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Recent content by jfgough

  1. jfgough

    Best tape to prevent blisters

    Vaseline is a great preventative measure, as are merino wool socks. I got a minor blister after about 300 km and after I ran out Vaseline. Keeping your feet dry and lubricated will help you avoid blisters. Compeed and other products are readily available on the Camino Frances.
  2. jfgough

    Best way to walk near unfenced cows/cattle

    Just keep a respectful distance if possible and don't pet them. One of my favorite memories from my Camino Frances last year was walking in the middle of a herd of large gentle cattle on the road out of Sarria. There were about 20 pilgrim walking in the road with the cattle. With exception of a...
  3. jfgough

    Alternative to Pamplona for overnight

    Hostel Casa Ibarolla.
  4. jfgough

    Alternative to Pamplona for overnight

    I would recommend you give Pamplona a try. I don't think it's crazy unless there is a festival there. It's a beautiful city with an incredible food scene. I stayed on a nice albergue with little sleeping pods, washers and dryers and a very helpful staff.
  5. jfgough

    Is this a thing I can do?

    You can buy Hokas in the me major cities along the way. I walked with two friends who envied my Hokas and bought them in Burgos and Leon. Not sure if they have every model available. I wore my Hoka ATR Challengers the entire way. I bought new insoles in Burgos. By Santiago the soles were still...
  6. jfgough

    Ex Porto: A Beginners experience/learnings (May 2024)

    Thank you for this detailed report. I walked the Camino Frances last year and will walk the Portuguese starting in Porto on August 28. Your experience will be very helpful to me on my Camino.
  7. jfgough

    Backpack?

    I walked the CF last fall and used a 36L Osprey. It was plenty big and helped me from over packing. You will find many helpful resources for choosing a pack and packing lists from community members. Buen Camino
  8. jfgough

    Phone Service while traveling - Holafly?

    I used Holafly last fall becausey US T-Mobile international plan didn't provide me with data outside of major cities. It was worth the cost to have data to use for maps and contacting albergues.
  9. jfgough

    US International Phone plan or Spanish SIM card while on the Camino?

    I used Holafly on my CF last fall. My T-Mobile International plane didn't provide data outside of major cities.
  10. jfgough

    Liner Socks

    Trail runners are a great option, they're lightweight and dry out quickly, especially if you remove the liners at night. I think the secret to zero blisters for me was a generous application of Vaseline every morning before walking, and wool socks. Wool dries faster than cotton. I had two pair...
  11. jfgough

    LIVE from the Camino Here we goooo!

    Bom Caminho! I plan to start in Porto on late August. I walked the CF last fall and thought that I would be "one and done". After being home about a month I was ready to return. I wish you guys the best of luck. Make sure to enjoy every step, and look back when you leave a place. I often found...
  12. jfgough

    First Camino - Nervous and with questions about the start

    Henrik, You will get a lot of great advice on this forum. You can be as social or not as you wish. My only advice is to walk this journey in your own way, at your our place. Good luck and Buen Camino!
  13. jfgough

    Time for more compostela type certificates?

    I'm sure everyone has their own motivation, but the Compostella was rather anticlimactic for me. I'm fact, it is still rolled up in its cardboard tube. What I like to show people is my passport and the many varied stamps. Those are the most important memories for me. But to each their own.
  14. jfgough

    Re: My First Camino

    Food is not a problem on the Camino. Try everything. I had a pinxo of tuna on a pickle, surprisingly delicious. Look ahead the night before to make sure there are places which will be open. Siesta is still a thing and you may find yourself walking through a town with delicious scents of food...
  15. jfgough

    How long is the Meseta?

    I walked the CF in September and October. I was in the meseta in Mod September and It was possibly my favorite part of the Camino. The weather was good, sometimes a bit hot in the afternoons. It is certainly not all flat, not boring. The is a sign along the way which says "Without the meseta...
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