Things I wish I'd known before my first Camino...

[Deleted member 3000]

Try (or similar):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4200mAh-Pac...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item5b05f8cf27

 

[Chacharm]

Yes. Huge. It is so big I had to get a special case for it from the same company. I bought it from Amazon and I wish I could tell you more about it but I am clueless. I just told my son I needed a much bigger battery for New Zealand and he did all the work finding it and put it on my phone.

 

[yolanda Mejia]

Clever!

H

Clever!

Hi Chacharm, not a reply, a question, I have few questions about Camino Frances, don't know where to ask, I hope you don't mind.
I will like to know if I can purchase some electrolytes e.g. Gatorade Poweraid in the Camino? 28 days for me to arrive to SJPDP.

 

[grayland]

H

Hi Chacharm, not a reply, a question, I have few questions about Camino Frances, don't know where to ask, I hope you don't mind.
I will like to know if I can purchase some electrolytes e.g. Gatorade Poweraid in the Camino? 28 days for me to arrive to SJPDP.

The most popular and widly available electrolyte drink is Aquarius.
It comes in orange and limon/lime. It is delicious.
It is available in various sizes...cans, 1/2 liter and full liter.
Stores, bars, gas stations.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

The most popular and widly available electrolyte drink is Aquarius.
It comes in orange and limon/lime. It is delicious.
It is available in various sizes...cans, 1/2 liter and full liter.
Stores, bars, gas stations.

Grayland is right, Aquarius is available everywhere, but you can get 1.5 l for the price of a can or even tiny bottle if you stock up at the grocery store. Also comes in a sugar free version, they call it "Aquarius Libre" but more difficult to find, usually only in cities or larger towns. What I bring a effervescent tablets. Light to carry, always handy, much less expensive in the end, and helps mask the taste of water which at times can be a bit unpleasant. Some brands even have caffein in the tablets, perfect for the last afternoon push before getting to the albergue.

 

[txpeah]

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.

I am headed into León today and this list is spot on!!

I am glad you shared this before I left.

cheers amiga!

 

[PJDonovan]

Interesting; thanks for that. Though on a side note I do like grilled Pulpo.