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Hi Bamboo,
1. The age-old sleeping bag vs. liner question. You'll hear lots of different opinions on this, and they are just that: opinions! Most of the albergues have blankets if you get cold, but not all of them (and the don't question when last they were washed). I'm also a "cold sleeper" and I like the creature comfort of having my own bag to snuggle up into at the end of a long day. But it's a very personal choice.
2. I've found that, while I like the idea, it's not always that practical to swim when you're in the middle of a stage. On the odd occasion when you are walking along a beach (most of the time you're on a cliff above the sea), there's nowhere to get changed, and then you've got to get your wet and sandy body back into your walking gear. You can have a good swim in the sea during a rest day - when you can join all the tourists on the beach like a "normal" person (i.e. not changing inside a sleeping bag, with your toes wrapped in band-aids and trying to pretend your underwear is a really bikini...ha ha)
p.s. there are a couple of nudist beaches on the Norte. The one that comes to mind is the Playa de la Vega just after Ribadesella. The nudist section is right at the end of the beach, so most pilgrims don't see it. One of my most memorable experiences on the Norte was the time I spent "going native" on this beach
Hi Bamboo - girlfriend and I hope to start 1st Sept as well - I am living in Melbourne - see you out thereWow thanks to everyone for taking the time to provide such comprehensive and thoughtful responses!
Seems like there will be plenty of swimming opportunities on the beach and in pools along the way! I’ll definitely look into all the recommended beach options and I seriously like the idea of scheduling rest days by the sea. I’m planning on taking about 40 days so I’ll have plenty of time to stop and have a dip.
So it looks like I’ll be bringing my bathers and perhaps I’ll seek out a Costco down quilt - just need to wait for them to be back in stock in Melbourne, Australia. I have plans to cut it down to a third And snap lock the bottom of it to my liner. For $30 it’s worth a try!
Given there are no pools at albergues on the Norte I think I’ll leave the goggles at home and just buy one at the pools if I end up having the time and inclination to do some lap swimming.
Liz, ill likely start on the 1st or 2nd of September but will be taking my time so I wouldn’t be surprised if we do meet along The Way somewhere!
Hi there. I have done plenty of swimming on El Norte taking precautions as described above. I have usually walked in Sept and silk liner is fine and saves weight and bulk in your pack . Buen CaminoSee you out there - Less than seven months away now!
We walked the Camino del Norte in Sept and part of August 2017. It was typical weather that year I think, and we enjoyed swimming and wading in the sea at several spots. Often it was a wade from one of the many beautiful beaches, refreshing both spirit and legs. At some of the towns we stayed at after a day of walking, we would change into swim suits and play in the water, Salinas comes to mind ( forever and beautifully ). We did not worry about rip tides.. The water was comfortable, but we are Canadians, so any water you do not have to chop up is fine with us.I’m planning on walking the Camino del Norte/primitivo starting in Irun in the first week of September this year.
I have a couple of questions (and lots of sub questions) I’m hoping someone could help me with:
- do I need a sleeping bag/quilt? (apologies I know this comes up a lot and I’ve pretty much resigned myself to carrying one as I’m a cold sleeper but thought I’d ask anyway as I haven’t seen any threads about question two).
- do I need bathers/swimmers and if so, how do you manage the change? (I’m a woman).
Thanking everyone in advance!
- is it safe to swim in the sea (I’ll be travelling alone). I.e are there strong currents/lots of people swimming/lifeguards, etc?
- apart from the sea, are there any pools in allergues/in town along the way? Should I bring goggles to do laps? Would I even want to do them after hours of walking? (I should add that I love lap swimming in a pool and find it very relaxing)
- would it be warm enough to swim in autumn?
I use a silk liner and a tiny down blanket that I can tuck inside when I need extra warmth. Together they weigh about 14 ounces/400 grams.
I’m planning on walking the Camino del Norte/primitivo starting in Irun in the first week of September this year.
I have a couple of questions (and lots of sub questions) I’m hoping someone could help me with:
- do I need a sleeping bag/quilt? (apologies I know this comes up a lot and I’ve pretty much resigned myself to carrying one as I’m a cold sleeper but thought I’d ask anyway as I haven’t seen any threads about question two).
- do I need bathers/swimmers and if so, how do you manage the change? (I’m a woman).
- is it safe to swim in the sea (I’ll be travelling alone). I.e are there strong currents/lots of people swimming/lifeguards, etc?
- apart from the sea, are there any pools in allergues/in town along the way? Should I bring goggles to do laps? Would I even want to do them after hours of walking? (I should add that I love lap swimming in a pool and find it very relaxing)
- would it be warm enough to swim in autumn?
Thanking everyone in advance!
I have this blanket from Montbell, it's just big enough to cover me.Hi @trecile may I ask what your down blanket is? Your set up is enviably light!
Hi Messa - look forward to bumping into you on the Camino!Hi @Bamboo I've been tossing up the sleeping bag question myself. I have a decently lightweight and fairly compact one, but intend on only using a carry-on suitcase for 2 weeks walking + 3-4 weeks European travel. Every bit of space counts and am unsure what to do.
I plan to start in Oviedo on 17th September. If you're passing through, maybe we'll meet on the track?
I have this blanket from Montbell, it's just big enough to cover me.
A less expensive alternative is a down blanket from Costco - cut in half. The Costco blankets are a seasonal item, and usually start showing up in stores around September.
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