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  1. mattythedog

    Lost & Found Backpack stolen from albergue in León

    So sorry. I am on CF and will be looking. For next time: I keep an AirTag sewn into my pack and also in moneybelt
  2. mattythedog

    What to do during long layover in Dublin?

    I went to Brazen in 1994, oldest pub in Dublin, a hole in the wall dive for locals. Went back in 2013; all built-out tourist attraction 3x original size. Like that with a lot of places in Ireland
  3. mattythedog

    How to choose a Camino Prep Fitness Program?

    Now electrolytes needed. Water is fine. They salt most of the food, and as long as you eat healthy and stay hydrated you will be fine. Unless you run this thing, it’s no intensive workout.
  4. mattythedog

    Painful corns on foot - any advice?

    As posted, pro is best. I have used a razor knife a couple times to whittle away my own corn, but beware the hard callous can go deep. I wonder if a pedicurist might have experience with these
  5. mattythedog

    LIVE from the Camino CF day 1, off to a great start!

    Good job!! Sounds like you could have kept going. You are gonna love the trek. Buen Camino!
  6. mattythedog

    How to choose a Camino Prep Fitness Program?

    Lots to choose from in these posts, but how to decide......Best if your program includes things you like or do not mind doing. Boring things can really throw a program off track. Excessive soreness that does not diminish in a few days indicates you may need to try something different or...
  7. mattythedog

    want solitude

    I find plenty of solitude on CF, even in the busy seasons. I start walking between 0600-0700, and at a bit faster pace (physical challenge). Sometimes I do not see anyone for 2-3 hours. Just keep walking until 1800 or later each day. Usually by 1400, 90% of the people are off the trail, and...
  8. mattythedog

    Hiking Poles

    I have carried both z and telescoping poles in my carry on pack domestically and to Europe, and TSA has never given me a problem. I do put them in a PVC or cardboard packing tube with name, address, etc, in case they catch them and they require checking. I remove and store carbide tips...
  9. mattythedog

    Are there Book swaps on the Camino. What book would you take.

    Lots of albergues have lots of random books in various languages in the common areas. Suggest you just do the swap, or if it makes you feel better, ask the host if its OK.
  10. mattythedog

    Pillow - bring one or is it provided?

    The Trekology pillows last about 18 months before pinhole leaks occur at the bond between the inner baffles and pillow skin. Happened on 2 pillows. I was able to patch a couple holes to get another 2 months, but the next camino found numerous pinholes. I blasted Trekology for this, and they...
  11. mattythedog

    Pillow - bring one or is it provided?

    Short answer, NO. Just take pillow and case they provide on the plane to guarantee you have one. As said in posts, 99% of albergues provide a pillow, and you can survive without one once. No guarantee of a case, and it is usually thin plastic mesh paper. Personally, I always take inflatable...
  12. mattythedog

    Trekking Poles

    Good advice in this post, but definitely buy a cheap adjustable PAIR now and practice with the various walking styles you can learn on YouTube and from others. Practice on varied terrain with your loaded pack. You need to do this NOW because it could take some time to get the hang of it, and...
  13. mattythedog

    Where to eat in St Jean Pied de Port

    Love that idea, but presumably you (if a Pilgrim) have also been invited to leave by 0800. Maybe grab and go about 0759😁...and snag those half full bottles of vino and orujo!
  14. mattythedog

    Last minute decisons - fleece or puffer?

    Presumably you have raingear, so answer is lightweight (8-10 ounces) down puffer. Much more warmth per ounce. If it is so hot you sweat, just wear the shirt that you presumably have. I have walked many spring and fall Caminos with this arrangement. Puffer comes in very handy in unheated...
  15. mattythedog

    1,000 Miles in a Lumbar Pack: Ultralight Camino de Santiago Packing List

    That is when you just sling a wine skin like pilgrims in the olden days😊
  16. mattythedog

    Historical Path - San Martin del Camino

    Well, the historical path got many portions paved over by Franco. If you like long straight path next to lots of commercial traffic, take it. The alternate is much quieter and goes through plenty of small villages with cafes and albergues.
  17. mattythedog

    CF in July

    In 2021 I started SJPP 20 June and continued to Santiago, then Muxia, then Finisterre by third week of July. Hottest day was arrival Finisterre when temp went over 90 degrees F. There were a few days in the upper 80's along the way, but most peaked in the 70's. A couple nights were downright...
  18. mattythedog

    Irún to San Sebastián first day

    Last fall I arrived Irun about 1200 and walked all the way through San Sebastian to the far side hostel by 1900. I was 63 years old and took several long breaks along the way. Weather was very clear and a bit hot. No mud on the trail.
  19. mattythedog

    Need help deciding to bring or not to bring

    Thank you. You are one of the few.
  20. mattythedog

    Need help deciding to bring or not to bring

    Just don’t be that A..H…. who turns his phone light on brite and then spends 3x as long with one hand fumbling to pack up in the dark while waving the searchlight all over waking and blinding others. Much better IMHO to carry a 1 or 2 ounce headlamp with dimmable red and white lights. And you...

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