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Recent content by Scott Fraser

  1. Scott Fraser

    May-June Camino Frances - Rain Gear & Eating ware

    Hi, Some brief comments: Shoes - wet feet are no fun (blister risk goes way up), but odds are most of your Camino will be dry. Tradeoff comfort and fit for waterproof any day. However, a light weight compromise would be to consider a single pair of waterproof socks. See this review from...
  2. Scott Fraser

    Weather in early may

    The combination of the two should work. The only way to see if a jacket is rainproof is to wear it in a long shower. 😉
  3. Scott Fraser

    Lightweight backpack for petite female

    Hi, picking a suitable pack is time consuming but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make preparing for your Camino. I highly recommend the line of packs by AARN. I own three (2 Mountain Magic ~40 liters and a 25 l day pack - Pace Magic??) if your looking for a bigger pack, the...
  4. Scott Fraser

    Weather in early may

    I walked through snow and freezing rain at the top of the Napoleon Route on May 1st, 2018. Last year in early June I walked through a cold, driving rain (thunder storms) on the same stage. Really cold weather is unlikely, but it happens. It's best to be prepared. Layers of wool under a light...
  5. Scott Fraser

    Which route to take after Figeac?

    G'day, Like others I will strongly recommend the Célé Valley route. The entire walk is great but the thing that is not to be missed is the caves at Peche Merl, a 1 km or so north of Cabrerets. It is a remarkable experience to come face-to-face with 30,000 year old art. I've been told it is...
  6. Scott Fraser

    Backpack Replacement Recos?

    Have a look at the AARN packs. I’ve walked three Caminos with mine and have found them to be great — light weight, durable, and well designed. I have two versions — a Mountain Magic (~ 35 liters) and a smaller 22 liter day pack similar to the one shown below that I walked with last year...
  7. Scott Fraser

    Rethinking my CF-ish route after Burgos (and I start in 7 days!)

    You don’t need to skip the entire Meseta — from Burgos walk three days to Fromista and take the train from there to Leon or Astorga. That will give you a sense of the Meseta.
  8. Scott Fraser

    Is it OK to write emails in English when booking accommodation?

    Why not use Google Translate and cut and paste the Spanish translation into the email? Has worked well for me on numerous Caminos. Naturally you reverse the process when you get a reply.
  9. Scott Fraser

    Meals in Roncesvalles, worth it?

    Dinner. Yes. (There really is no other choice unless you want to eat off the bar menu at the hotel). Picnic. Lots of places to eat along the way the next day - and small shops where you can buy a picnic a la cart Breakfast - IMO, No. I would walk to Burgette and stop at the cafe at the...
  10. Scott Fraser

    What is your favorite (affordable) restaurant on the Camino Frances?

    La Cancela in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and the slightly more expensive Los Cabelleros, both near the cathedral, are excellent (~Eu 30-35 with wine and deserts).
  11. Scott Fraser

    What Size Water Bottle/s

    How much water to carry depends on time of year, daily weather and how many possible refill options you have along your route that day. I buy two plastic 0.75 liter Evian bottles at a grocery store on Day 1 and then refill them as you go along. I’ve found Evian bottles to be very durable and...
  12. Scott Fraser

    App recommendation for the Cele Valley?

    I suggest you book ahead. July and especially August are big vacation months.
  13. Scott Fraser

    Madrid to Pamplona

    It once took me three hours to get a checked bag from Iberia at MAD. If you’re not checking anything you can probably make it. At that hour of the morning clearing into Spain doesn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. If you check a bag…..???
  14. Scott Fraser

    Short walk in France - planning

    Here’s a useful resource. I Love Walking in France Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Aumont-Aubrac By Melinda Lusmore 4th Edition, February 2019 Copyright 2019 Melinda Lusmore
  15. Scott Fraser

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

    I second all of the above. Remember you’re walking west most days and given the Spanish time zone most of the time the sun will be behind you. Long shirt sleeves can be rolled up, but I normally keep them down to prevent sunburn. Other than arms, the most vulnerable spots for sunburn are the...

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