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  1. mattythedog

    want solitude

    I find plenty of solitude on CF, even in the busy seasons. I start walking between 0600-0700, and at a bit faster pace (physical challenge). Sometimes I do not see anyone for 2-3 hours. Just keep walking until 1800 or later each day. Usually by 1400, 90% of the people are off the trail, and...
  2. mattythedog

    Hiking Poles

    I have carried both z and telescoping poles in my carry on pack domestically and to Europe, and TSA has never given me a problem. I do put them in a PVC or cardboard packing tube with name, address, etc, in case they catch them and they require checking. I remove and store carbide tips...
  3. mattythedog

    Are there Book swaps on the Camino. What book would you take.

    Lots of albergues have lots of random books in various languages in the common areas. Suggest you just do the swap, or if it makes you feel better, ask the host if its OK.
  4. mattythedog

    Pillow - bring one or is it provided?

    The Trekology pillows last about 18 months before pinhole leaks occur at the bond between the inner baffles and pillow skin. Happened on 2 pillows. I was able to patch a couple holes to get another 2 months, but the next camino found numerous pinholes. I blasted Trekology for this, and they...
  5. mattythedog

    Pillow - bring one or is it provided?

    Short answer, NO. Just take pillow and case they provide on the plane to guarantee you have one. As said in posts, 99% of albergues provide a pillow, and you can survive without one once. No guarantee of a case, and it is usually thin plastic mesh paper. Personally, I always take inflatable...
  6. mattythedog

    Trekking Poles

    Good advice in this post, but definitely buy a cheap adjustable PAIR now and practice with the various walking styles you can learn on YouTube and from others. Practice on varied terrain with your loaded pack. You need to do this NOW because it could take some time to get the hang of it, and...
  7. mattythedog

    Where to eat in St Jean Pied de Port

    Love that idea, but presumably you (if a Pilgrim) have also been invited to leave by 0800. Maybe grab and go about 0759😁...and snag those half full bottles of vino and orujo!
  8. mattythedog

    Last minute decisons - fleece or puffer?

    Presumably you have raingear, so answer is lightweight (8-10 ounces) down puffer. Much more warmth per ounce. If it is so hot you sweat, just wear the shirt that you presumably have. I have walked many spring and fall Caminos with this arrangement. Puffer comes in very handy in unheated...
  9. mattythedog

    1,000 Miles in a Lumbar Pack: Ultralight Camino de Santiago Packing List

    That is when you just sling a wine skin like pilgrims in the olden days😊
  10. mattythedog

    Historical Path - San Martin del Camino

    Well, the historical path got many portions paved over by Franco. If you like long straight path next to lots of commercial traffic, take it. The alternate is much quieter and goes through plenty of small villages with cafes and albergues.
  11. mattythedog

    CF in July

    In 2021 I started SJPP 20 June and continued to Santiago, then Muxia, then Finisterre by third week of July. Hottest day was arrival Finisterre when temp went over 90 degrees F. There were a few days in the upper 80's along the way, but most peaked in the 70's. A couple nights were downright...
  12. mattythedog

    Irún to San Sebastián first day

    Last fall I arrived Irun about 1200 and walked all the way through San Sebastian to the far side hostel by 1900. I was 63 years old and took several long breaks along the way. Weather was very clear and a bit hot. No mud on the trail.
  13. mattythedog

    Need help deciding to bring or not to bring

    Thank you. You are one of the few.
  14. mattythedog

    Need help deciding to bring or not to bring

    Just don’t be that A..H…. who turns his phone light on brite and then spends 3x as long with one hand fumbling to pack up in the dark while waving the searchlight all over waking and blinding others. Much better IMHO to carry a 1 or 2 ounce headlamp with dimmable red and white lights. And you...
  15. mattythedog

    A question on Kit for this time of year Leon - Santiago

    IVAR also has donated gear. Between him and Pilgrim House a few doors down, I have observed enough donated gear, including packs, to do the whole Camino. I use the same gear for 3 seasons. It includes very light down Traveler sleeping bag, no liner; FrogTogs raincoat large enough to go around...
  16. mattythedog

    Completion Certificate

    The correct answer is: infinite. Whatever your credential, you can create and add gridded out pages to it. It gets full; just add more pages using plain paper and grid them out with pen. For me, I get an American Pilgrims on the Camino credential. I use a pen grid out all of the extraneous...
  17. mattythedog

    Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port

    It seems reasonable, but last year when I called them about transport from Pamplona airport, they would not pick up from there unless they already had a fare from France to Pamplona, so I lucked out and got a free ride with another pilgrim who's travel package had a van waiting for him at the...
  18. mattythedog

    Tomorrow is the day! Yesssssss!!!!!!!!!!!

    Or you could guess you won't have bed bugs; and I was not aware permethrin keeps one from getting cold😀 Buen Camino!!
  19. mattythedog

    Where to eat in St Jean Pied de Port

    I second that. Traditional Basque food. Where Tom (Martin Sheen) met Joost. I eat there every time I stay overnight in St. Jean.
  20. mattythedog

    Walking Poles

    For myself and people I know who regularly use them, the are a tremendous benefit on ALL downhills and level and uphill. They may not be for everyone. As a last resort you might try walking with someone who uses them correctly to observe techniques.

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