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In Spain- as in most European countries-, Inn keepers are obliged to record the idendities of their guests and keep a list. A photo-ID will do, passport is not really needed......Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??).
In no particular order:
Getting the credencial and having it stamped is not difficult AT ALL. Get a decent dry bag that is easy to get into to keep it in. Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??). I didn't need to pack deodorant, a pillow, 3 changes of clothes, a head lamp, a silk liner, a Bierley guide, potassium, can opener, or bar soap. A couple of extra zip lock baggies will come in really handy.
The things I used every day were the most important things: clean socks and underwear, walking poles, warm jacket, rain coat and gloves, buff, tissues, smart phone with camera, flashlight, kindle app and music with ear buds and blister treatment and prevention stuff.
Take a cab into Pamplona, Leon and Burgos. I hate walking on cement - particularly in traffic.
All those french fries! I am really going to be good about not eating them every night this time!Spanish, well a little more than I did have.
and that I really am carb intolerant. I gained 8 Kilos.
On my second camino I managed to maintain my starting weight.
While this forum is about sharing experience, legal and official regulations should be accurately noted to prevent that fellow peregrinos getting into troubles.My passport number is written in my credencial. My driver's license wasn't good enough. Not every albuergue asked for either. Not even most.
I like the headlamp or a little alternate flashlight. Leave my phone off to save power and zone out for the day.My passport number is written in my credencial. My driver's license wasn't good enough. Not every albuergue asked for either. Not even most.
I used my sleeping bag....but I gave away the liner on day one.
Perspiring is good for you - I would never use an anti-perspirant. I do use deodorant but not on the Camino. I love my buff! This time I will take 2, in fact. I am female...hear me shiver.
I do not walk in the dark. And what I said was Smart phone with kindle app, flashlight, camera and music. All in one.
I am not terribly worried about the expense and would rather take a cab.
In no particular order:
Getting to SJPP isn't as hard or as scary as I thought.
Finding an albuergue isn't hard or scary either.
Getting the credencial and having it stamped is not difficult AT ALL. Get a decent dry bag that is easy to get into to keep it in. Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??).
Carrying a lunch and a snack the first two days is a really, really good idea.
I am miserable without enough water.
The rain in Spain is mostly in the Pyrenees and Galicia.
I don't like grilled Pulpo.
I didn't need to pack deodorant, a pillow, 3 changes of clothes, a head lamp, a silk liner, a Bierley guide, potassium, can opener, or bar soap.
A couple of extra zip lock baggies will come in really handy.
The things I used every day were the most important things:
clean socks and underwear, walking poles, warm jacket, rain coat and gloves, buff, tissues, smart phone with camera, flashlight, kindle app and music with ear buds and blister treatment and prevention stuff.
Take a cab into Pamplona, Leon and Burgos. I hate walking on cement - particularly in traffic.
When the weather is nice and I am sick of long sleeved tech shirts I can buy a T shirt just about anywhere.
If my pack is too heavy I can just send it ahead with Jacotrans.
Whatever the difficulty is, whining won't change it. Just keep walking!
Walking poles look ridiculously similar. Mark yours up with stickers or something.
You can wrap a little duct tape around them for just in case.
Please Thornley, again and for the sake of correctness and for all European Peregrinos: Throughout Europe, they are not required to carry a passport, ID is sufficient. Passport is needed only for non-European travelers.....In France your passport is LAW when you book in to any accommodation.
Every alberque in 2008 , 2009 and 2011 requested our passport .
True, but the OP is not from a Schengen country, so our responses are mainly addressing her point of view. And frankly, I can't imagine a resident of one of those countries not know the rules in their own community. Further more, you will notice in the albergues they, and the credecial handed out in Spain (the one Ivar sells) lists "DIN/Passport No" in the identification part of the credencial. Another hint as to what is needed.Please Thornley, again and for the sake of correctness and for all European Peregrinos: Throughout Europe, they are not required to carry a passport, ID is sufficient. Passport is needed only for non-European travelers.
(you may not believe it, but this forum is read by a lot of Europeans...)
@PANO - those of us from the UK are in the EU but we do have to carry our passports as we do not have ID cardsPlease Thornley, again and for the sake of correctness and for all European Peregrinos: Throughout Europe, they are not required to carry a passport, ID is sufficient. Passport is needed only for non-European travelers.
(you may not believe it, but this forum is read by a lot of Europeans...)
The devil is in the detail, isn't it? What is Europe, what is oversees, what is Schengen, what is EU? ;0)@PANO - those of us from the UK are in the EU but we do have to carry our passports as we do not have ID cards
I love mine, too. My merino buff is one of the more versatile items in my pack. Scarf, watch cap, dust mask, etc. Love it. Probably won't take two, though.I love my buff! This time I will take 2, in fact.
Still don't get it. Sorry. What is a watch cap, and where is dust an issue, at least on CF, and Norte?I love mine, too. My merino buff is one of the more versatile items in my pack. Scarf, watch cap, dust mask, etc. Love it. Probably won't take two, though.
I'll take two also, next time. One to use as a headwarmer, and the other around my neck - for those cold mornings.I love my buff! This time I will take 2, in fact.
Wikipedia says: "A knit cap, originally of wool (though now often of synthetic fibers) is designed to provide warmth in cold weather. Typically, the knit cap is of simple, tapering constructions, though many variants exist. Historically, the wool knit cap was an extremely common form of headgear for seamen, fishers, hunters and others spending their working day outdoors from the 18th century and forward, and is still commonly used for this purpose in Scandinavia and other cold regions of the world. Being found all over the world where climate demands a warm hat, the knit cap can be found under a multitude of local names.Still don't get it. Sorry. What is a watch cap, and where is dust an issue, at least on CF, and Norte?
I was not aware and,-given the internationality of this forum-, this even more suggests, that we should be very careful when referring to what and what does not apply for citizens of a particular country in terms of regulations. And @Anemone del Camino: I can assure you that there are more unaware Europeans, especially elder ones, than you might think.@PANO - those of us from the UK are in the EU but we do have to carry our passports as we do not have ID cards
Thank you Karl. I carry a silk scarf with me, serves as a blanket as well on the plane, train and buses. Regarding the watch cap, I was envisioning a large wrist band to over a watch, so didn't make more sense to me. I take it it's basically the same as a beanie. Here is Canada when it's cold I wear a tuque ;0) And as you mention, very little weight, so not must to lose is there ;0)Wikipedia says: "A knit cap, originally of wool (though now often of synthetic fibers) is designed to provide warmth in cold weather. Typically, the knit cap is of simple, tapering constructions, though many variants exist. Historically, the wool knit cap was an extremely common form of headgear for seamen, fishers, hunters and others spending their working day outdoors from the 18th century and forward, and is still commonly used for this purpose in Scandinavia and other cold regions of the world. Being found all over the world where climate demands a warm hat, the knit cap can be found under a multitude of local names.
The buff can be used as one; the merino version is very warm as a watch cap (you double it up) but still thin enough to fit under your regular hat.
We ran into both dust, and annoying gnats, or something, on the meseta; a mask helped.
Makes a great scarf. For very little weight, it can serve a lot of purposes and provide a lot of warmth.
Wouldn't do the Camino without one. Like you, my wife was skeptical. Until she tried one.
Karl
Exactly!!I'll take two also, next time. One to use as a headwarmer, and the other around my neck - for those cold mornings.
I don't think I ever used the flashlight app on my phone, either. But it is nice to have it. I have a HUGE battery on my phone that I use when I travel. So I can listen to music as I walk and read on it when I am not walking and take all the pictures I like. I like to be able to text my husband every once in a while too. That is another thing I wish I had known - Get a BIG battery for my Samsung.I like the headlamp or a little alternate flashlight. Leave my phone off to save power and zone out for the day.
Knowing the time (phone) isn't important to me.
What a good idea! I will definitely give this a try...thank you.I photocopied my passport and that was all the albergues required. My actual passport was packed away safely and was only ever requested if I stayed in a hotel.
I could not have managed without my merino buff. It kept my head warm on a cold day, I could pull it over my face on a really cold day, could wear it around my neck to keep the sun off on a hot day, and best of all I could soak it in cold water and wear it around my neck on a stinking hot day. It is so versatile.
In Leon I bought a pretty silk scarf that I could wear in the evenings. My one bit of femininity. And it weighed nothing.
What a good idea! I will definitely give this a try...thank you.
I wonder if we bought scarves in the same store. She had an amazing inventory. I still wear that scarf all the time.
Well, I was in pretty sad shape by the time I got to Pamplona. Limping and in tears from the pain in my knees and ankles - and my heavy, heavy pack. For me it seemed to go on for miles and each step was excruciating.""If your head is warm tour body is warm"" ........thus the beauty of a" beanie" , especially if wool.
It normally disappears after an hour.
My wife always has a silk scarf on when walking it adds a bit of colour and at night wear a different one . It is marvellous how a worn , old battered tea shirt can look with a colourful scarf.........the French excel on this.......the colourful GR65.
Was not being critical for the taxi use , just pointing out to anyone who wishes NOT to walk into the big cities that they would not be the only pilgrim when on the bus.
There is an alberque on the Norte where the local bus takes you down the road to a village and wonderful restaurant .
Around 9pm the bus going the other way takes you back .There were 30 pilgrims in that night , 24 used the bus.
The locals loved it , it cost us a euro and the experience was great.......the bus just stopped at the front gate for the locals whether there was a stop or not. The restaurant was very, very good.
But i must ask again Chacharm about Santiago and the walk into there. More pavement than Pamplona.
Well, I was in pretty sad shape by the time I got to Pamplona. Limping and in tears from the pain in my knees and ankles - and my heavy, heavy pack. For me it seemed to go on for miles and each step was excruciating.
But I was really sad the day I walked into Santiago. Because it was over and I didn't want it to end. So walking the last bit was something I really wanted to do whether on the concrete or not. It was a LOT of city walking though. We had to stop for refreshment
WOW! This is a forum, and if it's about the OP only, why post for the rest of the world to see. Just discuss it with your shrink.Also, this thread is about things I wish I had known before I set out the first time. Not things I wish YOU had known. YOU might not even entertain such thoughts...how would I know?
Well, because then OTHERS might then like to post what THEY wish they had known before THEY started. And other people reading can glean what is important to them from what they read. See how that works? No need to be upset. You're neither required to agree nor disagree with my thoughts and feelings on this or any other matter.WOW! This is a forum, and if it's about the OP only, why post for the rest of the world to see. Just discuss it with your shrink.
It wasn't meant to be....That was kinda rough...
Thank you! I am trying to drum up the courage to do the Norte. I am worried about all the black top walking...and the familiar sounds too appealing. My son says I am quitting before I even get started this time, heh heh. But I have a lot of time and can pick and choose.So under the original heading "Things i wish i'd had known before..." could be
Don't have too much in the pack , the lighter the better.
Make sure you have your shoes worn in or capable of lasting , and hope they are the right type.
Take your time at the start , its where all the damage is done , especially down hill.
No harm in taking a dress ............my wife loves to dress up one day a week for dinner when on the camino....then its folded up until the next good wash and iron.
Take old t/ shirts and when you see a nice ones buy them ..... discard old in alberque....the always come in handy.
Whatever camino you choose, bus/taxi/train/walk /camel or donkey , its yours and be proud.
Take 2 scarfs Cha , the same dress will look different the next day.
Get the knees/feet ok Cha and get on the Norte its refreshing....and if too hilly at the start commence in Castro Urdalles.
Keep well.
Great advise, thank you!In no particular order:
Getting to SJPP isn't as hard or as scary as I thought.
Finding an albuergue isn't hard or scary either.
Getting the credencial and having it stamped is not difficult AT ALL. Get a decent dry bag that is easy to get into to keep it in. Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??).
Carrying a lunch and a snack the first two days is a really, really good idea.
I am miserable without enough water.
The rain in Spain is mostly in the Pyrenees and Galicia.
I don't like grilled Pulpo.
I didn't need to pack deodorant, a pillow, 3 changes of clothes, a head lamp, a silk liner, a Bierley guide, potassium, can opener, or bar soap.
A couple of extra zip lock baggies will come in really handy.
The things I used every day were the most important things:
clean socks and underwear, walking poles, warm jacket, rain coat and gloves, buff, tissues, smart phone with camera, flashlight, kindle app and music with ear buds and blister treatment and prevention stuff.
Take a cab into Pamplona, Leon and Burgos. I hate walking on cement - particularly in traffic.
When the weather is nice and I am sick of long sleeved tech shirts I can buy a T shirt just about anywhere.
If my pack is too heavy I can just send it ahead with Jacotrans.
Whatever the difficulty is, whining won't change it. Just keep walking!
Walking poles look ridiculously similar. Mark yours up with stickers or something.
You can wrap a little duct tape around them for just in case.
Please Thornley, again and for the sake of correctness and for all European Peregrinos: Throughout Europe, they are not required to carry a passport, ID is sufficient. Passport is needed only for non-European travelers.
we should be very careful when referring to what and what does not apply for citizens of a particular country in terms of regulations.
@PANO - those of us from the UK are in the EU but we do have to carry our passports as we do not have ID cards
I first looked into doing Del Norte 7 years ago, but back then 35km days were not unsual, or so I was told. That was not for me. I ended up going last fall, and loved it. Beautiful scenary, quality albergue, outstanding food, great cities to visit. I do think there is more asphalt, because you don't walk through fields or forests as much on the CF (I walked from Donostia to Llanes) but the scenary makes up for it. If you like a lot of conversation and congregation you may miss that (although the alberuges were far from empty last fall and you will most likely end up in the same albergue from night to night as the others since there are not as many of them) but I highly encourage you to do that route. Perfect combination of scenary, culture, food, meditation and socialisation. And a few absolutely gems of scenary (from Hazas to Laredo, through the mountain and not the road, you will pass the most idillic beach at the bottom of a cliff, just breathtaking!).I think that there are some myths about the Norte that does not seem to go away. It is well marked. plenty of good albergues in reasonable distances, outstanding days of walking with the sea at your side. There is really no down side as far as I am concerned....just different as they all are. There were far more people walking last August/September than I expected.
Oh wow that is good news...and it chages my thinking about this entirely. Thank you!Quote Chacharm...
"Thank you! I am trying to drum up the courage to do the Norte. I am worried about all the black top walking...and the familiar sounds too appealing. My son says I am quitting before I even get started this time, heh heh. But I have a lot of time and can pick and choose"
Actually, I am not sure that there is as much road walking on the Norte as on the CF, certainly not more. Most of the alsphalt walking I did last year was by choice (I don't mind it). I think that there are some myths about the Norte that does not seem to go away. It is well marked. plenty of good albergues in reasonable distances, outstanding days of walking with the sea at your side. There is really no down side as far as I am concerned....just different as they all are. There were far more people walking last August/September than I expected.
Oh wow that is good news...and it chages my thinking about this entirely. Thank you!
Only change I would make is, I do like grilled pulpo. I used reflective tape on my walking poles my problem was finding my boots some mornings on the few occasions someone moved them. Was thinking of attaching a 'pink ribbon' to them this timeIn no particular order:
Getting to SJPP isn't as hard or as scary as I thought.
Finding an albuergue isn't hard or scary either.
Getting the credencial and having it stamped is not difficult AT ALL. Get a decent dry bag that is easy to get into to keep it in. Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??).
Carrying a lunch and a snack the first two days is a really, really good idea.
I am miserable without enough water.
The rain in Spain is mostly in the Pyrenees and Galicia.
I don't like grilled Pulpo.
I didn't need to pack deodorant, a pillow, 3 changes of clothes, a head lamp, a silk liner, a Bierley guide, potassium, can opener, or bar soap.
A couple of extra zip lock baggies will come in really handy.
The things I used every day were the most important things:
clean socks and underwear, walking poles, warm jacket, rain coat and gloves, buff, tissues, smart phone with camera, flashlight, kindle app and music with ear buds and blister treatment and prevention stuff.
Take a cab into Pamplona, Leon and Burgos. I hate walking on cement - particularly in traffic.
When the weather is nice and I am sick of long sleeved tech shirts I can buy a T shirt just about anywhere.
If my pack is too heavy I can just send it ahead with Jacotrans.
Whatever the difficulty is, whining won't change it. Just keep walking!
Walking poles look ridiculously similar. Mark yours up with stickers or something.
You can wrap a little duct tape around them for just in case.
In no particular order:
Getting to SJPP isn't as hard or as scary as I thought.
Finding an albuergue isn't hard or scary either.
Getting the credencial and having it stamped is not difficult AT ALL. Get a decent dry bag that is easy to get into to keep it in. Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??).
Carrying a lunch and a snack the first two days is a really, really good idea.
I am miserable without enough water.
The rain in Spain is mostly in the Pyrenees and Galicia.
I don't like grilled Pulpo.
I didn't need to pack deodorant, a pillow, 3 changes of clothes, a head lamp, a silk liner, a Bierley guide, potassium, can opener, or bar soap.
A couple of extra zip lock baggies will come in really handy.
The things I used every day were the most important things:
clean socks and underwear, walking poles, warm jacket, rain coat and gloves, buff, tissues, smart phone with camera, flashlight, kindle app and music with ear buds and blister treatment and prevention stuff.
Take a cab into Pamplona, Leon and Burgos. I hate walking on cement - particularly in traffic.
When the weather is nice and I am sick of long sleeved tech shirts I can buy a T shirt just about anywhere.
If my pack is too heavy I can just send it ahead with Jacotrans.
Whatever the difficulty is, whining won't change it. Just keep walking!
Walking poles look ridiculously similar. Mark yours up with stickers or something.
You can wrap a little duct tape around them for just in case.
My list is similar to yours, but I would add:
- Take more moleskin. Moleskin worked best for me in helping to PREVENT blisters and I didn't see anything like it in Spain. I didn't like compeed because it got messy and stuck to my socks and was almost impossible to get out of my socks (probably user error).
- Don't worry about keeping up with friends you meet...it's amazing how you wind up together and cross paths even after you think you will never see them again (e.g., we did several side trips (Canas, Suso and Yuso, etc.); took a train from Sahugun to Leon (to meet up with our kids who were joining us there)...Spent several days in Leon...Several days in Burgos and still ended up in Santiago with all of our friends from SJPP and Orrison (plus more friends that we met along the way). Amazing.
- The Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil???) is ready and willing to help if you lose a child(long day...long story...Camino Community at it's best)
- You can buy soap/laundry detergent almost everywhere (I bought these expensive tiny little detergent strips at the backpacking store...unnecessary)
- Bring some cheap gloves for the trip over the Pyrenees (even in June)
The Norwegians also have to bring the passport. We are from Europe, but not member of EU.The devil is in the detail, isn't it? What is Europe, what is oversees, what is Schengen, what is EU? ;0)
The basic model is a tube of material you can wear around your neck, wrapped around your wrist, on your head as a bandana. Buff is actually a Spanish company (Barcelona) and it has a line of "buffs" with Camino motifs: http://www.buffwear.com/new-ss15-adult-headwear/ss15-camino-santiago-collection.Please - what is a buff??
Two things:“Jacotrans” caught my eye. Camino for me this spring will be part of a larger, more traditional, urban adventure in Europe. Might Jacotrans be a way I can ship a small suitcase of street shoes and clothing from Leon to Santiago? If so, please share details including guess for cost in US$ to ship 10 to 15 kilos?
Thank your your help.
Two things:
You might also want to investigate whether a package that is shipped from the US will be subject to customs or excise duties. Generally, no customs or excise is charged for personal items in your possession at ports of entry, but this is not necessarily the case when the item(s) are shipped separately and are not part of your baggage on arrival.
- Jacotrans operates on the basis of shipping your baggage from one place of accommodation to your next place of accommodation. I suspect it would be a very inefficient way of shipping if you just needed the bag when you arrived in Santiago. Ivar operates a baggage service. You might browse the forum for details.
- Rather than have us guess the cost of shipping from the US, and seeing you obviously have access to the web, companies like FEDEX and DHL would be able to give you an estimate of far greater reliability.
I did attach little florescent green ribbons to my husband Merrill's and both our hiking sticks. They were easy to spot in a big pile of shoes or one of those baskets of poles. My shoes were bright blue Brooks trail runners, and I only saw a few pair along the way, so no worry about losing them.Only change I would make is, I do like grilled pulpo. I used reflective tape on my walking poles my problem was finding my boots some mornings on the few occasions someone moved them. Was thinking of attaching a 'pink ribbon' to them this timeonly joking
Hiking poles I can replace easily but good well broken in Scarpa boots would be hard to replace. Might do the pink ribbon for realI did attach little florescent green ribbons to my husband Merrill's and both our hiking sticks. They were easy to spot in a big pile of shoes or one of those baskets of poles. My shoes were bright blue Brooks trail runners, and I only saw a few pair along the way, so no worry about losing them.
Hiking poles I can replace easily but good well broken in Scarpa boots would be hard to replace. Might do the pink ribbon for real
Well, I was in pretty sad shape by the time I got to Pamplona. Limping and in tears from the pain in my knees and ankles - and my heavy, heavy pack. For me it seemed to go on for miles and each step was excruciating.
But I was really sad the day I walked into Santiago. Because it was over and I didn't want it to end. So walking the last bit was something I really wanted to do whether on the concrete or not. It was a LOT of city walking though. We had to stop for refreshment
I had a very heavy pack! It was huge and I filled it to the brim. I read every post on here about keeping your pack weight to a minimum but I figured none of that applied to me as I have always been pretty strong and in pretty good shape and I have never believed that I will ever have any problems and that I will magically always be fine. I am clearly not the sharpest knife in the drawer. I was once very sporty and rolled my ankles many times. And I kept thinking each day would get easier. I knew about Jacotrans but was still enamored of an idea of what a "real" pilgrim would do (or not do). Also, once you actually arrive in Pamplona you have another few miles to go - all on city sidewalks. That last mile felt like a million.
I could have used quite a bit more training and I should have been using trekking poles. Poles help distribute the weight and take the pressure off your knees and ankles.
Also, and in my case this was important, on the advice of a friend who didn't know what she was talking about I was taking potassium in hope of avoiding muscle soreness and cramping. This was causing me to swell up in weird ways (my knees!). I would have kept right on taking it except that another woman on Camino was also taking potassium and she had a cardiac event that landed her in the hospital. She was so swollen - all over - that I had thought she was recovering from some serious illness. I saw her afterwards (not knowing she had been ill or in hospital) and she looked as though she had lost 20 pounds. She had been in the hospital for three days - her husband had flown out from Florida. All due to taking potassium. She, by the way, was fine afterwards and made it to Santiago.
So, from now on, I will eat a banana when my muscles are sore, I will pack light (VERY light), I will send my pack ahead on rough terrain days and I will always have my trekking poles with me.
Honestly - it really is just about being smart and aware, listening to your body and packing light.
Yes and no. I love how they are ready to go straight from the box. I love how after a few days they just seemed to mould to my feet. I did not love however how quickly the soles wore down. I reckon there is enough wear left in them for half a camino. The boot itself has years of life but the sole does not. But because they were so good I bought an identical pair for my next caminoAnother Scarpa fan, I would not leave home without them.
Please - what style of Scarpa boots did you use?Hiking poles I can replace easily but good well broken in Scarpa boots would be hard to replace. Might do the pink ribbon for real
Please - what style of Scarpa boots did you use?
I had a very heavy pack! It was huge and I filled it to the brim. I read every post on here about keeping your pack weight to a minimum but I figured none of that applied to me as I have always been pretty strong and in pretty good shape and I have never believed that I will ever have any problems and that I will magically always be fine. I am clearly not the sharpest knife in the drawer. I was once very sporty and rolled my ankles many times. And I kept thinking each day would get easier. I knew about Jacotrans but was still enamored of an idea of what a "real" pilgrim would do (or not do). Also, once you actually arrive in Pamplona you have another few miles to go - all on city sidewalks. That last mile felt like a million.
I could have used quite a bit more training and I should have been using trekking poles. Poles help distribute the weight and take the pressure off your knees and ankles.
Also, and in my case this was important, on the advice of a friend who didn't know what she was talking about I was taking potassium in hope of avoiding muscle soreness and cramping. This was causing me to swell up in weird ways (my knees!). I would have kept right on taking it except that another woman on Camino was also taking potassium and she had a cardiac event that landed her in the hospital. She was so swollen - all over - that I had thought she was recovering from some serious illness. I saw her afterwards (not knowing she had been ill or in hospital) and she looked as though she had lost 20 pounds. She had been in the hospital for three days - her husband had flown out from Florida. All due to taking potassium. She, by the way, was fine afterwards and made it to Santiago.
So, from now on, I will eat a banana when my muscles are sore, I will pack light (VERY light), I will send my pack ahead on rough terrain days and I will always have my trekking poles with me.
Honestly - it really is just about being smart and aware, listening to your body and packing light.
The ones pictured under your post, Scarpa Terra. Tried the next style up in price but found them a bit stiff around the top. As I said though, the soles are only good for about 1.5 Caminos.Please - what style of Scarpa boots did you use?
Australian price. I am also an ardent bushwalker and this is the boot I wear whenever I am bushwalking, training or walking Camino's. I have a new pair for our Le Puy walk this year.
Scarpa Terra Gore-Tex Boot Uni-Sex
$259.95
If memory serves me well, there is a lot of concrete walkway heading into Logroño and an interminable amount of it heading out; I found it very hard on my feet. Perhaps it felt worse because we did not overnight in that city, but walked into and out of it the same day, stopping only for a lovely desayuno.As for walking into the bigger towns, I don't remember pavement being an issue. It takes a little seeking, but into Burgos is a wonderful path through a park along the river.
What kind of wear are you getting on the soles
Awww - you make me miss new Zealand and the Flat White. (I never tried a short black.)Cha, i admire you .
I have 6 women in my family and its always our fault .
I hope " Adam" is reading this wherever he is...........lol
In 2007 we came across many europeans big on magnesium tablets when walking.........its the correct way .
Breakfast every morning on each camino is bananas and hot bread if possible , then the short black with the sugar hit.
You maybe not be the sharpest knife in the draw according to you Cha but you are gold with your honesty.
Get on the Norte....lol
Hi Roxanne, I have scarpa boots and have had them for a year. Next week I start my trek at STJPDP to Santiago and will be able to experience them on the Camino. So far I have had no issues. I bought them at MEC Canada. MayaPlease - what style of Scarpa boots did you use?
Clever!A bit off topic...but there was some discussion above.
I always try to tie the laces of one of my shoes/boots together with one of a walking companion and put them on a different shelf, if possible. Even better if it is a women/man paired.
That way, it is not likely that someone would take them accidentally and it makes it more difficult for someone who is looking for "a better pair" as they will have to search for the other "pair.
A simple bit of insurance.
Cant say as I would have seen or suspected anyone of 'looking for a better pair'. My problem is just identifying my own boots that were not always in the same spot I left them. It is more a case of someone looking for a better place to leave their ownA bit off topic...but there was some discussion above.
I always try to tie the laces of one of my shoes/boots together with one of a walking companion and put them on a different shelf, if possible. Even better if it is a women/man paired.
That way, it is not likely that someone would take them accidentally and it makes it more difficult for someone who is looking for "a better pair" as they will have to search for the other "pair.
A simple bit of insurance.
I would reckon my old pair only good for about 1200km. Maybe they would have made it all the way but like you I was not sure, hence the new onesI estimate about 1800 km. The old boots are still perfect apart from the sole, I would maybe get the Le Puy walk out of them but I don't trust it, hate to have to buy a new pair on route. I do agree the sole should do better than that.
I am a bit of a purist concerning walking the distance and carrying my own pack...unless a physical condition arises. I would hate to encourage anyone to the pre-notion of taking a taxi/bus whenever it gets boring or difficult. It is all good and part of the adventure. Carrying your own pack the distance (your distance) is an achievement to encourage. But ... to each their own.
I agree! It is the difference between on the one hand "doing" the Camino (accepting all and everything it entails), and on the other hand "consuming" the Camino by doing only the parts that provide the experiences and kicks one seeks. Ten years ago it was still widely accepted that the Camino was and should be a spiritual experience. Oh, the good old times!
That is also a good attitude when a new Thread begins, "I have walked the AT, the Pacific Crest trail, Nepal, and Titicaca. I am looking for my next good walk; which camino do your recommend?" It is not really a request about a pilgrimage, but a request for a travel agency or the Sierra Club.I guess some of us will just have to accept that it has become more of a holiday for many and less of a personal commitment.
I wore mine as a makeshift skirt one time (though I must admit it looked a bit 'disco' and not in a good way, on me). Another time it worked as a bra. Maybe next time I'll tie one to the end of a walking pole and pack all my belongings in it, Dick Whittington-style, slung over my shoulder...I love mine, too. My merino buff is one of the more versatile items in my pack. Scarf, watch cap, dust mask, etc. Love it. Probably won't take two, though.
Or perhaps it is the language of someone who does not yet understand why the Camino is calling to them and constructs a bullish question as a shield for their vulnerable spiritual yearnings?when a new Thread begins, "I have walked the AT, the Pacific Crest trail, Nepal, and Titicaca. I am looking for my next good walk; which camino do your recommend?" It is not really a request about a pilgrimage, but a request for a travel agency or the Sierra Club.
A definite possibility, too!Or perhaps it is the language of someone who does not yet understand why the Camino is calling to them and constructs a bullish question as a shield for their vulnerable spiritual yearnings?
I just realized 3 days ego that it is a calling, as my excitement about the Camino started with a little amber from a T.V program showing an abstract about the Camino;I felt the hit of the flame as I herd of tree sisters who did the Camino 2014. Each sister( a pair of twins, and a younger sister) unknowingly why, took a different rout. Their spiritual and physical account of their occurrences touch my soul, beside making me cry, it lilt the light/ flame in me. The need to go and do the Camino myself. I already have ticket, back pack, boots and doing some training. so yes it is a callOr perhaps it is the language of someone who does not yet understand why the Camino is calling to them and constructs a bullish question as a shield for their vulnerable spiritual yearnings?
That is also a good attitude when a new Thread begins, "I have walked the AT, the Pacific Crest trail, Nepal, and Titicaca. I am looking for my next good walk; which camino do your recommend?" It is not really a request about a pilgrimage, but a request for a travel agency or the Sierra Club.
Oh, me too! Though when I arrived at St Jean Pied de Port, having walked from Le Puy with mostly French pilgrims, there were legions from the US and Australia who already knew more about the Camino on their first day's walking than I'd learnt in one month's walking, and I felt like the only one who hadn't studied for the exam. Ah well - as on Camino, so in life...Honestly, I am happy I did not know of any forums and was clueless about Brierly before my first Camino.
I had a simple, Spanish book, based my walk on the 2 sheets of paper given to me at the Pilgrim Office in SJPP and just walked. The guide only provided me with local bits of history, legends and a map for the next loo. Pili Pressa something or other. All the anxiety happened for my 2nd Camino, "planing, planing, planin" - for what?
Read this, turn you c'puter off, and go walk.
That is also a good attitude when a new Thread begins, "I have walked the AT, the Pacific Crest trail, Nepal, and Titicaca. I am looking for my next good walk; which camino do your recommend?" It is not really a request about a pilgrimage, but a request for a travel agency or the Sierra Club.
Another definite possibility.on a regular hardcore hiking forum they would very likely get some well intentioned advice
Might I suggest that if someone posted "I have walked the Camino Frances, Norte and Primitivo. I am looking for my next pilgrimmage; which would you recommend?"...on a regular hardcore hiking forum they would very likely get some well intentioned advice (and links to this good site perhaps) as fellow walkers and not be discriminated against as some kind of looney god tourist or told that caminos are not "real" walks?
Just read that back to myself and it sounds harsh, but I was just trying to reverse the roleplay on a hypothetical hiking site etc. The hardcore hikers would likely be more inclusive and tolerant is what I was trying to say...Oops, tolerance...now there's a subject we can all get behind eh?
Just welcome everyone for whatever reason they are walking... even if they don't know why themselves...without pidgeon-holing them or ascribing them motives, values or beliefs they may not hold.
P.S. I wish I'd have known the camino was a pilgimmage route before I walked it! (Just kidding ;-) )
http://lbarrettscamino.weebly.com/Remembered the music but ditch the soap.
Like the idea of buying t-shirts on the way.
Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??)
In no particular order:
Getting to SJPP isn't as hard or as scary as I thought.
Finding an albuergue isn't hard or scary either.
Getting the credencial and having it stamped is not difficult AT ALL. Get a decent dry bag that is easy to get into to keep it in. Keep your actual passport handy too. A lot of albuergues wanted to see mine (WHY??).
Carrying a lunch and a snack the first two days is a really, really good idea.
I am miserable without enough water.
The rain in Spain is mostly in the Pyrenees and Galicia.
I don't like grilled Pulpo.
I didn't need to pack deodorant, a pillow, 3 changes of clothes, a head lamp, a silk liner, a Bierley guide, potassium, can opener, or bar soap.
A couple of extra zip lock baggies will come in really handy.
The things I used every day were the most important things:
clean socks and underwear, walking poles, warm jacket, rain coat and gloves, buff, tissues, smart phone with camera, flashlight, kindle app and music with ear buds and blister treatment and prevention stuff.
Take a cab into Pamplona, Leon and Burgos. I hate walking on cement - particularly in traffic.
When the weather is nice and I am sick of long sleeved tech shirts I can buy a T shirt just about anywhere.
If my pack is too heavy I can just send it ahead with Jacotrans.
Whatever the difficulty is, whining won't change it. Just keep walking!
Walking poles look ridiculously similar. Mark yours up with stickers or something.
You can wrap a little duct tape around them for just in case.[/QUOTE
After Leon, I got my first of two bicycle bells, which I mounted on my walking poles. I got so tired of the cyclists not ringing their bells in warning...(I saw some unfortunate, unnecessary accidents with bikers and hikers... If they'd only used their bells). So I started ringing the bell for them... Or to warn hikers ahead of me... Or to say to a crowd of hikers not paying attention..."I'm coming through!"
A huge battery....? I would love to know where to order one!! Amazon?I don't think I ever used the flashlight app on my phone, either. But it is nice to have it. I have a HUGE battery on my phone that I use when I travel. So I can listen to music as I walk and read on it when I am not walking and take all the pictures I like. I like to be able to text my husband every once in a while too. That is another thing I wish I had known - Get a BIG battery for my Samsung.
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