Keith Camino
2019 April 01 Camino Del Norte
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2018 March Camino Portuguese from Porto
2017 April 01-16 Camino Primitivo + Fisterra
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The sun has been blazing since 01 April 2017. People are getting badly burnt. I strongly recommend a wide-brimmed hat and a handkerchief. Pin the cloth to protect your neck or soak it to help with cooling. I am also using a longsleeved lightweight shirt and lightweight trousers. Peoples' hands are also burning so consider gloves. Sunblock SPF 30-50 costs about 15-17 EUR. Take care of your skin!
Cheers, Keith
Umbrella!
Hat won't do much, Euroschim umbrella is the way to go. In silver so it reflects the sun. I have been using it daily after 12:00.
http://www.euroschirm.com/schirm/te...ex.cgi?session=1caVuOESzgNrs&sprache_land=usa
It cits down the temp even further!Oh, in silver, that's new for me. I have to get one. I never leave without an umbrella anymore.
/BP
Been there, done that. Twice in fact. First time I had success. But I since changed backpack...Umbrella! Or one of these:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Headwear...Rain-Fishing-Camping-Hunting-OK-/251743144978
On related topic of umbrellas for sun protection, someone on the Camino sub-Reddit recently posted this really helpful video by Scott Williams. His whole presentation is useful but the umbrella part starts around the 56 min mark.
Original post here: https://thecaminoprovides.com/2017/03/28/injury-prevention-tips-for-the-camino-by-scott-williams/
The hat the OP is wearing is pretty much perfect for warm, sunny Camino days.I know I need to cover my head, but I've yet to find a hat that doesn't hold the heat in. The Tilley I wore in Guatemala usually soaked through quickly.
Will try the "wet Buff or towel" approach-- that looks effective. And if I can look like a pirate too, that's a bonus!
That's another benefit of an umbrella. Keeps your head cooler than a hat.I know I need to cover my head, but I've yet to find a hat that doesn't hold the heat in. The Tilley I wore in Guatemala usually soaked through quickly.
On related topic of umbrellas for sun protection, someone on the Camino sub-Reddit recently posted this really helpful video by Scott Williams. His whole presentation is useful but the umbrella part starts around the 56 min mark.
Original post here: https://thecaminoprovides.com/2017/03/28/injury-prevention-tips-for-the-camino-by-scott-williams/
Have yet to find a decent hat, and I've been on the road for over 10 days. All I have seen is children's hats in a "chino". Bring your gear.For those who will/are flying into Spain and those who are about to do their first Camino, there is no need to pack a hat from your home. In most city's in Spain you can purchase some sort of head cover, just so you don't have to concern yourself with packing one that might get smashed up along the way. Once you have completed your trip you can then trash it there.
Thanks for sharing. Some interesting views in this, particularly about footwear and gait. He has me tempted to try ultralite shoes.
The gait tips are really good. Quite by chance I discovered his technique as I almost tip toed down to Molinaseca due to shin pain...
BOOK? In the video he talks about a Book called 'Born to run'. There are dozens on Amazon with that title. Does anyone know which one he is referring to?
The sun has been blazing since 01 April 2017. People are getting badly burnt. I strongly recommend a wide-brimmed hat and a handkerchief. Pin the cloth to protect your neck or soak it to help with cooling. I am also using a longsleeved lightweight shirt and lightweight trousers. Peoples' hands are also burning so consider gloves. Sunblock SPF 30-50 costs about 15-17 EUR. Take care of your skin!
Cheers, Keith
That's a good question and I look forward to any answers as I am hiking the Camino this June/July. (I'm originally from NJ and curious as well!)I'm having a hard time comprehending how people are getting so burnt.
I'm looking at the weather and it doesn't seem so hot to me.
I haven't been watching the weather in Oviedo but I check the weather in Valencia, Leon and Coruna daily.
Is there a specific reason why the sun would effect us more along the Camino Spain than in New Jersey?
I'm having a hard time comprehending how people are getting so burnt.
I'm looking at the weather and it doesn't seem so hot to me.
Thank you! Living in Colorado ski country, I sure get that!! I appreciate your sound advice to help us avoid sunburn and sunstroke on the Camino. I am now rethinking my hat and shirt choices!!It's not the temperature that burns but the intensity of the sun. That's why people can get burnt while skiing.
Also, remember most sunscreens warn to reapply every 80-90 mins to ensure protection against the sun. Wearing clothing that covers the skin can be considered a much easier, lighter (less cream to carry), and less messy option!
For those who will/are flying into Spain and those who are about to do their first Camino, there is no need to pack a hat from your home. In most city's in Spain you can purchase some sort of head cover, just so you don't have to concern yourself with packing one that might get smashed up along the way.
Thank you! Living in Colorado ski country, I sure get that!! I appreciate your sound advice to help us avoid sunburn and sunstroke on the Camino. I am now rethinking my hat and shirt choices!!
I'm looking at the weather and it doesn't seem so hot to me.
It's not the temperature that burns but the intensity of the sun. That's why people can get burnt while skiing.
It's not the temperature that burns but the intensity of the sun. That's why people can get burnt while skiing.
I'm having a hard time comprehending how people are getting so burnt.
I'm looking at the weather and it doesn't seem so hot to me.
I haven't been watching the weather in Oviedo but I check the weather in Valencia, Leon and Coruna daily.
Is there a specific reason why the sun would effect us more along the Camino Spain than in New Jersey?
I'm in my late fifties and can see the sun damage appearing on my skin from too much exposure in my earlier days.
I'm having a hard time comprehending how people are getting so burnt.
I'm looking at the weather and it doesn't seem so hot to me.
I haven't been watching the weather in Oviedo but I check the weather in Valencia, Leon and Coruna daily.
Is there a specific reason why the sun would effect us more along the Camino Spain than in New Jersey?
Is there a specific reason why the sun would effect us more along the Camino Spain than in New Jersey?
http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Bo...XHyxIolIjgE6i_A6CFxoqpbJIqWtyfmRW4aAt2l8P8HAQ
It's very interesting to hear other people's points of view but just don't take everything you hear as gospel. Some things you have to sort out for yourself.
I'm having a hard time comprehending how people are getting so burnt.
I'm looking at the weather and it doesn't seem so hot to me.
I haven't been watching the weather in Oviedo but I check the weather in Valencia, Leon and Coruna daily.
Is there a specific reason why the sun would effect us more along the Camino Spain than in New Jersey?
I wear a Buff, immersed in water and wrung out, on my head, UNDER a 2-3 inch brimmed "bucket" hat. Living here in South Florida, I have a collection of such hats and usually take the most ventilated on Camino, depending on the weather forecasts.
Presently the choice is between a tan North Face ultra-light weight hat, and a tan Outdoors Research (OR) bucket hat. Both are very good, but the North Face hat is softer, lighter, and handles being soaked in water better. BOTH have a neck / chin strap / string. This is important on a windy day...
If you soak a Buff in water, wring it out and put it on so it hangs over your neck (like a pirate - sort of), you accelerate evaporation which provides a transpiration-based cooling effect on your head and neck. Soaking and wringing out the hat does the same thing. It makes a big difference when walking the Meseta...or anywhere on Camino where there is no shade.
Also, you can wet a Buff and wear it around the pressure points on your wrists or around your neck, again to use evaporation to cool your core temperature. I carry two Buffs, one in each rear pocket of my hiking pants.
Lastly, DRINK WATER. ADD electrolyte powder or tablets. I use Nuun brand tablets in a bottle of water. There are many other brands available. I get mine in a runner's store, but they are available online.
Also, add bananas and oranges to your diet. They make excellent mid-morning snacks. Both contain significant amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium, not to mention fructose. These commonly available fruits will help maintain your electrolyte levels while you are sweating like the proverbial pig.
Carry the fruit peelings with you to the next proper trash can. Please, DO NOT dispose of them on the trail. They DO NOT decompose fast.
While walking, should you STOP SWEATING, FEEL LIGHTHEADED OR DIZZY, or be unable to urinate, or your urine turns darker than normal, STOP WALKING and get to shade. You are likely experiencing heat stroke or sunstroke. This can happen even on an overcast day with a gentle breeze. See the urine evaluation chart below.
In 2015 while walking from Porto to Santiago I took three "dirt naps" while walking along by myself. They were later determined to be dehydration induced syncope (fainting). I have since resorted to forced hydration. I consume .5 liter each hour whether I feel I need it or not. Every other hour is an electrolyte enhanced drink, using the tablets previously mentioned.
Also, use some of the above evaporative techniques to lower your core temperature. Ingest electrolyte replacements and water.
I am including a .pdf of a urine chart that explains how to evaluate the color of your water output...
I really hope this helps someone...
View attachment 33128View attachment 33128
That's a good question and I look forward to any answers as I am hiking the Camino this June/July. (I'm originally from NJ and curious as well!)
Buen Camino, Jersey!!
I don't know for certain, so let's talk about why some places are more 'sun-affected' than others. The critical issue is how much ultraviolet radition gets through to one's skin.
The first is altitude, though I don't think this comes into play in our current example. Higher-altitude places don't have as much of Earth's atmosphere above them, so more ultraviolet rays get through.
The second is latitude -- places closer to the Equator are more likely to have sunburn-conditions than those farther away. Why? The sun is more directly overhead, which means the ultraviolet rays don't have to penetrate as much of Earth's atmosphere.
The third is humidity -- places with lower humidity are more likely to have sunburn-conditions than those with higher humidity. Why? Humid (moist) air diffracts ultraviolet rays - it spreads them out - far more than dry air does.
Karen, I live in Colorado too. ! Buen CaminoThank you! Living in Colorado ski country, I sure get that!! I appreciate your sound advice to help us avoid sunburn and sunstroke on the Camino. I am now rethinking my hat and shirt choices!!
Thank you!!! Hopefully all my hiking out here has prepared me!Karen, I live in Colorado too. ! Buen Camino
The humidity in Northern Spain is not an onerous as the Jersey Shore...I grew up in North Jersey and spent my first 26 summers 'down the shore.' More importantly, insects are nil along the Camino, and there are no green headed 'horseflies' to bite chunks out of you. Insects have never been an issue for me in four previous Caminos. I walked each in April and May.
Nonetheless, the combination of bright, cloudless skies, slight breeze and moderate to high(ish) humidity (70% range) can contribute to a feeling of well-being, just before the onset of heat or sun stroke. Many folks, myself most notably do NOT feel dehydrated. In these weather conditions you need to be alert.
We neglect the symptoms of not feeling thirsty despite not having had a drink in several hours, or not having to stop to urinate, or if we do 'make water' noting that the coloration is darkening. It is then that full blown problems start to occur. The next stage is lightheadedness or dizziness.
I ignored those problems and "soldiered on." Soon thereafter it was "good night Irene!" My syncope episodes were very brief, like a second or two, but in three instances over five-walking days in northern Portugal in 2015, it was enough to put me on my knees twice, and in one instance, flat on my face. THAT cost mean expensive pair of eyeglasses...
Lessons learned my fellow pilgrims! Drink more than you think necessary, even if you do not feel thirsty. Being able to urinate means that your body has excess liquid to eliminate. As inconvenient as this may be for some, it is normal. Peeing is GOOD. Pay attention to the color. I included a urine comparison chart above. I carry mine as a .pdf file on my iPhone.
I also encourage toting a banana and an orange to eat along the way to replenish blood salts. PACK THE PEELINGS OUT. Dispose of them at the next appropriate trash container.
I hope this helps.
Good post hydrate hydrate hydrate
By the way. Do they sell Gatorade in Spain?
I don't remember seeing it last year when I was in Spain.
Excellent way to hydrate and get some salt at the same time.
I personally like the halo effect!I love my hat (worn in my profile pic), which has seen service building houses in Guatemala and helped me on the Camino Portugues in 2008. It's a lightweight fabric - very breathable - with a huge brim. A great advantage is that by twisting it into a figure eight it folds down to a small disc. It also acted as an excellent piece of rain gear, as it anchored the hood of my poncho to my head while providing a brim to keep the rain out of my eyes.
I hate applying sunscreen to my face (a remembrance of Guatemala, where the dirt and dust on our project quickly formed a mud-like paste on the skin that had to be scraped off), and this hat was perfect. Inexpensive, and purchased in the gardening section of the local hardware store. My college students could joke about my "urban sombrero" all they wanted, but it is a prized possession.
I grew up in California with the wild idea that tans were healthy. As a result, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have been carving precancerous and cancerous growths off my body for years now. Keeping your body covered can actually save your life, at least if you're predisposed to sun/skin problems. I think it's my Irish genetics. If you're like me, you need to cover up.I didn't get it but the humidity thing makes sense.
I've been going down the Jersey shore ( the beach ) for like 56 years now
I'm not dark skinned but I'll get a decent tan after a week on the beach.
I'm guessing many of these folks aren't used to dealing with the sun.
Use sun screen. Not the 60 SPF but something lower like 12 SPF.
The first day give yourself an hour or two in the sun & then cover up. Each following day give yourself more sun time. After 5 or 6 days you should be OK. Obviously if you burn no matter what, use the 60 SPF and cover up.
Goodness! My sister&I will be on the CPortuguese may 31st. It might be blazing by then! Or rainingThe sun has been blazing since 01 April 2017. People are getting badly burnt. I strongly recommend a wide-brimmed hat and a handkerchief. Pin the cloth to protect your neck or soak it to help with cooling. I am also using a longsleeved lightweight shirt and lightweight trousers. Peoples' hands are also burning so consider gloves. Sunblock SPF 30-50 costs about 15-17 EUR. Take care of your skin!
Cheers, Keith
Kanga I can just imagine you wearing one of them lolUmbrella! Or one of these:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Headwear...Rain-Fishing-Camping-Hunting-OK-/251743144978
If you soak a Buff in water, wring it out and put it on so it hangs over your neck (like a pirate - sort of), you accelerate evaporation which provides a transpiration-based cooling effect on your head and neck. Soaking and wringing out the hat does the same thing. It makes a big difference when walking the Meseta...or anywhere on Camino where there is no shade.
Also, you can wet a Buff and wear it around the pressure points on your wrists or around your neck, again to use evaporation to cool your core temperature. I carry two Buffs, one in each rear pocket of my hiking pants.
Lastly, DRINK WATER. ADD electrolyte powder or tablets. I use Nuun brand tablets in a bottle of water. There are many other brands available. I get mine in a runner's store, but they are available online.
Also, add bananas and oranges to your diet. They make excellent mid-morning snacks. Both contain significant amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium, not to mention fructose. These commonly available fruits will help maintain your electrolyte levels while you are sweating like the proverbial pig.
Carry the fruit peelings with you to the next proper trash can. Please, DO NOT dispose of them on the trail. They DO NOT decompose fast.
While walking, should you STOP SWEATING, FEEL LIGHTHEADED OR DIZZY, or be unable to urinate, or your urine turns darker than normal, STOP WALKING and get to shade. You are likely experiencing heat stroke or sunstroke. This can happen even on an overcast day with a gentle breeze. See the urine evaluation chart below.
....... I consume .5 liter each hour whether I feel I need it or not. Every other hour is an electrolyte enhanced drink, using the tablets previously mentioned.
Also, use some of the above evaporative techniques to lower your core temperature. Ingest electrolyte replacements and water.
I am including a .pdf of a urine chart that explains how to evaluate the color of your water output...
I really hope this helps someone...
View attachment 33128
The shirt depicts three or four skeletons siting around the campfire in the desert. The caption under neath says "...But It's a DRY Heat!"
The point was that a dry heat can dehydrate and kill you just as easily as a humid environment.
Lastly, DRINK WATER. ADD electrolyte powder or tablets. I use Nuun brand tablets in a bottle of water. There are many other brands available. I get mine in a runner's store, but they are available online.
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