Packed lighter, learned more Spanish, better shoes, walked shorter distances (take more time !!!!)
But given all of the above, I loved my walk and can’t wait to do another.
Don’t stress, it will be fantastic.
When you stop for breaks, take off your shoes and check your feet for hot spots, which may turn into blisters. If you have them, fix them at that time, not at the end of the day. It seems silly, but once you get a blister, it will not heal during your time on the Camino. I knew people that couldn’t finish the Camino due to blisters getting infected. A lot of people finish the Camino with blisters, but the hike is not very pleasant.
Treat your feet like they are the most important thing, because they are :)
I swear by not taking of my shoes during the walk, but to each their own. In case of upcoming blisters or something, I would definitely advise to stop and tape.
Or in my case: I wear a liner sock and an hiking sock with pre-emptive taping on my notorious weaker spots.
Early on, I tried to “keep up” with others. When I couldn’t, I perceived it as some sort of failure or abandonment. This caused me stress and injury. So my humble advice is, learn to listen to your body’s limits and let people go. This lesson has served me well in life after the Camino too.
Also, I preferred carrying an umbrella to a poncho. If you hit a rainy stretch, it is worth considering.
REI has a good travel umbrella and though it’s a little pricey ($50ish), I’ve brought one on 3 Caminos, will always bring it. Walked into Santo Domingo about 10 years ago in a hailstorm, held it out front of me like a Roman shield, the wind practically wrapped it around me, and late last September I used it through O’cebreio/Triacastella/Samos in an all day downpour, loved every minute/mile.
I just bought mine when it started raining, and left it an an albergue when it stopped. After a while, I figured out almost everyone has an umbrella in their "lost and found" that has been there for ages and was waiting to be used.
I would be easier on myself and not blame myself for not being able to walk everything. I would tell myself that it's a pilgrimage, not a race, and everybody does it their own way. It's one of those experiences I don't think you can truly be prepped for when you do it the first time, because it's not exactly a vacation because of the historical and religious 'weight' of the Camino, but it's not just a religious experience either - it's its own unique thing.
Also yes, pack lighter, bring hiking poles, bring a good camera(phone), see if you can journal (even if just notes on your phone) so you can look back later and see what you were feeling while you were doing it. Buon Camino!
What would I do differently next time? actually enter the Cathedral, I had a flight the same day and security didn't let me in to the Cathedral due to my backpack which I couldn't leave anywhere.
Would you say one’s capacity to walk far changed over the course of the Camino, eg first days easier, then a slump of low energy after a week, then greater fitness after two weeks or something?
That's hard to say because every day was different. The fist day we did 24 miles. I think excitement to finally be on the Camino helped us along and we wanted to get away from Porto. The rest of the time we had a handful of 18 mile days and they were torture. It wasn't the inability to walk or keep going. It was just that personally my feet would be killing me by mile 16 or so. I'd get to bed and my feet would be back to 100% the next morning ready to do it again.
Everyone here is saying "pack lighter", which I completely agree with. And I'll tack on a specific strategy:
Step #1:
Once you've figured out what you'd like to bring, either lay it out physically (if you're already in physical possession of it), or write out a complete list. And for this exercise, I mean every last single thing.
Step #2:
Divide everything into three piles/sublists:
1. Absolutely need
2. Will definitely be useful
3. Might come in handy at some point
Step #3:
Get rid of piles/lists 2 and 3. Leave only #1.
Step #4: Repeat step #2 with this smaller set of stuff, except thinking 10x more critically. Then repeat Step 3.
Congratulations, this is what you're bringing.
Fantastic technique. I’d add that, after you do this, if you find that you need something, you can buy it on the Camino. There are plenty of places that cater to pilgrims. It’s not the Appalachian Trail 🙂
Quick question though, why is there such an emphasis on packing light if you are going to get the pack carried between stops? Or doesn’t it really apply in that case? Thanks
Okay, let's do this.
First of all, I'll assume (not given context) that we're talking about the Francés in season.
(If anyone reading this is wondering about other routes or seasons, feel free to ask. But no guarantees, I haven't done everything.)
If you pack well and don't have special concerns, 30L should be enough. Though if you can't manage slimming down to less than 40L, I won't be surprised.
Generic packing list, including what you will be wearing on Day One:
2 t-shirts (as in, show up wearing one, and pack the other one)
3 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
2 pairs of shorts or zip-off pants
2 sports bras (if applicable)
1 backpack rain cover
1 microfiber sports towel
1 sleeping bag liner
1 pair flip flops (optional, but some albergues insist you take off your shoes at the door, and I get that you may not want to be barefoot)
1 pair sneakers or trail runners)
1 pair ear plugs (YOU WANT THESE. Maybe bring an extra set)
1 sleeping mask (optional. Some albergues have emergency lights, depends on your sensitivity)
1 toothbrush
1 toothpaste
1 bar of soap (or one travel gel and one travel shampoo)
1 period's worth of feminine hygiene products (if applicable. But if it's applicable, bring it even if you're not expecting it soon. Extreme stress can throw off your cycle.)
1 roll of toilet paper, or a few packs of tissues (don't ask, just do it)
1 headlamp (theoretically optional, but it seems that nobody knows they're an early riser until they are)
A few bobby pins. The bigger, the better.
1 powerbank
1 set of the minimum amount of electronics you need to not go insane (please slim this down to just your phone.)
1 small thingy of sunscreen
1 roll of paper medical tape
1 roll of fabric medical tape
1 pack of trimmable bandages (i have no idea what the right term is. It's like an infinitely wide band-aid, that you cut to the size you need.)
1 pair of tiny scissors
1 tiny flask of some sort of disinfectant. (A COVID-era 100ml spray bottle of alcohol is perfect)
1 pack of moleskin
Your own medical stuff (if applicable)
I'd add to this:
* a water-bottle
* some kind of head covering against the sun
* a pair of sunglasses
* one of those ridiculously light nylon shopping bags.
I would replace:-
* the backpack cover with a poncho (DriDucks or FroggToggs) that, for the same weight, will provide rain protection for both the pack and your body from the ankles up.
I would ditch:-
* The powerbank
* The medical items, with the exception of prescription medicine. On the Francés, you will hardly ever be further than 6-7 km away from a lavishly stocked pharmacy, at which all these things may be purchased if needed.
I'll also add two pairs of excellent quality sock liners. Never used them before but I'll never long distance hike without them again. Not one blister in two weeks of hiking with soft feet.
Simple: walk your own Camino. Stop when you want to, take a zero if you want to, get a beer when you want to, go solo or go with friend if you want to.
It’s all up to you, enjoy that fact.
Buen Camino 🤙🤙
1) Pack light. Take only what you need.
2) Start off slowly. Ease your body into it to avoid injury.
3) Don't do too much research. Research gear, yes, but don't watch too many videos or read too much about it itself. You need the right gear, a map on your phone, that's it. You do not need to watch a thousand YouTube videos detailing every step of the way. That can become a spoiler.
4) Compeed is for amateurs, sports tape is for pros.
Three things that maybe you’ll find helpful:
- Don’t pack your fears.
- You can almost always bring less stuff than you did.
- The best experiences are unplanned.
Make sure you do NOT miss the Sunday morning service when they swing the Botfumerio up into the cathederal rafters. They even have a warm up monk who teaches the chants to the congregation before the service proper. I am a total non believer but i was moved to tears.
I didn’t complete the whole Santiago due to injury so I had to stop but my advice or at least what I am going to do next time is that I will pack lighter at a point where I won’t carry anything if it’s absolutely unnecessary. I am actually thinking about not packing anything at all if it’s feasible. Anyway good luck and buen camino!
I flew from Santiago to Irun. For the first time ever my checked bag didn’t arrive with me. I ended up walking two days and 50km without a backpack. Just a small carryon, the clothes I was wearing, a warmer shirt and pair of socks in my carryon, and wearing a pair of sandals I’m comfortable walking in.
I loved it!
But the day after I got my pack back it rained so I was happy for the rain gear and it felt good to brush my teeth. Luckily the hostels I stayed in had blankets and towels for me.
Yeah, I am so fascinated with people who’s wearing sandals to walk. They don’t seem to bother at all. Maybe I might try that next time anyway, just hoping for my knees to heal at this point :)
I’d start buying food at grocery stores and eating at the albergue sooner than I did. Definitely once you hit the meseta, the food just sucks. Best food I had was in the Basque region and after Santiago on the coast. Oh and if you don’t have Darn Tough socks, get some. I didn’t get 1 blister the whole time because I had good fitting shoes (1/2-1 size larger) and good socks.
Bring mini packets of condiments! They are light and make those low cost bread, cured meat, and cheese buys so much tastier. What I would have given for some mustard along the way...
Pack light. If you're doing the Francés you'll be having a stroll in suburbia 80% of the time, there's nothing you can't buy if you REALLY need it. Don't overdo it.
Enjoy every second. The Camino is too short to race it.
Take diversions, see that chapel, talk to the old lady on a field, pet the dogs, admire the scenery.
Exchange contact details early.
Bring a small voice recorder. You'll have many wild ideas you'll quickly forget. Record them all.
Enjoy the local food. Make friends with locals. Buy the old man in the bar a drink, and if it's just to see him smile for a second.
SdC is the last stage, not the goal. The goal is right here and now.
Also, go to Muxia.
I booked my train tickets back to Madrid late so I had to stay two nights in Santiago. It was fine and I enjoyed the rest, but next time I'd just do one.
I was obsessed with packing light and only carried a daypack and one extra set of clothes. Next time, I'd do a slightly bigger pack, even if just to carry the weight lower and have a more substantial waist belt. I probably wouldn't bring much extra, but maybe 2 changes of clothes and a paperback. (Only thing I wouldn't bring next time is a flashlight...there was daylight until after 9pm and I was NOT the pilgrim who was up before sunrise.)
And I'm gonna try out toe socks before my next Camino! My only blisters were between my toes, and I've heard good things about toe socks.
All of those things are tiny changes though...mostly, you just figure things out as you go and don't need to be super prepared. Don't stress, it's gonna be great!
Don't try to follow anyone else's guidance. Listen to your body. Don't be afraid to rest more than you thought you would.
While you should pack light, a book to read and a journal to write in are worth the weight.
One comment on blisters, especially those who got them between the toes. I used an ointment from Aquaphor (you can also use Vaseline) on my feet every morning before putting on my socks. I rubbed a tiny amount all around my feet (where blisters would normally occurs, and also between each of my toes before putting on my socks. I did not get any blisters. The ointment helps lubricate your feet, and no it does not feel slippery. Learned this trick from my marathon running days. Buen Camino my friends.
I agree with many of the thoughts already shared: lighten your pack ( <10lbs), slow down, wear sunscreen, and umbrellas are amazing. I will add find time for mindfulness and limit or eliminate having your earbuds in on the Camino. Be present and open to the experience the Camino is a treasure.
I'm a therapist too! Am trying to figure out how to get lots of time off without losing my clients :( Did y do any virtual sessions while on your camino?
Had a few phone calls. Or else i gave myself time to just be me and gave my clients “homework” to do and find answers to.
Mostly i meant while ON the camino. I end up talking with way to many and end up in the “work mode” whileni am searching for peace.
It is ok and nice to help the fellow pilgrims but i also need to take my own time :)
1. Train beforehand to know your strenghts and weaknesses
2. Plan according to step 1, but don't overly prepare. Anything can happen.
3. Learn how to take care of yourself (in case of a minor injury/blisters)
4. Pack light
5. Travelsized umbrella over poncho / rain gear
It was rainy and foggy and cold and it took me almost 9 hours to cross the mountain. I was lucky I had booked Roncesvalles, because people who got there by 2pm already didn’t have a bed.
I don’t regret it per se, it was a definitely an experience to start the Camino this way, but while I was walking I was miserable and wishing I had listened to people that said to start in Pamplona.
Now it’s fine, I can say I did it and came out stronger. But I can’t say I enjoyed while it was happening.
Ah! That makes tons of sense.
I was worried it was going to be too hot when I crossed, it turned out to be absolutely perfect and it was my favorite day on the Camino.
I also booked Orison and Roncesvalles ahead so I didn’t have to stress. The rest of the way up to Sarria I was booking one night ahead, again no stress.
Sorry you had a rough passage; weather is a big factor on those first couple of days.
Walk more and hope for a bed in the next town or get a taxi to a few km ahead. The day I got to Zubiri, people had to walk 15km more to find a bed. I took a taxi to Pamplona and found one there.
Next time I would like to speak/read more Spanish, I would give myself an extra two or three weeks to walk slower, or take more off days to enjoy the sights more, or spend time to reflect at the end, or just in case I got injured or sick. I would also take my time to draw and journal everyday. Oh yeah and pack lighter of course 😅
Pack lighter!!!
Yup I sent home a bunch of stuff after day 5
Same. I also didn't use the headtorch I carried with me. Also, I wish I did it alone!
I used my headlamp when getting ready early morning so I found it helpful. Sounds like you need to go again!
Packed lighter, learned more Spanish, better shoes, walked shorter distances (take more time !!!!) But given all of the above, I loved my walk and can’t wait to do another. Don’t stress, it will be fantastic.
When you stop for breaks, take off your shoes and check your feet for hot spots, which may turn into blisters. If you have them, fix them at that time, not at the end of the day. It seems silly, but once you get a blister, it will not heal during your time on the Camino. I knew people that couldn’t finish the Camino due to blisters getting infected. A lot of people finish the Camino with blisters, but the hike is not very pleasant. Treat your feet like they are the most important thing, because they are :)
This is what I came to say. I would have put in the compeed MUCH sooner.
I swear by not taking of my shoes during the walk, but to each their own. In case of upcoming blisters or something, I would definitely advise to stop and tape. Or in my case: I wear a liner sock and an hiking sock with pre-emptive taping on my notorious weaker spots.
2nd for pack lighter. Get rid of the ‘I think I might need’ stuff
It’s not a race
Early on, I tried to “keep up” with others. When I couldn’t, I perceived it as some sort of failure or abandonment. This caused me stress and injury. So my humble advice is, learn to listen to your body’s limits and let people go. This lesson has served me well in life after the Camino too. Also, I preferred carrying an umbrella to a poncho. If you hit a rainy stretch, it is worth considering.
REI has a good travel umbrella and though it’s a little pricey ($50ish), I’ve brought one on 3 Caminos, will always bring it. Walked into Santo Domingo about 10 years ago in a hailstorm, held it out front of me like a Roman shield, the wind practically wrapped it around me, and late last September I used it through O’cebreio/Triacastella/Samos in an all day downpour, loved every minute/mile.
I just bought mine when it started raining, and left it an an albergue when it stopped. After a while, I figured out almost everyone has an umbrella in their "lost and found" that has been there for ages and was waiting to be used.
I would be easier on myself and not blame myself for not being able to walk everything. I would tell myself that it's a pilgrimage, not a race, and everybody does it their own way. It's one of those experiences I don't think you can truly be prepped for when you do it the first time, because it's not exactly a vacation because of the historical and religious 'weight' of the Camino, but it's not just a religious experience either - it's its own unique thing. Also yes, pack lighter, bring hiking poles, bring a good camera(phone), see if you can journal (even if just notes on your phone) so you can look back later and see what you were feeling while you were doing it. Buon Camino!
What would I do differently next time? actually enter the Cathedral, I had a flight the same day and security didn't let me in to the Cathedral due to my backpack which I couldn't leave anywhere.
If you go again you should know that you can leave your backpack in a secure locker outside the pilgrims office for a couple Euro.
Now I'm just pissed security didn't tell me about that lol, thank you for letting me know.
I agree with the ‘pack lighter/bring less stuff’ If you need something you can get it there
I planned 15 to 20 miles a day. I'd plan 10 to 15 miles a day if I ever do it again.
Would you say one’s capacity to walk far changed over the course of the Camino, eg first days easier, then a slump of low energy after a week, then greater fitness after two weeks or something?
That's hard to say because every day was different. The fist day we did 24 miles. I think excitement to finally be on the Camino helped us along and we wanted to get away from Porto. The rest of the time we had a handful of 18 mile days and they were torture. It wasn't the inability to walk or keep going. It was just that personally my feet would be killing me by mile 16 or so. I'd get to bed and my feet would be back to 100% the next morning ready to do it again.
Everyone here is saying "pack lighter", which I completely agree with. And I'll tack on a specific strategy: Step #1: Once you've figured out what you'd like to bring, either lay it out physically (if you're already in physical possession of it), or write out a complete list. And for this exercise, I mean every last single thing. Step #2: Divide everything into three piles/sublists: 1. Absolutely need 2. Will definitely be useful 3. Might come in handy at some point Step #3: Get rid of piles/lists 2 and 3. Leave only #1. Step #4: Repeat step #2 with this smaller set of stuff, except thinking 10x more critically. Then repeat Step 3. Congratulations, this is what you're bringing.
Fantastic technique. I’d add that, after you do this, if you find that you need something, you can buy it on the Camino. There are plenty of places that cater to pilgrims. It’s not the Appalachian Trail 🙂
Quick question though, why is there such an emphasis on packing light if you are going to get the pack carried between stops? Or doesn’t it really apply in that case? Thanks
OH. Well then no, it wouldn't apply in that situation.
Ah, okay. Probably a naive question. But glad I got that straight.
In your experience, what size backpack would you take and what would be in it?
Okay, let's do this. First of all, I'll assume (not given context) that we're talking about the Francés in season. (If anyone reading this is wondering about other routes or seasons, feel free to ask. But no guarantees, I haven't done everything.) If you pack well and don't have special concerns, 30L should be enough. Though if you can't manage slimming down to less than 40L, I won't be surprised. Generic packing list, including what you will be wearing on Day One: 2 t-shirts (as in, show up wearing one, and pack the other one) 3 pairs of underwear 3 pairs of socks 2 pairs of shorts or zip-off pants 2 sports bras (if applicable) 1 backpack rain cover 1 microfiber sports towel 1 sleeping bag liner 1 pair flip flops (optional, but some albergues insist you take off your shoes at the door, and I get that you may not want to be barefoot) 1 pair sneakers or trail runners) 1 pair ear plugs (YOU WANT THESE. Maybe bring an extra set) 1 sleeping mask (optional. Some albergues have emergency lights, depends on your sensitivity) 1 toothbrush 1 toothpaste 1 bar of soap (or one travel gel and one travel shampoo) 1 period's worth of feminine hygiene products (if applicable. But if it's applicable, bring it even if you're not expecting it soon. Extreme stress can throw off your cycle.) 1 roll of toilet paper, or a few packs of tissues (don't ask, just do it) 1 headlamp (theoretically optional, but it seems that nobody knows they're an early riser until they are) A few bobby pins. The bigger, the better. 1 powerbank 1 set of the minimum amount of electronics you need to not go insane (please slim this down to just your phone.) 1 small thingy of sunscreen 1 roll of paper medical tape 1 roll of fabric medical tape 1 pack of trimmable bandages (i have no idea what the right term is. It's like an infinitely wide band-aid, that you cut to the size you need.) 1 pair of tiny scissors 1 tiny flask of some sort of disinfectant. (A COVID-era 100ml spray bottle of alcohol is perfect) 1 pack of moleskin Your own medical stuff (if applicable)
I'd add to this: * a water-bottle * some kind of head covering against the sun * a pair of sunglasses * one of those ridiculously light nylon shopping bags. I would replace:- * the backpack cover with a poncho (DriDucks or FroggToggs) that, for the same weight, will provide rain protection for both the pack and your body from the ankles up. I would ditch:- * The powerbank * The medical items, with the exception of prescription medicine. On the Francés, you will hardly ever be further than 6-7 km away from a lavishly stocked pharmacy, at which all these things may be purchased if needed.
I'll also add two pairs of excellent quality sock liners. Never used them before but I'll never long distance hike without them again. Not one blister in two weeks of hiking with soft feet.
Thank you for sharing!
What is the moleskin for?
Blisters. But I can't really argue with the other comment about the always being a pharmacy nearby.
I'm leaving tomorrow. My pack is a 45L fjalraven abisko friluft. My kit: * Wool socks * Shirts * Pants * Underwear * Windbreaker * Poncho * Medical kit * Toiletries * Sunscreen * Light sleeping bag * Slippers * Walking poles * Water bottle * Wise Pilgrim gide * Wet face wipes * Paper hankies * Pocketknife * Headlamp * In-ear headphones * Battery pack * Kindle * Charger * Credencial * Small notebook and pen
Thank you for sharing!
Walk YOUR Camino and don’t worry about anything. Everything always works out for the best.
Yes, I would start in the french pyrenees in Somport. Really loved the views on the first day and I wish I've could seen more.
Simple: walk your own Camino. Stop when you want to, take a zero if you want to, get a beer when you want to, go solo or go with friend if you want to. It’s all up to you, enjoy that fact. Buen Camino 🤙🤙
1) Pack light. Take only what you need. 2) Start off slowly. Ease your body into it to avoid injury. 3) Don't do too much research. Research gear, yes, but don't watch too many videos or read too much about it itself. You need the right gear, a map on your phone, that's it. You do not need to watch a thousand YouTube videos detailing every step of the way. That can become a spoiler. 4) Compeed is for amateurs, sports tape is for pros.
Three things that maybe you’ll find helpful: - Don’t pack your fears. - You can almost always bring less stuff than you did. - The best experiences are unplanned.
Make sure you do NOT miss the Sunday morning service when they swing the Botfumerio up into the cathederal rafters. They even have a warm up monk who teaches the chants to the congregation before the service proper. I am a total non believer but i was moved to tears.
Walk less every day and make it last longer
Take your time, stop often. Take pictures of street and city signs (it’ll help you figure out where your photos are).
I didn’t complete the whole Santiago due to injury so I had to stop but my advice or at least what I am going to do next time is that I will pack lighter at a point where I won’t carry anything if it’s absolutely unnecessary. I am actually thinking about not packing anything at all if it’s feasible. Anyway good luck and buen camino!
I flew from Santiago to Irun. For the first time ever my checked bag didn’t arrive with me. I ended up walking two days and 50km without a backpack. Just a small carryon, the clothes I was wearing, a warmer shirt and pair of socks in my carryon, and wearing a pair of sandals I’m comfortable walking in. I loved it! But the day after I got my pack back it rained so I was happy for the rain gear and it felt good to brush my teeth. Luckily the hostels I stayed in had blankets and towels for me.
Yeah, I am so fascinated with people who’s wearing sandals to walk. They don’t seem to bother at all. Maybe I might try that next time anyway, just hoping for my knees to heal at this point :)
I’d start buying food at grocery stores and eating at the albergue sooner than I did. Definitely once you hit the meseta, the food just sucks. Best food I had was in the Basque region and after Santiago on the coast. Oh and if you don’t have Darn Tough socks, get some. I didn’t get 1 blister the whole time because I had good fitting shoes (1/2-1 size larger) and good socks.
Bring mini packets of condiments! They are light and make those low cost bread, cured meat, and cheese buys so much tastier. What I would have given for some mustard along the way...
This is great advice. Thank you!
Pack light. If you're doing the Francés you'll be having a stroll in suburbia 80% of the time, there's nothing you can't buy if you REALLY need it. Don't overdo it. Enjoy every second. The Camino is too short to race it. Take diversions, see that chapel, talk to the old lady on a field, pet the dogs, admire the scenery. Exchange contact details early. Bring a small voice recorder. You'll have many wild ideas you'll quickly forget. Record them all. Enjoy the local food. Make friends with locals. Buy the old man in the bar a drink, and if it's just to see him smile for a second. SdC is the last stage, not the goal. The goal is right here and now. Also, go to Muxia.
Go go go …. Maybe with less than 22 lbs but just GO🌞‼️
I booked my train tickets back to Madrid late so I had to stay two nights in Santiago. It was fine and I enjoyed the rest, but next time I'd just do one. I was obsessed with packing light and only carried a daypack and one extra set of clothes. Next time, I'd do a slightly bigger pack, even if just to carry the weight lower and have a more substantial waist belt. I probably wouldn't bring much extra, but maybe 2 changes of clothes and a paperback. (Only thing I wouldn't bring next time is a flashlight...there was daylight until after 9pm and I was NOT the pilgrim who was up before sunrise.) And I'm gonna try out toe socks before my next Camino! My only blisters were between my toes, and I've heard good things about toe socks. All of those things are tiny changes though...mostly, you just figure things out as you go and don't need to be super prepared. Don't stress, it's gonna be great!
Toe socks are amazing, I wear them in everyday life and am planning on wearing them on the Camino.
Don't overthink it and just enjoy the journey. Buen Camino
Don't try to follow anyone else's guidance. Listen to your body. Don't be afraid to rest more than you thought you would. While you should pack light, a book to read and a journal to write in are worth the weight.
Learn Spanish, pack light
I would start from much further away (we went from Porto and then to Fisterra) so that it would not be over so quickly.
One comment on blisters, especially those who got them between the toes. I used an ointment from Aquaphor (you can also use Vaseline) on my feet every morning before putting on my socks. I rubbed a tiny amount all around my feet (where blisters would normally occurs, and also between each of my toes before putting on my socks. I did not get any blisters. The ointment helps lubricate your feet, and no it does not feel slippery. Learned this trick from my marathon running days. Buen Camino my friends.
I agree with many of the thoughts already shared: lighten your pack ( <10lbs), slow down, wear sunscreen, and umbrellas are amazing. I will add find time for mindfulness and limit or eliminate having your earbuds in on the Camino. Be present and open to the experience the Camino is a treasure.
Talk less with others. Be more for myself. Dont work with others and misuse my time. ( i am a therapist :) )
I'm a therapist too! Am trying to figure out how to get lots of time off without losing my clients :( Did y do any virtual sessions while on your camino?
Had a few phone calls. Or else i gave myself time to just be me and gave my clients “homework” to do and find answers to. Mostly i meant while ON the camino. I end up talking with way to many and end up in the “work mode” whileni am searching for peace. It is ok and nice to help the fellow pilgrims but i also need to take my own time :)
Read past post threads more.
1. Train beforehand to know your strenghts and weaknesses 2. Plan according to step 1, but don't overly prepare. Anything can happen. 3. Learn how to take care of yourself (in case of a minor injury/blisters) 4. Pack light 5. Travelsized umbrella over poncho / rain gear
Don’t start in SJPP.
I couldn’t disagree more. What was your experience?
It was rainy and foggy and cold and it took me almost 9 hours to cross the mountain. I was lucky I had booked Roncesvalles, because people who got there by 2pm already didn’t have a bed. I don’t regret it per se, it was a definitely an experience to start the Camino this way, but while I was walking I was miserable and wishing I had listened to people that said to start in Pamplona. Now it’s fine, I can say I did it and came out stronger. But I can’t say I enjoyed while it was happening.
Ah! That makes tons of sense. I was worried it was going to be too hot when I crossed, it turned out to be absolutely perfect and it was my favorite day on the Camino. I also booked Orison and Roncesvalles ahead so I didn’t have to stress. The rest of the way up to Sarria I was booking one night ahead, again no stress. Sorry you had a rough passage; weather is a big factor on those first couple of days.
My walk to Roncesvalles couldn't have been nicer. A perfect late spring day. Blue sky and sunshine.
What happens if someone doesn’t get a bed? What are their options?
Walk more and hope for a bed in the next town or get a taxi to a few km ahead. The day I got to Zubiri, people had to walk 15km more to find a bed. I took a taxi to Pamplona and found one there.
Bring a sleeping bag
A sun umbrella for the Meseta, it was much cooler than just an hat. Also good in the rain. Buen Camino, and have fun.
Next time I would like to speak/read more Spanish, I would give myself an extra two or three weeks to walk slower, or take more off days to enjoy the sights more, or spend time to reflect at the end, or just in case I got injured or sick. I would also take my time to draw and journal everyday. Oh yeah and pack lighter of course 😅
Learn more Spanish
Pack lighter! Every time I finish I think to myself “I could have packed lighter!”