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I understand the need or desire to cut off from the constant communication offered by a phone but I sincerely counsel anyone to have one for emergencies. If you found an injured pilgrim or were robbed how would you alert anyone or call for medical help?I put this post under equipment because there are some questions about it, but I have more outside that topic.
Anyways, hello! I am a new pilgrim and have been lurking, reading various posts for hours. Many have answered the majority of my questions, but I need some clarification on others. Sorry, this post may be really long.
1. I'm 95% sure I'm not going to bring my phone. Instead, I plan on getting a minimal calling card to call home, at least in major towns when payphones aren't so scarce. My phone is terrible at taking pictures and doesn't have much in terms of space for various apps and documents. I'm leaning towards taking my iPod Touch for pictures, WiFi access, and more space for apps and such. I'm traveling with a companion who is in Spain currently teaching English. I'm joining him after his school year is over and he currently has his phone with him. I'm thinking one phone between will be enough. I guess my question is how detrimental is it to not have my phone? I'd rather not carry it for the weight and the worry about keeping up with it.
2. As we have to wait until my friend's school year is over, we're starting around the 28th or 29th of May. I recently learned that 2016 is now a Holy Year and that June isn't necessarily the busiest month, but it's up there. My question is how busy has June been for past years? Will we be able to get into albergues for the most part? I don't mind sleeping outside so much except for trying to keep my bag safe, as I'm a heavy sleeper.
3. One of the last things I plan on packing is clothes. I've lost about 110 pounds, but plan on losing about 30 more before my trip. This means I want to have the chance of getting clothes that fit better. I've looked up temperatures and weather patterns of past Junes, and find the average day temp to be 70-80 (21-27 Celsius) and dry for the most part. I plan on bringing three pairs of socks and underwear. I'm thinking a sarong with bike shorts (or mesh running shorts) to wear underneath for town after a shower. A pair of trousers that can roll-up shorter, a short sleeved shirt, and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt. I'm also thinking of bringing a lightweight rain jacket and a buff. And, of course, my hiking shoes and albergue/town shoes. Does this sound good? Too much, too little?
4. Kind of a dumb question, but in case we get to an albergue and only top bunks are available, how many don't have rails on the top? I toss and turn, and haven't slept in a bunk bed since camp in junior high, and worried about falling off!
5. We're starting off in Roncesvalles for time purposes. How easy is it to find the credentials office there?
6. Any apps you'd recommend? I'm going to download various pdfs from here, like a condensed guide and list of albergues. I will definitely do a compass app. The cheaper, the better. I'm a bargain pilgrim!
I think that's everything. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
I understand the need or desire to cut off from the constant communication offered by a phone but I sincerely counsel anyone to have one for emergencies. If you found an injured pilgrim or were robbed how would you alert anyone or call for medical help?
3. I've lost about 110 pounds, but plan on losing about 30 more before my trip...
... I've lost about 110 pounds, but plan on losing about 30 more before my trip. ...
If you're happy and comfortable not having a phone, that's great and you should go with it. But if it comes down to the weight of your phone as the deciding reason, IMO you may want to keep considering before you ultimately leave. I know you've been reading lots on this forum and probably read lots about ounce counters but, again IMO, a few extra ounces to have some peace of mind is never a bad few ounces.I'm 95% sure I'm not going to bring my phone.
In that heat while carrying a pack all day, it may be worth considering at least a second short-sleeved shirt. At 27C it is not uncommon to change shirts midway through a day. If you do decide to go with just one, I'd certainly recommend a strong sweat wicking shirt that hand washes easily and dries very quickly as you'll likely be washing it every day of your Camino.a short sleeved shirt
I'm pretty fond of the Wise Pilgrim Camino app. It has all the maps, elevation views, lots of suggestions for Albergues and places to see in each town. On a subsequent Camino I would think it more than adequate in place of a guide book.Any apps you'd recommend?
I put this post under equipment because there are some questions about it, but I have more outside that topic.
Anyways, hello! I am a new pilgrim and have been lurking, reading various posts for hours. Many have answered the majority of my questions, but I need some clarification on others. Sorry, this post may be really long.
1. I'm 95% sure I'm not going to bring my phone.
2. As we have to wait until my friend's school year is over, we're starting around the 28th or 29th of May. I recently learned that 2016 is now a Holy Year and that June isn't necessarily the busiest month, but it's up there. My question is how busy has June been for past years? Will we be able to get into albergues for the most part? I don't mind sleeping outside so much except for trying to keep my bag safe, as I'm a heavy sleeper.
Some do, some don't. When was the last time you fell out of bed? Probably a long time ago, I'm guessing. You'll be fine in a top bunk.4. Kind of a dumb question, but in case we get to an albergue and only top bunks are available, how many don't have rails on the top? I toss and turn, and haven't slept in a bunk bed since camp in junior high, and worried about falling off!
You should be able to get one at the tourist office or at the albergue. And if you fill one up, most albergues along the way will have them for purchase.5. We're starting off in Roncesvalles for time purposes. How easy is it to find the credentials office there?
I used an app called Open GPS tracker, to keep track of distances and now I can go back and see where I was on a given day. It's a free app.6. Any apps you'd recommend? I'm going to download various pdfs from here, like a condensed guide and list of albergues. I will definitely do a compass app. The cheaper, the better. I'm a bargain pilgrim!
I think that's everything. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
I don't have the answers for you as I am a Newbie too. My mouth is still hanging open from amazement at your weight loss. WAY TO GO! I work for a Lap Band Surgeon and I've seen lives changed. What a wonderful way to celebrate !!I put this post under equipment because there are some questions about it, but I have more outside that topic.
Anyways, hello! I am a new pilgrim and have been lurking, reading various posts for hours. Many have answered the majority of my questions, but I need some clarification on others. Sorry, this post may be really long.
1. I'm 95% sure I'm not going to bring my phone. Instead, I plan on getting a minimal calling card to call home, at least in major towns when payphones aren't so scarce. My phone is terrible at taking pictures and doesn't have much in terms of space for various apps and documents. I'm leaning towards taking my iPod Touch for pictures, WiFi access, and more space for apps and such. I'm traveling with a companion who is in Spain currently teaching English. I'm joining him after his school year is over and he currently has his phone with him. I'm thinking one phone between will be enough. I guess my question is how detrimental is it to not have my phone? I'd rather not carry it for the weight and the worry about keeping up with it.
2. As we have to wait until my friend's school year is over, we're starting around the 28th or 29th of May. I recently learned that 2016 is now a Holy Year and that June isn't necessarily the busiest month, but it's up there. My question is how busy has June been for past years? Will we be able to get into albergues for the most part? I don't mind sleeping outside so much except for trying to keep my bag safe, as I'm a heavy sleeper.
3. One of the last things I plan on packing is clothes. I've lost about 110 pounds, but plan on losing about 30 more before my trip. This means I want to have the chance of getting clothes that fit better. I've looked up temperatures and weather patterns of past Junes, and find the average day temp to be 70-80 (21-27 Celsius) and dry for the most part. I plan on bringing three pairs of socks and underwear. I'm thinking a sarong with bike shorts (or mesh running shorts) to wear underneath for town after a shower. A pair of trousers that can roll-up shorter, a short sleeved shirt, and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt. I'm also thinking of bringing a lightweight rain jacket and a buff. And, of course, my hiking shoes and albergue/town shoes. Does this sound good? Too much, too little?
4. Kind of a dumb question, but in case we get to an albergue and only top bunks are available, how many don't have rails on the top? I toss and turn, and haven't slept in a bunk bed since camp in junior high, and worried about falling off!
5. We're starting off in Roncesvalles for time purposes. How easy is it to find the credentials office there?
6. Any apps you'd recommend? I'm going to download various pdfs from here, like a condensed guide and list of albergues. I will definitely do a compass app. The cheaper, the better. I'm a bargain pilgrim!
I think that's everything. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
You need to have an "unlocked" phone in order to insert a Spanish SIM card to provide Spanish phone service and data (if you want it). I don't know where you are located, but here in Canada, phones typically come "locked" to a particular service provider. After a certain length of time you can unlock it for a fee.I really have no idea how SIM cards work.
I second the last pieces of advice...particularly the 'stay hydrated'. I was told by a fellow pilgrim to 'drink plenty' when I was in Navarette...I didn't and really suffered in Belorado. My mistake... and I won't make it again. Buen Camino MinaleighBring your phone. Turn it off and throw it in your backpack if you don't want to use it. Your phone is part of your first aid kit. Payphones are non-existent, and should you twist your ankle out in the middle of nowhere, you'll be glad you had it. Don't rely on others for a phone either in an emergency.
You should be fine being able to get into an albergue. You might have to stop early in the day, but it shouldn't be a problem.
Some do, some don't. When was the last time you fell out of bed? Probably a long time ago, I'm guessing. You'll be fine in a top bunk.
You should be able to get one at the tourist office or at the albergue. And if you fill one up, most albergues along the way will have them for purchase.
I used an app called Open GPS tracker, to keep track of distances and now I can go back and see where I was on a given day. It's a free app.
Not sure how your Spanish is, but get the offline version of google translate. It's free too.
Stay hydrated.
Walk at your own pace.
Stay hydrated.
Take pictures.
I second the last pieces of advice...particularly the 'stay hydrated'. I was told by a fellow pilgrim to 'drink plenty' when I was in Navarette...I didn't and really suffered in Belorado. My mistake... and I won't make it again. Buen Camino Minaleigh
That's good to know. I'll be starting in SJPDP on August 21. I'm planning on bringing two merino wool tank style dresses that I plan to wear with leggings when it's cold. I'll also have a lightweight merino cardigan, a lightweight hoodie, and a ultra light windbreaker. I'm hoping that those layers will be versatile enough to adapt to different temps. I'm thinking of also bringing a long sleeve merino T shirt.i brought three sets of clothes...i didn't have to do laundry everyday...but i walked in sept 2015 in shorts the whole way with fast drying tees and one lightweight long sleeve.
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