LIVE from the Camino Broken backpack

I am so sorry to only use this forum when I need help, but I promise when I have more time I´ll be updating with some positive things!

I´m currently in Molinseca and my Gregory Jade 35 liter pack broke today, the shoulder strap came loose on one side and though I rigged it, it´s putting pressure on the other side which is now also about to break. I´ll be in Ponferrada tomorrow... is there anywhere I can buy a new bag close by, or would you recommend I try to get a new one shipped to me? I´m short on time at the moment unfortunately. Is there any place I might be able to get it repaired? Thanks so much for any help you guys can give me, I appreciate it so much.

- Linds

(By the way, it was tendonitis in the knee and both ankles and I´m quite recovered after a helpful Red Cross clinic in Viana!! Thanks for all the help!)

Thanks so much for all of your help! I wasn´t able to find a bootmender but I did find Fitz Roy´s, the outdoor store by the Castle in Ponferrada. I replaced my Gregory Jade 35L with a Osprey Aura 50, a very very nice pack. It was a bit expensive but REI has told me they´ll reimburse me for my former pack so that takes the edge off it-- and it´s very exciting to have a nice big pack for future adventures!

Today I´m in Palais de Rey, and there´s a huge wave of pilgrims moving through. I´ve been very lucky to have a tent, a sleeping bag and an inflatable mat for the last few days... things are hectic! But me and mine are keeping in good spirits nevertheless. It´s the home stretch for me now, and I´m both excited and getting a bit nervous as it all comes to an end. Buen camino to everyone else on the 2010 trail!

- Lindsay