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Yeah I will be leaving tomorrow no later than 5am. This heat is no joke!We're 2 days behind you and starting early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Arrived at Tosantos at 12:06 and were welcomed into the beautifully cool house before 13:00
Yes be careful of the heat and have lots of water. When I walked the Via de la Plata in October it was really hot, thankfully not 37 or 38C like in Burgos. But it was in the low 30" I had my one liter water bottle and bought two 1 liter plastic bottles that I froze and carried. I had cold water to drink and pour on my head and face. I thought it helped alot. The terrain is very similar to the Meseta. Very open with very little shade. The VDLP has many more stretches with no towns. Some days no towns at all. Buen Camino.Yeah I will be leaving tomorrow no later than 5am. This heat is no joke!
I did around 19mi today with a 5am start. The real heat seems to be in the late afternoon although even at 5 it was mid 60s. I felt pretty good, had tons of water with me and was done by 12. Others continued on another 10km which I thought was crazy haha. My biggest problem now is that my private room doesn't have ac or a fan and is like 80 degrees.Am I reading this correct? Your longest day has been 18 MILES not KM?
If so, slightly pushing it IMHO esp. in heat
I picked up an umbrella in Burgos before I left and will give it a try tomorrow.Be careful in the heat and don't push yourself too much! It looks like it's going to be really hot in Monday (104°F in Burgos) I would stick to shorter days until the heat breaks.
But a cheap umbrella so that you can carry some shade with you. I use a handsfree umbrella so that I can also use my poles, but in that kind of heat I would forego my poles and hold the umbrella in my hand if that was my only option.
WOW! So many people complain about getting out of Burgos! After thoroughly getting myself lost (at the tune of close to 2 hours extra each) in both Pamplona and Logrono I literally breezed out of Burgos by simply making it to the Cathedral and just following the markers from there....I found navigating out of Burgos to be surprisingly difficult and had to keep referring to my phone map app to make sure I was still on track. I stayed near the river and in hindsight I should have just walked along it instead of winding through the city. But then I would have missed seeing a near full moon in between two of the cathedral spires. So...
Ha! I found Logrono to be pretty easy (and I loved their Camino markers) and Burgos was fine until I passed through the gate.WOW! So many people complain about getting out of Burgos! After thoroughly getting myself lost (at the tune of close to 2 hours extra each) in both Pamplona and Logrono I literally breezed out of Burgos by simply making it to the Cathedral and just following the markers from there....
Perhaps that was the moment that Gods of Camino began smiling at me (although I am still convinced that some of those smiles were smirks)
Good Luck! ULTREIA!!!
My favorite view!
Myvery favourite spot on the Camino Frances.Yeah I will be leaving tomorrow no later than 5am. This heat is no joke!
Or take a day off!Hola @Mananath Really big congrats on how you have both approached this Camino and your attitude. I have just heard the weather/temp forecast for the next two or three days. Temps over 110F (over 46C) so yes an early start for tomorrow out of Hantanas. May I also suggest carrying extra water; take regular breaks and maybe finish your next day at Itero de la Vega rather than push on to Boadilla del Camino. That extra 10km/6 miles in the afternoon sun can not be recommended. Cheers and Buen Camino.
I am now into the Meseta, spending the night in Hontanas and I really find this town to be adorable. Despite my aversion to descents I found the entrance to the town to be rather picturesque. It's hot. But that is expected. My room is super hot, which is less expected. Tomorrow I will head to either Fromista or Boadilla de Camino (prob this one; it's shorter)
I agree about stopping at Castrojeriz. And the next day you can walk to Población de Campos and stay at the wonderful Albergue La Finca, where each bunk is like a tiny room.One of the albergues at Boadilla del Camino has a swimming pool. Unless something has changed, it is an oasis. But I do agree about the distance - in that heat I would be stopping at Castrojeriz!
…But then I would have missed seeing a near full moon in between two of the cathedral spires. So...
Photo please!!!!!
One of the albergues at Boadilla del Camino has a swimming pool. Unless something has changed, it is an oasis. But I do agree about the distance - in that heat I would be stopping at Castrojeriz!
This is my favourite vista on the Camino Frances - beautiful and welcoming in all seasons! Thanks for posting it!
I reached castrojeriz at like 715am... A bit too early to stop for the day.I agree about stopping at Castrojeriz. And the next day you can walk to Población de Campos and stay at the wonderful Albergue La Finca, where each bunk is like a tiny room.
Hola, if my 2017 memories are correct, yes there is a pool of some description but I think it was more a wading or soaking pool rather than swimming. It also needed a good clean (but hey it was May and noone was interested).One of the albergues at Boadilla del Camino has a swimming pool. Unless something has changed, it is an oasis. But I do agree about the distance - in that heat I would be stopping at Castrojeriz!
I left at 518 and arrived at 830. The bar was packed haha. There were obstacles though! During the night two trees fell down and were blocking the path. I passed the food truck owner operating a chainsaw to clear the path. Tough for the cyclists!I was just thinking that you will have the perfect opportunity to escape to escape the heat by doing a moonlit walk on the long straight and flat stretch between Carrión de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza. It's a great stretch for night walking because there are no real obstacles on the trail, and no turns to miss. I wish that I had thought of doing it when I was on the Francés. Book a private room and go to bed very early. I would try to start walking by 4:00 am or earlier. It should take a little more than 3 hours or so to walk the 17.2 km, depending on your pace.
My husband and I did the same in late May this year. I think that was my favorite sectionOn my first Camino I started walking from Hontanas while it was still dark (I don't remember the exact time). I got to the ruins of the Convent at San Anton just as the sun was coming up, and it had a magical feel.
Carrion proved to be a breath of fresh air. When I wandered in I found a great bar that served me the menu de dias despite arriving too early. The gazpacho and wine were fantastic.
my hotel was spectacular. It appeared to be brand new. The room was large, the bathroom thoughtfully designed and the ac worked. When the woman showed me the room and the controller for the AC I almost broke out in tears. It was quickly set to 19c for my entire stay. It was wonderful.
The toe socks have been a game changer for me. I love em! I still wear the darn toughs at night sometimes but I have always found them to be too tight.Mananath, your posts are so encouraging, especially considering your shakey start concerning footwear. It's amazing to hear how strong your feet and legs have become over 2 weeks. I'll be especially dialed into your adventures from now on, as my little group will be embarking from Leon in September. I'm still training with my Topos and breaking in my Chacos too! I think I'm just about ready to ditch my Darn Tough socks in favor of Injinji (which really surprises me!). Buen Camino!
I took this alternate during the heat of July 2019. My early morning departure brought me to this amazing sunrise. The silence was also a welcome sound.Hola @Mananath, there was an alternative to the highway/senda trail from Fromista. At or just after Poblacion de Campos (before you cross the Rio Uciaeza) take the right hand path. I walked in May 2017 and found it a welcome relief from the highway traffic noise.
I love Leon too. I stayed at the Leon Hostel where I nursed an injured leg for many a day. I love reading your posts and your journey is definitely a Buen Camino!!Fortunately I love Leon
We always stay at the AC in Leon. Love shopping at El Corte Ingles. They have regular stick deoderant/antiperspirant instead of roll on or spray!This morning I arrived in Leon. I am pretty sure the entrance to Leon has been the worst I have experienced so far. I think I had gotten so used to there not being too much vehicle traffic the past few days that I found street crossings to be a bit challenging. Plus it seemed that there were quite a few of them that weren't controlled.
Found another section where someone painted over the official arrows and diverted the Camino into a small village. In hindsight I should have taken it. The route I ended up on had a pretty long ascent.
Fortunately I love Leon (I was here a few years ago) so once arriving all my frustrations were forgotten. I checked into a 3mo old hotel with good AC and one of those waterfall shower heads that is wider than me.
Now I am sitting in a lavadoras watching my few pieces of clothing slowly bounce around in the secadora and the radio is playing a song I heard a guy whistling a few days ago and had been stuck in my head ever since.
I will be in Leon for two days and am already doubting my decision to take a rest day. I really don't think I need it and am wary about being removed from my Camino head space. Still it will be nice to sleep in. Haha
I have been thinking about how remarkable the human body is. Yesterday I basically walked a marathon, after walking continuously for two weeks, and today I feel fine. Tired but not sore. My feet don't ache. Amazing. A few years ago I walked a marathon on the spur of a moment (during a covid quarantine) and found myself in agony for days after. Goes to show the importance of training etc
Yeah, closer and closer but I am trying not to think about it yet..lots of miles to go. But the draw is definitely increasing....I love Leon too. I stayed at the Leon Hostel where I nursed an injured leg for many a day. I love reading your posts and your journey is definitely a Buen Camino!!
Keep Walking.You’re getting closer to Santiago.
Very cute dog, Fuji approves
When I was walking out of San Justo a friendly stray dog decided to join me and basically walked all the way to Astorga with me.
Such a beautiful photo!
Thanks! Looking at it now, it seems so long ago. It was thirteen days ago hahaaSuch a beautiful photo!
Oh boy. Today I felt my soul lift! What a walk, what views, what a day!
I had been stressing myself out a bit about this day-long downhills make me wary- and read a lot of reviews about the terrain etc but none mentioned the bugs. Oh the bugs. I call em gnats but I don't think that is what they are but they were plentiful in the covered areas this morning, just swarming and flying into my face. I got two in my nose, one in my eye and a few in my mouth. Infuriating. No amount of swatting could rid me of them and they always seemed to appear when the terrain was rough. Thankfully as the day went on there were less of them...
Today I walked to Cruz de Ferro, an image that had already been burned Into my head. I found the uphill walk to be rather easy and was focusing on the trail when the cross suddenly appeared. I wasn't sure if I would have an emotional reaction to it and I didn't. There was a scrum of cyclists all clambering up when I arrived so I just walked to the other side to toss my rock and sat down in the shelter to apply some sunscreen.
After leaving I started getting into my head a bit and thinking about the past 3 weeks and how I felt I have grown. I was thinking about how easy I was finding the walking despite already walking 300miles. I began to realize that while the Camino might provide it also teaches, if you are open to it, and there was nothing really different about today's walk than other days. I had already learned the best way to handle the walking obstacles.
Eventually I came to a food truck selling snacks and such. I wasn't going to stop but noticed they had Kas Limon (my go-to Camino drink) so I did and got a can. Sitting down at a table, with a cold Kas in my hand and gazing at the amazing scenery everything was just perfect and I was suddenly just overcome with emotion. Floored. It was so weird and it just came out of nowhere. Camino does weird things to ya haha.
Continuing, I was awed by the scenery. Today was just spectacular in that respect and I began to wonder what the bjg deal about the downhill section was...and then I came to it. lol.
This was not an enjoyable section. While I arrived in Acebo with no aches or pains I found the walk to be very mentally taxing and I went super slow over all the loose rocks. At one point some old guy about 30 years my senior stopped to ask if iwas ok before clambering down. I swear he was raised by goats. While the Chacos offered a good grip I was very aware of the lack of ankle support.
Not sure what I will do tomorrow, if I will walk the road or take the trail. Not really looking forward to a few more hours of super rocky downhill....also not sure where I will end up tomorrow. It all depends on how I feel after arriving in Molinaseca....
View attachment 130012
This is probably too late but you are past the worst of it, stick to the trail on the descent into Molinaseca.Not sure what I will do tomorrow, if I will walk the road or take the trail. Not really looking forward to a few more hours of super rocky downhill....also not sure where I will end up tomorrow.
This is probably too late but you are past the worst of it, stick to the trail on the descent into Molinaseca.
We fly out of Madrid Aug 4. Enjoy your time in Santiago. I am sure you'll be back when you are able.The past few days have been magical. The entry to Galicia has really been uplifting - all the green and hills -- esp after the meseta. Tomorrow I will arrive in Sarria!
My descent from Acebo passed uneventfully. I think I built the hazards of this section up in my mind so much that I psyched myself out a bit. While certainly not easy I found this downhill easier than the descent into Acebo (which had a lot of large loose rocks).
Having completed both this section and the entry into Triacastela I have decided to stop reviewing elevation profiles. Rarely do the terrifying descents represented on the graphs match the reality of the ground. For instance, the descent to Triacastela was quite gradual and though it was long I felt it to be rather easy.
When I entered Ponferada a few days ago someone stopped me to tell me that the back pocket of my backpack was wide open. I quickly zipped it up and began to wonder if I had lost anything. Later that night I discovered that everything was accounted for except my stick of Foot Glide, which I have been using daily on my feet and inner thighs to prevent chafing. Disaster.
The next night I ran into a pilgrim I hadnt seen in about two weeks and after catching up I mentioned the loss of my foot glide. Turns out they had one they never used and offered to me. The Camino provides, eh?
A friend of mine recently asked me for my low and high moments so far and after thinking about it for a few days I realized I can't answer her. I think to separate out the lows would negate the highs, the experience so far has been the totality. It just builds and each moment plays a role.
As I begin to look to the end of my Camino the weight of what I have done so far is beginning to hit me. It feels like I am riding a giant emotional wave, that began way back in Pamplona and has been growing everyday with each new experience. Now as I am less than a week from finishing I feel this wave has reached gigantic proportions and is just propelling me closer and closer to Santiago. I'm just along for the ride, hoping for a gentle landing in Plaza de Obradoiro.
My intention is to arrive the morning of the 2nd and spend two nights before returning to the US. It's so soon!
I think this adjustment is hard for a lot of folks, based on the number of posts here in the forum. My husband and I handled these feelings in a few ways. First, we stayed mid-stage to be out of more congested towns. Then, we started very early, around 5, to enjoy the first few hours with very few pilgrims nearby and none of the youth groups, who tended to be the loudest. Finally, we talked about the change and decided to observe individuals and groups and then talked about how Spanish teens are exactly like our American kids were at that age, how cool it is to see pilgrims who might have left their home countries for the very first time ( so felt the need for the support of a tour group) and, the best of all, how we saw many people with disabilities on this part of the Camino. My husband pitched in on a hill or two to help pull pilgrims in wheelchairs. It wasn’t as peaceful and contemplative as earlier stages and I don’t think I’ll walk the Sarria to SdC section in a high season again (but I could change my mind) but it has its beauties, too. Could you split your walking into very early morning and then after dinner to avoid all the groups?There are over 100 people in this photo, way off into the distance.View attachment 130265
I had booked my final few days in advance as I was concerned about finding space. I am only staying in private rooms at this point. So I will be in Arzua tomorrow. But the following day I will push on for a long day and finish at Lavacolla. Then on the final day have like a 90 min walk into Santiago and hopefully avoid the bulk of people who stayed at Pedrouzo.Yes, unfortunately you’re caught in the middle of the weekend crowd.
I agree with Sarah’s tips, try to finish the day beyond the usual stages (so the next morning you’re already ahead of the other pilgrims), start walking between 5.30-6.30 OR way later like after 10 if you can sustain the heat (!!!! Seems everyone starts walking between 7.30-8.30?).
I remember getting a 3-course meal at O Pedrouzo for lunch and pushed on after lunch (all the energy from the various carbs) and there was nobody there! Only some cyclists - they would’ve reached Santiago on that day, and 1 other pilgrim who started even further back than me!
That is the smell of money as my farmer ex-husband used to sayToday got off to a rough start. I walked out of Sarria and really wasn't prepared for the amount of new people on the Camino. I suspect I walked by at least 400 people today. In the previous few days I was seeing a dozen or so pilgrims.
I spent most of the morning being really annoyed. I was stingy with my "buen Caminos". I found myself being really resentful of everyone with their new packs, new energy etc crowding the path, singing, praying and taking up all the tables at various bars.
I started walking faster and during my first hour walked a mile more than my normal pace. I began calculating how I could knock this last section out in 2 days etc.
By lunch I realized that my attitude and pace was not sustainable. And while I can't do anything about the hoards of people I can adjust my attitude. So I have been working on that. And will stick to my plan to arrive in Santiago on the 2nd.
I think what I find most annoying is that the new people don't realize what they are missing out on by starting now. Thinking back I have found the meditative state that comes from doing the same thing day in and day out to be most rewarding. And I don't think you can obtain that in 100km.
Also, Galicia smells haha. All the cow poop is making me nauseous!
Yay!!! Well done you! Don’t miss the short detour at Monte de Gozo to see the pilgrim’s statues. I also arrived at 9.30, short queue at the Pilgrim’s Office, was out with my compostela just after 10!I suspect tomorrow I will arrive around 930am
Thanks for your Camino story, it’s been a joy to read. I was touched by your emotion on entering Santiago. I’ve never been inclined to get a tattoo, but mentioned to my wife earlier this week that on completing, god willing, the Camino I may get one. Though I don’t like pain.After settling in for the night at Lavacolla I began to have doubts. I found the accommodation options to be quite poor and overpriced so I ended up at a place about 10 min off the Camino. I was the only pilgrim there and began to feel a bit lonely. Plus the proximity to Santiago made me think I should have just continued.
However morning came and I began to walk early at my customary 7am. My hope was to avoid the large groups and I did. The only pilgrims I saw were ones I had been seeing for weeks (including my Camino nemesis; after all the weeks of course we would finish together haha) and they were few. Most of the way into Santiago I was alone.
For some reason, after hundred's of miles of clearly marked trails the arrows dry up as you begin to approach Santiago which was a bit confusing and I was thankful for my gps to get me the final few bits.
A pilgrim arriving in Santiago is not much of a novelty and most locals were indifferent to my arrival and bubbling excitement. However when I was about 5 minutes from finishing I came to an intersection and a couple -strangers- going about their business spotted me, pointed the way, smiled and began clapping as I passed them.
This was my most memorable experience of the whole Camino. It was nice to feel seen and acknowledged. After passing them I had to stop and clear my eyes.
No bagpipes as I walked through the tunnel however there was an accordion player. Not the same haha. The plaza was fairly empty when I arrived and I sat down, stared at the Cathedral and thought the thoughts thousands of others have had before me. It had been a safe journey, a successful one, a memorable one and I was thankful.
I really wanted to see the botafumeiro swing but sadly, despite attending 8 masses, it was not meant to be.
After weeks of walking and staring at shells I decided that I wanted a more permanent reminder of this journey so I got a tattoo (my first) on my lower calf. I am happy with it and look forward to viewing it years from now and remembering.
Now I am heading to the airport. An overnight in Barcelona followed by a flight back to the US. Back to work in 6 days. It's all a bit disconcerting. Not sure if I will do another camino...maybe. probably. I am glad for this one.
I dislike that section too. These days I take the road.Oh boy. Today I felt my soul lift! What a walk, what views, what a day!
I had been stressing myself out a bit about this day-long downhills make me wary- and read a lot of reviews about the terrain etc but none mentioned the bugs. Oh the bugs. I call em gnats but I don't think that is what they are but they were plentiful in the covered areas this morning, just swarming and flying into my face. I got two in my nose, one in my eye and a few in my mouth. Infuriating. No amount of swatting could rid me of them and they always seemed to appear when the terrain was rough. Thankfully as the day went on there were less of them...
Today I walked to Cruz de Ferro, an image that had already been burned Into my head. I found the uphill walk to be rather easy and was focusing on the trail when the cross suddenly appeared. I wasn't sure if I would have an emotional reaction to it and I didn't. There was a scrum of cyclists all clambering up when I arrived so I just walked to the other side to toss my rock and sat down in the shelter to apply some sunscreen.
After leaving I started getting into my head a bit and thinking about the past 3 weeks and how I felt I have grown. I was thinking about how easy I was finding the walking despite already walking 300miles. I began to realize that while the Camino might provide it also teaches, if you are open to it, and there was nothing really different about today's walk than other days. I had already learned the best way to handle the walking obstacles.
Eventually I came to a food truck selling snacks and such. I wasn't going to stop but noticed they had Kas Limon (my go-to Camino drink) so I did and got a can. Sitting down at a table, with a cold Kas in my hand and gazing at the amazing scenery everything was just perfect and I was suddenly just overcome with emotion. Floored. It was so weird and it just came out of nowhere. Camino does weird things to ya haha.
Continuing, I was awed by the scenery. Today was just spectacular in that respect and I began to wonder what the bjg deal about the downhill section was...and then I came to it. lol.
This was not an enjoyable section. While I arrived in Acebo with no aches or pains I found the walk to be very mentally taxing and I went super slow over all the loose rocks. At one point some old guy about 30 years my senior stopped to ask if iwas ok before clambering down. I swear he was raised by goats. While the Chacos offered a good grip I was very aware of the lack of ankle support.
Not sure what I will do tomorrow, if I will walk the road or take the trail. Not really looking forward to a few more hours of super rocky downhill....also not sure where I will end up tomorrow. It all depends on how I feel after arriving in Molinaseca....
View attachment 130012
I didn't find it painful at all. A bit of discomfort but not terrible.Thanks for your Camino story, it’s been a joy to read. I was touched by your emotion on entering Santiago. I’ve never been inclined to get a tattoo, but mentioned to my wife earlier this week that on completing, god willing, the Camino I may get one. Though I don’t like pain.
I can’t wait until 20 September when we lock the house for 6-7 weeks and start our Camino Frances.
safe travel home
Show us!I didn't find it painful at all. A bit of discomfort but not terrible.
Ha. Ok!Show us!
Your assessment of the final walk into Santiago was similar to mine. Had the feel of approach into Leon and (maybe Burgos but didn't go by the road). Arrows disappearing (had to look down for shells on pavement) as well as just being part of the masses (meh another pilgrim coming through).After settling in for the night at Lavacolla I began to have doubts. I found the accommodation options to be quite poor and overpriced so I ended up at a place about 10 min off the Camino. I was the only pilgrim there and began to feel a bit lonely. Plus the proximity to Santiago made me think I should have just continued.
However morning came and I began to walk early at my customary 7am. My hope was to avoid the large groups and I did. The only pilgrims I saw were ones I had been seeing for weeks (including my Camino nemesis; after all the weeks of course we would finish together haha) and they were few. Most of the way into Santiago I was alone.
For some reason, after hundred's of miles of clearly marked trails the arrows dry up as you begin to approach Santiago which was a bit confusing and I was thankful for my gps to get me the final few bits.
A pilgrim arriving in Santiago is not much of a novelty and most locals were indifferent to my arrival and bubbling excitement. However when I was about 5 minutes from finishing I came to an intersection and a couple -strangers- going about their business spotted me, pointed the way, smiled and began clapping as I passed them.
This was my most memorable experience of the whole Camino. It was nice to feel seen and acknowledged. After passing them I had to stop and clear my eyes.
No bagpipes as I walked through the tunnel however there was an accordion player. Not the same haha. The plaza was fairly empty when I arrived and I sat down, stared at the Cathedral and thought the thoughts thousands of others have had before me. It had been a safe journey, a successful one, a memorable one and I was thankful.
I really wanted to see the botafumeiro swing but sadly, despite attending 8 masses, it was not meant to be.
After weeks of walking and staring at shells I decided that I wanted a more permanent reminder of this journey so I got a tattoo (my first) on my lower calf. I am happy with it and look forward to viewing it years from now and remembering.
Now I am heading to the airport. An overnight in Barcelona followed by a flight back to the US. Back to work in 6 days. It's all a bit disconcerting. Not sure if I will do another camino...maybe. probably. I am glad for this one.
Out of curiosity we’re you able to bring your pack on to the plane as a carry on? And do you think the size is large enough for walking the Camino?This afternoon I walked into Burgos and felt a wee bit of an accomplishment. It felt good. I started my walk back on the 5th (the 6th was my first full day) from Pamplona and I had a lot of concerns, mainly with my footwear and how my body would handle it and if I would even make it a few days. But so far my body is holding up. No major issues beyond tightness in the morning.
My footwear saga seems to have worked itself out. After starting with a pair of trail runners they quickly proved to be a bit ill fitting and caused some heel pain and blisters so I switched to my Chacos which have been good so far after getting the straps dialed in. I haven't come across any terrain yet where I felt uncomfortable (though the rocky ascent this morning between Ages and Burgos was a bit of a rolled ankle waiting to happen; I just went slow).
I have been realizing how much I enjoy this, which tool a few days. I think I started with the idea that this was going to be the Bataan death march, which of course, it isn't. It's nice feeling part of something bigger and sharing this experience with others, even if many people you just pass (or get passed by) on the road. It's nice to recognize faces as the days go by.
My longest day so far has been around 18mi but I think tomorrow I will push on to Hontanas which will be around 19 or so. I have been trying to alternate between long and short days with the idea of averaging 15mi a day to make my Aug 4th deadline.
I have been very happy with my pack, an Osprey Stratos 36. I knew from previous backpacking experience that I wanted a robust suspension and strap system and this definitely provides that. My shoulders haven't been sore at all.
I am starting to realize where I have overpacked a bit (I am at around 16#). Definitely have not needed: my USB power bank, fleece jacket, my liner socks or three pairs of darn tough socks and my Kindle.
My injinji midweight toe socks, with my Chacos, have been real winners. I never used them before this and have really grown to love having my toes separated. It helps prevent blisters forming between my toes (though I still have a small one).
Another item I am glad to have is a hydration tube that attaches to a regular water bottle (recommended on this forum) which has been great for refilling and easily staying hydrated. Which has been tough. With the high temps you really sweat a lot and I noticed the first few days that I wasn't urinating enough because I just wasn't drinking all I should have been.
For a few reasons I have mainly been staying in private rooms at cheaper hotels. While it has been good for sleeping I am realizing that you do miss out a bit on the social part of the Camino. I am not a very outgoing person to begin with which makes it harder. That being said I have enjoyed chatting with people while walking and it is nice to stop for a rest at a bar and have someone recognize you!
All in all it has been a good start and rather enjoyable. I am hopeful that I will be able to finish but don't want to jinx it yet!
Yes to both. I flew on united, vueling and SATA and had no issues with bringing it on the plane. It was more than large enough. It's a great pack and my shoulders never felt sore.Out of curiosity we’re you able to bring your pack on to the plane as a carry on? And do you think the size is large enough for walking the Camino?
I want to take the road tomorrow from El Acebo. Is it straightforward to take it?I dislike that section too. These days I take the road.
yes, just watch out for cars, especially on the cornersI want to take the road tomorrow from El Acebo. Is it straightforward to take it?
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