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  1. backpack45

    Message from the Roncesvalles albergue - a difficult day.

    All I can say is that my first day was in Roncesvalles, back before the new facility was built. This was in 2001. I don't recall that anyone spoke English. The beds were full, people were setting up for the night on mats on the floor and there was no space for me to do so. Finally, a couple of...
  2. backpack45

    Commercial walking stunt from Wolksvagen

    Some people refuse to wear clothing, etc. with logos, or cover or cut the advertising out. Similar in some ways, is wearing clothes, using tents when camping, etc. that are earth-tones that will blend into the environment rather than shout their presence in the natural world.
  3. backpack45

    LIVE from the Camino SJPdP “Completo” tonight!

    Wow, reminds me of my first night on a Camino hike--arriving at Roncesvalles (back in 2001) and finding all the beds in the (former hostel) were full. We eventually found mats (in two different rooms) where a few people moved their mats on the floor so I could put down my sleeping bag. Other...
  4. backpack45

    Need help deciding to bring or not to bring

    IMO, take the water bladder and drink periodically. I also usually have a plastic bottle that I refill; it lasts the whole trip. I keep it in the side pocket of my backpack because when I stop for a break, you get more volume in a hurry than with the bladder. .
  5. backpack45

    The one thing I should have done before I left for the Camino

    I don't think I forgot anything because the Camino was not my first time traveling away from home for several weeks. But, when I wrote my first book about the Camino, "Camino Chronicle," I wrote an entire chapter about things to do ahead of time. A couple of them--let your credit card and/or...
  6. backpack45

    Bathroom stops on the camino for female Peregrinas

    I understand that many who set out to walk the Camino may not have experienced having to pee outdoors. But being able to do so, without peeing on your shoes/clothes, etc., is simply a matter or learning a new skill. For most, It does not require bringing a pee device. You might consider...
  7. backpack45

    Camino del norte questions

    Yes, on the hiking poles:-).
  8. backpack45

    Does anyone know of any shorter pilgrimage routes around the world?

    Have you considered the routes in the U.S.? There is a mission to mission route here in Northern California . Plus there is the Chimayo pilgrimage. in New Mexico. https://www.newmexicoexplorer.com/pilgrimage-to-chimayo/
  9. backpack45

    How often do you take a break?

    Hi, when we hike with others, I notice that they have varying preferences. Some like to frequently take a one-minute stop to sit, but I'd prefer to just keep going rather than go to the trouble for a short stop. I am in my eighties. We tend to take just a longish lunchbreak (picnic style...
  10. backpack45

    Spanish or English in France?

    Ralph and I have done three of the four major Chemin in France--the LePuy, Vezelay, and Arles. And, all were done in sections (taking three or four years to do each). I love hiking in France and the people are WONDERFUL. Though we have on rare occasions stayed overnight where no one spoke...
  11. backpack45

    SJPDP-SDC in 32 days-is this realistic?

    It is realistic IF you are used to doing the mileage (or nearly so). Why not start out, and if a couple of weeks in it's not working for you, take a bus ahead an appropriate amount and pick up the trail again (100 km from Santiago, of course, if you want to earn the Compostela). You do NOT need...
  12. backpack45

    Camino del Norte advise please

    I agree with every word you said. Probably my favorite Camino route so far! Worth every moment!
  13. backpack45

    Struggling with 1/2 size larger - Lone Peaks - insole recs?

    I don't know what to say about the size--seems to me if what you wore on multi-day hikes, or varied terrain has worked, it should work on the Camino too. I do wear a larger Altra than my regular shoes. I used to wear the Men's because I thought it would be wider and fit better around my bunions...
  14. backpack45

    Re-considering zip-off convertible pants

    I used to always wear the zip-offs and never felt the zipper connection was uncomfortable, but I have sort of drifted away from wearing them. Now I tend to take other long pants as well as hiking skirt that falls just above the knee.
  15. backpack45

    Unexpectedly feminist pilgrimage

    I agree, some of the questions asked are asked of any hiker. My mother questioned why I was doing long distance hiking--to her, hiking or walking was something you did to get somewhere, not necessarily for fun. And historically, hiking or walking has not always been a choice made for pleasure...
  16. backpack45

    What clothes to wear at night?

    I generally wear my long-sleeved, black Smartwool top, which passes quite well as a sweater and a light skirt in the evening. We usually fly in and out of Paris or another major city, so I like to have something a bit dresser than my hiking clothes. With earrings and a neck scarf, I feel...
  17. backpack45

    Ferry to bypass Irun

    I though Irun was fine, too. We happened to be there on a weekend when it seemed all the residents were enjoying a leisurely walk along the streets of the center of town.
  18. backpack45

    Soft tips for new walkers

    Waving your arms around over your head madly in the bathroom usually works to get the motion sensors attention. I can attest to the inconvenience of having the bathroom light go off when you are far from the switch.
  19. backpack45

    Nicknaming the People You Walk With

    There is no law that says you can't choose your own trail name; generally, on the U.S. trails they are given you, but no rule against it. I named myself backpack45 years ago because I was near that age and not seeing many other women -- especially over age 45) on the trails (John Muir/PCT). Why...
  20. backpack45

    Rain...rain pants?

    I LOVE my rain pants. I would not like to be walking in shorts with water running down my legs into my shoes and socks. One thing I didn't see mentioned, is that rain pants are useful for more than rainy days--they can provide an extra layer of insulation on windy or cold days. And, if you ever...

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