return trip

[amgirl5]

Hi,

My name is Liz, and I'm leaving home for the Camino on August 14. I actually walked the Camino (Frances) in late spring/early summer of 2005. I got really bad tendonitis walking between Castrojeriz and Fromista, and then sprained both my ankles and took a bus from San Nicholas to Leon, and then again from Samos to Saria, so kinda' want to return and try to see if I can walk the whole thing.

I met a woman the day before I caught the bus who had walked before and said that she had walked it previously and then felt chased by it the following year, and so took a long leave from work to come back. I've off and on thought about that the past couple of years, and then I got laid off from work at the end of June, and woke up one morning with the thought that I needed to go back, and went to a church where the pastor kept repeating "there is more I need to tell you, but you are not ready." Waited a couple of weeks and then bought the ticket. It's kinda' short notice. I know that the last time I went I was really focused on my physical health, so I'm a little nervous about what this journey will be.

I haven't decided on shoes/boots yet. I was told the tendon issue was the boot (they are low, and mostly cloth, with some leather on the sides.) I definitely liked having them coming out of the Pyrenees, and they were helpful when I sprained my ankles, but have people been fairly comfortable with shoes? When I go to the sporting goods stores, they always suggest boots because of the mileage, and the fact that I'm carrying a pack.

Has anyone walked in August/September? What is a realistic mileage in the heat? Are there places to stay? (Or is it totally packed?)

In spite of the injuries/illness, etc., the Camino was an amazing experience.

May you all have amazing experiences, wherever you travel,
Peace, L

 

[syl]

I suggest you try some mid-level boots with good support and Gore-Tex linings. I walked the Portuguest route last September and had numerous water crossings and several days of rain. At that time, I too had low shoes and every night I would lie in bed with my calf muscles hurting. When I returned home, I contacted the shoe company and was told that the particular model I used was not suitable for hiking with a backpack! The lady told me that is why my legs hurt so much.

Get some good quality boots for backpacking and let their strengths help your legs and feet. You simply cannot skimp on the boots. They'll make or break your experience! Hope this helps.