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I walked the Camino Frances this September for the second time (the first was Fall ‘21). I agree that there was something magical about the first one, but the second was also wonderful. There were some changes in the path. I think they have tried to keep pilgrims off the road and have added...
I have washed my pack twice (after 2 Camino Frances) and it still looks fine. I soaked it in the bathtub using Woolite, then rinsed twice, then hung it upside down until it was dry. Good Luck!
An inexpensive lightweight option for the “nothing left behind” is a doggie poo bag. They come in rolls of about 12 bags and are very lightweight. You can get biodegradable ones. They can also be handy for Apple cores, banana peels, etc. just tie the top and drop in the next trash can.
I walked alone as a single female in September’21. I met a great trail family …some at cafes and some walking. I was completely alone only when I chose to be. I actually stayed in hotels but most of my trail family stayed in albergues. I think it will be much easier meeting people in...
I have walked sections of the AT. A good tool was the App Far Out. You pay a small fee but the App works in airplane mode and gives you a lot of great information. Also, if you plan to stay in shelters some of them require reservations and book up quickly. To climb Mt Katahdin you also need...
I was surprised at how friendly and helpful the Spanish people were. Especially in the earlier sections. Later after Sarria maybe a little less so….probably due to tourist fatigue. Also, I was surprised at how friendly and helpful other pilgrims were….again more so in the earlier sections. I...
You will hear this a lot….-Jeans are heavy, jeans take forever to dry. Both will make you regret your choice. Look for lightweight, quick drying pants. You will be glad you did. Good Luck!
You will get so many different opinions. Be sure to check out your shoes on a few long walks before you start. Also, I have found that going up a whole size from what my feet measure works best because it leaves room for good wool socks (and liners if that’s your thing) and also for swollen...
Absolutely the opposite. I was actually stopped crossing a road by an officer who asked if I was walking alone. He gave me a card with a number to call if I felt unsafe, was lost, or injured. Very nice.
I agree. I loved all of the Camino Frances, but especially Navarra and the Meseta. It seemed like the closer I got to Santiago the more crowded, less friendly and considerate and more commercialized the Camino became. The Meseta provided a beautiful setting for a meditative walk. It was...
Do you use the hiking poles? I also have bad knees (meniscus tears in both). I found that the poles are a huge help on the steep downhills, which are the hardest on my knees. I found from hiking on the AT that Altras and Hokas actually make my knees worse because they lack the necessary...
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