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  1. grumerz

    Weight saving tips

    O heck, chuck the whole thing and proceed "aux natural." Not to worry about weight, or distance, as the authorities will be most ready to assist you.
  2. grumerz

    Late April concerns

    I believe an accordion, along with the knee cymbals, would be apropos... Also, consider a kazoo.
  3. grumerz

    Money saving tip...

    The attached photo illustrates four variations of the stride you propose. Perhaps you may find further inspiration, (sans bowler, satchel and bumbershoot,) in your quest for economic ambulation. Buen Camino! Sorry. I'll let myself out, thank you very much.
  4. grumerz

    Any wild life safety concerns on the French Way??

    Lions, tigers and bears...oh, my! Perhaps ruby slippers, or boots, should be the footwear of choice; banging the heels together to instantly go home when the nasty beasts appear. Does Merrill make some in their "Defender Series?" Sorry. I'll let myself out.
  5. grumerz

    Kia Ad on the Camino

    So, they helicopter in a good looking guy, and briefly a gal, shoot a few scenes along the Camino Frances; then they intercut the "beast" terrorizing the (suspect) California/Nevada USA desert; then slather is all up with a generous dollop of assertive background noise and Spanish sounding...
  6. grumerz

    Traveling in character

    Came across these three fellows on th CF in 2016, somewhere before Santiago de Compestella. They were dressed the part, albeit in conventional footgear. They related they were coming from England, had been doing similar "walks" together for over thirty years and made every effort to live as did...
  7. grumerz

    Do they speak English ? Clues ? ?

    After you take out the Aussies, Kiwis. British, Irish, Canadians, Americans and a few others from the Commonwealth, you are left with the French, Germans, Slavs, Chinese, Koreans, Portuguese, etcetera, whose pilgrim numbers far outweigh ours and whose first languages are not English. Oh yeah, I...
  8. grumerz

    SJPP to Roncesvalles with Pulmonary Problems, Need Advice

    Don't fool yourself...portions of this section are a tough slog; even for those in reasonable shape. In my 2016 journey, (at age 65,) with no joint issues, no diagnosed pulmonary/cardiac issues, within twenty pounds of an ideal weight and months of training, I could not make it over the Cruz d'...
  9. grumerz

    privacy

    Bunking with fellow travelers is a bit like having your brothers and sisters around. The don't always smell good; they have the same gas as the rest of us; occasionally make too much noise and are quite comfortable running around in their underwear. It does not take too long to get used to the...
  10. grumerz

    Morakniv

    IMHO: The French Opinel, available in various lengths, is a terrific choice. It handles like a fixed blade with its simple, foolproof locking ring, has the compactness of a folding blade and is sturdy and lightweight. My copy came with a, most necessary, corkscrew. Buen Camino!
  11. grumerz

    Which route from SJP?

    In 2016, at age 65, I stayed the night at Orrison and began an early day, via the Napoleon. Had trained quite a bit at near sea level. Affected by the gain in altitude, unable to continue after several kilometers, I returned to Orrison. It was mid-morning. They kindly called for a cab, which...
  12. grumerz

    Transfer from Santiago to Madrid

    Having traveled from Santiago to the USA, via Madrid, in June 2016, I understand your concern. In my case, the stowed luggage was checked through to Charlotte, North Carolina where it was collected and then re-run through security. It was not necessary to do so in Madrid. As you, my first leg...
  13. grumerz

    Equipment April/May

    In April/May of 2016, the CF varied a great deal. Climbing the Pyrenees, it was sunny and 60F; concluding in Roncesvalles with freezing sleet. Sunny and warmer in Pamplona, with occasional lower temps/wet times after. From Sarria on it was (seemingly always) raining and temps never got over 55...
  14. grumerz

    Salomon shoes and sizing up

    I prepared for my Camino in a pair of Solomon GTX's, in my normal shoe size. Initially they were OK, but soon were exchanged, at no charge, (thanks, REI,) for a 1/2 size larger. I am SOO glad I did. Walking much of the CdS without blisters, or discomfort, I attribute the results, in no small...
  15. grumerz

    Pamplona to Any last 100k

    Go to the Renfe (train) website and click on the Union Jack for English. and then make your reservations; tourist class is perfectly OK.. There are several trains, each day, from Pamplona to Sarria and the Camino is a short distance away from the Sarria depot. The Pamplona train station is...
  16. grumerz

    Non Cell Phone Calls

    Two years ago, I made many calls to the USA, from my Android tablet, via Facebook phone, costing nothing. I did not carry a cellphone. It did require an internet connection, which was 98 percent available when needed.
  17. grumerz

    Camino Frances In a Short Time

    You do not indicate any limitations to your walking abilities. If you can walk 30+ kilometers per day, each day, and you wish to "speed" through your Camino, then your options are many. If you are a 65 + guy, like me, and want to "smell the roses," with some time in Santiago de Compestella...
  18. grumerz

    American Airlines operated by Iberia

    Hola, Used Iberia and AAL last year. From SDC to USA via Madrid and Charlotte, to NOLA. Checked backpack in SDC and retrieved it for US Customs in Charlotte. Easily done, as they had a special section for this procedure. Only challenge was lugging all my "stuff;" although had some recent...
  19. grumerz

    Accomodation near Chamartin station

    Go to Booking.com and enter your parameters. You can easily find the price, accommodation level and distance from the station. I used this service, tramping all over Spain, with a week in Madrid. Buen Camino!
  20. grumerz

    Big & Tall person issues on Camino Frances?

    I am within a 1/2 inch of your height and about fifty pounds of your weight. At 65, I walked the CdS last April/May and had no problems with getting into the top bunk, on the rare occasions of necessity. As you, I exercised before leaving. Of course, at the end of any day, any soft spot...

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