Here is my 68 year old 6 time camino walker suggestions to you. But remember only you know what feels good and fits correctly and remember one thing that is SUPER important. No matter how fit you are things may happen. Do not listen to your head about when or for how long to stop or go or to push yourself to keep up with new friends. Listen to your body. I am sure you do as you are a professional dancer. Your body and especially your feet are your gateway to your passion of your. profession and your livelihood. NEVER, EVER forget that. I have seen much younger and very physically feet men and women break down because of what I said. As I am sure you know better than me an injury that you exacerbate could have far reaching effects when you return home.
1. Refer to what I said about listening to your body. It is much more important to stop when you need to rather than when you want to. You have just 30 days you can always take a bus to move forward a little if you are behind schedule.
2. Go to REI or another outdoor store that you know has people who know about packs how to fit you and what to buy. You probably will not need anything more than a 40L pack but I do not know if you have to carry anything extra. Remember the old saying people carry their fears in their backpacks. Check alot and look at what you are taking and ask yourself do I REALLY NEED THIS. This is not a walk across the Andes mountains or the Sahara desert you can buy what you may really need in Spain. NEVER check your bag. I have a 45 liter pack (I have this because I take a small pillow and it takes up alot of room). You can fit it in the overhead. What happens if you arrive in Madrid or wherever and the airline has lost your backpack. I have never been hassled or questioned about bringing my pack on the plane,
Walking sticks can definitely help especially on uphills and downhills (but especially downhills) The hills on much of almost any camino can be much steeper than what we are used to in the states. It can really relieve stress on your joints. Remember your dancing! Buy your sticks when you arrive in Spain. Go to a Decathlon if you arrive in a big city or if you are on the
Camino Frances there is an outdoor store a few feet from the pilgrim office. You don't need to spend alot on a pair. I pay about $20-25US for a cheap pair that work just fine for me. Most airlines will make you check them.
3. I never walk in summer or high season as it is way to hot and way to many pilgrims for my taste. People all say book the first few days as it can be crowded and then play it by ear. Download the Buen Camino, Wise Pilgrim or Camino Ninja app as well as checking out Gronze.Com. They are all free and will give you lots of choices of albergues and towns to stay in. I think the more the better. They weigh nothing. (Also if you do not have a calling plan that works in Europe or it is expensive. Go to a Vodafone or Orange mobile shop as soon as you arrive in Spain (If you can or have time) You can do it in Pamplona too and get a sim card for 30 days. It is cheap and it is easy so you will have data to use whatsapp or to call to an albergue. You can use it also to call loved ones back in the states just have them download the app too. You will have plenty of data for the whole trip to call even when there is bad or no wifi. Also download the AlertCops app. If you are in trouble, hurt, in a dangerous situation you can call them through your data and they will immediately be talking to an English speaking law enforcement person.
4. Not being able to speak any Spanish on the
Camino Frances will not be much of a problem at all. If you were walking the VDLP or another far less traveled route than I would say you need some Spanish.
One other thing do not overpack. Unless you are really someone who hates the cold and can't handle even cool weather you don't need a sleeping bag at all. A silk liner or a sleeping bag liner is all you will need. it will be hot, probably really hot. Have a really good hat that can protect you from the sun.
This is the one I wear even though I walk in late fall and early winter. It may not be pretty. (My daughters ask me never to send them photos with this hat on as they say I look like a complete nerd!)
Performance sun cap with mesh side panels and a wicking sweatband to keep you cool. Equipped with a UPF 40+ removable sun cape that can be snapped on and off for extra coverage, this is a must have for sunny days on the trail. For S23, we have updated the
www.outdoorresearch.com
It covers everything, you can dunk it in cold water to cool your head and dries quickly and is easy to clean.
Finally I would say and of course shoes are a personal choice is you definitely do not need hiking boots unless of course your podiatrist or orthopedist tells you to. Trial runners are perfect. They are lighter and I can say completely unscientifically of course, There are less people with blisters with trail runners from my own observation. Go to REI again because you can try a pair (Get at least a 1/2 size larger as your feet will expand. I go a full size) and use them and if they are not right you can return them and get another pair. Whatever you choose walk with the pair you are taking for at least a week or two before you leave.
Buen Camino
(These are just my suggestions others may strongly disagree with some of them)