Being prepared and the importance of testing your gear...

[pepeeto]

So, yes...I am a tough guy. I am 53, but I am an active cyclist, I love hiking, soccer, and religiously go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I am 180 lbs and in very good shape.......lol you must be wondering if I am ever going to stop blowing my own horn....I am walking next year around the end of april or so, so I went for a fully loaded trial and practice walk today...nothing big just 15Km. I decided that it would be OK since I was only walking along a scenic path along the river right here in Ottawa,and I am in such good shape to just wear my favorite sandals ( leather with rubber soles bought in Mexico) and by far my most comfortable footwear. About 7 or so Km in, I developed a blister, and had to switch to my back up sandals, and ultimately reached my goal of 15 Km. No hat, and no eye protection, though I had plenty of water.......the moral of the story ?....BE PREPARED, even if you are in good shape; and listen to the people who have experienced the walk before. Boots, Boots, BOOTS. the most important part of your gear. If I had been in Spain like this, I would have needed a few days to recover from my blisters, sunburn and lack of preparation. I will dilligently break in my new hiking boots, wear a hat...and by the way....if you practice, and do well on a 15-20 Km run, get a couple of back to back days like that, in the end you will have a month or so of those in a row.....I am pooped, burnt and sore but wiser......buen camino!!

 

[Pieces]

actually a lot of people find that shoes give them less issues

just saying...

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I agree with both of you - boots aren't always necessary or indeed suitable for some people - I use midankle shoes for all weather caminos. But trying out ALL gear before going is a must particularly on a first camino - does that mean putting on your rain gear and standing under the shower? For me it did!

 

[wonzi]

Wow! I am really feeling good now after reading your post as I have walked 14.2 miles followed by three days of a 6 miler, 4 miler and another 6 miler without a blister! Yea! I am a wee bit older but have to get in shape for next May and I think I can make it now. Hopefully, if all goes well I will celebrate my 76th birthday walking "the Way"! Buen Camino!

 

[Al the optimist]

John's right (as always,he is a camino demigod after all!)
I have been walking 3 times a week for 6 weeks, in rain and sun - yes we finally have had some in England haha
During this time I have already decided to lose some non-essentials that I though "essential", have become familiar with my boots and pack and organised/reorganised where to put things. Ibet I will do some more revising before I start the Ingles in 21 days (not that I am counting down you know).
Keep it up and good luck
Buen Camino
Allan

 

[newfydog]

So, yes...I am a tough guy. I am 53, but I am an active cyclist!

So, ever think about biking the route? Way easier on the feet.

 

[malcolmrobert]

Tube to ship poles and sharps by plane

Who has shipped their poles and sharps in a cardboard tube? How successful were you? Did the airline give you a hard time over this method? Did it arrive successfully? I will be traveling from Detroit to Paris and on to Bilboa in Sept. Only a 1 1/2 connection time in Paris at CDG to make the Bilboa flight. Hope that is enough.

 

[gittiharre]

I wrapped these things in bubble wrap, having taped them together first, then wrapped the bubble wrap parcel in bright yellow plastic bag. I looked at tubes at post office, but size was wrong. My system worked well. Gitti

 

[julie]

I usually send mine in a cardboard tube. Sometimes it's a hassle on the way home and too difficult to buy a tube of the right size so I've used Gitti's method.

Either way, there's no problem with the airline but be aware that the tube will go through with the oversized/odd-shaped luggage so you may have to wait longer to collect them. Rather than coming out with the normal baggage, they are loaded onto a trolley and delivered to a central position - at CDG this year, this meant next to the baggage carousel being used for the flight.