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Recent content by A Crackpot Abroad

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    US International Phone plan or Spanish SIM card while on the Camino?

    Inflation or I got ripped off in Barcelona today. Jas11 and krystianw above said they purchased their 50 GB plan for 10 euro at Vodafone. I went to the nearest Vodafone store near Placa de Catalunya and bought their least expensive prepaid plan (15euro/$16.26 USD/for 28 days): 50 GB data/...
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    long sleeve Merino wool shirt for SUMMER

    I have been wearing smartwool blends since 2005. Started with their vented socks which were really comfortable. Been wearing underwear, t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts since 2014. 4 caminos later, super comfortable, not itchy, easy to clean and dry (hand washing/hang dry) and long lasting...
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    Bank verification with Spanish SIM

    I'm from the U. S. but I use that Canadian actor's phone company, Mint Mobile (I think Google phone operates somewhat like this too). Cheap rates with Mint. Once you have wifi anywhere in the world, you can call and text as if you were in the U.S. I used to have the text go to my sister and...
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    Sunglasses

    Decathlon and Home Depot. I know the pain of losing sunglasses. Decathlon carries a basic ( semi stylish 😎) black plastic sunglasses for years at a very reasonable €9 (last time). They are very sturdy. If you are in the states, Home Depot carries safety sunglasses for $5. Surprisingly...
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    Cell phone use in Spain

    Might consider another option than the $10 a day plan. I copied and pasted from responses I made from other phone threads below. Short version is you can get a lot of phone and data cheap in Spain. My last plan from May/2022 was 15 euro for 800 minutes to the U.S. and 50 GB of data (they do...
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    Prep for late June to July Camino del Norte

    "I belief there is something built into the sole of the shoe to help protect the foot from difficult surfaces" Yes, the plate spreads the pressure over a larger portion of the foot rather than center of ball of the foot. While training for Frances, I developed a condition called stone...
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    Prep for late June to July Camino del Norte

    1+ for a shoe with a rock plate (also described as a shank. These can be metal or hard plastic). I did Norte Oct/2022. Beautiful. I hope to do it again this fall or finish the LeVante that I started. See this thread for information about rock plates here...
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    Walk from O Castro Dozón to Lalin via N-525 road: Terrain and Route Information

    I did Dozon to Lalin in 2019 before the pandemic. The trek between Dozon and Lalin doesn't standout in my memory. What does stand out is that it was going to rain hard for a couple of days and the below listed Albergue had no problem me staying for 3 nights. The really sweet family ran the...
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    Breaking Camino del Norte into shorter stages: Is it possible?

    It is your Camino. I did Norte right after Spain opened in 2021. I had an issue finding accommodation in Deba. I heard a group of Pilgrims didn't find accommodations either. So they slept on the beach as a group. Norte has a pretty good train and bus system (and taxis willing to take...
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    What's Your Favorite Socks or Combination You Have Ever Used?

    Smarwool PhD. No creams. Just one pair of socks with Borreal shoes and Asolo boots. 3 1/2 Caminos with no blisters. Easy to hand wash and usually dry the next day. I keep wondering why I bring 3 pairs of socks. Seems like excess weight that extra pair. 😀 Sorry to overshare but...
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    Walking the Del Norte in mid February

    I did Norte last fall. I snore pretty bad so I avoid albergues. Deba was the only place i had an issue booking ahead. No shame in taking the train, bus, or a taxi if you can't find a place to stay.
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    Transport fr SCQ to Sarria

    It is really, really easy. Very inexpensive with 15 euro/28 day plans (with tons of internet and no contract). I have used Vodafone multiple times in remote parts of Spain with great connection.
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    Best time/temperature to walk the Camino Frances

    I'm 65 and somewhat fit (almost 4 caminoes). My sweet spot is 60f/15.5c. A little chilly for the first 20 minutes but I can trek all day after that. I can walk in the heat but I'm extra careful about staying hydrated. crackpot
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    Rely on wifi or get a data plan?

    Vodafone. Is one of the services mentioned above. They have a screaming deal. Very good coverage on Via de Plata, Norte and LeVante (Valencia to Toledo where I ended this year's Camino). Many times I have literally been in the middle of nowhere and was able to connect to find a place to...
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    Making the first day of Norte a bit easier

    Use the local train (or bus). I did Norte just after Spain opened to tourist in late summer 2021. I had issues finding places to stay on short notice (and some places were still closed). I stayed 2 nights in Irun but I think more nights in San Sebastián would be way better. I took the train...
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