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Recent content by Mickblack

  1. Mickblack

    Ultimate Dog Repellent

    I was leaving a farm campsite in France, wearing only shorts and riding my bike. By the farmers house his dog bit me; blood streaming profusely from my leg. The farmers wife saw it happen. I’m English so when French dog bites you it’s got rabies! In my panic I couldn’t remember the French word...
  2. Mickblack

    Where are they now?

  3. Mickblack

    Where are they now?

    Taken over twenty years ago on the steps of the cathedral - American,French,English,Spanish,German……
  4. Mickblack

    SJPP to Santiago in 30 days?

    Excellent advice although I’d add that Vaseline your feet before every walk usually prevents blisters
  5. Mickblack

    How many days are needed for the Camino Frances ?

    Just read some of the comments, comments that are alien to the Camino. ‘Finish’ - the Camino never ends. ‘Training’ - make it sound like a sports event. ‘Schedule’ - just go as far as u want each day. In practical terms most folks take 4 or 5 weeks but the idea is not to think about the time it...
  6. Mickblack

    4 Extra days. Where would you travel?

    All sorts of option suggestions here but none beats a few days in Santiago, drinking coffee and watching those pilgrims you haven’t seen for ages arrive in Santiago
  7. Mickblack

    Advice please! West highland way vs Camino Frances

    From May to September the Highland are a no no as far as midges are concerned. I’ve done the whw a few times. Like the Camino it’s international - so many languages you sometimes wonder what country you are in. Like the Camino - easy walking except for the climb out of Glencoe. No albergues but...
  8. Mickblack

    Biking in the rain

    When biking in the rain you’re going to get wet. No matter how good the product rain will eventually get through. Nothing will keep the wet out ( or in) but in my opinion Gortex is the best way yet to get wet. Trick - wear as few clothes as possible that are quick drying
  9. Mickblack

    Starting April 22, 2022, to contemplate carreer change

    The first time I walked the Camino it was August when every other pilgrim seemed very young with 'problems'. As an old man they often opened up to me; 'should I go to uni, change course , get a job, emigrate, divorce, career change, marriage problems.......Yes, all big and potentially life...
  10. Mickblack

    Is it okay to want to walk the Frances alone?

    Before I made my first Camino I met a veteran peregrino , an ex hospitallera and a fount of knowledge. 'Three basic principles - dont set yourself a time to get to Santiago (no beginning or end), no need for maps or guides and most important, do it alone. Walking in a group effectively builds a...
  11. Mickblack

    Recommendations for Foot Glide to Prevent Blisters During Camino Walk

    I think the problem with Vaseline is that it costs next to nothing and is tried ,tested and reliable - THE way to avoid blisters. Maybe they should rename the product and charge a fortune????
  12. Mickblack

    Is the camino a ritual for all spanish people?

    Perhaps not every Spaniard wants to do the Way but ALL Spaniards are interested in it. An example. After doing the Camino I walked into my local,very busy bank. When I reached the teller she commented that she had not seen me for weeks. I've been walking the Camino, I said. She wanted to know...
  13. Mickblack

    First timer

    Hi Sarah - so you want to reasses your life. You wouldn't believe how many peregrinos I meet on the way are doing the same. So many of them have big decisions to make; should I emigrate, to go to uni or not,change jobs,divorce or stick it out..........Yes, they walk the Camino and take a month...
  14. Mickblack

    Sleeping outside

    I regularly sleep outside (live in Spain). By far and away the best method is a light weight groundsheet and a mosquito net draped from a tree or something. If you have to ask, why sleep outside, then you've never tried it! Happy stargazing. Tent or a roof if raining.
  15. Mickblack

    Mourned for jacket

    Boots worn out, jacket finished,rucksack fallen apart.......Can't bring myself to throw them away . Why? The fabrics fade away BUT the memories they hold not only appreciate with time but last forever.
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