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Recent content by el-pe

  1. el-pe

    Shoes, shoes and more dreaded shoes.....

    I wear NB walking shoes with Darn Tough light padding and did the Frances in October/November 2022 - lots of rain, but the shoes dried overnight. I did not size up and had no issues. Wore the same brand/model on the VdlP in 2023 with similar good results. For rocky/wet sections use hiking poles.
  2. el-pe

    Oseira Monestery

    It is possible if you set it up before arriving and meet the qualifications. I did the tour, attended vespers and stayed in the alberque - a great experience.
  3. el-pe

    Metro-style map of the Caminos

    Great map and information source; Gracias
  4. el-pe

    Waterproof Jacket/Coat

    Walked the VdlP last March/April and only had 2-3 days with light rain over 45 days. Had a sun/rain umbrella and lightweight gore-tex jacket for cooler mornings
  5. el-pe

    Metro-style map of the Caminos

    great map, especially to design a combination of smaller routes
  6. el-pe

    Have you used Aíralo?

    I've used Airalo and the Orange eSim on the VdlP and they both worked great.
  7. el-pe

    When should I stop training?

    You have to know your body. If I had nagging pains I would taper off and rest; if not, I keep walking up until the flight and maybe rest the day I arrive. Plus I star at a lesser distance for a few days to get use to everything.
  8. el-pe

    New handsfree umbrella holder

    I use the Gossamer Gear attachment, which works well.
  9. el-pe

    Lucca to Rome - a retrospective

    Great summary/recap. Did you end up carrying your pack due to the twin issues of being unable to book due to language or non-response and trying to use the ostelli?
  10. el-pe

    Backpack Replacement Recos?

    I've had good luck with the GG Kumo36 on local hikes, carrying about 12-15 pounds for training. My Camino pack is a Zpack Nero 38 made from DCF. The pack weighs 11 ounces, is waterproof and can comfortably carry 18-20 pounds. Used this on the Frances, Portuguese and Via de la Plata so far.
  11. el-pe

    Demographic of VDLP pilgrim in recent years

    Last year it was mostly older men, several few couples, a few single women, mostly German. Almost everyone was experienced, many retired - all had a good time.
  12. el-pe

    Food on the via la plata

    The other key things to watch are weekends when many places are closed and due to your start date you will ate some point run into the week of Semana Santa the week before March 31st.
  13. el-pe

    Pocket coin pouch for those EU coins?

    Just the thing...
  14. el-pe

    Please Recommend Lightweight Backpack On Camino Frances

    As mentioned, get fitted or fit yourself and order online, most companies allow returns. I use a GG Kumo for local hike and comfortably carry 10 -12pounds. For my Caminos, I have used an even lighter, frameless, waterproof bag made by Zpacks, the Nero model. Easily carried about 6 kilos of base...
  15. el-pe

    Rest Days on the VDLP

    Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, Zamora and Ourense - full or half days for some.
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