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Recent content by Marc Hamel

  1. Marc Hamel

    “Cheating”

    Ed and I did the Camino in 2016 and Ed had such painful foot problems that we almost decided to go home after making it to Logrono. After a lot of discussion we decided to take a bus and skip about 50K and give his feet a rest. Eventually when we made it to Ponferrada we bought him some new...
  2. Marc Hamel

    More on inner soles ; a comparative study of Six brands

    I never even gave any thought before the Camino to looking into alternative insoles. Maybe that is a piece of advice that I missed, but I am only 5'1" tall and weigh in at 123 lbs. Perhaps that may be one reason that my Merrells worked as well as they did. And I have to say as far as wear goes...
  3. Marc Hamel

    More on inner soles ; a comparative study of Six brands

    I completed my Camino on October 11 after walking in my Merrell Moab mids from St. Jean to Santiago with the inserts that came with the boot. I had no problems, felt sufficiently supported and never had a single blister. I am 64 years old and when (not if) I walk the Camino again after...
  4. Marc Hamel

    Comment by 'Marc Hamel' in media 'Camino Frances'

    I remember this tunnel so well - my husband Ed sat on the ground here as I took care of several blisters that were causing him a good deal of discomfort. It was mid September and the light was just as it is in the picture.
  5. Marc Hamel

    What if Orisson Refuge is full?

    I must have been born under lucky stars! I emailed Orisson and received a reply and reservation confirmation three days later. I had heard so many complaints about how long it took to hear back, but I have to say Jean-Jacques was prompt and courteous. I will be staying there the night of...
  6. Marc Hamel

    From Santiago to Madrid

    Muchas gracias to all of you for your replies and support - I'm now off to research all of your suggestions! HI AZgirl - I'll have an afternoon and evening in Madrid and would love to see some of the city - perhaps a visit to the Prado.
  7. Marc Hamel

    From Santiago to Madrid

    I'm sorry if this has been asked a lot before, but I have a hard time searching this forum for information. I will be walking the Frances starting from SJPdP on September 5. I will be flying home from Madrid on October 13. I already have train reservations from Santiago to Madrid (Chamartin...
  8. Marc Hamel

    Hat recommendations for a first-time Camino pilgrim

    I can also say that I sweat profusely from the top of my head and would always prefer not wearing a hat, however having lost almost all of my hair, there is no way I can go out into the sun without getting sunburned on the top of my head! Not a good way to do my first Camino. I looked into...
  9. Marc Hamel

    Towns on the Camino Francés with direct bus and/or train links with Madrid

    Thank you - this is exactly the kind of detailed information that I was looking for!
  10. Marc Hamel

    Towns on the Camino Francés with direct bus and/or train links with Madrid

    I'm also interested in travel from Santiago to Madrid. If I take the train to Madrid, what is the connection to the airport? Thanks, Marc
  11. Marc Hamel

    Weather in September/October

    Hi Nelia, I am walking as well Sept to mid October. I will leave from SPPDP on Sept 5, perhaps we will run into each other. Buen Camino
  12. Marc Hamel

    Accomodation...or lack of

    Thanks Viranani - I will look forward to staying with the Sisters in Zabaldika - I think Ed and I would like to stay with as many religious houses as possible, being former Catholic religious ourselves. Unfortunately I have not found a currently occupied Trappist (Cistercian) monastery close...
  13. Marc Hamel

    Accomodation...or lack of

    Thanks James - I'll also check out Booking.com Marc
  14. Marc Hamel

    Accomodation...or lack of

  15. Marc Hamel

    Accomodation...or lack of

    My partner and I will be starting in SJPDP on September 5. I have already booked Orisson for the first night as we are both in our late 60's and I thought that would be a good first day's walk for us. However I was not planning on booking ahead but having read all of the above posts think it...
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