Getting from Leon to Astorga on a Sunday and blister kit

[JesLar]

Hey,

I am going to walk the Camino in September together with my wife´s father. We will land in Barcelona the 10. September, take a night bus to Leon, where we will arrive around 8.30 on the 11. september. The plan is to get from Leon to Astorga and start form there.
However it is a Sunday and public traffic is scarce. The first bus to Astorga is around 10.30, making us land in Astorga around 11.20. We would really like to begin walking that same day and then 11.20 seems a bit late.

So my question is: does anyone know what a taxi would cost or know of other transportation?

We have planned a trip where we walk around 25 km pr. day and planned on 12 days walking. So we have a small buffer.

Also I have been searching for a ready to buy blister kit. I know that most of you make your own, but this is my first long walk and it seems a bit to difficult for me. So can any won suggest a premade blister Kit or a Fist aid kit (that can be easily supplemented)?

y.s. Jes

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The distance from Leon to Astorga is about 52 km, and a taxi costs about 1 Euro per KM, so expect to pay at least 52 Euro, more if the driver charges for the return trip.

Starting at 11:20 from Astorga will allow you to cover a good distance. You have several stopping places from which to choose.I have stayed in every town on that chart except Manjarin and El Acebo. El Acebo usually gets rave reviews. Manjarin is an acquired taste. Rabanal is possible if you are in good shape, even starting as late as 11:20.

Have fun!

 

[Olivares]

JesLar-- as far as "Blister Kit" I would say this is a "Touch & Go" proposition for most people. What works for some may not work for all. At a minimum, make sure you have a good supply of COMPEED and anti-friction stick. I wore COMPEED on known friction spots BEFORE trouble developed. These two items, along with Vaseline did it for me; I never got a blister on The Camino and I wore Gore-Tex, waterproof, ankle support hiking boots. I liked the feeling that my feet and ankles were sturdy and protected-- peace of mind about those things is priceless in the Camino.

I also carried Vaseline. Some people do not like Vaseline because it tends to get hot and makes the feet softer. I could see that. My experience with Vaseline, however, was good, specially on known friction spots, which by the way, is not limited to the foot areas. :wink: The stick anti-friction creme was great and could be used in lieau of Vaseline.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Jes,
My "foot bag" is one of the most valuable parts of my pack. In it, I have the following: a few compeed of different shapes (buy those in Spain at the start, there are US imitations, but I think they are inferior), some regular bandaids, a small tube of anti-bacterial cream, some gauze pads, small scissors, some cloth tape (called Omnifix in Spain, it's terrific), a tube of Voltaren (anti-inflammatory cream, again, to be bought in Spain), some moleskin, and most importantly, molefoam. This is a much thicker version of moleskin and I use it to "build up" the area around a blister so that the blister itself is protected from contact with the shoe. That was a trick my emergency medical responder son-in-law gave me once, and it has worked miracles on many blisters. I used to carry lambswool but realized I never used it.

I don't know if there are pre-made "blister kits" but I don't think it's too daunting a task -- mine fits easily in a small ziplock bag, so it doesn't have to be a huge undertaking.

 

[annakappa]

Hello Jes, It's a pity to stop already in Astorga at 11.30 in the morning. However, you should first get hold of your Pilgrim passport there, if you don't already have it, and get it stamped (at either of the 2 albergues or also at the Cathedral (I think). You can then start walking: 5 kms to Murias de Rechivaldo where there are 2 albergues,. A further 4 kms along takes you to Sta. Catalina de Somoza (2 albergues). Another 4 kms takes you to El Ganso with one albergue and finally if you have the stamina, another 7kms takes you to Rabenal, where there are 4 albergues. As you are walking in September, there should be no problem of finding a bed somewhere along the Way, even if you will be walking in the afternoon. Personally, considering that you will have been travelling overnight, I would try for either Murias or Santa Catalina. Anne

 

[Pieces]

I know this wasn't the question, but astorga was one of my absolute favorite towns, so maybe consider having some lunch and a look around and start walking a bit later planning, early afternoonish, for maybe 15 km / 3-4 hrs walk. That way you also break in the legs a little on the first day

 

[JesLar]

Thank you for all the great responses

It is a bit fun that you all have said that we can start walking although we won´t arrive to Astorga before 11,20.
Somehow it seemed impossible to start so late, properly because all the books I have read about the camino, the Authors get up early in the morning to get to their destination and secure a bed. So thank you for clearing that up.
I talked with my travel companion (dad in law) and we have agreed on taking a taxi from Leon to Astorga if the price doesn´t exceed 55 euro. Spend a some time in Astorga to see the city (after your recommendation) and then walk 15 to 20 km and proberly end up in Rabanal.

And when it comes to blister-kit I will try to make my own, so far made up of COMPEED and anti-friction stick, anti-inflammatory cream (since I have returning problem under my foot), anti-bacterial cream, needle and thread. If I need more hopefully I find it on the road.

I am open for suggestion for my blister kit, only demand is that I can buy it online in Europe or in Denmark?

Thanks again for great responses.

Jes

 

[lynnejohn]

All good (and proven) tips for the blister kit. My suggestion for compeed and compeed preparation will help ensure the compeed stays in place when it's applied.

COMPEED
Compeed may have other names but is usually generically called a "blister bandage/bandaid". So you want to apply this to "hotspots" or blisters, and you want it to stay on until it falls off. Don't pull it off, even if it's tattered!

ALCOHOL (Topical :wink: )
If you are using petroleum jelly on your feet (or even if you're not), you should wipe the area vigorously with alcohol before applying the compeed. Alcohol is available in convenient individual pads or in a small bottle. Prepping the skin before you apply the compeed saves time and money.

The above alcohol prep should be used on anything else you want to stay stuck!

I have used this method on five caminos and have had minimal issues with blisters.

Buen camino!

 

[jjr]

To the Canadians.... is there a comparable/similar product to Compeed available in Canada?

 

[renegadepilgrim]

To the Canadians.... is there a comparable/similar product to Compeed available in Canada?

Compeed is made by Johnson & Johnson, so look for whatever blister stuff they sell at the pharmacy. It will say "made with Compeed technology" on the side. I'm in the States, so I can't speak to what other products are available, though I have noticed you have many of the same things we do, so keep an eye out for that.

Also, while in Astorga, you must go to the Chocolate Museum. It was a highlight for me. Free samples, too!!!

 

[lynnejohn]

I believe I have used Compeed-like products made by Elastoplast and Bandaid.

L

 

[CaminoGen]

To the Canadians.... is there a comparable/similar product to Compeed available in Canada?

Compeed is available in Québec. However, be VERY careful when using Compeed; I found it to be evil! If you put it on when you start feeling a rubbing sensation, it's too late. Also, it melts into your socks and no amount of washing, either by hand or in the machine, will take it out. Evil, I say. Gauze and tape did it for me.

 

[jjr]

Thanks for the information re: availabililty of Compeed in Canada. I will have to do some store searching (here and across the river in Quebec) to see what I come up with.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Compeed in Canada (the Bandaid/Johnson & Johnson version):

http://www.bandaid.ca/en/productlist.asp?typeId=6

 

[renegadepilgrim]

Compeed in Canada (the Bandaid/Johnson & Johnson version):

http://www.bandaid.ca/en/productlist.asp?typeId=6

That would be what I was talking about....same as in the US. I use it when I go hiking/backpacking.