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You are smart to ask this question. I walked the Frances in May in 2022 and there was plenty of hot weather. I wore LONG sleeves and pants to prevent sunburn and for a bit of warmth in the cool mornings. Shirt of 53% cotton, 47% polyester. Shoulder/back vent. BC Clothing brand, purchased at...
I stayed at San Nicolas in April 2022. Excellent communal meal. Cozy and elegant dining room. Beds good. But beware! Overnight the hospitaleros moved all the trekking poles inside unbeknownst to me. In the morning I left early at 7 am. Door locked behind me and where are the poles? I waited an...
Consider Albergue de la Santa Cruz in Sahagun. Associated with a monestary/ convent. They specifically reach out to pilgrims who wish to retreat for a few days. Beautiful people. I stayed a night there last year.
Bring the waterproof phone case for sure.
Great spreadsheet! Preparation for the modern pilgrim. The truth will be discovered on the camino.
Buen camino!
Barb
To sum it up: colder vs. busier. I left St. Jean PdP on April 11 last year and had many cold nights and days in the first weeks. And lots of rain and snow! No regrets.
Buen camino!
Send an email to Borda. The owner is responsive. If Napolean route is closed they can help arrange for a taxi. Do go ahead and reserve at one of those places regardless! They are wonderful and you will likely meet your first pilgrimage family peeps.
One step at a time. That is how everyone walks the Camino.
You can do it!
Approach fellow pilgrims and locals for help on anything. People are very willing to help. The worst thing to do is stew in your own thoughts. Reach out and talk to people around you. You reached out here, so you can do...
I used a Gatorade water bottle strapped on to my pack strap with shockcords. Easy to drink while on the go. It lasted the entire Frances Camino--over 30 days. Gatorade is a particularly robust bottle with an excellent twist cap.
And, yes, there are plenty of drinking fountains. No need to buy...
Buen Camino! I met many solo females on my camino last year and they were all fully enjoying the pilgrimage. Although I am happily married, i went solo and it was the best decision.
Inspiring and informative article from El Pais, an English language media from Spain. Explores the benefits of walking in unknown landscapes.
https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-04-18/why-going-for-a-walk-can-cure-almost-anything.html
I took a powerbank (not solar) because I sometimes use up my battery before day's end and discovered that it was a good choice as I could not rely on a convenient outlet. Some new albergues have outlets by every bed, some older ones only a few sockets for an entire dormitory. I also purchased a...
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