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  1. John Sikora

    No tech!!!

    To put it quickly. It's not whether you carry tech, it's whether you use tech.
  2. John Sikora

    Men's Pants - There Can Be Only One

    I've always used REI Zip off pants. Curious as to why you don't want zip offs. Not critical, just curious. It would seem to save a little bit.
  3. John Sikora

    Boots, socks and blisters

    Sorry, should have used better phrasing. I should have said two layer socks (I.e. those that have an inner polyester layer which is slippery and an outer layer (ideally Marino wool)). I’ve used “1000 Mile Socks” for a few years. Just google that and multiple order sources show up. There are...
  4. John Sikora

    Boots, socks and blisters

    Had simiilar issues. My first Camino resulted in some blisters (mostly alleviated by using 1000 mile socks, but I did get mild blisters. Then I read the most obvious statement that I've ever ignored. Your feet get wider when you walk (DUH!). Moving up to a one size wider shoe and the use of...
  5. John Sikora

    When It Rains It Pours?

    You really don't mind a little bit of rain. But, on occaision it will rain fairly steadily for a day or two or three. I find that in those situations, it doesn't matter what you are wearing, you will be totally wet (if not from the rain, then from the sweat under the plastic cape or rain pants)...
  6. John Sikora

    Jeans on the camino

    I do carry a pair of jeans, but I cheat a bit and put them in the pack that gets forwarded to my next destination. I always walk in a pair of zip off pants that can turn into shorts very quickly. Although, that said, I've only hiked in shorts a few times. I prefer to guard against bugs and...
  7. John Sikora

    To Poncho or Not Poncho...

    If you don't bring it it will rain. :) Actually, a poncho has a couple of uses. It really doesn't keep you too dry since you'll sweat buckets under it anyway. But, it will keep you warm (which is probably more important in a cold rain). Despite it being the "dry" season in Spain, it usually...
  8. John Sikora

    Using a Cell Phone in Portugal: Tips for Traveling Canadians

    Lot of information but I think it boils down to the following: 1) If you use a lot of texts to your original number and/or using your current phone number for a lot of two factor authentication, it's a real pain in the butt to have a new number so you might just think about paying the toll and...
  9. John Sikora

    New Balance 574

    The New Balance 574 is an ok shoe for everyday use (i.e. the name lifestyle), but I'd use the 990v5. I've used them on about 1000 miles of Camino walking had found them to work very well. But, first of all, you want to be prepared to try a shoe or two and then throw them out. Everyone has a shoe...
  10. John Sikora

    How many pairs of shoes did you go through?

    I use NewBalance and their designers say that you normally get about 150-200 miles (say 300K) before the cushioning and support starts to wear out. Their comment to me was that from a foot health standpoint, the cushioning and support will wear before you really notice it and the only symptom...
  11. John Sikora

    Carrying Water - Water System Options (video)

    As a side question, what about those of use that require electrolyte topping off. If found that if I don't also drink electrolyte replacement fluids during long and/or very hot walks, I get leg cramps that definitely take the joy out of the night. Is there a two bladder solution? or it would...
  12. John Sikora

    Recommendation on what to do with slides

    I scanned close to 5000 slides into a digital format. I bought a flatbed scanner that would scan about 16 slides at once. It depends on whether you want to be fairly meticulous or just want to get it done. Online services will do it quickly but perhaps not cheaply but they will avoid the...
  13. John Sikora

    What is the best SIM to use

    I bought the SIM card for my iphone ten from www.cellularabroad.com
  14. John Sikora

    Family want to track my route

    I use the walkmeter app. It's few bucks for the pro version but works fine. When you start the walk it tracks where you are going as well as other variables like steps, elevation, etc. It will then automatically email the day's travels to you and whomever you have added to the list. It sends...
  15. John Sikora

    Trailrunners

    I buy a new pair, wear them, and throw them away after a Camino (300-400 miles). If you wait until you get foot pain, you've waited too long. I'm probably throwing money away by ditching them too early, but the alternative is to make a mistake and pay for it with pain.
  16. John Sikora

    Did Pilgrims use iPhones?

    I like the fact that the phone can supply me with up to date weather forecasts and GPS tracks. This doesn't detract from the Camino experience. It actually helps, in that I don't have to worry about things as much and can concentrate on walking, thinking, and listening. For me, it's a matter of...
  17. John Sikora

    Elevation Tracking

    I use Walkmeter. It does cost a very little bit for the premium edition but it does a fine job of measuring altitude and showing it as an elevation map. It also produces a kml track which can be mapped into Google Earth for an elevation profile as well.
  18. John Sikora

    Ferrino raincoat.

    I also have the Ferrino trekker and it's always a toss up whether I get wet from the rain or wetter from the sweat. But, that said, I do love to have it in the chilly rain that comes up. That metal lining does keep you nice and toasty. There just isn't one covering that suits all conditions.
  19. John Sikora

    Poncho

    That's kind of like saying I'm going to walk on the beach so I can ditch my boots. :) As the early post said, not if you are walking in Galicia.
  20. John Sikora

    Best Mobile Phone SIM card and plan in Europe?

    I've used cellularabroad.com for a number of years. They have an offering with 12Gig of data that comes with a UK number for receiving calls for about 70 bucks for 30 days or 90 bucks for one year. It's good in a bunch of countries (both in Europe and elsewhere). I like it for the feature of...

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