camino norte questions

[dorothy shapiro]

Hi all,

I am starting my second camino on June 3 from Irun and have a couple of questions. I am wondering if I can get away with just a silk liner inside of a polyester liner at that time of year. My other question is about sandals versus boots. My feet are so happy in my trekking sandals and not at all used to boots any more. BUT I wonder if the terrain in places would be difficult to negotiate in sandals. I have been walking the hills of Seattle with my pack in sandals with no problem. I would so appreciate some input and advice . I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail and meeting some new and wonderful people!

Buen camino

 

[kaixo]

Ah, equipment questions. Since you have walked the CF you know best what works for you.
All I can say is the Norte is more challenging than the Frances. Follow your instincts, you make the choices, and remember you can purchase or unload (almost) anytime.
From Irun it's only one day to San Sebastian and you practically walk right past the outdoor store, Belagoa Kirolak. And within the week you will be in Bilbao where there is a Decathalon store.
You can modify your gear as needed. Enjoy your final week of prep.

 

[dorothy shapiro]

Ah, equipment questions. Since you have walked the CF you know best what works for you.
All I can say is the Norte is more challenging than the Frances. Follow your instincts, you make the choices, and remember you can purchase or unload (almost) anytime.
From Irun it's only one day to San Sebastian and you practically walk right past the outdoor store, Belagoa Kirolak. And within the week you will be in Bilbao where there is a Decathalon store.
You can modify your gear as needed. Enjoy your final week of prep.

Good to know, thanks so much!

 

[MKalcolm M]

The path of the Norte is very variable, and a couple of years ago when I walked it, some sections were very, very muddy. Sandals would not have been an option at these points. If you can allow the extra weight I would carry both, on seriously rough or muddy sections wear boots and change into your sandals when you arrive at the alberge, and then you can also use the sandals on smoother stretches.

You will probably get away with just a liner, most alberges have a stack of blankets. The Norte is a great route, I hope you really enjoy it.

 

[filly]

Just check the beds for bugs. A friend of mine was badly affected last year not far from Deba. I take boots AND sandals... As the sandals do for off duty and on duty when the feet are sensitive. If you can hike around Seatttle though in sandals then just go for it. I never use a liner though. I never use a blanket though I may put it UNDER my sleeping bag.

 

[dorothy shapiro]

The path of the Norte is very variable, and a couple of years ago when I walked it, some sections were very, very muddy. Sandals would not have been an option at these points. If you can allow the extra weight I would carry both, on seriously rough or muddy sections wear boots and change into your sandals when you arrive at the alberge, and then you can also use the sandals on smoother stretches.

You will probably get away with just a liner, most alberges have a stack of blankets. The Norte is a great route, I hope you really enjoy it.

That's good advice, thank you so much!

 

[dorothy shapiro]

Just check the beds for bugs. A friend of mine was badly affected last year not far from Deba. I take boots AND sandals... As the sandals do for off duty and on duty when the feet are sensitive. If you can hike around Seatttle though in sandals then just go for it. I never use a liner though. I never use a blanket though I may put it UNDER my sleeping bag.

Yes the bed bug problem, I guess it is better to take my own sleeping bag and I will use the blanket as a shield for the matress! Thanks and buen camino

 

[AlanB]

I lost my silk liner 3 days into my walk 2 years ago. Never replaced it but wish I had when I got to Galicia.It was June/July. Just used a towel to cover the matress.

 

[NualaOC]

Hi Dorothy, have you seen @Kanga 's thread about the Norte? She is wearing sandals with Sealskinz socks.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/kanga-hopping.33525/

Buen Camino!

 

[dorothy shapiro]

Hi Dorothy, have you seen @Kanga 's thread about the Norte? She is wearing sandals with Sealskinz socks.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/kanga-hopping.33525/

Buen Camino!

thanks for that, I will have a look
buen cmino

 

[Fr Scott]

Hi all,

I am starting my second camino on June 3 from Irun and have a couple of questions. I am wondering if I can get away with just a silk liner inside of a polyester liner at that time of year. My other question is about sandals versus boots. My feet are so happy in my trekking sandals and not at all used to boots any more. BUT I wonder if the terrain in places would be difficult to negotiate in sandals. I have been walking the hills of Seattle with my pack in sandals with no problem. I would so appreciate some input and advice . I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail and meeting some new and wonderful people!

Buen camino

Hey Dorothy, I am leaving a day after you, June 4. I plan to pack my trekking sandals and wear them after hiking the trail. Also, I think the trail and sun would beat up my feet too much. But like Kaixo said, you probably know best what is right for you.

 

[dorothy shapiro]

Hi Dorothy, have you seen @Kanga 's thread about the Norte? She is wearing sandals with Sealskinz socks.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/kanga-hopping.33525/

Buen Camino!

She's my kind of person, although I just wear the sandals,

 

[dorothy shapiro]

Hey Dorothy, I am leaving a day after you, June 4. I plan to pack my trekking sandals and wear them after hiking the trail. Also, I think the trail and sun would beat up my feet too much. But like Kaixo said, you probably know best what is right for you.

Are you as excited as I am?! I think I am all sorted out, will bring my boots as a back-up and found a wool liner to go with the silk one. It look s like we are in for some beautiful weather if you can believe the weather forecasts.

Hope to run into you on the trail.

Buen camino!

 

[Fr Scott]

Are you as excited as I am?! I think I am all sorted out, will bring my boots as a back-up and found a wool liner to go with the silk one. It look s like we are in for some beautiful weather if you can believe the weather forecasts.

Hope to run into you on the trail.

Buen camino!

I am totally excited. I am going to the anchorage, Alaska airport tomorrow. Should be in Irun June 3. The weather is too good to be true. Have a great camino and hope to run in to you.