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Don't send maple syrup. My daughter was an exchange student assigned to a wonderful family in Belgium. We went to visit and bought coffee mugs with our state's name and a design. The host Family chuckled and thanked us. They showed us a cabinet shelf with many bottles of maple syrup. Gifts from...
Since you will walk many miles before the Camino to prepare you will likely wear out a pair of shoes because most shoes last about 4oo miles before they break down I suggest you buy both of the shoes you are considering and alternate them. I did this in training for marathons. This will help you...
I also benefit from cap machine. My machine calls for using distilled water. On a recent trip to southern Spain I used tap water. No ill effects. Good luck.
On the various pilgrimage routes there are many churches and shrines to visit. I feel it's disrespectful for a man to enter a religious place in shorts. For this reason and to prevent sun exposure I wear long pants. I do not like convertible pants. It is possible to get lightweight pants for...
TRAVELS WITH MY DONKEY, one Man and his Ass on a Pilgrimage to Santiago by Tim Moore is a delightful account of his frustrating experiences with a willful donkey on his pilgrimage. Mr. Moore humorous experiences and his reflections on the pilgrimage and the history of the pilgrimage are fascinating.
One of the prettiest places I've ever experienced. We stayed with friends so I can not recommend lodging. In the area there are several caves featuring neolithic cave drawings that allow visitors .
Ted
Having walked the St Francis route, Spain resonates with us. To celebrate becoming 75 years of age my wife and I wish to make a pilgrimage to Spain to participate in Easter Week religious celebrations. Can anyone suggest a particular town or city or church? Are there any travel organizations...
I buy all black trail runner shoes. I feel comfortable wearing them in churches and restaurants. I also try to avoid shorts and wear black long pants. Golfing brands of clothing sources have lots of offerings of lightweight, easily washed pants that are presentable in churches and restaurants.
Dave, a technique I learned form running marathons is that in training use a few different pairs of different style shoes. Because each model of shoe puts different stress on your feet. I alternated 2 pairs of trail runner style shoes when I walked the Frances route before the pandemic. Paper...
Excellent advice. My mantra is borrowed from the kids folk tale of the little train: I think I can. I think I can.....
I find downhill sections to be more likely to cause foot blisters and falling. Hiking poles are very helpful.
Thanks
Ted
I walked the Frances route in 2019. In my mind I wondered as I age would biking be more doable than walking. After all I do a lot of road biking in New England. But after seeing the narrow roads and the aggressive driving in Spain I realized I'd be afraid to bike there.
I bought a pair of Solomons mens 9 extra wide at REI. They are wonderful. They have a thin wire system instead of the usual laces. They can be tightened up or fully loosened in a second. great support and sticky soles.
Have any Pilgrims encountered Twelve Tribes members on the Camino routes? Twelve Tribes is an American based religious movement. News accounts in the American media suggest Twelve Tribes is a cult with controversial practices. I have encountered American long distance hikers who met Twelve...
I can not answer any of your questions. I suggest you get a copy of Tim Moore's book TRAVELS WITH MY DONKEY; One man and His Ass on a pilgrimage to Santiago. Mr. Moore is an adventurer and his pilgrimage account is hilarious. In 2018 we saw pilgrims with donkeys of the Francis route.
Ted
No annoying snoring if you sleep outside. Going to the bathroom responsibly will be a challenge. Homeowners would be furious to find toilet paper and feces on their land.
Ted
This is an interesting choice. One issue with trail runners is that veteran long distance hikers in the USA agree that trail runners need to be replaced every 400 miles due to the cushioning and fabric wearing out.
I have an old pair of Keen newport water sandals which I wear with ankle high...
What I found difficult on the our Camino was breakfast. I'm accustomed to an American sized breakfast. I found I purchased bread and cheese the day before to have a more substantial breakfast. We adjusted to a main meal mid day plus rest and tapas portioned evening meal around 9 pm while on the...
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