Hi Larry
Not starting in the dark, sounds like good advice to me, I haven't the best sense of direction.
If you have any tips on what and what not to carry would be much appreciated.
I will look into the Triana for vacancies.
Hope to see you on the 3rd
David Edmond
This is my packing list, David. Anything more is just excess baggage. The weight comes to about 19-20 pounds, although some days it is necessary to carry a little extra water and food which add a bit.
Pack
Osprey Atmos model, 50 litres.
Pack cover
Sleeping bag
Good for +10C and above
Pillow case
One guide book suggests taking a pillow case. Instead, I zip up my jacket, turn it inside out and stuff the pillow into it.
Shirts, 3
Pants, convertible 2
Shorts, underwear 4
Socks, liner, 3 pr.
Socks, Smartwool, hiking, medium weight, 3 pr.
T-shirt
Cap
Rain gear
Jacket
Sweater, lightweight
Shoes
Sandals
Glasses, 2 pr.
Soap
Soap container
Towel, quick-dry
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
A couple small tubes and when those run out purchase in Spain.
Dental floss
Razor
Blades
Shaving cream
Small travel-size container. Can be purchased in Spain as needed
Fingernail clippers
Toenail clippers
Laundry soap, 1 bar
Most alberques have faciltities for hand washing and a very few have washing machines.
Safety pins
Useful for hanging laundry. Clothes pins are not always available.
Hydrocortisone cream
For rashes, itches and scratches.
Immodium
Laxative
Ciprofloxacin
Ibuprofen
Foot care treatment
First aid kit, small
Knife, Swiss army
One with scissors is very handy
.
Spoon
Water bottle, one litre
Flashlight, headlight
Camera
All standard dry cell batteries are available in Spain. If your camera has a special battery it would be a good idea to take a spare that is fully charged. Or a battery charger and adapter for the European outlets.
Passport
Photocopies of main page of passport
Money
Lots of ATMs in the bigger towns and cities. 20 euro notes are the best. Might be difficult to change 50s in some places. I carry just enough money in my wallet to get me through the day and the rest I keep in my money belt. My last trip to Spain cost me about 1800 euros for 38 days. That included lots of beer. (Food, beverages, and accommodation are more expensive in Santiago.
Money belt
Guide book
Book
Lightweight pocket book for wiling away some of the down times
Small Spanish-English dictionary
Contact list
I make a list of people and institutions to contact in an emergency. E.g., next of kin, credit card and banks in case of lost cards, health insurance companies, etc.
Credencial