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Recent content by James van Hemert

  1. James van Hemert

    LIVE from the Camino Working as hospitalero at Albergue Municipal de La Virgen del Camino

    Wayward yes. Also weary pilgrims?
  2. James van Hemert

    Little sculptures

    fountain creature in Estella. April 2022
  3. James van Hemert

    Long pants and long sleeves in summer? Smart or big mistake?

    You are smart to ask this question. I walked the Frances in May in 2022 and there was plenty of hot weather. I wore LONG sleeves and pants to prevent sunburn and for a bit of warmth in the cool mornings. Shirt of 53% cotton, 47% polyester. Shoulder/back vent. BC Clothing brand, purchased at...
  4. James van Hemert

    Zubiri or Larrasoana?

    I stayed at San Nicolas in April 2022. Excellent communal meal. Cozy and elegant dining room. Beds good. But beware! Overnight the hospitaleros moved all the trekking poles inside unbeknownst to me. In the morning I left early at 7 am. Door locked behind me and where are the poles? I waited an...
  5. James van Hemert

    Convents & monasteries on Camino Frances

    Consider Albergue de la Santa Cruz in Sahagun. Associated with a monestary/ convent. They specifically reach out to pilgrims who wish to retreat for a few days. Beautiful people. I stayed a night there last year.
  6. James van Hemert

    WOOT!!!! Final Packing List - please comment!

    Bring the waterproof phone case for sure. Great spreadsheet! Preparation for the modern pilgrim. The truth will be discovered on the camino. Buen camino!
  7. James van Hemert

    April vs May on the Camino Frances

    Barb To sum it up: colder vs. busier. I left St. Jean PdP on April 11 last year and had many cold nights and days in the first weeks. And lots of rain and snow! No regrets. Buen camino!
  8. James van Hemert

    What’s going on?

    That is the spirit!! On my Camino Frances last year I developed the same spirit....i would rather sleep rough than worry.
  9. James van Hemert

    Booking Auberge Borda

    Send an email to Borda. The owner is responsive. If Napolean route is closed they can help arrange for a taxi. Do go ahead and reserve at one of those places regardless! They are wonderful and you will likely meet your first pilgrimage family peeps.
  10. James van Hemert

    Please talk me off the ledge

    One step at a time. That is how everyone walks the Camino. You can do it! Approach fellow pilgrims and locals for help on anything. People are very willing to help. The worst thing to do is stew in your own thoughts. Reach out and talk to people around you. You reached out here, so you can do...
  11. James van Hemert

    Hydration pack or water bottles?

    I used a Gatorade water bottle strapped on to my pack strap with shockcords. Easy to drink while on the go. It lasted the entire Frances Camino--over 30 days. Gatorade is a particularly robust bottle with an excellent twist cap. And, yes, there are plenty of drinking fountains. No need to buy...
  12. James van Hemert

    Hola from a bicigrino-to-be

    I am sure you will be thoughtful and slow down when you pass walking perigrinos! And ring your bell in advance.🚴‍♂️🚶‍♀️
  13. James van Hemert

    Favorite gear items

    Super advice. I trust the advice of anyone with 10 kids!
  14. James van Hemert

    Planning for April 2024

    You will enjoy rain in Galicia! 🌦
  15. Laundry at Vieira Albergue in San Martin del Camino

    Laundry at Vieira Albergue in San Martin del Camino

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