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  1. Donna Sch

    Do I need better rain gear? (or mental strategy for rain)

    I walked the Levante in Feb/Mar and amazingly had only one rainy day. But what a day! My Paramo Cascada2 pants were brilliant and saved me from hypothermia even though I got drenched. I recommend any product from that company even if they are pricey. The Sea to Summit poncho I have was fine in...
  2. Donna Sch

    Best places to stay and see between Sahagun and Léon?

    Am planning a Camino Mixto for 2025 basically combining the Madrid, Salvador and Primitivo. But there is a ~55km stretch on the CF and I also see that there is a choice of routes going to either Bercianos de Real Camino or Calzada del Coto on the way to Reliegos. We will have a rest day in León...
  3. Donna Sch

    Did you take many photos and videos?

    For those of you contemplating bringing a dSLR especially if you like big lenses, take a look at the latest Olympus mirrorless and associated lenses. Compared to the equivalent Nikon or Canon it is MUCH lighter. Some very clever design. According to my photographer other half it is not as good...
  4. Donna Sch

    Trying to work out the length of my camino for flights

    There is nothing worse than feeling rushed. For the first week I try to keep distances under 20km unless there is no choice just to let the body settle in. After that I assume I need to do between 18-25km depending on the route. For the VDLP I had to average 22km per day. But it wasn't long...
  5. Donna Sch

    What about my wife?

    Download the Rome2Rio app. Have a look at your likely stages and it will tell you what is available re bus and train which is much cheaper than taxi. Download the apps for ALSA etc as these are quite user friendly and much easier than navigating actual bus stations and machines. I can tell you...
  6. Donna Sch

    Bucket List - What we must plan to not miss on the Way?

    When I was 16, I spent my Christmas holidays in Holland with my Dad's family. One day we drive to Dusseldorf to do some Xmas shopping. Now I really don't like shopping at the best of times, and I would rather have gone with my male cousins who checked out flash cars. But what really peeved me...
  7. Donna Sch

    Training for Camino - my worries

    Whereever you can, walk on grass or dirt. Roads and asphalt put a lot of stress on your body so avoid them whenever you can.
  8. Donna Sch

    Strip Mine Proposed: O Pino!

    The map looks very close to the Camino Sanabres too :( Two major camino routes within 50 km of SdC.
  9. Donna Sch

    Serious Doubts 3 Weeks Before Camino

    You do realise that by leaving Spain on the 24th that you miss the St James' Day fireworks in Santiago? Apart from that oversight, my advice is between now and leaving to get lots of walking exercise. If you can walk it in under 30 minutes, do so if you have the time. Or cycle. Avoid your car...
  10. Donna Sch

    A New Zealand peregrina dies in Leon

    That is sad and a huge shock for the family and her camino family but being on the Camino and dying in your sleep sounds like a good death. Living life to the fullest in a wonderful environment with someone you love at your side.
  11. Donna Sch

    3rd time on Camino. . .struggling to decide. . .

    The VDLP is a fantastic route for appreciating the Moors, the Romans especially Trajan and seeing the Roman cities of Italica and Merida. Salamanca is my favourite city in Spain with modern heroes such as Unamuno. Recommend reading Tony Kevin's book "Walking the Camino". You get a great feel for...
  12. Donna Sch

    My first-time Camino: a review of the good, the bad, and the cows!

    Think about adding some exercises that work your core which will make dealing with a pack easier.
  13. Donna Sch

    How Much Water are People Carrying and Drinking?

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/ is an article that sums up the issues with NSAIDs for those who enjoy plowing through medical journals. The amount needed to cause a serious adverse reaction? Well that depends on too many factors (and I'm not a nephrologist :P). If you are...
  14. Donna Sch

    How Much Water are People Carrying and Drinking?

    Here's the link without the login: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
  15. Donna Sch

    How Much Water are People Carrying and Drinking?

    I'm with you but I drink 3 litres every day anyway just being a couch potato although admittedly it is 30 deg C in my house anyway. It's actually a good way to prevent injury. (The drinking, not the couch ;) ) And I am one of those mad people that use silver hiking umbrellas.:D Another point...
  16. Donna Sch

    How Much Water are People Carrying and Drinking?

    If you are feeling thirsty you are already 3% dehydrated. In very hot weather you may need to drink as much as 1l/hr. I averaged 250ml (1 cup) every 30 minutes as a MINIMUM on the VDLP, as well as stopping at all available fuentes and bars (which on the VDLP may be non-existent until your...
  17. Donna Sch

    Seven Week Training Program

    Add some mobility exercises to everything else and you are sorted. https://www.muscleforlife.com/mobility-exercises/ Work on ankles, hips and shoulders and it may prevent an injury. In the interest of injury prevention it is a very good idea to practise increasing your water consumption. When I...
  18. Donna Sch

    Knee Health

    Wild NRG in Australia have algal oil capsules. Not cheap - costs about AUD$50/month but they are quite bearable so I am able to maintain my compliance on a daily basis AND I don't feel guilty taking them since I prefer to eat vegetarian.
  19. Donna Sch

    Why stay in traditional albergues when you could sleep better elsewhere?

    I did the VDLP and the albergues are not that busy anyway - certainly not CF busy! And as a single female there is a high chance of getting a dorm or bathroom to yourself. I enjoy the conversations and I like being to cook and prepare food properly every now and again. All I need is a bed and a...
  20. Donna Sch

    Increase pack weight or distance?

    For my Camino training I walked and biked as much as possible ie 7 km to work, and on weekends I would walk at least one long walk over 15 km. Avoid using cars as much as possible. I found it takes at least 15 km to stress the body and really test your gear. If you can get two long walks in on...

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