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  1. Rick M

    Trail runners vs road runner shoes

    I have walked all my Camino's in standard road running shoes, including Saucony. I do this because the shoes are comfortable enough to walk in all day, every day. If you are a distance runner at home (?), Then the distance shoe you use now is the obvious choice. I take two pairs because the...
  2. Rick M

    Day 1: Norte vs Frances

    My memory is that Day 1 of the Frances is subjectively harder than the Norte. The thing with the Norte is that while Day 1 is a bit easier, you get to do that slightly easier day for the next ten days in a row.
  3. Rick M

    Wet shoes, cold feet, blisters

    Precisely so. Wet feet won't end a Camino, but blisters, compression fractures and tendonitis from wearing the wrong shoes will. The one you can wear all day is the right one, waterproof or not.
  4. Rick M

    Wet shoes, cold feet, blisters

    This is a major reason to also use merino wool socks. I like a fairly heavy sock, even in hot weather. The advantage is that the sock performs much better when wet than other types. I also change them out during the day when it rains. Yes, my feet get wet, but I have not had any problems with...
  5. Rick M

    A hard landing upon returning home

    Can I offer a way of thinking about this subject that might be useful? Post-Camino syndrome is definitely a thing, and it catches most newly minted peregrinos by surprise. Besides, I think this gets a little better with every telling........ ;^) Everyone has a deck of priorities. Your mother...
  6. Rick M

    Best place to stay: Logroño or Naverette?

    Why not both? Logrono is where I like to check into a hotel for a bath tub, and eat a real Spanish dinner. After a lazy breakfast, wander to navarette. These "short" days replace off days for me. The body gets a break, the mind stays in the pilgrim zone.
  7. Rick M

    Equipment question!

    Yep, it's personal preference. If you DO take poles, learn to use them before you go. A majority of pilgrims I have observed do not use them correctly, meaning they have a spare pound of useless baggage. If you use them correctly, the can take some strain off feet and knees.......and share it...
  8. Rick M

    Deciding between Camino del Norte & Camino Frances

    Having walked both, it is true that the Norte is a prettier walk along the ocean. It's also true that the Frances offers a more immersive pilgrim experience, since pilgrimage is really the only thing going on. I suggest that everyone walk the Frances first, unless you are really looking for a...
  9. Rick M

    How many days

    We don't know how long it will take you to walk to Santiago. Nobody does. 28 to 38 days cover most walkers from sjpp, but many are slowed up by injury as well. The good news is that you will know after a week or two what your walking pace will be.
  10. Rick M

    Optimizing Pack Weight: Layering Tips for Camino in August-September

    That time of year I would not expect colder than about +3C, but every year is different. I walk with a short sleeve merino base layer, a long sleeve polyester shirt, a polyester zip up hoodie fleece, and a rain jacket. Crossing the Pyrenees in April, this combo keeps me warm to 0C in a moderate...
  11. Rick M

    Optimizing Pack Weight: Layering Tips for Camino in August-September

    If it is cold weather that concerns you, imagine the coldest morning you might face. Then imagine wearing everything in your pack at once. With ALL your clothes on and your pack empty (sans socks and underwear ), would you be warm enough? Could you put on everything at once? As soon as your...
  12. Rick M

    Efrén González QR code

    Ya know @trecile, that's the digital equivalent of finding a hotdog by the side of the road, and picking it up and taking a bite........
  13. Rick M

    Transfer time through CDG

    Air France offers this short connection to the Biarritz flight through CDG, they offered it to us on our flight coming up in August. I didn't take them up on it because it's a Friday, and I feared the later flight would be full by the time I got there from missing the earlier flight. @trecile is...
  14. Rick M

    Salceda and O Pedrouzo

    I have done salceda (the touristico is very good) to lavacolla a few times. That's a more relaxed day, and you get into Santiago early enough to catch the noon pilgrims mass. Lavacolla has a bunch of choices since it's the airport.
  15. Rick M

    Training on a treadmill.

    Not sure about where you live, but where I live, you are better off buying a higher quality used one than a cheaper new one. There is a robust market on the Internet for used exercise equipment in most places.
  16. Rick M

    Weather concerns 6/20-6/22

    Watch the skies. Seek shelter during a lightning storm, they don't last very long. As others have said, walking the Napolean during bad weather is both foolish and a waste of time since you won't get the views anyway. Other than that, have good rain gear and a change of socks for the times you...
  17. Rick M

    Walking the Camino with parkinson's

    My last Camino was with a friend who suffers from a neurological disorder that presents much like Parkinson's. He was physically ready for the walk. It became quickly clear that while he was strong and fit, balance was going to be an issue. After a few falls, we began shipping his pack forward...
  18. Rick M

    Greetings all - planning for April 2024

    Having thought this question through rather carefully, my best advice is to try and leave SJPP on a Wednesday or Thursday, as early in the month as you dare weather wise. Book lodgings up to Pamplona before you go. Easter is in March next year, but it is the weekend that everything, not just...
  19. Rick M

    Packing for the Norte vs Frances

    I can't think of any equipment differences between the Norte and the Frances. The Norte is by the sea though, and that means more moderate temperatures, and more rain on average. In July, both routes are likely to be dry, but I wouldn't set off anywhere without a rain jacket. At minimum, I put...
  20. Rick M

    Electrolytes.

    Bananas, fresh orange juice, and my personal favorite - Aquarius, which is sold in every bar in Spain just for this purpose. It's essentially Gatorade, but I think it tastes better.

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