Also from Arizona! I recommend getting up early as possible, I find just just walking for a bit every day helps. Even if it is not too long.When it is really hot, I don't wear my backpack just bring lots of water. It makes walking when the temperature is pleasant feel so much easier. I agree...
I like the really cheap/light lingerie mesh laundry bags with a zipper. You can usually find them at the dollar store for 2 or 3 a $1. Its great to put your socks, underwear even sometimes a shirt when you share a washer dryer makes it real easy to keep your stuff together. I also use it to...
Also I try to use ATM that are attached to an open bank when possible. I've had my card eaten once, i was so lucky that someone gave me that advice before I left, and was able to get it back right away.
The more training you do before the camino , the better. I trained a bit before my first Camino but not nearly as much as I could/should have done. There were some painful days, though I did make it. For the next I did more training, lost some weight and it was easier and more enjoyable right...
If staying for two nights, and the budget allows I would recommended getting a room in a small hotel or eqivalent. Lots of the albergues have times they are closed during the day beginning fairly early in the morning. I'm not sure if they have limits (I would think yes - as another wave of...
I think that while it may not be strictly necessary any training you can do will be beneficial. I only trained a little bit for my first camino. While I did finish and was fine, the first couple of days were a bit rough. For my second, I did quite a bit more training and it was enjoyable from...
You don't really have to book anything in advance. I think it comes down to what you are comfortable with. There are pro's and cons to both approaches. If there is a certain place you really want to stay at I would reserve a spot. Its nice being able to stop at whatever town strikes your fancy...
It's easy for the camino' s to get in blood, I am glad you had a great time.
I don't have personal experience, but a pilgrim I walked with for a couple of days had a knee brace, and at breaks in bars he would put it in a bag and ask for it to be put in the freezer for awhile to help swelling.
Also if you don't already have them, I would recommend trekking poles. For both descents and ascents, I find they really help with stress on the knees, and makes me feel more balanced
Hi,
Thanks for keeping this thread.
I plan on leaving the first week of September from Valencia. Hopefully making it to finesterre sometime in October.
A small jar of Vegemite. I just love vegemite on toast, and its a good source of b vitamins. I shall carry it again I think, though sometimes I think I should carry nutella..... hmm it's a hard choice
It's not absolutely necessary, but the better in shape you are the easier the first weeks will be. I agree with @wayfarer , do a few back to back training days and that you should make sure your boots are broken it, and your choice of sock sorted. Blisters take some of the fun out of the camino...
I used a 24 L pack on the via de la plata, and it was fine. The thing that got me though was I had to put in everything just so, no more just throwing everything in, as on my first camino when leaving in a timely matter, or extra space for hauling food. I have decided to go back to the 30l as...
These are of course my personal preferences, ymmv.
1) invest in good quick dry clothes.
2) take a journal, and actually use it. One of my biggest camino regrets is my lack of writing down my experiences.
3) like @gerardcarey, drinks lots of water, even when it's Heavy to carry nothing worse...
I love buffs. I used mine most as either a way to protect my neck when it was hot, my ears when it was cold or windy. I also used it every night to help keep in my earplugs and double duty as a sleeping mask.
It can be a bit off a mixed bag for me when I arrive in Santiago. Sadness, accomplishment, relief, joy all rolled into one. On the first of my two caminos ( hoping for more ;) I was a bit surprised by the mix of emotions. It's a bit cheesy but I ended just taking some time in the cathedral, just...
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