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The Renfee site is quirky at best. I’ve had this issue with the country code before and just ignored it. Purchased and printed tickets, no problem. I do have better luck paying with Amex on Renfee - always have problems paying with Visa.
Like others have mentioned, I like walking the Meseta - different yes, but it’s nice that you can trek through differing terrain. Based on your comments, I’d suggest walking out of Pamplona and by the time you reach Burgos you’ll know what’s next.
As others have suggested, I always send messages/emails in both English and Spanish - leading with Spanish. Generally, the reply is in Spanish - thank you Google Translate.
The Tempest is a great choice. I’ve carried the Osprey Talon 33 on several Camino’s and love it. I’ve been selling and fitting backpacks in an outdoor shop for years and the Tempest/Talon are two of my favorites. The Talon 22 is my go to daypack for local hiking. Be sure to get the correct size...
Walked the Invierno last year and met many friendly dogs. We joked of wild dogs on the Camino as we walked, but all dogs with an attitude all seemed to be behind a fence or were only interested in protecting their property lines. The Invierno was wonderful!!!
Take a look at Ospreys Tempest 30, Xs/Sm - this pack tends to fit short torso, petite figures well. For those with short torsos and a larger waist, they also make this model with an extended fit hip belt. The Tempest/Talon series are great lightweight Camino packs. See a good outfitter for help...
I walked the Napoleon Route last year on April 15 - no problems and beautiful. Both the week before and the week after the route was closed due to snow/weather. Throughout April it’s just a roll of the dice. I’ve been lucky, two April starts and beautiful weather each time.
I’ve worn the Altra Olympus on several Caminos… Last year, my Olympus made it from SJPdP on the CF to Ponferrada where I walked the Camino Invierno into Santiago. Plus a nice trek along Costa Brava - from Cadaqués, Spain to Collipure, France - a beautiful hike along the Mediterranean Coast. All...
If you have suddenly developed a passion for diving into the tech mapping world then follow some of the great advice already given… In the US, I frequently use Gaia for sharing and planning backpacking and overland adventures - I’ve also used this app for walks in France, Spain and Portugal...
I walked the Invierno last year and had seen a number of post about dogs… We ended up nicknaming all the friendly pups we met along the way “wild dogs on the Camino“ - a beautiful walk and not a single bad encounter with dogs.
You should find a good bit of information here on this forum. The Invierno is a beautiful walk, but along with fewer pilgrims comes fewer services, so I it’s good that you’re doing a little research & planning before you start. Also, the route takes a few more days than just continuing on the...
You can start as planned on the Francés and if you want to avoid the masses coming out of Sarria, simply hang a left in Ponferrada and take the Camino Invierno into Santiago. Very well marked, very few Pilgrims and a beautiful route.
If you’re intent on starting in St. Jean again, but want to avoid the crowds of Sarria and beyond - simply, take a left turn when you get to Ponferrada and take the Camino Invierno into Santiago. Did this last year and didn’t see another Pilgrim for the first three days. The Invierno is well...
I use the Gaia app (and website) for tracking routes, creating/editing routes, etc… Easy to import and export gpx files. A number of different map layers are available which has made this a great tool for planning backpacking and off road over landing adventures at home in the US. Downloaded gpx...
In 2022, I broke from the French Way and picked up Camino Invierno in Ponferrada. Although a huge departure from the CF, I was really happy with my choice. I was walking in May and did not see another Pilgrim for the first three days. The route is extremely well marked and beautiful. Yes...
This year, my third Camino and first using luggage transfer. As others have suggested, I used Express Bourricot to get bag to Roncesvalles - they did pick my bag up from my hotel (or you drop at their office). From Roncescales, used JacoTrans to Ponferrad without issue. Then moved on to Camino...
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