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Recent content by Craig Towers

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    Accomodations in Saint Jean pied de Port

    I’ve stayed at this place 3 times starting and ending different caminos. Can’t recommend it highly enough. Only suggestion I’d have is give yourself a rest day before starting. Funnily enough the first day is the hardest physical day of the whole walk. Amazing breakfast. Great home. Say hi to...
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    Blister and injury prevention

    Try those tight fitting calf socks. I got shin splints the first one. Tried these worked a treat. Make sure they fit tight for support. Compeed is everywhere in Europe. Much better range.
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    Booking passage to SJPP

    Download the French train app Oui.sncf. Bloody awesome. Has an English option. You store tickets on app. Gives you full options and prices.
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    Kickoff in Irun

    One thing you could consider is staying San Sebastián. Catch train back to irun early in the morning. Not far and cheap. They start early. Irun is a bit of a dump. 😂😂😂. San Sebastián is fun. You can leave you pack and just day pack it up the hill. Bit easier start to day one. Just a thought.
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    First night in SJPDP

    I’ve started and ended a few caminos in SJPDP. I’m not sure Orison saves you much. It’s essentially a tiny hut sitting along side the road. I’d suggest you would find the buzz in SJ would set you up for a great first day. I’ve stayed at the place below a few times. Great rooms. Amazing...
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    BnB in SJPdP after Boston Flight

    We have stayed a couple of times with Jean François at Donamaria. Great spot. 5 minutes up the river path from town. Great guy good English. Incredibly helpful. Amazing breakfast. Rated number 1 or 2 on trip advisor. You will want to stay 2 nights. 😜😜😜 Maison Donamaria 1 Chemin d’Olhonce...
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    Municipal Albergue or Pension? (on first night)

    I always think the perfect solution might be BOTH. Book a night at Albergue but only if they do a good shared meal. Then also book a night in Pension. Get a bloody good nights sleep for your first day. Best of both worlds. Meet great group and get a good sleep. Let’s face it Irun is a bit of a...
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    DIY hiking wool?

    One old soldier in the Army told me of a trick where you soak your feet in cold tea to toughen them up. He swore by it. I think in Europe you can buy cream with tannin in it. Might be a long slow process but the idea of toughening the skin has merit.
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    Merino Wool Care

    Don’t forget there are lots of weights of icebreaker fabric. From ultra lightweight at 130 up to around 260 grams The lower weights won’t take the beating heavier weights will take.
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    Merino Wool Care

    Some advice from Icebreaker. Interesting they say to wash garments occasionally with denim jeans ( zipper shut) to reduce pilling. Some good info on their website.
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    DIY hiking wool?

    Take a look. ENGO Rectangle Blister Prevention... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008QLQJ64/?tag=casaivar02-20
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    Camino del Norte as my first Camino in June - have I made a mistake?

    You will love it. One practical tip you might consider. The first days walk out of Irun is a great one but up a decent hill. The day we did it we hit pouring rain so we delayed a day in order to enjoy it. We had already booked our accommodation in San Sebastián so we took the coastal train from...
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    Train from Paris to SJPP

    See if you can download the SNCF app. It’s great. Plus all your tickets and info are held in the app. No need to print anything just scan. OUI.sncf
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    Approaching the Swiss border

    I’ve bought them and used them on a couple of small walks. I had terrible shin splints on my first camino. The other thing we did was put in some good scholl shoe inserts. They say they can reduce heel shock by 40%. I’m not sure but I’ve done 4 more caminos with no shin splints. Most...
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    Approaching the Swiss border

    What about some compression socks. A link to Amazon here. Link is not much use but you could show a hiking store. I had same problem a few years ago. Laid up twice. I’m trying these now. SB SOX Compression Calf Sleeves (20-30mmHg) for Men & Women - Perfect Option to Our Compression Socks - for...

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