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A drain plug for the sink. You may need to wash your hair, your body, your clothes and you wont find a plugin many places. Small bar of laundry soap. I like those clothes pins with a loop built in - I'll try to post a link. I always carry a clothes line and use it every time. I carry a...
I bought a small heroclip with me on last camino in April and used it once to hang up my backpack in the wardrobe. I think it might be useful if you stay in mostly albergues (I dont) and want to hang your pack from the bunk bed. I was in a albergue in La Coruna and I was the only one there...
On the CI I almost put my backpack/stepped in a great big poop right next to this stone "chair", right on the path. No TP thanks goodness, but I think I would have died if any part of me or my pack would have have touched it. I always take care of #2 when I awaken, use a pee cloth for urine...
I used to stress a lot about this issue, but since my first camino in 2014 I have never met a bed bug. Remember - it is NOT the end of life as you know it if you do meet one. The Albergues and the tourist industry in general in Spain work very hard to address this issue. If there is a problem...
On my Vodafone packet that came with SIM, above where your new telephone is printed "F. Cad. 22/02/2025" I'm guessing this might be the expiration date. But if it is renewed in September when I plan to return to Spain, it should be good. Even if I wasn't planning to return, a plan starts as...
For reference, I wear mid hiking boots with insert. I have the Hoka Speedgoats, but realized I could never walk all day with a backpack and be comfortable. I have used Teva hurricaine hiking sandals, but now use
Crocs reviva flip flop which are very durable and have these nubby massage points...
If you go to YouTube and search for "how to buy a SIM card at Madrid airport" you will find useful info. Last year though, I went in search of WHSmith shop and it didn't open until 9am, so I believe I bought a Vodafone SIM (Vodafone is supposedly the best carrier) at a Vodafone shop in Burgos...
I do a lot of camping and my solution sometimes is to use a stainless steel Bubba cup. It is keg shape 4" diameter and holds 34 ounces - 1 liter. It is quite heavy though at 1.3 lbs (570 gm) I have never used a FUD but I've heard they are not for everyone and you would have to practice in...
I haven't used Holafly, but it doesn't seem like you can use SMS or local calling if that is important to you. You could download Whatsapp and communicate with local businesses and friends that way. What I usually do is go to the nearest Vodaphone shop in Spain when I arrive. I usually fly...
The only "facilities" I saw on Camino Francis going over the top in the Pyrenees were the hunter's blinds. We are trekking through rural areas, drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, so yes there will be times where you have no choice.
Janice
I agree the price is kind of high, but it is a high tech fabric impregnated with silver or something to keep odor and bacteria at bay. And it does seem to work better than the hanky I have used as it is not really absorbent and does retain odor unless you rinse it out after every use and hang...
My vote goes with the North Face jacket - it looks nice kinda like the Patagonia Down Sweater which I have and love. I did Camino Portuguese with a Icebreaker wool hoodie jacket and it was low profile and warm, but it stank to high heaven and I'm not certain why because I have wool undies and...
Hi to all. Perhaps some of you gals are familiar with "pee clothes" But for those who aren't familiar with them, they are a anti-microbial cloth used for wiping after you pee. Much better than a hanky, and weighs less than having to carry TP (and having to pack it out) or panty liners. Here...
Only ever used one brand of trekking poles and that's Black Diamond carbon z poles fold to ~ 12" weigh less than 16 ounces, and never had a problem at airports or when boarding airplane with my carry-on backpack.
I don't know what is the legal way for a pedestrian to walk in Portugal, but for myself, I will crisscross the roads so as to NOT be in the blind spot of a auto driver - especially when there is no shoulder. I cut up my reflective vest and will apply to backpack cover and shoulder straps...
The reflective vest I have has not been used once on my first week of CP. It weighs ~ 120 gm - I may just ditch it or cut it up and apply strips of it to backpack. I think you may find to purchase in gas stations.
Janice
Thanks guys, I will look in Golega. Looks like there is a Decathlon store in Santarem which I have already passed. Was sent by Santerem Hostel to shoe store, but no luck. Looks like Coimbra next stop for Decathlon store, Leira looks too far west.
Janice
I am on The Way in Portugal, approaching Golega and wish to buy new shoe's - preferably Keen brand, or other shoes with wide toe box. If you can help and know of Sports Shop please post address.
Bom Caminho
Janice
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