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To check what I have available offline, I find it helpful to turn off wifi and switch to airplane mode. When you open the app, you'll need to navigate from your current location to the Camino.
I brought a pair a Crocs to use as evening/albergue shoes because I walked in cold weather but ended up buying a pair of flipflops from a tienda china after a couple of days. I found it worth carrying separate shower shoes.
I bought a poncho on Amazon with extra room for a backpack that I love and have used on several backcountry trips since my Camino. I don't think I see the exact same one listed but have uploaded a photo of the only name I can find on it. As you can see from the photo, I chose bright orange for...
This perfectly sums up my approach. I've been robbed twice over 25 years of travel and feel happy with the balance I've struck between caution and obsession.
I'd suggest checking out thetrek.co, which is hosting trail journals from at least 3 current Te Araroa backpackers, and the FarOut Te Araroa map app - https://faroutguides.com/te-araroa-map/
I don't have any personal experience on the trail, but my impression is that biking would be much more...
I walked the Camino in snow with no-longer-waterproof light hiking boots and found that I was fine as long as I kept walking or went indoors. My boots basically acted like a wetsuit -- my feet were wet but quickly warmed the water sloshing around inside. Just be sure to wear synthetic or wool...
Thanks for sharing this info! I saw them on the Camino last March between Castrillo de los Polvazares and Santa Catalina de Somoza. Took a photo but wasn't tempted to touch them.
If you'll be arriving late enough that you need somewhere to sleep before you start walking, I can highly recommend Hostal Fuente de Rabé. I stayed there in late November 2021 and had a wonderful experience. Super clean, recently updated rooms and the sweetest family you could hope to meet.
Yay, thanks for sharing your experience! Whenever I get the opportunity to walk another Camino, the Invierno is top of my list so I'll very happily follow your journey. Buen camino!
Yes, you should! Or at least I would if I had the opportunity. My first Camino was in December 2004, and I had a wonderful time. Just be sure to pack warm, waterproof clothing and research the next few nights' accommodation whenever you have wifi (though much less an issue if you have a mobile...
Just wanted to add that if you encounter anyone with passable English at any of your accomodations or meal stops, you should explain your situation and ask their advice. It may take a few tries, but you'll likely soon meet someone who will make it their mission to get your bag transfer sorted...
O Cebreiro would be a great place to start! It's a very scenic little village and the first stop in Galicia on the Camino francés. Just be aware that's it's a lot of downhill to Triacastela, so potentially harder on the knees and feet than the mileage would indicate. Start slow if you can.
I walked using just wifi this past November and March and found it a bit inconvenient at times but not enough so that I'd do anything differently next time. I actually really enjoyed the now rare experience of wondering about something and having no way to immediately look up the answer.
Many...
Definitely thankful for all the modern conveniences! Which is why I'm exploring how I might want to take advantage of those I wasn't previously familiar with. ;)
Yes, I certainly could carry it one more day, but I despise the pavement slog into Santiago, and at the moment, exploring the pack transfer option seems preferable to exploring the bus option. ;)
But I appreciate all input!
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