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Recent content by RRat

  1. R

    Sleeping bag or Sleeping bag liner

    If you already own this bag use it. At 800g it is just a tad heavy. I've walked two Caminos, Sep/Oct and Apr/May, SJPDP to Santiago and didn't always need my sleeping bag but on many nights glad I had it. Funny thing, in all the nights in alburges, every bunk had a sleeping bag.
  2. R

    Should I bring my own Mercado bag?

    Yes, always had a very light weight bag stuffed in my pocket while wandering around. 1.8oz. It was a free promotional item.
  3. R

    Wise Pilgrim or Buen Camino or both?

    Two SJPDP to Santiago, 2013 and 2023, 30+ days each. Pilgrim's that weren't using apps seem to be doing well. Encountered a handful of pilgrims that felt lost and they were all dependent on apps.
  4. R

    Desktop Computer Availability in Albergues

    Have you considered using your Camino as a reset to your routine? Instead of writing spend your time listening. Communicate with individuals that you can actually touch in front of you.
  5. R

    Food to bring to Spanish friend from US

    A box of See's chocolates
  6. R

    Train from Santiago to Madrid airport

    Just do it. My response might seem a bit harsh but when you get off the train in Madrid there are so many options, train, bus, taxi, that there is no one answer. If upon arrival one option makes the most sense, take it. In 2023 I was told to use the green bus to the airport so that's what I had...
  7. R

    Inviting reflections on the wider costs of walking a Camino

    If I stay home, I'll be driving my speed boat at unreasonable high speeds, guzzling gallons of gas, or going through the desert kicking up tons of dust in my 4X4. So the Camino is a better choice.
  8. R

    Do you need to stay at an albergue to access their luggage transfer service?

    You have private accommodations booked. Pack transportation is inexpensive because it is a pick up and drop off service. You leave your item in a designated corner and it is dropped off in a corner. It is assumed that there is nothing of real value worth stealing. It is not a valet type service...
  9. R

    Descent into Roncesvalles

    I would caution going to the left. There are a few slightly steep sections that are not that steep but always shaded so they stay damp and very slippery. It looks like you're standing on a smooth sandy surface but really it is rock hard with a thin layer of mud. In addition since it is...
  10. R

    Bears

    Lions and Tigers and Bears! Oh no! I was more concerned about stepping on snails. I did have a small deer cross my path at a distance. That was special.
  11. R

    Pocket coin pouch for those EU coins?

    Yes. Coin purse was a must have. Also fanny bag with valuables that never, never leaves your person, even in the shower. One more thing. Look closely, Tiny red light flashlight. Enough light to visit the restroom at night and preparing to leave before day light.
  12. R

    Topo Wearers!

    Since you have plenty of time, purchase a pair of inexpensive shoes. But one size too big. They will feel and look like clown shoes. When you walk with them they will feel like they are going to slip off, but they don't. What do you think after a few days?
  13. R

    Where in Camino Frances (800km) Route Do I need to Spend more Time exploring the Cities/Towns?

    I would plan on arriving to major cities early. Possibly using them for a rest day. But focus on arriving in Santiago with days left over. Then bus tour to Finisterre. I had extra days. Bus to Salamanca. Next to Toledo. Next to Segovia. Finally days in Madrid.
  14. R

    Bed Race → Astorga to SdC early April

    B I'm a proud winner of the daily bed race. Started my mornings at the break of dawn because most everyone else was already up and gone. Had my first coffee with leche at first open bar. Had my second breakfast an hour or so later. Light lunch around noon. Planned on calling it a day around...
  15. R

    First Time Pilgrim - What Day Bag?

    A day bag is really a second bag. Instead, use a backpack with the assumption you are not using baggage transport. On the days you use baggage transport place everything being transported in a ikea blue bag. Your backpack with just day pack items will weigh next to nothing.

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