to its promptings. Your decision and promptings...
  11. ncali12

    Please rate my packing list

    Backpack--comfort is essential Sleeping bag liner--small silk=ideal (REI has them) Bag organizers---light weight and thin=ideal Scarf (to use as towel/sarong/head scarf in heat, etc--1 bandana is useful Shoes - light, trail running--I recommend 2 pairs (one for walking, one for evening wear--I...
  12. ncali12

    Have any women bought a man's backpack? (I did, and now I'm not sure!)

    The most important thing is that it be comfortable. Some stores ( like REI) let you try packs out and bring them back if they aren't comfortable. Comfort is very important. I used a Gregory Jade 28 for my walk on the Camino Français and loved it. Very comfortable and nice. 55L sounds...
  13. ncali12

    Telephone calls from Spain to Home?

    …yep, I went round and round with AT&T and then found alternatives: 2) I use my normal iPhone for Skype/interneet connected calls--there are so many hotspots in Spain, that should be enough, 2) since I am in Europe a lot, I have a second phone for Europe and use a variety of sim cards. For the...
  14. ncali12

    Where to stay in Paris

    I always stay at Maubuisson which is in the heart of Paris just across from Ile St-Louis. It is a hostel owned by the French government in a beautifully restored mideval building--private, double and very nice dorm rooms. It is a couple of blocks from the Tour de St Jacques and across the street...
  15. ncali12

    Telephone calls from Spain to Home?

    I found the best and cheapest way was to simply use Skype with an iPhone (or iPod). The iPhone was a great device to carry--for photos, e-mails, internet, stored information and phoning. As a back-up if you need it, you can always by a cheap, prepaid phone while in Spain. But with so much...
  16. ncali12

    Orisson: To stop or not to stop?

    Re: Orrisson, I had a hard time deciding whether to stop or not. In the end I decided to stop because a huge snow/wind storm was predicted. Travel on the Napoleon was strongly discouraged. I went up part way with the idea that I could turn around the next day if things got really bad. They did...
  17. ncali12

    Traveling from Santiago back to Switzerland

    Sounds like Easy Jet should not be a problem. I wonder if the TAP flight through Lisbon to Geneva would be easier/quicker than training to Madrid...
  18. ncali12

    Thoughts on photography and camera selection for the Camino

    Trying to choose a camera for the camino is really tough. D your iPhone photos are very inspiring. I ended up taking the Leica x1. It cost a lot more than i wanted to spend and has a big disdvantage of having a fixed focal length lens but it is relatively small, has a good sensor and, and, for...
  19. ncali12

    Planning my First Camino

    Some of the things that i found most helpful for me on my Camino were 1) allowing more time than i thought i would need. That gave me freedom not to feel pressure or push. 2) recognizing that everything that happened was part of the camino and in the domaine of divine providence 3) preparing as...
  20. ncali12

    "Sample Pilgrimage"?

    I met a lot of people who began in Sarria and found the pilgrimage meaningful. I dont think any of them had any intention of returning again. I also met lots of people who were returning each year to walk sections always moving toward Santiago. If you plan to return to walk after you graduate...

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