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  1. Mike Blackard

    Astorga to Fisterra in May?

    Continuing rave re: Astorga. You don't drink the hot chocolate- it's too thick! You dip the churros into it and consume while smiling. In addition to the Mosaic covered church in town, there is a tiny ermitage built in the 1700's just as you get to the outskirts of town. Legend has it that...
  2. Mike Blackard

    Astorga to Fisterra in May?

    Astorga is a great place to start! Take the time to see the Gaudi Palace, the Cathedral, and go into the "pilgrim" store across the street from the Palace and get the 5 block walking directions to the best hot chocolate & churos cafe in Spain! Astorga is the famous capital of chocolate. Also...
  3. Mike Blackard

    Following my heart in May/June 2020

    Hello Msligab from Latvia, I've been to Estonia, Finland, Sweeden, but never to Latvia- but the Baltic Sea is beautiful, and all the people we met there were wonderful, so I'm confident that you will be welcomed with open arms by your fellow pelegrinos and by the Spanish people you meet along...
  4. Mike Blackard

    2nd CF from Pamplona - Aug 27

    I'll be starting from St. Jean on August 28. You will obviously be way ahead of me. Let's hope for good weather. Last year was a dream- and tempranillo grapes in the vineyards were perfect for munching on.
  5. Mike Blackard

    Camino Frances in August/Sept

    Hi Kelly, If you really only have 25 days, I suggest you start in Logrono. Following the Brierly Guide book stages, you could be in Santiago on the 25th day. The comments from others regarding making new friends are very true. I am returning this fall for camino # 2 and will be meeting up...
  6. Mike Blackard

    2nd Time on CFŪ

    Apparently, when you are 69, you get kidney stones & involuntary finger movement causing extra letters etc to be added to camino frances abbreviation of CF. Also, as a fragile X carrier, I am starting to have balance issues (buying trekking poles in Bayonne or St. Jean), as well as memory...
  7. Mike Blackard

    2nd Time on CFŪ

    Mike & Scott start the camino from St. Jean on August 28th. We are high school and college buddies from Seattle, Friends for over 50 years! Both of us 69 years young. Scott's 1st my 2nd camino. Scott has to leave at Logrono but we are joined in Puente La Reina by Frances & Loretto, two...
  8. Mike Blackard

    2nd time on camino frances.

    Mike & Scott start the camino from St. Jean on August 28th. We are high school and college buddies from Seattle, Friends for over 50 years! Both of us 69 years young. Scott's 1st my 2nd camino. Scott has to leave at Logrono but we are joined in Puente La Reina by Frances & Loretto, two...
  9. Mike Blackard

    New Pilgrim question about hiking over the Pyrnees (first leg of SJPDP)

    Unless you are in a big hurry, stopping the first day at Orisson is a great way to start. Last fall, for me, the communal dinner was a fantastic way to see and meet lots of pilgrims, many of who you will bump into weeks later. Don't miss it. Reserve at Orisson and Roncesvalles, but the rest...
  10. Mike Blackard

    Here's to life's challenges! First Camino, starting May 4

    My size 13 foot felt great and blister free in my size 14 Merrel trail runner shoes, and size 14 keen sandals (which I switched back and forth, trying to decide which I liked best- it was a tie). Merino wool socks- first time user and loved them. I rubbed Vaseline on feet every morning. More...
  11. Mike Blackard

    Hiking buddy wanted

    One of the really cool aspects of the camino is meeting new people everyday, and being able to walk with them for as little or as long as it works for both of you. I'm 68 and walked with dutch men in their 20s, 2 Spanish ladies in their 40's and 50's (for 3 days) A 60 year old Irish lady and a...
  12. Mike Blackard

    SJPdP Starting 27 August 2019

    refuge.orison@wanadoo.fr / +33559491303 / www.refuge-orisson.com I think they close for the winter, so I recommend making your reservation in spring for your summer/fall camino.
  13. Mike Blackard

    SJPdP Starting 27 August 2019

    Hi Denise, I arrive in SJPDP late on 8/27 & start walking with friend Scott on 28th. Did the CF Sept. 6- Oct. 12 2018. Absolutely fantastic experience. Highly recommend you stop at Orrison first day. It's only about a 3 hour hike, but it is 100% up hill. The albergue experience there is...
  14. Mike Blackard

    First time old phart

    Thanks to all of you for your good wishes. This forum is really pretty cool, and has given me a ton of info and inspiration. I still don't know what made me want to do this, but I'm really excited to get started in less than a month! Glenshiro- hopefully no taxi to Bayonne, we'll see. At one...
  15. Mike Blackard

    Need Help Building a Camino Marker

    Love the idea. Question about your photo attachment. The yellow arrow is pointing one way and the convergence of the yellow lines (caminos) is pointing the other direction. I always thought the yellow conch shell lines represented the various caminos, all converging at Santiago de...
  16. Mike Blackard

    First time old phart

    Fly from Seattle Sept. 3, 2018 (1:45pm) - arrive Gatwick Sept. 4 (7:00 AM) & fly to Biarritz, (1:00PM to 4:00PM then train from Bayonne (6:30 PM) to St. Jean (hopefully by 7:30ish PM). Start moving these 68 year old bones on Sept. 5, but planning on easy first day only to Orisson.. Master...

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