21 days and counting...

[MassMom3]

First I'd like to thank you all for all the tips and words of wisdom that I've been reading and re-reading over the last several months. But, wow, my departure date is fast approaching! I can remember when September was 10 months away and yet here we are . Before reading the forum, I never would have thought that so much discussion/information could (and does) revolve around soap (liquid vs. bar), water (bladder vs. bottle) and rain gear (jacket vs. poncho), etc. - and it's ALL valuable to us newbies! Of course, just when I think that I've made a decision I start having my doubts...

And, while I swore I would NOT weigh each and every item, guess who has a digital scale? So...the anxiousness is starting (which I understand is normal), items are in and out of the backpack, and the reality of getting all business wrapped up at home and at work completed by Sept. 23 is upon me. With all that being said, I can't wait to actually start the Camino Frances and figure that everything will all work out one way or another.

However I do have a few random questions, and appreciate all comments.

1) It's not beyond a reasonable doubt that I could potentially make use of the service that will carry my backpack. If so, what do folks do about their water? I was going to carry a small cross-body bag for my passport, cash, chapstick, etc. Maybe just use a large one that could carry a bottle of water? I did find a water holder 'sling' but not sure if it's worth packing yet another item.

2) Downloading a guide? I have the Brierly book and started contemplating downloading this guide or another? Any thoughts on downloading the Brierly guide? Is it exactly like the book? Personally I like flipping through books but to save space/weight I'm seriously thinking of downloading one. My walking companion has a Brierly hard copy and I don't think that she will not pack hers, so I can't see both of us having one.

3) Really silly question since I am not a hiker. Everyone mentions handwashing clothing...once sweaty socks dry out, do folks just wear them another day until they 'really' need to be washed? I only ask because from what I've read, it doesn't seem like the merino shirts are washed daily (one of their benefits).

Thanks so much for your all guidance...and of course, buen camino.

Nancy

 

[SYates]

...
1) It's not beyond a reasonable doubt that I could potentially make use of the service that will carry my backpack. If so, what do folks do about their water? I was going to carry a small cross-body bag for my passport, cash, chapstick, etc. Maybe just use a large one that could carry a bottle of water? I did find a water holder 'sling' but not sure if it's worth packing yet another item.

2) Downloading a guide? I have the Brierly book and started contemplating downloading this guide or another? Any thoughts on downloading the Brierly guide? Is it exactly like the book? Personally I like flipping through books but to save space/weight I'm seriously thinking of downloading one. My walking companion has a Brierly hard copy and I don't think that she will not pack hers, so I can't see both of us having one.

3) Really silly question since I am not a hiker. Everyone mentions handwashing clothing...once sweaty socks dry out, do folks just wear them another day until they 'really' need to be washed? I only ask because from what I've read, it doesn't seem like the merino shirts are washed daily (one of their benefits).

Thanks so much for your all guidance...and of course, buen camino.

Nancy

1. Get a very light weight day pack and carry all what you need during the day with you (water, rain gear, first aid kit etc.)
2. Do both?
3. I tend to wash every day.

Buen Camino, SY

 

[MTtoCamino]

If for some reason you have to wear socks you did not get washed it will be ok. Or the opposite you washed but they are damp hang one on the pack & the other pair wear until the ones hanging dry & switch. You will be smiling the entire time so these issues will just float away.

 

[CdnDreamer]

I took the Brierly Map book with me as it is nice to put notes in - circle where I stayed etc. It is much lighter than the main guide he has. I copied his main guidebook and had that in my phone. Downloading it sounds much easier.

I liked to have my backpack for snacks, rain gear, water etc that I needed during the day so I bought a cheap bag at a "Chinese shop" and sent my heavy stuff forward in that bag. I spent too much time choosing the backpack to not use it! (I was walking with a friend so we would both dump things into the cheap bag and share the cost of moving the one bag forward each day)

I washed my socks every day. I had socks that dried really quickly.