LIVE from the Camino Broken backpack

[twigsandribbons]

I am so sorry to only use this forum when I need help, but I promise when I have more time I´ll be updating with some positive things!

I´m currently in Molinseca and my Gregory Jade 35 liter pack broke today, the shoulder strap came loose on one side and though I rigged it, it´s putting pressure on the other side which is now also about to break. I´ll be in Ponferrada tomorrow... is there anywhere I can buy a new bag close by, or would you recommend I try to get a new one shipped to me? I´m short on time at the moment unfortunately. Is there any place I might be able to get it repaired? Thanks so much for any help you guys can give me, I appreciate it so much.

- Linds

(By the way, it was tendonitis in the knee and both ankles and I´m quite recovered after a helpful Red Cross clinic in Viana!! Thanks for all the help!)

 

[annakappa]

Ponferrada is a large town and there are sure to be a couple of places where you could get a new pack. Ponferrada is only a short walk from Molinaseca, so you should be able to get the problem fixed in the morning. Probably you could have the broken one fixed if that is what you prefer. Good luck, Anne

 

[Andrewere]

Boot menders can usually fix backpacks as they have the heavy duty sewing machines that ere required.

Andrew.

 

[Janeh]

in Ponferrada, next door to the Tourist Info and Castle(along the narrow street that runs off to the left if your back is facing the castle) there is an outdoor shop that sells backpacks, sleeping bags etc so you should find help there. Its got an Irish sounding name but sorry I can't remember what it is. The girl in there is very helpful. good luck, Jane

 

[twigsandribbons]

Thanks so much for all of your help! I wasn´t able to find a bootmender but I did find Fitz Roy´s, the outdoor store by the Castle in Ponferrada. I replaced my Gregory Jade 35L with a Osprey Aura 50, a very very nice pack. It was a bit expensive but REI has told me they´ll reimburse me for my former pack so that takes the edge off it-- and it´s very exciting to have a nice big pack for future adventures!

Today I´m in Palais de Rey, and there´s a huge wave of pilgrims moving through. I´ve been very lucky to have a tent, a sleeping bag and an inflatable mat for the last few days... things are hectic! But me and mine are keeping in good spirits nevertheless. It´s the home stretch for me now, and I´m both excited and getting a bit nervous as it all comes to an end. Buen camino to everyone else on the 2010 trail!

- Lindsay