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  1. mmm042

    Hat or No Hat? That is the question!

    YES, and make sure it has a brim. I walked in March once wearing a running cap and got terribly burned on the tops of my ears.
  2. mmm042

    Training for a marathon while on the Camino Frances

    Hi Hieudovan. I've done the VDLP several times, and I always run it for two reasons: I don't have much time, and I love to run. I've tried different methods over the years -- running the whole thing (very difficult), running one day and walking the next, and my favorite: doing the run-walk...
  3. mmm042

    Ok, how many self respecting Peregrinos

    Hi. I stay whenever I can. The Paradors are in historic buildings full of character, and often relate to pilgrims/pilgrimages. I've never seen Grayland's site before, and maybe it's fine, but as a journalist who has written extensively about the Camino, I can tell you my contact in the...
  4. mmm042

    The "2-stamps-rule"

    I've always gotten my credenciales from the APOC group, too, and never noticed that it said you had to get two stamps on the day you walk into Santiago, and BEFORE you enter the city, no less. I never had two -- just 1 -- and no one ever said anything. But I dug my two out, and I see the first...
  5. mmm042

    Starting to question whether Frances Route is right for me!?

    Just one little comment on a comment. I recently came back from the VDLP; I've been walking it annually since 2009. I noticed a marked increase in pilgrim "messages" left everywhere, and via very creative means. My favorite was a note in marker on a bleached cattle skull! Ha! So those things...
  6. mmm042

    Hotel rooms rather than hostels?

    I really enjoy staying in "casas rurales," or B&Bs. You can find many through websites toprural.com and escapadarural.com. These are generally beautiful homes where you can rent one room or the whole house (if you happened to be traveling in a group). The owner is typically off-site, but lets...
  7. mmm042

    LIVE from the Camino The Waypost Secret in Galicia

    Re: The Waypost Secret I can testify that the Camino shells in Galicia along the VDLP do NOT always point in the correct manner. Most of the time, but not always. I did my first Camino from Ourense to Santiago and followed the rays. I was a newbie then, and don't remember noticing if most/all...
  8. mmm042

    Scheduling too much?

    I'd say 3 mph is too ambitious. I'm quite fit -- do lots of long-distance running on trails and roads -- and I was shocked to average just 2.5 mph on the VDLP. That was stopping a fair amount to take notes or photos (I was creating a guide to the route), but I also was carrying only a light day...
  9. mmm042

    booking hotels online or in person;pilgrim rate?

    I only have experience with the Via de la Plata, but a fair number of pensions/casas rurales DID offer a peregrino special -- it was advertised on their websites. And many innkeepers went out of their way to be helpful. I was traveling with work equipment (laptop, cameras, etc.), so I had to...
  10. mmm042

    Camino 2012

    Gosh, I really think which Camino you select for your first one is totally dependent on your personality. Before I walked my first Camino in 2009, I did see those messages from the CSJ and various Confraternities urging people to consider other routes. They said the Camino Frances was saturated...
  11. mmm042

    Getting Ready for the Camino in 2014

    Hi. I'd say buy your sticks ahead of time. They can be pricey (if you get a good pair, which I recommend), and this way you can watch for sales and such. But don't be afraid of going alone! I've walked the VDLP alone and it was absolutely wonderful. No problems or uncomfortable situations at...
  12. mmm042

    Smells of the Camino

    Oh my gosh, I don't think I can identify a smell with the Camino! I definitely didn't notice manure, although I live in Wisconsin, which is full of cows, so I smell manure all the time. The eucalyptus groves were never fragrant when I went by. I guess this means I have to go back, walk it again...
  13. mmm042

    Shoes for Camino

    Running shoes all the way! If it's really wet, they'll dry out quickly. They'll be lighter and looser on your feet. More and more long-distance hikers are scrapping boots for trail shoes or running shoes. Melanie
  14. mmm042

    Shoes for Camino

    Yes, and to clarify further, when you talk about running shoes wearing out, they mean the interior cushioning breaks down and compresses. Thus if you continue to run in them when the shock absorption inside is compressed, you're at some risk for injury. But even at 300-500 miles, many running...
  15. mmm042

    Shoes for Camino

    I'm a writer, and during the last two weeks I've been researching stories about hiking the Bay Area and the Pacific Crest Trail (both in the U.S.). Everything I've come across says that more and more, hikers are leaving their boots behind and going with running shoes or trail running shoes. The...
  16. mmm042

    Sunglasses?

    Before starting one very sunny Camino, I contracted a mild eye infection and had to wear my glasses for the first week -- no contacts. I only had regular sunglasses along, so I thought I'd be in a pickle. Luckily I'd just purchased a new hat with a wide brim, and it worked surprisingly well --...
  17. mmm042

    Best starting point for 1 week visit

    The Via de la Plata is wonderful, too. I'd recommend the section from Merida to Salamanca, which is very beautiful and includes the Caparra Arch. And both Merida and Salamanca are very beautiful, historic cities. Fly into Madrid, then take the bus to Merida -- it's very easy. Melanie
  18. mmm042

    Guided small group walks for last 100kms into Santiago de Co

    Hi. I know those groups are out there, and have heard about them mostly from inn operators that work with the tour companies to provide lodging. I haven't run into them on my travels, although I've only done the Via de la Plata, which isn't nearly as popular as the Camino Frances. As far as...
  19. mmm042

    Massages along the way

    Hi. I've seen a handful of signs advertising massages on the Via de la Plata, and I imagine they'd be available in all of the larger cities. I carried "The Stick" and used that a lot, although it's mostly for the legs. A tennis ball in a sock works great on your back. The top of your shoulders...
  20. mmm042

    Backpack Taxis?

    Remember that you can never judge a book by its cover. In general, I'm very fit and healthy, and a few years back I ran the VDLP's last 109km from Ourense to Santiago, hills/mountains and all. But despite that level of fitness I have terrible back problems, and could never have walked even one...

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