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Recent content by StellarB

  1. StellarB

    Walking through Portugal via Camino Nascente and Torres

    I recently finished walking the Rota Vicentina: while not a camino, it is a glorious trail with stunning views. The route is mostly well-waymarked, but GPS backup was helpful in a few spots. We booked our lodgings in advance, which worked out well for us. There's also a good luggage transfer...
  2. StellarB

    Accommodation - to book or not to book

    Here are places I plan to book before leaving when I walk the Frances again: SJPDP, Orisson/Borda, Roncesvalles (hotel, because my experience at the albergue was suboptimal; others may differ), Zubiri, Puenta de la Reina, and Santiago. After that, it's a judgment call based on the number of...
  3. StellarB

    Question about Sea to Summit Poncho

    If you want better coverage and are not concerned about weight, I recommend the Altus Atmospheric Poncho. It's long, covers your backpack and (most) of your legs, and has actual sleeves that fasten at the wrists. I seem to alternate between taking the Altus for quality coverage (and relative...
  4. StellarB

    Question about Sea to Summit Poncho

    Hmm, I used the Sea to Summit poncho on the CP this spring and didn't have that problem. The first time was in just an extended drizzle so not much of a test, and the second time in steady rain for about 3–4 hours. I stayed dry both times. No strong winds though, which could be problematic with...
  5. StellarB

    Casa Fernanda?

    I stayed at Casa Fernanda in April of this year. The pluses: Fernanda is truly warm and welcoming, her garden is a lovely oasis, the meal was good, and I met several nice people I ended up walking with on and off for several stages. I also saw Fernanda help pilgrims find accommodations after her...
  6. StellarB

    John Brierley's book for walking Portugues camino

    I walked the Portuguese camino (started Litoral, then crossed over to Central) in April. The waymarkings are generally very good, so you won't need a map for the most part. My only challenge was the route I took to cross to Rates at the recommendation of the nice tourist info lady in Vila do...
  7. StellarB

    Place to stay in Porto

    I stayed at the Sandeman Hostel in April. Loved it. I particularly liked that the bathrooms (toilet, sink, shower) are "onesies," so you get to have it to yourself. The bed was comfortable, breakfast was good, staff were friendly and helpful. A great way to start your camino!
  8. StellarB

    Bicycle route from Vila do Conde to Rates?

    Thank you! This is very helpful. I remember bicyclists being a bit of a menace on the Camino Frances; I'll be sure to stay to the side, out of their way. :-)
  9. StellarB

    Bicycle route from Vila do Conde to Rates?

    Greetings from Matosinhos and the end of day #1 of my Portuguese Camino. Tomorrow I'm walking to Vila do Conde, from which I plan to join the Central route. Brierley mentions a bicycle path as an alternative route to Rates, which sounds attractive, not least because less car traffic. Has anyone...
  10. StellarB

    How can I buy an Altus poncho/jacket in the US?

    I bought a packa a few years ago, but have never used it. The concept looked great online, but I found it difficult to maneuver and the sizing/design for the hood was way off. Even though I have a small head, the packa hood opening was so small that the bottom part of the opening went up to my...
  11. StellarB

    How can I buy an Altus poncho/jacket in the US?

    Ah, good point about size - my Altus is a small. I've added that info to my original post.
  12. StellarB

    How can I buy an Altus poncho/jacket in the US?

    The Altus poncho is a bit like a long raincoat with hood that fits over your backpack. It has sleeves, so wind is less of an issue for blowing your poncho around and you stay dry inside. It snaps down the front, also a nice feature. You don't need to take your backpack off to put it on, and it...
  13. StellarB

    How can I buy an Altus poncho/jacket in the US?

    What was the name/brand of the REI poncho? Thanks!
  14. StellarB

    Do I need to pre-book in Puente la Reina?

    I would consider booking a few days before arrival. Pre-booking was not necessary in most places, but Puente la Reina (and Zubiri) can get full. We hadn't pre-booked and ended up sleeping on mats on the floor of a cold, former wine cellar, which was better than no accommodation, but less than ideal.
  15. StellarB

    Accommodation in San Sebastian?

    We stayed at the Green Nest Hostel in San Sebastian in 2018. It's a bit outside town center, but walkable and there's a bus that drops you off nearby if I remember correctly. The accommodations were decent and cheaper than the in-town pensions.
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