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  1. M

    Cobblestones and Setts

    Trekking poles are the greatest invention in the world to me for so many reasons but mainly for fall prevention. We just did the Norte and they were vitally important. I too have osteoporosis and had no problems. Also, others talked about painful feet. Hokas really do a lot to address this...
  2. M

    Frivolous debate - swimsuit vs 3rd set of undergarments

    I read those replies and thoroughly agree about not bringing pants. And about bringing a nice scarf too. My scarf served so many purposes and made me feel like I wasn't a scruffy pilgrim. I really like wearing a dress for that reason too, and it's not like I'm some dressy person . My scarf...
  3. M

    Frivolous debate - swimsuit vs 3rd set of undergarments

    OK. I would like to reply to this post because I can relate. We just finished hiking the Norte for the second time. My pack weight is just about the same as yours. The first time we hiked it, in 2019, I wore my smart wool underwear and sports bra as my bathing suit. I thought that was a great...
  4. M

    Gordon Ramsey and Gino in Galicia & Santiago

    I gotta say, I laughed too but then when I thought more about I thought they seemed like a bunch of frat boy idiots . Compare to Phil in the Netflix show. Somebody Feed Phil, who goes all over the world eating different foods, and there's no comparison. Phil is full of appreciation...
  5. M

    Planning Camino del Norte: Tips from experienced hikers

    I think it's a really important point. We are doing the Norte for the second time right now and my husband and I frequently comment how hard/ impossible this would be if we were going in the opposite directing. If you want other pointers: - get shoes that have a lot of support but that will...
  6. M

    Can I buy Hokas along the Portugues route?

    I just saw Hokas for sale in Ribadesella (Norte) just FYI. First time I have seen them in a small(ish) town
  7. M

    Finding a SIM card at Barcelona Airport.

    4 years ago we bought our SIM cards on the Barcelona Airport so I know they're available there. Not sure which terminal we were in. They did not install it for us but did tell us how to do it ourselves. Make sure your phone is unlocked ie., paid for, so you can install the SIM card
  8. M

    Can I buy Hokas along the Portugues route?

    My hokas lasted beautifully for the entire Norte but I attribute that largely to using Superfeet inserts. Any way you can get a pair of superfeet?
  9. M

    Fleece/jacket necessary in august?

    Yes!! It's too much!! Bring a lightweight long sleeve ( think gauze) shirt, even a down puffy that sqooches down to nothing and is much lighter than fleece but you won't need that until possibly towards the end. And I would rethink the poncho. They make very lightweight very effective rain...
  10. M

    What made you pick your 2nd or next camino choice?

    Wow. Your writing has a transportational quality to it. I feel transported to a different place. We are doing our second Camino this fall; a repeat of the Norte because we loved the beauty, the challenge, the length, the not-too-crowdedness, the language and last but not least, the...
  11. M

    1 week on the Norte

    I agree with kathrina as Irun to Bilbao ( roughly 6 days so you could go farther if you wanted) is hilly but beautiful. But if you have your heart set on starting at Santander, our most unpleasant single day of hiking the Norte was the first 18 miles or so after Santander.
  12. M

    Hoka Shoe Owners: Speedgoat 5 or the Bondi 8?

    I too use the Stinsons and feel they are the best shoes I have ever written, hands down
  13. M

    Camino del Norte - August 2022 accommodations?

    We did the Norte in 2019 and I agree with it all of this. It is important to make reservations to Bilbao esp in Aug. And those prices, high as they may seem, are the way they are. It's a popular tourist area so fills up quick. After Bilbao everything gets way way cheaper
  14. M

    Searching for "my" backpack

    Hi. I too am 5'1". I am 62 years old and hiked the northern route from Irun to SDC in Sept/Oct of 2019. I am a pretty about backpacker and used to be a Backcountry ranger " back in the day". But I too have had my share of physical issues including spinal fusion, ACL tears , yadda yadda yadda. My...
  15. M

    Norte or Primitivo in May?

    If you do the beginning of the northern Camino there is plenty of elevation challenge
  16. M

    Camino del Norte in 28 days. Start in Bilbao or start in Irun and skip some stages?

    Boy I disagree with the people who think its better to do one continuous camino. We walked the Norte in 2019 and it truly is so beautiful but those first few days starting in Irun are some of the MOST beautiful. For what it's worth, we did the whole thing in 31 days, not far from your 28 day...
  17. M

    Tips for the long distance flyer

    There are some great suggestions here. I once read a book on avoiding jetlag and most of the suggestions made in the book are listed in these posts: staying hydrated, regulating when you sleep, etc. What we have found helps more than anything is upgrading to business class, however. Laying...
  18. M

    Spine Fusion Adventure

    i am a 61 year old female who hiked the northern route last year in 31 days following a spinal fusion for spondylolysthesis. I kept my pack to 10 lbs and stretched everyday. My surgery was 5 years ago and my back is still incredibly tight but I was able to hike without a problem. Static...
  19. M

    Should I pack my kindle?

    We did the Norte last year and I brought a small kindle. Very lightweight. I had never used one before and I LOVED it. My pack only weighed 10 lbs and so weight is of utmost importance to me, but this kindle was indispensable. I did read at least a little every single evening and, maybe more...
  20. M

    Footwear advice

    I wore Hoka Stinson ATA 4 when we hiked the 800 km Norte Camino last fall. The shoes held up wonderfully. In fact I am still using them. I too love the cushioning. I tried a different pair of Hokas while training last summer for the camino and they fell apart, but these are incredible. BTW I...

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