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Anemone, here are a few thing that might help with your phone issues.
Phone calls: Though you have 60 minutes available for phone calls, they are most likely for calls within Spain. If you call home, the cost of that call is deducted in euros from the 15 euros you topped up with. The Skype app...
Thank you Anemone for your lively posts and encouragement. I start walking from Oviedo in the morning. Feeling a bit nervous as always, but determined to face those big hills I saw on the way in today.
Also, thanks to @ebrandt for your stellar work in creating the guide that you so generously...
I don't quite get this. I've carried my poles on the plane in San Francisco, Heathrow, Gatwick and Santiago. Never a problem. It seems that if they fit in your pack they go on the plane. I think if you are friendly with the TS, security person you have a good chance of getting your walking...
I was totally engrossed in conversation with my Dutch walking buddy last year, and before we knew it, the yellow arrows had taken us to the sea. Needles to say, we were some of the later arrivals at the albergue.
I switched to a Western Mountaineering "Summerlite" bag (18 oz/530 g, 35°) last year and was very happy with it because I sleep cold. (Sports Basement offers a 10% discount for AAA, AARP and Costco on purchases, and their prices are frequently lower than REI.)
I was in REI yesterday buying a new pair of trail runners. Their shoe guy who was showing me a new way to lace my shoes suggested I might not need the liners (Fox River under SmartWool). That might be so, but I've had two blister-free caminos and don't want to jinx myself. Meanwhile, a friend...
My feet reminded me of something on a hike this afternoon that I thought I would pass on: Give your toenails a darn good trim before you get on that airplane––you're feet will thank you for it.
I've had good camino karma and come home sporting all my toenails each time, but not everyone has...
I have the Cocoon pillow and the Exped ultra light pillow. Both have a tendency to sound a bit like an empty potato chip bag. I opted for the Exped inside a pillowcase because it was easier on my ears, lighter, and didn't tend to roll my head off. I think the key is to under-inflate them. Like...
Last year I carried on a Gregory Jade 38, and checked a duffel with my Pacer Poles. The duffel arrived three days after I did. It wasn't an issue as I had a few days in Toulouse before setting off.
I leave for Porto in two weeks and will follow the same plan.
I had a silk liner and a sleeping bag last year and found the liner wasn't enough for me. I was happy to use my own sleeping bag as the blankets, when available, fell into the "yikes" category. There are others who are just fine using the albergue blankets. I think you will find there are many...
Hi Alyssa,
Someone told me that "my stuff was my burden". I was a slow learner and didn't jettison my Tevas, an air mattress and a few other "necessities" until I reached Leon. That said, I would have been chilly in the albergues in a silk liner last June/July and am taking a light fleece...
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I bought an Eagle Creek silk money belt, put my stuff in it and it's perfect! I especially like that there isn't a lot of bulk to make it uncomfortable. Wish I'd had this solution last year.
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