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  • Users: MarkA
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  1. M

    Bed bugs - Santander

    No. I don't speak Spanish. The staff were not friendly. The albergue was cramped and dirty. I'm not here providing a public service.
  2. M

    Bed bugs - Santander

    Albergue de peregrinos Santos Mártires on 30 August. I believe I saw live bugs on several mattresses. I have been unaffected because my sleeping gear has been treated with Permethryn but an amigo got badly bitten. This is a cramped, dirty albergue and best avoided for multiple reasons.
  3. M

    SIM card for Spain and Portugal?

    Avoid Orange France. You cannot recharge with a credit card issued outside of France. Expensive rubbish!!?
  4. M

    Following the coast: Saint Jean de Luz to Irun

    Earlier this year (2022) the coastal option between Ciboure and Hondarriabia (the Corniche d'Urrugne) was closed due to landslides. Does anyone know if its been re-opened yet?
  5. M

    Sink plugs?

    My laundry bag (a drawstring stuffsack): block of laundry soap 125g universal sink plug 10g 4 x plastic clothes pegs 25g
  6. M

    Help...which app is best?

    I walked the Frances app-free without any major accommodation or navigation issues. I recently downloaded Buen Camino to trial it at home but, despite turning off all the notification settings, it still generated notifications in the middle of the night. Its now been deleted...
  7. M

    Rain protection - ( Overkill ? or cut back to save some weight?)

    Hi Annie I found that Spanish rain was lighter (albeit longer in duration) than the rain that I am accustomed to. On the Frances in April I managed with a lightweight, waist-length Goretex jacket (400g) plus a rain "kilt" (80g). I never got uncomfortably wet. (This contrasts with the Goretex...
  8. M

    Best App for the Camino?? What is you favorite?

    I just tried this and it doesn't run on my Android phone. Possibly something to do with my older version of Android. Has anyone used it successfully?
  9. M

    ...and the Camino gets busier every year

    Debbi - There's a particular junction point on the descent into Roncesvalles. The Pilgrim Office recommends taking the option which descends more gradually. The alternative is a steep descent through a forested area, notorious for being slippery. If you search for maps on this Forum or check the...
  10. M

    Water reservoir/bladder?

    Plus side: Hydration systems are an advantage if you are a runner/fast walker or walking in hot conditions. Maybe helpful on the de la Plata or in mid Summer on the Frances. Its easier to stay fully hydrated by taking frequent small sips. Downside: Refilling the bladder of a hydration system is...
  11. M

    Who is walking the Camino in April 2019?

    I intend to take the Route Napoleon in mid April and I'm still unsure how much warm gear I'll need. Recent weather reports for St Jean PP indicate daytime ambient temperatures in the 12C - 15C range. Usually a merino base layer and 2 thin synthetic top layers are enough for me at that...
  12. M

    Avoiding the paved road leaving St Jean?

    Sorry all - don't understand what's happened to my post above. I'm an unwilling participant in this world of social media. Moderator edit: Aren't we all, aren't we all... Should be alright now ;0)
  13. M

    Avoiding the paved road leaving St Jean?

    Hi Felipe - The diversion cited in Brierly Hi FelipeBy taking the GR65 from Mayorga and re-joining the Route de Napoleon at Orisson Thanks Felipe - the diversion (recommended by Brierly) that I was investigating in my original post is shorter and simpler than the St Michel route. It...
  14. M

    Avoiding the paved road leaving St Jean?

    I won't be doing this until "the opening" of the 2019 season, mainly to avoid the crowds. As a wilderness walker, its the rural environment that appeals to me. Obviously, whether or not I attempt this little side deviation will depend on the Route de Napoleon being open higher up the range...
  15. M

    Avoiding the paved road leaving St Jean?

    Thanks all, especially Kathar1na for the hand-drawn map. Given that I've investigated the alternative route, I'm now more inclined to try it, even if out of sheer bloody-mindedness :). I use a GPS navigation App so I'm unlikely to get too far lost but I may get prematurely muddy shoes! I'm an...
  16. M

    Avoiding the paved road leaving St Jean?

    Brierley (15th ed) describes an alternative way to join the Route de Napoleon (from St Jean Pied de Port). By taking the GR65 from Mayorga and re-joining the Route de Napoleon at Orisson its possible to avoid the hard asphalt roads. This sounds attractive except that perhaps its more "fun" to...

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