Dan the Man
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances, 2015, 2017, 2019
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Really!! You are going to walk several hundred km across Spain and try and get your doctor to certify that you cannot board a plane without the support of poles?If you have a doctor's letter about needing them for medically-related support (like with a cane) you *may* get them aboard the cabin.
I had thought of starting in Pamplona BUT what if I did theMy $0.02:
1. Collapsibles, and if you can afford the extra$, the ones made of fiberglass are super-light; stick them into your backpack and check it in. (they let me hand carry the pack on my last 4 flights, but security varies from place to place)
2. Training shoes in August. They get wet and dry-up....fast.
3. Spanish SIM = Pamplona...and, –with your predicament–, I highly recommend you to start your camino right there as well!
My $0.02:
1. Collapsibles, and if you can afford the extra$, the ones made of fiberglass are super-light; stick them into your backpack and check it in. (they let me hand carry the pack on my last 4 flights, but security varies from place to place)
2. Training shoes in August. They get wet and dry-up....fast.
3. Spanish SIM = Pamplona...and, –with your predicament–, I highly recommend you to start your camino right there as well!
do walkers go that way at all or is it just for cyclists?
Its YOUR camino! Myself, I just don't see a compelling reason to start in SJPdP and bother with a complicated detour.I had thought of starting in Pamplona BUT what if I did the
What about if I did Day 1 on the Valcarlos Route instead of the Napolean route....do walkers go that way at all or is it just for cyclists?
You might take advantage of your ample time and do some shopping in Pamplona; at http://caminoteca.com, you can get your sticks (as well as most other stuff) from experts hands and their tips come for free.
Buen Camino, and don't stop asking questions:
1. I checked our poles, but others have gotten them through. If you are going to use them, I recommend getting a pair now (even if you buy another and leave them). They take some getting used to--you have to reprogram your brain to walk on four legs again. I prefer the flip-lock poles to the twist-locks--much more convenient for collapsing poles when they are inconvenient (such as in urban areas or when walking into alburgues).
2. waterproof boots were way to hot summer of 2014 (Frances, July-Aug.). Ended up with Keen sandals and trial shoes. In the rain we just walked in the sandals and changed socks when (if) the rain stopped. I would use waterproof boots only in cold weather, and you are probably clear of any of that.
3. No clue. Did not take a phone.
Ultreia,
Jo Jo
Dan, make sure your pack is a good fit. Don't skimp on this item and do not over load it. 1 pound per 10 pounds of body weight is the Camino rule of thumb but hard to stick to.Hi All:
I just wish to THANK everyone who has given me information and/or replied to my posts.
I have spent my Easter Weekend reading the many PHENOMENAL threads at the bottom (didn't know they were they or look at them prior to my other questions). I AM SUCH A ROOKIE! Thank God I can speak Spanish at a functional level.
My Camino:
I am planning to begin the last week of August 2015 and I have planned for 6 weeks plus....just in case I need more time to rest, and walk at a commfortable pace.
Currently, I have a torn disc in my back. It happens to pinch a nerve in my left leg periodically. It can cause zero or sometimes tons of pain. I am doing lots of physical activity and am doing very well and almost pain free for months now. I do see a neurosurgeon tomorrow and will ask about my "Planned Walk. We will discuss options and advice to stay as pain free as possible.
I have reading about this for 9 years and now my chance has come to do it! The informaton and advice you all provide is amazing and makes this newbie more excited to start!
I hope to purchase my flights by the end of the month!
I APOLOGIZE IF ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS SEEM RIDICULOUS. I sometimes feel the more I read, the more questions i have.
Questions I Have Despite Reading Hundreds of Threads Below:
1) I have never walked with poles before but have been told they will be of great to help to me especially with my back issues. Can they be taken on the plane? Are flold up as good as a solid pole? Can they be bouth in St. Jean Pied du Port?
2) I see the debate of shoes vs boots may go on until the end of time. I went to 3 stores and all clerks said boots. I actually dont like boots and walk with my New Balance training shoes. I did try on several pairs of both and will go for shoes for sure. While i was in 2 stores, several customers asked where I was going and then started to tell me it will be VERY HOT and i need waterproof for rain> Others said, non waterproof as when it rains it rians and all gets wet.
I left and came home to research. So i ask, if you have walked the camino in August/September, or know those who have, WATERPROOF SHOES or NOT?
3) If i begin in SJPDP, can I buy a Spanish SIM card for my phone in Roncesvalle, or do you think i have to wait until Pamplona?
I WILL STOP ASKING, thanks very much all!
Dan the Man
P.S. I got a European SIM card through Net Geo on line . Many plans and some include phones.Dan, make sure your pack is a good fit. Don't skimp on this item and do not over load it. 1 pound per 10 pounds of body weight is the Camino rule of thumb but hard to stick to.
I believe that poles are still a no no for carry on. Folding poles will fit in a pack or on the outside without getting in the way. expanding pole may not fit inside. Poles will help you maintain balance. You will always have a 3 point stance. They help going up and down hill too. Get good ones, Leki or Black Diamond are good ones. I prefer folding poles over expanding. Aluminum over graphite.
On the camino, if it rains your feet are going to get wet. If it showers your feet may stay dry. I wear Adidas TerraX shoes. They're gortex and low cut and for me, have been blister free wet or dry.
If you have time you can order and receive a Spain Sim card before you leave. Just put it in your phone when you get there. Check on line.
Happy Trails
Oh come on don't give away the secret, that's the only way to know there is a rookie pilgrim walking up behind you.When you get your poles, please make sure to get a rubber shoe for them as well, so you dont drive other walkers (and yourself) mad with the clack-clack-clack noise that metal tips make. And get a spare pair as well as you are bound to lose one at some point!
No--checked only the poles. I could easily replace poles, but not the rest of my pack (the gear I saw in Spain was, I thought, heavier and of lesser quality than I could get in the U.S.). In Santiago, we mailed the poles back to ourselves because checked luggage was pricey on the return trip. They arrived 6 weeks later, which I thought was pretty reasonable.Thanks JOJO!
Did you also check your backpack?
I left and came home to research. So i ask, if you have walked the camino in August/September, or know those who have, WATERPROOF SHOES or NOT?
I duct taped mine to the ends of my poles. Never fell off for 500 miles (even if they did wear through and had to be repleace (and duct taped) halfway to Santiago).And get a spare pair as well as you are bound to lose one at some point!
LOL, you are too funny. The "Clicking "will drive me nuts!Oh come on don't give away the secret, that's the only way to know there is a rookie pilgrim walking up behind you.
"THANKS! I usually find boots really heavy and uncomfortable, but it seems the support is necessaryFrom someone who has walked two Caminos since he found he has a disc problem that causes neuropathic pain in the right foot which is either numb and/or asleep about 99% of the time, boots and poles are essential to maintaining my stability!
I am being told I need support from boots. I walked the 60Km Weekend to End Breast Cancer here in Toronto in my shoes and did not get 1 blister. I HATE being hot. I am assuming that an August 26th start and finishing in September means I will experience some hot weather?I am not one for saying "you MUST do this, or use that" ect, but PLEASE PLEASEstay clear from waterproof/gore-tex shoes in august-september on the Frances.
The weather will be way to warm for it and so will your body while walking.
Moisture will build up inside your shoe and it will be hell to pay. Gore-tex is to keep water out, not to wick moisture/sweat away. You will be far far better of with lightweight mesh shoes. Your feet need good air circulation in the weather you will have and gore-tex will give you anything BUT good airflow.
And if it rains and your shoes get wet, they dry quickly. This you also can't say about gore-tex shoes.
Great to hear your choosing shoes over boots. When i read that you said the advice was boots and you said you did not like boots, for a sec i thought...ooh nooo....if you don't like boots, don't buy 'm, don't listen to the salesperson.....and you didntGOOD!
My poles are giving me fits. I bought a perfect pair in Pamplona - with a lock/snap. We have grown very fond of each other. Now realize they are too long even when shortened to get into my bag. So I will be buying ANOTHER pair when I get there.
The Valcarlos route is absolutely beautiful. A perfect start for Camino as the vistas are so lovely. But the climb up and back down into Roncesvalles is very steep. Hours of straight up and hours of straight down. If your back is iffy I would skip it and start in Roncesvalles. Lots and lots of people start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona or in any other town along the route. There is still plenty of mountainish walking ahead of you.
The point is to be able to get out there and walk every day - not to punish yourself. You want to enjoy it and experience the fun and wonder of it - not test your endurance and capacity for misery. Send your pack ahead the first few days and definitely get the poles. They will make a HUGE difference, I spit swear. I only buy the sort with a flip lock. The telescoping type has a tendency to slip back into the sheath.
Wear trekking shoes if you prefer them - and remember that running shoes are far more slick than trekking shoes. I would not want to be on a rocky, downhill slope in the rain in a pair of trainers. You want that tread. Trekking shoes will have much better support for your heel - which will make all the difference to your back.
Get online and look at instructional videos for how to pack and fit your pack and how to lace your shoes for the best fit. Again - that will make all the difference to your pack.
And remember that it takes a few days to get your stride. Things get much easier after the first 4-5 days.
Hi All:
Questions I Have Despite Reading Hundreds of Threads Below:
1) I have never walked with poles before but have been told they will be of great to help to me especially with my back issues. Can they be taken on the plane? Are flold up as good as a solid pole? Can they be bouth in St. Jean Pied du Port?
Hi Dan,
I brought mine with me from North America. Here's how I did it: I got a rain cover that covered my pack completely and zipped closed ( you can find them on Amazon and other places--just really a big nylon bag.). I put the closed poles in their places on my pack (in this case an Osprey Stratos 36) and made sure they were tight against the pack. Then I checked the pack through to Paris. Once there it was easy enough to unbag the pack for the train South.
Other things you can do: wrap the pack and poles with clear plastic so that nothing is hanging out to get caught in conveyors, or buy the poles in St Jean. You may pay more there, and you may not be used to them, whereas if you have a favorite set of poles it may be worth the trouble to pack them.
Cheers,
Paul
That's the ticketThanks!
I had my mind set on starting in St Jean, BUT then I figured it was best NOT to. Why would I consider doing day 1 with killer hills. I may end up starting in Roncesvalles or Pamplona. I am in no race and this is a gift to myself. This is my time to reflect, walk, enjoy what I see and whom I meet along the way. I do not need to test my back or discs.
I am so excited that I think it will be hard to wait until August to start!
This post from you has completely put the wind back in my sails! I will have to explotre how to, and what happens when you send yur pack ahead.That's the ticket
It was hard for me during that first 10 days or so to keep in mind that I was not in a competition, I would not be judged and found lacking if I walked slowly, took two or three days here and there to be a tourist, sent my pack ahead or pampered myself in a nice hotel every once in a while. This is your Camino. It starts where you like and it ends where you like and it takes as long as you want it to take.
Well, it is very simple. Tell your hospitalero you want Jacotrans to take your bag. he or she will hand you an envelope that you will put 7 euro into and attach to your pack. You will then walk away and leave your pack at the albuergue and Jacotrans will come and pick it up with the others and drive it to the albuergue you are going to next...where it will be waiting for you at the end of the day. No mess, no stress. You can also pay them by credit card in advance - someone posted a link on here somewhere. But unless you plan to do it every day I think it would be easier to do it day by day.This post from you has completely put the wind back in my sails! I will have to explotre how to, and what happens when you send yur pack ahead.
I do hope to be a tourist along the way and take breaks. I have allowed at least 45 days if I need it
Dan
Well, it is very simple. Tell your hospitalero you want Jacotrans to take your bag. he or she will hand you an envelope that you will put 7 euro into and attach to your pack. You will then walk away and leave your pack at the albuergue and Jacotrans will come and pick it up with the others and drive it to the albuergue you are going to next...where it will be waiting for you at the end of the day. No mess, no stress. You can also pay them by credit card in advance - someone posted a link on here somewhere. But unless you plan to do it every day I think it would be easier to do it day by day.
I started off without any poles and carrying a much too heavy pack. By the time I got to Pamplona I was ready to quit. A kind peregrino told me about Jacotrans and walked me over to the outdoor gear store to buy some poles. It was like the sun had finally come out!
When we went we took about 2 and a half months. We walked the Camino in 6 weeks, taking lots of breaks (Burgos is amazing, a side trip off the trail for dinner at Arzak in San Sebastian, couple of days in Leon) and enjoying it, and then traveled around some. Rented a car in Santiago (after hanging out at the Parador for a couple of days) and drove to Vigo and then down through Portugal (spending a couple of nights on Portuguese beaches) to Seville and Malaga and Granada and then spent a week on the beach in Cadiz. Had a nightmarish couple of days in Morocco and a couple of lovely nights in Toledo as well. It was glorious.
I've done both routes. Both are beautiful and have their easy stretches and more difficult ones.I had thought of starting in Pamplona BUT what if I did the
What about if I did Day 1 on the Valcarlos Route instead of the Napolean route....do walkers go that way at all or is it just for cyclists?
Bring a spare set. I didn't and wished I had.When you get your poles, please make sure to get a rubber shoe for them as well, so you dont drive other walkers (and yourself) mad with the clack-clack-clack noise that metal tips make. And get a spare pair as well as you are bound to lose one at some point!
My sympathies Anemone del Camino, your coming camino will have extra special meaning.Dan, my first Camino was after my mother's passing. She was from Spain. My next one will be next month, after my father's death, which was 36 hours ago
Sorry to read this. Yes, the Camino will be special.My next one will be next month, after my father's death, which was 36 hours ago.
Wow! Your photos of the Valcarlos route are magnificent. Are there still lots of people walking it? Do you feel it is best to do that route especially if i have back issues?I've done both routes. Both are beautiful and have their easy stretches and more difficult ones.
Check out the photos I have posted on here. I have photos of both routes when I walked them.
Be assured that there will be plenty of things to annoy you, if that is what you are looking for. All of them are out of your control, though. Only your annoyance is under your control.
They have bets on how long I will last
When I walked the ValCarlos route it was in July, the height of the Camino season, but the whole day until I reached the area of Roncesvalles I only saw about a dozen fellow pilgrims. Everybody likes to walk the Napoleon route and that was my intent, but I had no map or guidebook and ended up on the ValCarlos when I took a wrong turn of sorts out of SJPdP. On my second Camino I walked the Napoleon route. A lot more fellow pilgrims that time.Wow! Your photos of the Valcarlos route are magnificent. Are there still lots of people walking it? Do you feel it is best to do that route especially if i have back issues?
Dan
@Melanie McMillan
Spraying the shoes to waterproof them will affect the breathability and therefor the fabric of the shoe will be less able to allow moisture to be transmitted outwards through the fabric.
Seeing as you are walking until end of july, which is summer, i think waterproof shoes are really not needed. In fact, if it rains, wet shoes will take longer to dry when breahtability affected.
I would say the spray is even worse than gore-tex, as gore-tex is still made to be as breathable as possible from inside out. When using a spray you are actually fully closing off all entries and exits for moisture.
I would think twice on using the spray and 'trapping' in the moisture aka sweat inside your shoe.
Its just a thought, especially because you will encounter warm to hot weather.
That is why you should never experience something for the first time on the Camino (except joy, good food, etc.). Practice, practice, practice. (E.E. Kenyon)My fear is having to pack up and go home early bc I have run into problems.
The only thing I am certain of is that there is no 1 shoe that best fits the many different surfaces and weather conditions on th Camino. Any boot i have ever worn has always felt uncomfortable which is why i went with shoes.
Dan
@Melanie McMillan
Spraying the shoes to waterproof them will affect the breathability and therefor the fabric of the shoe will be less able to allow moisture to be transmitted outwards through the fabric.
Seeing as you are walking until end of july, which is summer, i think waterproof shoes are really not needed. In fact, if it rains, wet shoes will take longer to dry when breahtability affected.
I would say the spray is even worse than gore-tex, as gore-tex is still made to be as breathable as possible from inside out. When using a spray you are actually fully closing off all entries and exits for moisture.
I would think twice on using the spray and 'trapping' in the moisture aka sweat inside your shoe.
Its just a thought, especially because you will encounter warm to hot weather.
HI Melanie:
I wouldn't worry about age. I am 53 and have disc issues in my back. I am still doing this. I have read so many threads on boots vs shoes and waterproof vs non waterproof. I bought some and am still not sure? LOL
I bought Merrell Moab Ventilators - then i was reading that the soles may not be great on rocks etc.
The only thing I am certain of is that there is no 1 shoe that best fits the many different surfaces and weather conditions on th Camino. Any boot i have ever worn has always felt uncomfortable which is why i went with shoes.
I will try them and if they seem not be right, I will always use them.
The more I read, the more I feel like returning them! LOL
Dan
HI Melanie:
I wouldn't worry about age. I am 53 and have disc issues in my back. I am still doing this. I have read so many threads on boots vs shoes and waterproof vs non waterproof. I bought some and am still not sure? LOL
I bought Merrell Moab Ventilators - then i was reading that the soles may not be great on rocks etc.
The only thing I am certain of is that there is no 1 shoe that best fits the many different surfaces and weather conditions on th Camino. Any boot i have ever worn has always felt uncomfortable which is why i went with shoes.
I will try them and if they seem not be right, I will always use them.
The more I read, the more I feel like returning them! LOL
Dan
WE dont loose them, we just have to look harder for them sometimes.I have a ton of books and watched lots and lots of videos....I'm going to reread To Walk Far and Carry Less...it's all about what to pack, bring, etc. I have several ebooks I can share with you if you like!!
Do we all lose our minds when we hit 50? LOLOL
WE dont loose them, we just have to look harder for them sometimes.
Ok now I better read To Walk Far and Carry Less!
Thanks Felice. I am liking my Merrells. They fit my orthotics well too. I am SO EXCITED about this adventure.
I had to explain to people at work what El Camino was. It is so funny that some people hear about it and think it is so maazing and want to learn more and hopefully do it. Others, think we are all crazy! LOL
My only fear is how many times i may end up doing it in my lifetime.
Sounds GREAT!I have several books on the Camino that at ebooks...you are very welcome to them. Just bought another...Let me know!!!
@Dutch, I agree with your analysis, but I have never experienced such severe sweating that my feet became wet. I wear both leather and goretex lined boots in summer and the most difficulty I have had is when the water gets in through the big hole at the top of the boot!All i am saying is be carefull with waterproof/goretex in hot weather. And 100% you will encounter hot weather when walkimg inbetween june to sept.
Try wearing raingear in warm weaher and be active while wearing it. You will sweat like a pig underneath and the moisture has nowhere to go. Your raingear will get wet....on the inside.
That is almost similar to what will happen with waterproof shoes in hot weather. Moisture will build up quicker than it is able to leave the shoe.
I have to agree with Doug, Goretex has been just perfect for me over 4 walks. In fact, the worst blisters I have ever seen were on a man who walked in the rain with wet feet: he went home. My concern here for Melanie is her choice of inexpensive shoes from Canadian Tire. Canadian Tire offers all sorts ot things for the garden, the car, cleaning the house, and a bit of sporting goods, but not quality sporting goods. And feet are the only real deal breaker on the Camino. I have walked with a pair of 20$ trail runners for 2 Caminos, but they were from the Columbia outless and initially about 8 times the price. I would recommend using them day in, day out, for a good week, and also ensuring you know how to evaluate their construction before heading out.@Dutch, I agree with your analysis, but I have I have never experienced such severe sweating that my feet became wet. I wear both leather and goretex lined boots in summer and the most difficulty I have had is when the water gets in through the big hole at the top of the boot!
Hi All:
I just wish to THANK everyone who has given me information and/or replied to my posts.
I have spent my Easter Weekend reading the many PHENOMENAL threads at the bottom (didn't know they were they or look at them prior to my other questions). I AM SUCH A ROOKIE! Thank God I can speak Spanish at a functional level.
My Camino:
I am planning to begin the last week of August 2015 and I have planned for 6 weeks plus....just in case I need more time to rest, and walk at a commfortable pace.
Currently, I have a torn disc in my back. It happens to pinch a nerve in my left leg periodically. It can cause zero or sometimes tons of pain. I am doing lots of physical activity and am doing very well and almost pain free for months now. I do see a neurosurgeon tomorrow and will ask about my "Planned Walk. We will discuss options and advice to stay as pain free as possible.
I have reading about this for 9 years and now my chance has come to do it! The informaton and advice you all provide is amazing and makes this newbie more excited to start!
I hope to purchase my flights by the end of the month!
I APOLOGIZE IF ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS SEEM RIDICULOUS. I sometimes feel the more I read, the more questions i have.
Questions I Have Despite Reading Hundreds of Threads Below:
1) I have never walked with poles before but have been told they will be of great to help to me especially with my back issues. Can they be taken on the plane? Are flold up as good as a solid pole? Can they be bouth in St. Jean Pied du Port?
2) I see the debate of shoes vs boots may go on until the end of time. I went to 3 stores and all clerks said boots. I actually dont like boots and walk with my New Balance training shoes. I did try on several pairs of both and will go for shoes for sure. While i was in 2 stores, several customers asked where I was going and then started to tell me it will be VERY HOT and i need waterproof for rain> Others said, non waterproof as when it rains it rians and all gets wet.
I left and came home to research. So i ask, if you have walked the camino in August/September, or know those who have, WATERPROOF SHOES or NOT?
3) If i begin in SJPDP, can I buy a Spanish SIM card for my phone in Roncesvalle, or do you think i have to wait until Pamplona?
I WILL STOP ASKING, thanks very much all!
Dan the Man
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