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Recent content by backpack45

  1. backpack45

    Best way to walk near unfenced cows/cattle

    We have walked many Camino routes, including the Norte, and only occasionally seen cows on the trail (luckily none have been threatening). Here is the advice given by our regional park district. (I also have seen signs showing cow's blind spots (mostly their back end) -so avoid frightening them...
  2. backpack45

    Laundry Masher

    EIghty bucks? Is this for real!
  3. backpack45

    Bus to cross Burgos

    If you have to skip it, so be it, but Burgos is a beautiful city--especially city center with the cathedral, a nice hotel, and other old picturesque buildings. We were lucky enough to be there when a couple of weddings were going on and after the ceremonies, the wedding parties were gathering by...
  4. backpack45

    Message from the Roncesvalles albergue - a difficult day.

    All I can say is that my first day was in Roncesvalles, back before the new facility was built. This was in 2001. I don't recall that anyone spoke English. The beds were full, people were setting up for the night on mats on the floor and there was no space for me to do so. Finally, a couple of...
  5. backpack45

    Commercial walking stunt from Wolksvagen

    Some people refuse to wear clothing, etc. with logos, or cover or cut the advertising out. Similar in some ways, is wearing clothes, using tents when camping, etc. that are earth-tones that will blend into the environment rather than shout their presence in the natural world.
  6. backpack45

    LIVE from the Camino SJPdP “Completo” tonight!

    Wow, reminds me of my first night on a Camino hike--arriving at Roncesvalles (back in 2001) and finding all the beds in the (former hostel) were full. We eventually found mats (in two different rooms) where a few people moved their mats on the floor so I could put down my sleeping bag. Other...
  7. backpack45

    Need help deciding to bring or not to bring

    IMO, take the water bladder and drink periodically. I also usually have a plastic bottle that I refill; it lasts the whole trip. I keep it in the side pocket of my backpack because when I stop for a break, you get more volume in a hurry than with the bladder. .
  8. backpack45

    The one thing I should have done before I left for the Camino

    I don't think I forgot anything because the Camino was not my first time traveling away from home for several weeks. But, when I wrote my first book about the Camino, "Camino Chronicle," I wrote an entire chapter about things to do ahead of time. A couple of them--let your credit card and/or...
  9. backpack45

    Bathroom stops on the camino for female Peregrinas

    I understand that many who set out to walk the Camino may not have experienced having to pee outdoors. But being able to do so, without peeing on your shoes/clothes, etc., is simply a matter or learning a new skill. For most, It does not require bringing a pee device. You might consider...
  10. backpack45

    Camino del norte questions

    Yes, on the hiking poles:-).
  11. backpack45

    Does anyone know of any shorter pilgrimage routes around the world?

    Have you considered the routes in the U.S.? There is a mission to mission route here in Northern California . Plus there is the Chimayo pilgrimage. in New Mexico. https://www.newmexicoexplorer.com/pilgrimage-to-chimayo/
  12. backpack45

    How often do you take a break?

    Hi, when we hike with others, I notice that they have varying preferences. Some like to frequently take a one-minute stop to sit, but I'd prefer to just keep going rather than go to the trouble for a short stop. I am in my eighties. We tend to take just a longish lunchbreak (picnic style...
  13. backpack45

    Spanish or English in France?

    Ralph and I have done three of the four major Chemin in France--the LePuy, Vezelay, and Arles. And, all were done in sections (taking three or four years to do each). I love hiking in France and the people are WONDERFUL. Though we have on rare occasions stayed overnight where no one spoke...
  14. backpack45

    SJPDP-SDC in 32 days-is this realistic?

    It is realistic IF you are used to doing the mileage (or nearly so). Why not start out, and if a couple of weeks in it's not working for you, take a bus ahead an appropriate amount and pick up the trail again (100 km from Santiago, of course, if you want to earn the Compostela). You do NOT need...
  15. backpack45

    Camino del Norte advise please

    I agree with every word you said. Probably my favorite Camino route so far! Worth every moment!
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