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  1. pkonopka

    Traveling from Washington, DC to SJPP

    Hi, just like the Camino itself there are many routes to get there. For me, like some on this thread, I flew in to Biarritz, and then took Express Bouricott to SJPDP. It’s easy, stress free, and you’ll start to meet fellow pilgrims immediately. Buen Camino!
  2. pkonopka

    Death of American pilgrim in Castromaior today

    Thoughts and prayers to you and your husband.
  3. pkonopka

    Pillow - bring one or is it provided?

    Two caminos (Frances from SJPDP and Portuguese from Porto) and I've never stayed at a place that didn't provide a pillow. That said, I'd either carry my own pillowcase to use over it, or - what I did- was lay my sleeping bag hood over the top of it. There's quite a bit of turnover in the...
  4. pkonopka

    How to get to SJPP from Biarritz?

    I used Express Bourricott (not sure I got the spelling correct). It’s a car service. They’re friendly and easy to use. They pair you up with other peregrinos coming in and as they do the price of the ride decreases. I had to wait at the airport for a bit - but there’s a cafe there and I had...
  5. pkonopka

    Poles or No Poles?

    It’s preference, but I’d say get them and use them. Good for uphills and more important down hills. Also keeps your arms moving and helps to keep your hands from going numb under a heavy pack. I’d also recommend getting the hard surface caps - which I kept on almost 90% of the time. Get a good...
  6. pkonopka

    Liner Socks

    Salomon’s will work. I wore Hokas for mine - I don’t like the heavy uppers either. After trying many different combos and tricks (I was military in a former life) I settled on just a good pair of midweight merino wool socks. My go to is darn tough. I’d recommend getting a good 20-30 miles of...
  7. pkonopka

    Middle or end Sept?

    I walked the Frances from mid-September to mid-October (SJPDP to SDC). A great time of year - cool mornings and evenings (typically) and warm days. It is the shoulder season so there is weather variance and like other peregrinos stated - there can be rain. I was blessed with only 2 days of...
  8. pkonopka

    US International Phone plan or Spanish SIM card while on the Camino?

    Like many others on this thread I used AT&Ts international plan. Maybe slightly more expensive than a esim but it was convenient and reliable.
  9. pkonopka

    Where to stay in SJPDP- September 2024

    😆yes, sorry. For some reason I misread it. In SJPDP I’d recommend Gite Makila - Istayed there and it was incredible. Great place - highly recommended - right next to the pilgrims office. I read that it might be for sale - so I'm not sure if it's still in operation. Buen Camino!
  10. pkonopka

    Where to stay in SJPDP- September 2024

    I stayed in the Parador. It's a little more expensive (they do offer a pilgrim rate if you sign up for their "club"), but I thought it worth a treat to myself at the end of the Frances. It's literally in the square/plaza. Great 1st floor lounge, historical ambience, and the breakfast buffet...
  11. pkonopka

    For sale albergue in Frómista

    I stayed here during my Camino in 2022. Thank you for your service to me and all the other peregrinos that enjoyed your hospitality! Best wishes in your next adventure! Buen Camino!
  12. pkonopka

    Albergue pillows

    I brought a hiking/ camping pillow (lightweight and packable) on the Frances but stopped using it after a while. Most (all?) albergues provide a pillow. I carried a super lightweight sleeping bag that had the outside treated with permethrin, so I just pulled the bag up on top of the albergue...
  13. pkonopka

    Voice or data only mobile plans

    I’m from the US so I’m not sure it’s the same globally - but my provider is AT&T. They have an international plan which is $10 a day unlimited - maxing out at $100 per month. It’s not cheap but I found it to be the easiest way to go, and gave me the freedom of unlimited calling and data so not...
  14. pkonopka

    Socks

    There was a popular "glide" on the Camino - I think Tiger Balm - that a lot of my Camino friends used and liked. And, ditto the Darn Tough socks recommendation.
  15. pkonopka

    Socks

    I never liked liners...they always seemed to bunch up on me - just get a good pair of socks and that's it. My go to now is Darn Tough - they make several different thicknesses and heights. Theyre not cheap but really do the job and have an amazing guarantee.
  16. pkonopka

    long sleeve Merino wool shirt for SUMMER

    Ditto what many others have said. My three go to brands are Smartwool, Ibex, and Icebreaker. All have lightweight long sleeve shirts that should fit your need. Buen camino!
  17. pkonopka

    Accommodation in Porto

    I stayed in Youropo- The Tower. Nice place that would accommodate you and your daughter and easy to get everywhere - private key and code to come and go as you please (I also stayed for a few days). Not cheap but not expensive either. A friend also walking the Way stayed at the Porto Wine Hostel...
  18. pkonopka

    LIVE from the Camino Kumano Kodo Iseji Pilgrimage

    Kumano Kodo is next on my list! Keep going!
  19. pkonopka

    Where is the most reliable accommodation information?

    Booking.com is fairly reliable. But remember some albergues will be open but the host lives off site so if it appears that no pilgrims are coming in, they won’t open. Best to call ahead direct if you’re worried about it.
  20. pkonopka

    Traveling from Texas

    Hi, There are many ways to get to SJPDP - none of them super efficient from central/west US. I flew from California into Switzerland and then, like others, on to Biarritz - with a short car ride via Express Bourricot to Saint Jean Pied de Port. The car shuttle is quick and easy - although you...

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