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Good advice above. I will also say the Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal is a special stop. Another very welcoming donativo which provides afternoon tea for the group. It's worth attending Vespers in the nearby Inglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion; Gregorian chant followed by pilgrim blessing...
Before I'd ever walked a Camino I worried most about sleeping in albergues and finding meals. So first time around I used a company that booked me hotels and evening meals, on the Camino Portuguese. I learnt a lot that trip and determined to have a go myself, carrying my pack and sleeping in at...
I used 2 packs last year. My regular Osprey Eja 38 went with the transport service. Daily I used a Deuter Women's Speed Lite 23l pack. I chose this because it has a lightweight hip-belt so all the weight was not just on my shoulders. I could also access my water bottles from the side pockets...
You should find comments beneath the stage if you scroll up. Also if you click on any accommodation name you will find any comments that have been left. Not every place has been commented on.
Spanish pillows are long and thin. As wide as the mattress but much thinner than UK pillows. You might be able to get the right size pillow case using Amazon. Most albergues have pillows that have a thin plastic cover that's sealed, as are their mattresses. It does stop bed bug infestation in...
I always change within the shower cubicle. It can be snug! ALWAYS take your valuables with you. I use ultralight dry bags for my clothes, and have a small Heroclip (a type of S hook) in case there is no hook.
You'll be surprised at how quickly it all feels normal 😊
To be honest rolling the clothes in the travel towel and twisting them also works. With no need to wash the towel...just dry it!
I bought nappy (diaper) pins which lock shut. Ideal for backpack drying should anything not be fully dry in the morning.
Happy handwashing
Caroline
I wear Altra Lone Peak trail runners and use their insoles for most of my walk. After about 600km I switch to Sorbothane Cush N Step Cushion Protect Insoles. I do this because the mid-sole wears and these insoles bring back the cushioning. A great treat for my feet for the last few hundred km...
I am intrigued by the roll and stomp method. I'm not sure I want to put my towel on the floor though. I roll my clothes in my towel and twist it to squeeze out water, holding each end. Nothing seems to stretch like it would without the towel.
I stupidly left my nice lightweight and very breathable Rab jacket in a bar in Burgos. It was a couple of days before I realised. When I reached Leon I visited Decathlon and bought an MH500 jacket. It was certainly waterproof but I did not think much of the breathability.. I am a harsh judge...
Well done indeed. What a great experience and opportunity to learn really helpful lessons. I loved it when living out of my backpack became familiar and simple. Now, at home, I long for that simplicity and order. I'm working towards it but have a long way to go!
I chose a Deuter Speed Lite 23 SL .
I found it very comfy and it has a more comfortable hip belt arrangement than many lightweight day packs. Water is heavy and I found most small packs rely purely on your shoulders which I didn't like. In use, I found I could reach the little zipped pocket at...
When I've transported my main pack I always carried in my daypack a weeks worth of my regular meds plus my little first aid kit. I also carried my flip flops because sometimes you can arrive before your pack and in an albergue you have to take off the footwear you've walked in. I also had room...
Steve there are direct Easyjet flights between Gatwick and Santiago de Compostela airport.
I live in Devon and flew home this way, taking the train to Victoria and coach from there. Very convenient and the timings worked very well for me. If you are in London it will be even easier.
As Ivar...
Maybe you could stay at Trinidad de Arre, about 4.5km before you reach Pamplona. It's a wonderful place, full of history that has had a hostel for pilgrims since the 12th C. quite basic but comfortable. Then walk through the city early morning when it's a little quieter. I have stayed at...
I am someone who doesn't sleep well normally, so in albergues I need to feel comfy at night to give myself the best chance of sleeping. I have some very light cotton PJ trousers and a thin merino t-shirt that I sleep in. If It's very hot at night I can sleep on top of my sleep sack without...
I chose to spend my 65th on Camino. Being an introvert I didn't tell anyone on the day ☺️ It still feels nice inside me. I spent that night in an albergue with a communal supper so it felt like a birthday party with no social pressure 😅
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