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  1. V

    Single Greatest Threat to Failure

    I haven't ever prepared and I'm not fit, but I've tended to walk long, slow days of around 35 to 40km. I also did shorter days but they just didn't feel right to me. It's very much a case of each to their own!
  2. V

    Via Francigena review

    I've walked the first portion, from Canterbury to Reims, en route to Santiago a couple of years ago (never being one to shy away from a detour...). That portion is not particularly lovely (though there are some bright spots) and very hard on the feet. It is, however, rich in history and culture...
  3. V

    For those who walked in tennis shoes or trail runners...

    Further to my previous post here, I should say I've used the non-waterproof trail runners on all kinds of trails, in all conditions - wading through freezing puddles, climbing over boulders, trekking up and down stony forest tracks etc. They have great grip but may need replacing sooner than...
  4. V

    With a heavy heart

    Also known on the forum last year as Mrs DD
  5. V

    For those who walked in tennis shoes or trail runners...

    I've walked in leather boots, Goretex boots, all kinds of stupid old boots - then on my longest Camino I took my aching feet into a sports shop and bought some trail runners, just because they were cheap and didn't need breaking in. They weren't perfect, but I immediately appreciated the...
  6. V

    With a heavy heart

    Oh no, Andrea... I met her in London, helped her prepare for her two pilgrimages and met her lovely son. She had a traumatic start to her first pilgrimage but was so buoyed up by finishing it despite these setbacks that she was determined to do it again. I last saw her earlier this year and she...
  7. V

    First Timers Looking for Advice

    You could try walking from Bayonne to St Sebastien, flying into Biarritz on one of those super-early-morning flights, then taking the train to Bayonne. First visit the cathedral, where you are likely to find a warm pilgrim welcome and a map of your route out of the city, then walk on to St Jean...
  8. V

    Fatigue Question

    I walked three months to Santiago across three countries with no sickness and no blisters after the first week - until I left Santiago to walk to Finisterre, when I got blisters and felt unwell. I reckoned it was because the "pilgrimage" part of my walk was over, and the angels were no longer...
  9. V

    contact lenses on the camino?

    I brought contact lenses for my first few Caminos, daily disposables too. My question is, why would you need to bring solution, if they're daily disposables? More recently I've given up on lenses when walking, especially if I'm staying in dorms. Simply put, those night-time treks to the bathroom...
  10. V

    Lepuy on a low budget

    This thread has been astonishing, really, but I think we've all had a chance to exchange viewpoints. For me, the highlight has been 25 Characters' forum name - makes me smile every time I see it!
  11. V

    The Sign!

    Two years ago I set off for Santiago, having quit my job and let out my home. My mother wasn't very impressed and wondered why I was 'wasting my time', until she mentioned it to a few friends who all said how wonderful it sounded and demanded updates on my progress. Suddenly she was so proud of...
  12. V

    Lepuy on a low budget

    Conques abbey, Oztrekker! I did wonder whether the poor meals you described were given to you in convents. The food in those places is often not great because they exist for the worship of God and charity for the poor, and cannot afford to cater to 'customer satisfaction' no matter how much you...
  13. V

    Lepuy on a low budget

    I'm not sure I understand why the 25/30 figure has shocked you, if you expect to spend 60 euro a day anyway? 30 euro will usually get you a bed in a dorm, breakfast and dinner including wine. Sometimes it's more, or sometimes you might find a bed but need to eat elsewhere, which could cost a bit...
  14. V

    Lepuy on a low budget

    That was also my experience on the Vezelay route. I'm one of those pilgrims who sees it as my responsibility to frequent every restaurant I pass, in a selfless and heroic attempt to keep these businesses running...
  15. V

    Lepuy on a low budget

    The Le Puy route, in common with all stretches of the Camino, is not primarily a low-budget backpacking trail. Many individuals and businesses along the route offer food and accommodation at a reasonable price, enabling people to complete the pilgrimage having saved the money to do so. Many...
  16. V

    Secondary day pack or.....

    Decathlon have a cheap one similar to the Altus one mentioned above. It costs about 3 euro. It folds easily into an integrated pocket. I keep it in the small zippered pocket inside the 'lid' of my backpack, and in the evenings I transfer everything into it: waist pack (with valuables inside)...
  17. V

    Have any women bought a man's backpack? (I did, and now I'm not sure!)

    That could have been my friend, whose identity of course I won't give away here without her permission. I'm sure you'll catch her up again! I gave her my Talon 33 black backpack, which I'd only bought as a protest against the hideous pink of the better-fitting Tempest 30L. I'm a very petite...
  18. V

    Lyon to Le Puy transportation.

    I travelled from Paris to Le Puy only a few weeks ago by train, with a change at St Etienne. I had a two-hour wait in St Etienne between trains, which was just enough time for a quick walk around the town. If you're going to have a similar waiting time, it's worth printing off a basic map of the...
  19. V

    Worried about walking alone

    There is a bit of scaremongering going on, which strikes an odd note. The message should not be 'Women: stay at home, it's not safe for you Out There'. The type of incident being discussed more and more on this message board (due to the recent turn of events) might be news to some men, but to...
  20. V

    warning to women travelling alone

    It was only one man on each occasion - quite enough trouble but seen off quickly enough

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