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  1. backpack45

    Commercial walking stunt from Wolksvagen

    Some people refuse to wear clothing, etc. with logos, or cover or cut the advertising out. Similar in some ways, is wearing clothes, using tents when camping, etc. that are earth-tones that will blend into the environment rather than shout their presence in the natural world.
  2. backpack45

    The one thing I should have done before I left for the Camino

    I don't think I forgot anything because the Camino was not my first time traveling away from home for several weeks. But, when I wrote my first book about the Camino, "Camino Chronicle," I wrote an entire chapter about things to do ahead of time. A couple of them--let your credit card and/or...
  3. backpack45

    How often do you take a break?

    Hi, when we hike with others, I notice that they have varying preferences. Some like to frequently take a one-minute stop to sit, but I'd prefer to just keep going rather than go to the trouble for a short stop. I am in my eighties. We tend to take just a longish lunchbreak (picnic style...
  4. backpack45

    Soft tips for new walkers

    Waving your arms around over your head madly in the bathroom usually works to get the motion sensors attention. I can attest to the inconvenience of having the bathroom light go off when you are far from the switch.
  5. backpack45

    Nicknaming the People You Walk With

    There is no law that says you can't choose your own trail name; generally, on the U.S. trails they are given you, but no rule against it. I named myself backpack45 years ago because I was near that age and not seeing many other women -- especially over age 45) on the trails (John Muir/PCT). Why...
  6. backpack45

    Are you a hiker or a walker?

    I think we should do more than be tolerant because it's a very positive thing that people are (as my book "Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails" indicates) out there being active no matter their age/level of fitness, etc.. As you said, there are parts of the Camino Frances...
  7. backpack45

    I really wish I knew that!

    Agree--just watch what others do. In larger markets, you can collect your own produce, but in small shops, often only the shopkeeper is to touch the produce. Also definitely helpful to have your own shopping bag to avoid having to buy, and use, a plastic one.
  8. backpack45

    Solo walkers - what kinds of food do you buy at grocery stores?

    I don't walk the Caminos alone, but we often have purchased sandwich materials at the little shops along the way--butcher shop for salami or similar, shop for cheese, bakery, etc. and make our own sandwiches. We have not had any problem with spoilage. If you keep your water bladder or bottle...
  9. backpack45

    August heatwave on camino

    !) Whether you want to call is summer or heatwave, they are both hotter and longer in duration than they previously were. 2) People coming from areas who are not used to such a climate, will not instantly be acclimated to the change. 3) People hiking long distances may not have the time...
  10. backpack45

    How far do most typically walk before resting?

    I don't have any set time, but generally we take a snack break mid-morning (and sometimes mid-afternoon), and a lunch break--which for our is usually picnic style since we generally aren't near any restaurants on the less-populated Camino walks we do. However, as a photographer, I make a lot of...
  11. backpack45

    Succinct advice

    Don't overthink it, be open to changes.
  12. backpack45

    Albergue idea - group snorers together, away from non-snorers

    I am not going support banishing snorers to a separate room, though I don't see a problem with hosts suggesting it to those who want one (assuming there is space to allow this). I do remember it being available at one albergue we stayed in years ago. However, as many have suggested, it would not...
  13. backpack45

    Water Quality on the French Route: Can You Drink from the Tap/Sink?

    From the sink and from many fountains, but avoid any that say "agua no potable", etc. You can also bring a water bladder that fits in your backpack (my preference), or a reusable bottle that you can refill at the albergue rather than adding to the plastic waste that none of us need.
  14. backpack45

    US ATM cards not working

    My advice has always been to have some Euros before you leave the U.S. Carry them in a moneybelt or other hidden-away place (not your back pocket, your backpack, your fannypack, etc.)--except for a small amount you keep more available for incidental expenses. Divide your cash and credit cards...
  15. backpack45

    Cider in Spanish basque country

    There are certainly places in Basque Country where one could find cider, but when we were there we were more interested in their local wines and pintxos. When we continued west and into Asturia where apples are more widely grown, we found it more often. I remember our first real tasting was in...
  16. backpack45

    Tradition…. When to start wearing your scallop shell?

    It's a symbolic blessing for those starting out on their journey.
  17. backpack45

    "The profile of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago: 90% are Catholics, 48% do so for spiritual reasons"

    I agree with you trecile -- this doesn't match the statistics I've seen from the pilgrim office in Santiago.
  18. backpack45

    Brands of tea in Spain

    I like English Breakfast, but IMO any kind of black tea is preferable to the alternates.
  19. backpack45

    Route suggestions once you've done all the obvious caminos?

    (As well as several you already mentioned) we have hiked the LePuy (GR65), Arles, and Vezeley routes. My favorite of those was the LePuy, Ralph's was the Vezelay. We also did the GR from Geneva as it leads into LePuy. Some of these routes are isolated in parts, but we did most of them 10+ years...
  20. backpack45

    Walking the Camino de Santiago and Planning for the Laugavegur Trail: What to Expect Physically

    I was 60 when I hiked the Camino Frances and the main problem I had was boots--boots that I had worn shortly before when finishing the much more rugged John Muir Trail. Since then we have done several other Camino routes (including the last section of the French Vezelay route last year) wearing...

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