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Drink before you get thirsty. Take the time to smell the roses.
May is my favorite time on the Camino. Barring unforeseen changes in weather patterns, you will be much more comfortable walking during the day and sleeping at night than in July.
Buen Camino!
Wow -- checked out their website. I'm in love. I see several pair that I really want and that my wife will insist I really do not need. I'm curious about the weight and arch support (I'm guessing little if any, but I'd just add an orthotic).
And Solvang, CA? Great place to be from...
I'm not sure this qualifies as "research material." Nonetheless, you may want to consider reading Hape Kerkeling's book I'm Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago. He is a German comedian who struggled with his orientation and some challenges around self-absorption...
I walked and visited the area last year, but did not walk both routes. I am unfamiliar with the GR-653. The area around Carcassone has some gently rolling hills, nothing too steep, but I would recommend looking for an elevation profile.
Lodging in the area is easy to find and it's the largest...
Whew, that makes more sense. I thought it was an oddly random reference to Tactical Warfare Training.
3 pair of zip-off pants and 2 pair of shorts: That's excessive, IMHO (in my humble opinion). You could get by with 2 pair of zip-off pants or, maybe better, a pair of the zip-offs and a pair...
You asked about checked luggage on Air France out of CDG. I've done that twice without any problems and I'm comfortable doing that, but I'm not sure two flights is a great measure of their reliability.
Just a thought, but the Victorinox SD is a tiny and inexpensive pen knife. I like the...
Disclaimer: I am not a psychotherapist, just some random dude on the interwebs. If you are depressed or think talking through your emotional situation would help, definitely reach out to a therapist. And I'm not answering your question, but your comment about your ex doing all the planning...
Oh the anticipation is so sweet. I look forward to hearing about your Camino version 2.0 experience! New friends, new food, new blessings? Did your familiarity with the Way of St. James open new doors?
May luck be with you on your next Camino, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that...
I have my preference (500 ml bottles x 2; add bottles before walking stages without regular watering points).
BUT I think what is MORE important is to ask, 'What approach will encourage me to drink regularly?' Personally, I do not love the Platypus for the variety of inconveniences associated...
Yes to all three questions. In my personal experience, I think it helped to be open to change. But my recommendation is to go with no expectations for such change and you will not be disappointed.
Regarding the soul, that's a pretty deep question and hesitate to share overly much for fear of...
Shoes: You're fine. Forget the shoe liners unless they improve the fit.
Rain jacket: Stand in the shower with your proposed rain shell on and see if that works for you. I suspect it will not. The decision for you is actually whether to get a rain jacket or a poncho. Search Altus on the...
Hi, my name is Jarrad and I am a recovering overthinker.
You booked the first couple of nights -- you are good to go. You can always find someone to reaffirm your fears, boost your anxiety, and detract from your Camino. You'll be fine. Now about those bed bugs ...
No judgement here. On the very first stage of my first Camino I walked with a lovely young lady who chose to wear ear buds most of the way. Perhaps they helped her block out my ramblings (Mrs. Jarrad could certainly relate to that). However, she really missed out on the sounds of the flock of...
I use a 22L Osprey Talon for day hikes that require more than just a fanny pack. I used it last year in the Alps and it's large enough that I could fit a change of clothes and some toiletries for the few nights that I stayed over in huts. I second peregrina2000's advice about fit and what...
For more detailed discussion on each variant, I recommend listening to Dave Whitson's podcast "The Camino Podcast," if you haven't already. Episodes 66 and 68 hone in on the options, but his 10-part series on the Le Puy covers it section by section and is worth listening to. His podcast has...
Calamari -- not that I know of, but that sounds like it would be amazing! Also, I have not been to Madrid, but I have heard good things about the food scene there.
That's a pretty quick walk (5 days I think?) through some lovely country. You can get by on under 30 Euros a day. The food tradition in Galicia is simple food, so you will be right at home. Tasty and simple doesn't mean that you can't get a hearty meal if you change your mind and decide you...
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