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  1. tjz

    Tarmac percentages on the VdlP

    If I had to guess, I think it is the differences in experience and age between those on the AT and on the Camino. I would venture that more folks on the AT have done more (number of) multi-day hikes on challenging terrain carrying a load than on the Camino. They have had the freedom to...
  2. tjz

    Tarmac percentages on the VdlP

    It is interesting to get the perspective of through hikers on a trail rougher than most of the Caminos: https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/the-top-footwear-on-the-appalachian-trail-2024-thru-hiker-survey/ By the end of the trail 86% are wearing trail runners. ;)
  3. tjz

    Anyone walked the Norte during Semana Santa?

    Last March we were on the Norte from La Caridad to Baamonde during Semana Santa. There was some uptick in the number of pilgrims, but nothing like our times on the Frances during Semana Santa. We traveled to Madrid before coming home, and that was crazy busy and crazy crazy (but good!). We did...
  4. tjz

    Adding mileage

    All of this discussion above is great! For planning I use the "Brierley formula" of add 1km for every 200m of elevation gain. It's all very subjective, but gets you an idea. But depending on the weather and the beauty and tastiness of our lunch stop, and the distractions along the way, it's so...
  5. tjz

    Bayonne or Irún

    We started at the cathedral in Bayonne in 2022, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Those two days in France were charming and very easy. Overall, I would say it did not tax our reserves of "resourcefulness" and "resilience" nearly as much as some of the other stretches later on. It's the Norte, and...
  6. tjz

    What Garmin are you wearing?

    It's pricey and overkill, but I love my Garmin Forerunner 965. I used a 935 before that and loved it too. My wife uses a 265S. We primarily use them for running, but they are very nice for the Camino as well - easily lasts a whole day or two without needing charging. It's really cool to check...
  7. tjz

    Littoral path

    Walking from Bayonne to Biarritz is very straightforward, you can find directions in @Dave 's book as well as other places. From Biarritz I think you have basically 3 options: Hop the barriers after Saint-Jean-de-Luz as @trecile indicates. We did this in 2022 and did not feel endangered in any...
  8. tjz

    2 hours from Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid Chamartin is enough?

    If you are relatively familiar with MAD and Chamartin and not checking bags, I'd guess you have a 50+% chance with 2 hrs and 90% chance with 3 hrs. I qualify on all three of those, and I still wouldn't roll the dice on anything less than 3 hrs and I prefer 4-5 hrs. Too many chances of something...
  9. tjz

    Can you reserve Albergue parroquial San Juan Bautista in Grañón in advance?

    We slept on the mats there in Spring 2014. It's a tie with Güemes on the Norte in Spring 2023 as our favorite communal meal and albergue experience. It was a wonderful lovely time. A comfortable night's sleep is overrated! ;)
  10. tjz

    Zero-drop shoes and the camino

    I was a huge Altra fan for about a year and used them both for hiking and running. The wide toe box was the big selling point for me, as well as the comfort. I loved the Timps! Eventually, though, I developed achilles tendon issues requiring some physical therapy to help heal. I switched to Topo...
  11. tjz

    Starting the Norte at Biarritz Airport

    If you are arriving in the afternoon, I might recommend what we did - we walked from the airport into Bayonne (easy) and visited the cathedral and stayed there. It's a lovely area. The next day we walked to Guéthary and then the day after that into Hendaye. We loved the first days in France.
  12. tjz

    Which footwear in April

    My wife and I have hiked in March / April on the Frances and Norte and used both boots initially and now trail runners. We've been through all sorts of weather except for blistering heat. It's very subjective / personal, but for us the trail runners are clearly the better choice for our feet...
  13. tjz

    Short, thin and cool socks for summer hiking?

    These, if thin is a top priority: https://www.wrightsock.com/products/coolmesh-ii-quarter-socks?_pos=3&_psq=coolmesh&_ss=e&_v=1.0 These, if you want a cool Camino logo! https://www.wrightsock.com/products/eco-explore?variant=31825134944345
  14. tjz

    Is a pack liner a good idea or nah?

    Falling into the "belt and suspenders" group, we use a pack cover if it's really pouring, but everyday use very lightweight bags inside our backpacks. You can use durable plastic zipper style bags, but we really like these Osprey bags...
  15. tjz

    Favorite end of day shoes

    I used to carry lightweight Keen "water shoes" when I used boots. But now that I've switched to trail runners (Topo Ultraventure) with quick dry uppers, I just change socks after my shower and put the same old shoes back on. I've found them to be so comfortable and light, I don't need evening...
  16. tjz

    Sunday Opening (Shops / Restaurants)

    On the Norte in March/April, we've never had an issue finding at least one restaurant open on a Sunday, but frequently there have been no groceries. In most cases, we usually get a little extra on Saturday if we remember, but in most cases just buy groceries on the way out of town on Monday or...
  17. tjz

    Shuttle from Bilbao to San Sebastian

    Rome2Rio is a great resource for questions like this. I'd suggest checking it out here: https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Bilbao/Donostia-San-Sebasti%C3%A1n#trips Buen Camino!
  18. tjz

    Wet hiking shoes

    Foot comfort is a very personal thing. Some folks can't stand wet feet, some, like myself could care less. My experience is that whatever type of shoe you wear, you are likely to have wet feet, either from the weather, or more commonly from sweat. My experience is also that there is no harm with...
  19. tjz

    FEVE Ferrol to Santander

    I am thinking this might be a great way for us to make our slow way back to Madrid next year when we complete our Norte / Finisterre / Muxia camino. How did you break up these legs into days? Thanks!
  20. tjz

    Renfe - help with translation

    We took bus for between Monforte de Lemos and Ourense this spring in the opposite direction. Despite delays in the trains, the operation was very well run by the Renfe staff and we were pleased how well it went. I would put it in the category of "minor hassle". For what it is worth, the bus...

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