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Recent content by Solitaire

  1. Solitaire

    Embarrassing moments

    I arrived in Ventosa 2016 after a wet and muddy walk. Greeted by friends in the alberque, claimed a bed and headed for the shower. Just stepping into a lovely hot shower when a young woman burst in yelling 'Fire!' Quickly pulled on some undies I ran upstairs to see, where the fuel stove's...
  2. Solitaire

    A shorter stint on Via de la Plata than anticipated

    I carry a small pack of electrolyte tablets and generally will add one every day if excessively sweating. Where i live in Australia with high humidity sweating and loss of body salts is common and this is an effective solution. If it is hot and you are not sweating look out!! Headache and...
  3. Solitaire

    Clothing for "packing smart"/not overpacking for Camino Primitivo (second half of Sept 2022)

    Totally agree, I have a down vest which over woolen singlet and jumper is cosy as. It's relatively snug fit and easily goes under a waterproof shell. Woolen clothing is the best, even damp it is warm. Do not get sucked into all these modern "breathable" materials
  4. Solitaire

    Pamplona to SJPP - April 27, 2022

    I shared a taxi to Roncevalles and then hitched a lift to St SJPP - very easy by yourself, although I was picked up by and older French couple with no English and I am useless in any language! Arrived and was elated to be finally at the start of my first Camino (2007)
  5. Solitaire

    Clothing for "packing smart"/not overpacking for Camino Primitivo (second half of Sept 2022)

    Totally agree. Wool is the way to go, even when wet it keeps you warm. I prefer IceBreaker or similar woolen clothing as you can get different thicknesses or weight and just add or remove layers. Also Hikers Wool (NZ product) for blisters is the best thing since sliced bread! I like a hat...
  6. Solitaire

    Best Unique and Comfortable Albergues on the Camino Francés with Communal Experiences

    I loved my first one in SJPP which was a gentle intro to dormitory sharing and breakfast and then the BIG Roncevalles albergue which was amazing to see so many people packed in and then getting hurried out while the stars were still shining the next morning. The really early birds fumbling in...
  7. Solitaire

    Camino “families” - how cliquey or impenetrable are they mid-way through a Camino?

    My last, pre-covid walk was the Primitivo. I met my first friend, from Poland , on the bus from the airport to Oviedo. Along the way I met others and was generally walking in a pretty loose group. Some of us decided to get together in Santiago and so even though we didn't finish together...
  8. Solitaire

    Advice on getting to St Jean PdP from Barcelona?

    I shared a taxi from Pamplona to Roncevalles around 9am then hitch hiked. Picked up in ten minutes by lovely older French couple They had minimal English I had less French but still a pleasant drive to SJPdP and celebrated with a slap up lunch over looking the river. It had taken me 4 years to...
  9. Solitaire

    Problems with Carry-on Back Packs

    I had friends fly in to Asturias and they bought cheap poles that were adequate at Oviedo to walk the Primitivo. The poles had a solid workout I bought my poles in Kathmandu, have hiked in Annapurnas, Primitivo and Salvador and still going strong - they were cheap. Knives, scissors and nail...
  10. Solitaire

    Struggling on the Le Puy

    As an Australian who struggles with languages I have found the Spanish walks, Frances, Primitivo and San Salvador, easier because there is a greater mix of nationalities and so English is more commonly used. I had a friend accompany me for a week on Via Podiensis or the Le Puy Route and then i...
  11. Solitaire

    Salvador + Primitivo or Frances

    From the Mirador (Hotel) I went back, across road and up over the hill. It then heads down next to power lines and I initially missed where it crossed the road. Eventually found it and head down the track until I reached a stone Camino cairn at a junction. It was not clear , left or right but I...
  12. Solitaire

    What are your favourite places on the Primitivo?

    Definitely stay at the albergue at Bodenaya and Salas on market day had the best tapas and friendliest stalls with delicious cheese
  13. Solitaire

    Salvador + Primitivo or Frances

    I'm just back from the San Salvador and Primitivo. The Primitivo was busier than I expected but still able to walk alone or with others as I wanted, good albergues and some spectacular views. There were a few sections that were harder than Frances but the views always compensated for the pain...
  14. Solitaire

    Help! The walking pole makes me feel like the walking dead!

    I didn't use poles on my first camino, Frances, and felt fine but when I did Chemin de Jacques I was glad I had them as the Central Massif has some steep ups and downs. I found them helpful going up, I could feel the relief on my legs as my arms shared some of the effort and going down...
  15. Solitaire

    April/May

    Hi I'm hoping to start from Oviedo around 26th/27th so may see you. Have you chosen accommodation in oviedo yet?
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