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Hi Claire, Firstly, no matter what, have a wonderful adventure.
In looking over the answers, the ones who are only so-so about using poles are the one-pole users which is probably because they don't get many benefits with only one pole. One pole is a crutch. It gives a false idea of stability on...
She is asking about Le Puy en Velay route, not Spain. I saw much fewer open pharmacies on this route to Cahors. We were looking for one as I got tendintis and we needed more strapping than we had brought with us. I was surprised at how difficult it was to find one, and then started to look out...
We walked in April/May 2022. It is probably a good idea to book ahead at Le Puy. We stayed two nights and particularly enjoyed Nomad. In Estiang, we had a lovely dinner at Aux Armes de Estiang. In Figeac, I can highly recommend La Cuisine du Marche Restaurant - we had asparagus Hollandaise...
The bridge at Hospital d'Orbigo was made extra special when we looked over into the river below and spied a family of otters just below us, then, upon approaching the other end we heard traditional music and saw a procession of dancers in costume doing a traditional dance in the square at the...
I would open up nice toilets along the areas that sorely need it. Your icecream vending could be attached to a nice toilet at the top out of Castroherez and another along that Roman road of 20kms with only saplings for privacy!
Why do you feel a failure? You walked the whole way and did it with a lot of pain. That takes mighty effort, resolve and perseverance. To get up in the morning and know that every step you take for the next 20 kms will be in pain and yet still do it shows great strength of character and purpose...
I always use poles for the many reasons already quoted so I won't repeat them all except to endorse all of those reasons.
I was having a lovely birthday weekend with my husband in June and he suggested that we go on a nice little walk, one that we often do and always using poles. As I hadn't...
I wear prescription glasses and I use the Hands-free Euroschirm. Yes, it is expensive and quite weighty, but it is sturdy, wide, and brilliant as a sun shield as well. It held up in very strong winds, and I even used it as a windshield on windy but clear days. I hate wearing hats when it is hot...
I always go just before I leave any place with a toilet. I have a motto of never pass up on a toilet. However, I need to go again only about an hour after leaving in the morning. On that day, it was at the top of the hill, and Yes, I did go just before I left. Men just don't understand the...
I have a hands-free umbrella which is fantastic (you can see it in my image) but my husband rigs his normal one up using the elastic cords that he cut off his pack which he had never used and the cord at the bottom of the umbrella handle. He loops the latter through his waist belt and uses the...
I love that, I met my best self out on the Camino today'. I would love to hear more. It is lovely to hear about the lessons we uncover about ourselves.
First: if you see a pack at the side of the path, look away. It is a sign that a pelerine has gone off the path to do her business.
Second: Carry a toilet kit that has some toilet paper or wet wipes and doggie poop bags and a trowel is useful if caught with a bout of diarrhea. In the latter...
We walked Le Puy in April/May this year.
It was very busy for the first two weeks and needed to be booked ahead as this is a very popular section for walkers on many routes that crisscross the Podiensis and share towns, as well as Podiensis (GR65) being a popular walk for French people who tend...
Congratulations, SueFalls. I know exactly what you had to endure having had the same happen on both of my Caminos and lasting most of my walk, though in both cases they fully recovered a few days before the finish. I hope that you feel a sense of pride that you persevered through the pain, and I...
We always do an 'emu bob' before we leave any place that we stay and a 360-degree look around us for left objects and rubbish when we walk away from a stop. That usually works, but I once left my poles behind on a day that was so full of pain that I could barely think straight. I can't fathom...
No, SabsP is quite correct. There is a fabulous restaurant in Santiago, just down from the cathedral on Rue das Hortas called Casa Marcelo. One of the best meals that I have ever eaten. They now take reservations on line. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday and are open for lunch and dinner on...
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