New to the forum

[Aunty Gen]

Hi all, having found this forum very helpful in helping us prepare for our Camino in April 2007, I decided I had better join. My husband & I are doing the Camino Frances in April/May and I have to say one of the best parts so far has been all the preparations and anticipation. Reading all the posts has been great and I have learnt so much. Still lots of questions in my mind tho, boots or shoes?, walking pole or no?, just what to take and what to leave behind? As I say half the fun is the preparations!

 

[Linda C. Welsh]

Montana greetings

Greetings Aunty Gen,

Lovely to read your post here. I am Linda from Montana and will be on the Camino Frances also in April. I too have been embroiled in making preparations and am just about ready.

I bought the best boots I have ever had for my problem feet: Renegade by Lowa. They were immediately comfortable, are water-proof, and have good traction. I too am wondering about walking pole or no. Are your hands swelling as you walk now? Mine are. Phooey. Perhaps a walking pole would be good?

Highest blessings to you Aunty!

Linda

P.S. I acquired the weirdest backpack I've ever seen...it is a G5 Hyperlight pack by Gossamer gear. It weights only 8 ounces! Everyone says to go light, so I am going to try to! :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Good luck and good road to you both.
Hyper G5? I've seen it advertised - wise one! When you arrive at my white camper van with the http://www.PilgrimSupplies.org logos tell me what you think of it and let me have a look. Why do your hands swell?

Poles? I say take one. Great on uphills and eerrmm ... downhills, also, they may be few, but there are naughty dogs and you will feel safer with a stick to wave - also, females, were you to meet a rough fellow with horrid intentions (not likely), the metal point of a trekking pole in the Adam's Apple could be a thought changing experience for him!!

 

[Aunty Gen]

preparing for the walk

Hi Linda, thanks for the welcome, & Hi to Br David too, thanks for the advice,
Yes my hands do swell when I walk, I then do some small exercises, squeezing and flexing to keep the blood flowing, I think a pole will at least keep them moving. I haven't tried walking with a pole yet. I am told they take a bit of getting used to.

I have decided on my cross country heavy duty trainers instead of boots, they have a very good sole with grip and are very hard wearing but very comfortable. the pack I have bought is a Mountain Designs, a good pack only weighs just on a kilo I think, it is 40L and my test packing has got down to a fine art now. Maximum of about 7 to 7.5 Kgs all up.

cheers,
Aunty Gen