One month out…this is getting real!

[HBS60]

Greetings, fellow pilgrims!
Here’s an update for my plans to do the Camino Francés from SJPDP, with a few points I haven’t quite resolved yet. Some of them are on the “dumb question” category, so please bear with me…

Here’s what I have so far: I live in Central FL and will take the new Brighline train to Miami on August 5. I’ll spend the night in Miami, and on the 6th, I’ll take a direct flight to Madrid, arriving on the 7th around 6:05 AM.

Questions:

1) I recently switched to T-Mobile with international data coverage, so I don’t believe i need to worry about an eSIM, correct? Also: do I need to turn on “roaming” in settings? Does that make a difference in how much I get billed? I have zero experience with this kind of situation.

2) Cash, ATM. I’m aware that there are ATM machines in the airport. I’ve read repeatedly that it’s best to use an ATM machine in a bank in case the machine “eats” up the card. Is this a problem at the airport? I plan to withdraw some money in Euros just in case I need some cash, but I may probably postpone this until I get to Pamplona.

I bought a large duffel bag that can contain my large backpack (Kester 48, needed that size because of my large cPAP machine). I will carry my cPAP machine in its travel case on board as my personal item, as well as a carry-on bag for an extra change of clothes, jacket, medication bag (I’m on a bunch of bulky meds). I’m checking my Kester inside the duffel through regular luggage, as it’s too big for carry-on, so I’ll claim it after clearing customs, and then put in the cPAP machine, carry on bag and medications. It all fits in there, so I’ll just carry the duffel bag to my next leg of my journey.

From Madrid Barajas, I’ll take the 10:30 AM Renfe train to Pamplona. My main worry about this part is whether I’ll be delayed in my Madrid arrival or clearing customs, but not much I can do about that. Plan B would be to find either another train to Pamplona or find a place in Madrid to stay overnight, and cancel my Pamplona stay (Albergue Plaza Catedral).

Question: I there an ATM machine at the Pamplona train station? Or a nearby bank?

When I get to Pamplona, I might get the Backpack out of the duffel, stuff the duffel in the backpack (there’s space), walk to the Albergue (or maybe just don’t bother with all of this and take an Uber/taxi to the Albergue, as I’m not officially starting my Pilgrimage just yet). I plan to pack my folded up duffel, stuff I used during the flight, etc and send it to Ivar, provided I have the time and I can find a correos within walking distance from the Plaza Catedral. Do Albergues facilitate this process, like the luggage transport services? Particularly since I’m not planning to have my first pilgrim stamp until the 11th, the date is important to me.

The next day I take the Alsa bus to SJPDP. I have reservations in SJPDP, Orisson, Roncesvalles, and Zubiri. After that, we’ll see, since I don’t know what would be my actual walking pace. I’ve been walking, walking, walking, in the infernal FL heat, but recently had a minor setback with a mild case of COVID. I’m over that now, so I’m back to training, walking with my backpack. Unfortunately, my cPAP, power brick, cords, hoses, etc weigh 4 pounds. My total weight is 22.5 (about 10 Kg). The hip belt in the Kester really help with the weight, but I’m not at the point where I know if I can walk 12 miles a day. I know I can definitely walk 4 miles comfortably at around 3 miles an hour, so I’m expecting to walk 1.5-2 hours at a time, stop, rest, eat, then resume, and take my time. Being that I live in flat terrain, I don’t know how well I’ll do up in the mountains. I’m not too worried about the heat because where I live it’s common to have temps in the 90’s F. Looking at weather apps it seems that the highs, even in the Meseta, would be in the upper 80s. Is the humidity lower? Here in FL is common to have high humidity, making the heat worse. I’m getting familiar with the gear, poles, trying different ways of packing, figuring out how to attach and deploy my hiking umbrella, etc.

ETA: I’m aware of the luggage transport service, and it’s good to know it’s an option. I do feel a bit leery about sending the (very expensive) cPAP machine ahead, out of my sight, but I imagine at some point I may need to do so if needed.

Souvenirs, etc. shipping: Along the way, I might purchase souvenir items but I dont’ want to carry them, it it OK to make several shipments to Ivar from different parts of the Camino? Hopefully I can collect all of these when I get there. I’m not planning to go crazy shopping, just thinking ahead.

Timetable: My return ticket to the US is on September 24. While my plan originally was to just go to SDC, I want to know what I could do if I get there sooner than expected. If I’m close to the Gronze stages, I might have several days leftover, so I might decide to go to Muxia and/or Finisterre, not sure if I want to walk or just take a bus there. In any case, I need to get on a train back to Madrid on September 23 so I can catch my morning flight on the 24th. Or, I could leave Galicia early on, and spend a few days in Madrid, any suggestions would be great.

Weather: I’m guesstimating that while it will be warm a big part of the Camino, it my be cooler early on in the Pyrenees, and later on, I’ll be arriving in mountainous Galicia in early September, so I don’t know if I should pack warmer (meaning, bulkier) clothes. I’m just taking a sleeping back liner, a poncho, and a couple short-sleeved polyester shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 set of convertible hiking pants, two pairs of Darn Tough socks with thinner polyester socks as extra layers. 2 pairs of underwear, I’m walking on Hokas trailrunners and also have Keene Sandals. I also have a pair of longleeved polyester tshirt and finally, a broad-brimmed hat. I normally wear eyeglasses and will be carrying sunglasses as well.

I’m sure more questions will come up, but for now, these should suffice. I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about.

Thanks for all the wisdom and support!

 

[trecile]

) I recently switched to T-Mobile with international data coverage, so I don’t believe i need to worry about an eSIM, correct? Also: do I need to turn on “roaming” in settings? Does that make a difference in how much I get billed? I have zero experience with this kind of situation

It you have one of the top tier T-Mobile plans you will have 5GB of high speed international data included. After you use that you will still have free data, but at slower speeds. Unlimited texting to/from the US is free, but not to other numbers.

Until last year I always managed with the slower data speeds, but I got hooked on that high speed data and ended up buying another high speed package when it ran out. I had a new phone on a contract and wasn't able to use a non T-Mobile SIM or eSIM.

If you haven't already, install WhatsApp on your phone - it's what most other pilgrims and many albergues use.

Cash, ATM. I’m aware that there are ATM machines in the airport. I’ve read repeatedly that it’s best to use an ATM machine in a bank in case the machine “eats” up the card. Is this a problem at the airport?

I only use ATMs where I can use the "tap" function instead of inserting my card. No worries about the machine "eating" the card when it never leaves my hand

 

[Bill905]

I recommend enabling your smartphone with electronic payments, such as Apple Pay and/or Google pay. I recently completed the Camino Portugués and had to activate my Google Pay because so many places did not accept cash (restaurants, shops, albergues, etc)! As I also discovered, using Google Pay is actually more secure than using a card because your credit card number is not transferred as part of the transaction, rather a different type of proxy number is used for every transaction.

 

[HBS60]

It you have one of the top tier T-Mobile plans you will have 5GB of high speed international data included. After you use that you will still have free data, but at slower speeds. Unlimited texting to/from the US is free, but not to other numbers.

Until last year I always managed with the slower data speeds, but I got hooked on that high speed data and ended up buying another high speed package when it ran out. I had a new phone on a contract and wasn't able to use a non T-Mobile SIM or eSIM.

If you haven't already, install WhatsApp on your phone - it's what most other pilgrims and many albergues use.

I only use ATMs where I can use the "tap" function instead of inserting my card. No worries about the machine "eating" the card when it never leaves my hand

Thanks!
I have the T-Mobile 55 plus Magenta plan, includes 500 GB of data, including international use. What I’m confused about is whether I need to turn on the “roaming” setting, I cant’ figure it out from what I’ve read. I’ve read in the past that I should leave the “roaming” off to avoid international charges, but I imagine this might not be the case, but I’m not sure if it makes a difference to leave it on or off.

I already have WhatsApp but I don’t really use it all that much.

My main credit card does not have the tap function, but fortunately my debit (through Schwab) does, I got it recently renewed, but I’m old school so I’m not used to all this new technology. Thanks for the suggestions!

I recommend enabling your smartphone with electronic payments, such as Apple Pay and/or Google pay. I recently completed the Camino Portugués and had to activate my Google Pay because so many places did not accept cash (restaurants, shops, albergues, etc)! As I also discovered, using Google Pay is actually more secure than using a card because your credit card number is not transferred as part of the transaction, rather a different type of proxy number is used for every transaction.

I recently got an upgraded iPhone 15, but I’m old school so I’m not used to all these new modalities like Apple Pay. I did try to use it once, then paid the credit card directly, but the charge would not drop off the Apple Pay until I deleted the card from Apple Pay and reinstalled it. Not sure if it’s a bug or what I’m doing wrong, so that’s why I haven’t given it much thought since then. Maybe I just need to pay charges made through Apple Pay using Apple Pay, instead of directly to the credit card’s app or website.
Thanks for the responses and suggestions! Much appreciated!

 

[trecile]

I need to turn on the “roaming” setting, I cant’ figure it out from what I’ve read. I’ve read in the past that I should leave the “roaming” off to avoid international charges, but I imagine this might not be the case, but I’m not sure if it makes a difference to leave it on or off

Yes, you need to turn roaming on - you won't incur additional charges.

I recently got an upgraded iPhone 15, but I’m old school so I’m not used to all these new modalities like Apple Pay. I did try to use it once, then paid the credit card directly, but the charge would not drop off the Apple Pay until I deleted the card from Apple Pay and reinstalled it. Not sure if it’s a bug or what I’m doing wrong, so that’s why I haven’t given it much thought since then. Maybe I just need to pay charges made through Apple Pay using Apple Pay, instead of directly to the credit card’s app or website.

Apple Pay is just another way to use your credit card. You pay the charges just as you normally do. I find it easier to pay with my phone than to pull out my credit card.

I don't understand what you mean when you say that the charge would not stop off of Apple Pay. The important thing is what does your credit card online balance say.

I have an Android phone, so I use Google Pay, and if I look at the Google Pay app there's a whole list of the purchases that I've made.

 

[C clearly]

Why not go to your bank at home and buy/order €300 to take. That is one hassle eliminated.

Whenever I check my backpack, I do it naked - it, not me. I just tighten up the straps and send it along. No duffel bag.

warmer (meaning, bulkier) clothes.

Never take "bulky" clothes, but you might consider another light long sleeve wool or fleece shirt.

 

[CWBuff]

Re:T-mobile plan I too have Magenta 55 and it served me well.
I like the fact that I don't have to mess around with changing SIM cards and retain my US number making it easy fir folks back home to contact me "just in case ".
When the speeds get slower .. well I try not to use data a lot while walking and set the phone on Airplane mode (2 apps I'm in habit of using- Buen Camino and FindPenguins - work offline) and then just use the Albergue's WiFi.
The ONLY caution I bring your attention to is that ANY calls you make (no matter to who, no matter to where) will cost you $.25/min.
That's a lot. So as have been suggested on many other topic-like threads use WhatsApp or similar for any voice or non-US text communications
Good luck and Buen Camino

 

[CWBuff]

Re: buying souvenirs along the way and sending them to Ivar - I am sure that it's possible however I'm also sure that every package is treated as separate entity fir storage purposes and will insure a separate charge.
I don't think any souvenirs will be worth the expense... I can't think of anything I saw that I was not able to get in SdC
And speaking of shipping to Ivar - no albergues do not facilitate that type of service. You will need to go to Post Office

Re: your overall schedule- IMHO you are overthinking Just walk and you will see "where you are ". If indeed you are early for your departure figure your options around that time; no reason at all to worry about it now

 

[trecile]

The ONLY caution I bring your attention to is that ANY calls you make (no matter to who, no matter to where) will cost you $.25/min.

If I need to call landlines or other numbers that aren't on Whatsapp I use the Viber app. Calls are only 2¢ a minute. I bought $5 worth of credits in 2022, and still have most of it left.

Cheap International Calls Worldwide | Viber Out

Make free internet calls with Viber. Call friends and family on any landline or mobile phone with Viber credit, sign up today at Viber.com

account.viber.com

Re: buying souvenirs along the way and sending them to Ivar - I am sure that it's possible however I'm also sure that every package is treated as separate entity fir storage purposes and will insure a separate charge.
I don't think any souvenirs will be worth the expense... I can't think of anything I saw that I was not able to get in SdC

I agree. Other than snacks, shopping is not something that I do along the Camino. You will find every kind of souvenir that you saw along the Camino and more when you get to Santiago.

 

[Purple Backpack]

1) Phones: no eSIM needed with international plans from US. WhatsApp is huge and you’ll find yourself using it with your friends, albergues, Jacotrans and more. It’s pretty easy to use, just have someone show you the first time.
2) ATMs: I like to have a few hundred euro for arrival. I don’t have to worry about finding a reputable machine when I’m tired and just want to get there. Otherwise, I use bank only ATMs, take out about 300 euro at a time and I love the tap only machines as mentioned above.
3) CPAP: I hiked a few weeks ago with a friend who sent his cpap ahead by Jacotrans. There was also a huge tour group walking on the same days and his bag ended up with theirs, unbeknownst to him. He was without it for two nights before figuring it out, was sleep deprived and stressed that it was gone. Always carry the most important things and send things ahead you don’t care about in a smaller/lighter pack/duffle. With you should be overnight clothes, sleeping bag/sack, meds, electronics, minimal toiletries, rain jacket, your cpap. Everything else can go ahead to lighten your load. Another option is to compensate for the cpap weight by ditching other things. It’s a pain to deal with both your pack and a duffle. Lots of people here will help cull packing lists but get it as light as you can, you’ll be glad you did. Albergues have the transfer envelopes to put money in and information on but you need to WhatsApp the driver’s number on the envelope the night before and let them know you need to be on their list for the next day. I made friends with some of the drivers and got some incredibly kind and funny whats app messages, too.
4) Souvenirs: I love to get small, lightweight things for special people at home. There’s a great blacksmith shop next to the famous wine fountain…I got a couple of necklaces and small wall crosses that were lightweight, modern and stylized. Rabanal monk’s shop had nice gifts like brass angels with different meanings and gorgeous rosaries made by one of the monks. Samos had some cool things in their shop, too. When the weather changed to searing heat, I shipped a box to Ivar with a fleece jacket, wool shirts, leggings, extra doodads I didn’t need. It was pricey but arrived fine. Pack light so you don’t have to do this.
5) Weather: I like to pack 3 tshirts so I always have a “dinner shirt”. I got rid of extra pants and ended up using the same light pants/light shorts the rest of the trip. Hat,undies, extra socks, rain jacket for me, flip flops/tevas for May/early June Camino. August is going to be really hot so pack accordingly. You can always layer shirts, if needed. Sleep sack. Toiletries. Electronics. First Aid. Bring hand sanitizer, there was almost no bathrooms with soap. Small toiletries are readily available in pilgrim shops and a lot of grocery stores.

Have lots of fun packing for your first Camino. You’ll be amazed at how little you actually need and how much you’ll want to get rid of. Don’t forget water weighs a couple of pounds per liter plus the containers and snacks add up, too. I thought I was packed pretty light this time but actually sent a lot ahead and will go even lighter next time. Buen Camino!!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

As already suggested:
1/ get out three hundred Euros and take it with you, you do not need that stress on arrival. If you've got it stashed in two or three different places you also minimise any potential for pickpockets. Airports and the public transport coming out of them are rife.

2/load WhatsApp now, ditto Alertcops. If you can't activate the latter look for the Post which describes the fix, or simply ask, we'll find it for you

3/always carry your CPAP, your medicines, a rain jacket, snack and water.

Presumably the duffle bag is to protect your backpack straps, and to pack your travel clothes in.

I've lost count of the number of flights I've done, so here's a couple of quick Travellers tips:

Backpack:
Tie all the straps tightly and pull the pack cover over the straps. Put a couple of cloth strips or a simple belt etc to hold it in place/ act as a handle.

Travel clothes:
Camino pants and shoes, but with old t-shirt, socks and underpants - because you're going to throw them away not wash them!

Finally your packing list: I'm assuming you've listed everything, including what you're wearing. You only need one pair of shorts. Swap one pair for a warm layer, such as a cheap Merino long sleeve top or a lightweight fleece with a hoodie. (I emphasise lightweight, you don't need something bulky). Or a simple puffer/fleece vest. Often readily available for just a couple of Dollars in second hand places.
Even in August it's not unknown to get a sudden cold snap for a day or two and weather in September is highly variable.

I also carry a pair of tidy boxer shorts for sleeping in, they double as an additional pair of underwear in need. ( Day's of rain and no driers)

Walking plan.
Sensible. You're training which is important, and be prepared to throw the plan out the window once you get there!

Free time.( At the end)
There are multiple threads on this, totally weather dependant. A very common and popular suggestion after buses to Finisterre or Muxia is a day/overnight trip to A Coruna for example.

 

[andonius]

When you arrive to Madrid, take in account that you must go to PUERTA DE ATOCHA train station to take the train to Pamplona. That's important because there are two different long distance train Stations in Madrid (Puerta de Atocha and Chamartin), and they're in opposite parts of the city. A lot of people goes directly to Chamartin, which is the nearest to Barajas Airport, but the trains to Pamplona depart from Puerta de Atocha Station.
You can find all the information about how to get to Atocha station (with estimated costs and transition times) in that link to the unofficial page of Barajas airport:

How to get from Madrid Airport to Atocha Train Station

All Information about your transfer from Madrid Airport. Discover and compare all transportation options from MAD Airport to Atocha Station.

madrid-international-airport.com

¡Buen Camino!

 

[t2andreo]

Greetings, fellow pilgrims!
Here’s an update for my plans to do the Camino Francés from SJPDP, with a few points I haven’t quite resolved yet. Some of them are on the “dumb question” category, so please bear with me…

Here’s what I have so far: I live in Central FL and will take the new Brighline train to Miami on August 5. I’ll spend the night in Miami, and on the 6th, I’ll take a direct flight to Madrid, arriving on the 7th around 6:05 AM.

Questions:

1) I recently switched to T-Mobile with international data coverage, so I don’t believe i need to worry about an eSIM, correct? Also: do I need to turn on “roaming” in settings? Does that make a difference in how much I get billed? I have zero experience with this kind of situation.

2) Cash, ATM. I’m aware that there are ATM machines in the airport. I’ve read repeatedly that it’s best to use an ATM machine in a bank in case the machine “eats” up the card. Is this a problem at the airport? I plan to withdraw some money in Euros just in case I need some cash, but I may probably postpone this until I get to Pamplona.

I bought a large duffel bag that can contain my large backpack (Kester 48, needed that size because of my large cPAP machine). I will carry my cPAP machine in its travel case on board as my personal item, as well as a carry-on bag for an extra change of clothes, jacket, medication bag (I’m on a bunch of bulky meds). I’m checking my Kester inside the duffel through regular luggage, as it’s too big for carry-on, so I’ll claim it after clearing customs, and then put in the cPAP machine, carry on bag and medications. It all fits in there, so I’ll just carry the duffel bag to my next leg of my journey.

From Madrid Barajas, I’ll take the 10:30 AM Renfe train to Pamplona. My main worry about this part is whether I’ll be delayed in my Madrid arrival or clearing customs, but not much I can do about that. Plan B would be to find either another train to Pamplona or find a place in Madrid to stay overnight, and cancel my Pamplona stay (Albergue Plaza Catedral).

Question: I there an ATM machine at the Pamplona train station? Or a nearby bank?

When I get to Pamplona, I might get the Backpack out of the duffel, stuff the duffel in the backpack (there’s space), walk to the Albergue (or maybe just don’t bother with all of this and take an Uber/taxi to the Albergue, as I’m not officially starting my Pilgrimage just yet). I plan to pack my folded up duffel, stuff I used during the flight, etc and send it to Ivar, provided I have the time and I can find a correos within walking distance from the Plaza Catedral. Do Albergues facilitate this process, like the luggage transport services? Particularly since I’m not planning to have my first pilgrim stamp until the 11th, the date is important to me.

The next day I take the Alsa bus to SJPDP. I have reservations in SJPDP, Orisson, Roncesvalles, and Zubiri. After that, we’ll see, since I don’t know what would be my actual walking pace. I’ve been walking, walking, walking, in the infernal FL heat, but recently had a minor setback with a mild case of COVID. I’m over that now, so I’m back to training, walking with my backpack. Unfortunately, my cPAP, power brick, cords, hoses, etc weigh 4 pounds. My total weight is 22.5 (about 10 Kg). The hip belt in the Kester really help with the weight, but I’m not at the point where I know if I can walk 12 miles a day. I know I can definitely walk 4 miles comfortably at around 3 miles an hour, so I’m expecting to walk 1.5-2 hours at a time, stop, rest, eat, then resume, and take my time. Being that I live in flat terrain, I don’t know how well I’ll do up in the mountains. I’m not too worried about the heat because where I live it’s common to have temps in the 90’s F. Looking at weather apps it seems that the highs, even in the Meseta, would be in the upper 80s. Is the humidity lower? Here in FL is common to have high humidity, making the heat worse. I’m getting familiar with the gear, poles, trying different ways of packing, figuring out how to attach and deploy my hiking umbrella, etc.

ETA: I’m aware of the luggage transport service, and it’s good to know it’s an option. I do feel a bit leery about sending the (very expensive) cPAP machine ahead, out of my sight, but I imagine at some point I may need to do so if needed.

Souvenirs, etc. shipping: Along the way, I might purchase souvenir items but I dont’ want to carry them, it it OK to make several shipments to Ivar from different parts of the Camino? Hopefully I can collect all of these when I get there. I’m not planning to go crazy shopping, just thinking ahead.

Timetable: My return ticket to the US is on September 24. While my plan originally was to just go to SDC, I want to know what I could do if I get there sooner than expected. If I’m close to the Gronze stages, I might have several days leftover, so I might decide to go to Muxia and/or Finisterre, not sure if I want to walk or just take a bus there. In any case, I need to get on a train back to Madrid on September 23 so I can catch my morning flight on the 24th. Or, I could leave Galicia early on, and spend a few days in Madrid, any suggestions would be great.

Weather: I’m guesstimating that while it will be warm a big part of the Camino, it my be cooler early on in the Pyrenees, and later on, I’ll be arriving in mountainous Galicia in early September, so I don’t know if I should pack warmer (meaning, bulkier) clothes. I’m just taking a sleeping back liner, a poncho, and a couple short-sleeved polyester shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 set of convertible hiking pants, two pairs of Darn Tough socks with thinner polyester socks as extra layers. 2 pairs of underwear, I’m walking on Hokas trailrunners and also have Keene Sandals. I also have a pair of longleeved polyester tshirt and finally, a broad-brimmed hat. I normally wear eyeglasses and will be carrying sunglasses as well.

I’m sure more questions will come up, but for now, these should suffice. I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about.

Thanks for all the wisdom and support!

t-Mobile: If you have t-Mobile, with the unlimited foreign data and texting feature, then your phone will connect to a t-Mobile roaming partner as soon as you turn it one upon landing at Madrid. I have been doing it this way since 2013. Never had a problem. After 30 days, they start to send you reminders that the international usage is a courtesy not intended for "unlimited duration." Ignore these reminders. You will be fine.

ATM usage: Try not to use ATMs at airports as they have the worst exchange rates and fees. OTOH, if you land at Madrid with NO Euros, then I recommend you use an airport ATM for €100 or so - just to get started.

Passport control and bag reclaim. These processes are usually very fast. Plan on one-hour. As MAD is your final flight destination, after passport control, follow the signs to baggage claim. Reclaim your checked luggage, then head for the train station under terminal 4.

Train connection MAD to Pamplona. I believe that, from the Barajas Airport, you take the Cercania train to the downtown train station you need to connect to the Pamplona train. It is a fast trip and I believe the fare is included in your Madrid to Pamplona ticket. I am sure someone else will correct me if I am wrong.

Sending things to Ivar. You can send as manny packages as you wish. One year, I think I sent FIVE packages on my walk from Lisbon to Santiago. It started with stuff I overpacked. Then, it continued on to sending excess layers I did not need. I also bought souvenirs and other stuff that I would not want until I got to Santiago. Sending stuff to Ivar is stupid easy, not expensive and very convenient.

The rest of your plan sound fine.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[DwainS]

Why not go to your bank at home and buy/order €300 to take. That is one hassle eliminated.

Whenever I check my backpack, I do it naked - it, not me. I just tighten up the straps and send it along. No duffel bag.


Never take "bulky" clothes, but you might consider another light long sleeve wool or fleece shirt.

I also just bought some euros at my bank before I left. Easy and one less thing you have to do when you land.

 

[DwainS]

When you arrive to Madrid, take in account that you must go to PUERTA DE ATOCHA train station to take the train to Pamplona. That's important because there are two different long distance train Stations in Madrid (Puerta de Atocha and Chamartin), and they're in opposite parts of the city. A lot of people goes directly to Chamartin, which is the nearest to Barajas Airport, but the trains to Pamplona depart from Puerta de Atocha Station.
You can find all the information about how to get to Atocha station (with estimated costs and transition times) in that link to the unofficial page of Barajas airport:

How to get from Madrid Airport to Atocha Train Station

All Information about your transfer from Madrid Airport. Discover and compare all transportation options from MAD Airport to Atocha Station.

madrid-international-airport.com

¡Buen Camino!

the 5 euro airport bus to Atocha Train station. It is very easy. Just go outside the terminal and you will see the bus stop labeled airport bus. Used it the last two years.

 

[Richard Smith]

>> so I’m expecting to walk 1.5-2 hours at a time, stop, rest, eat, then resume
>>
Everyone is different, I like to stop for 5 minutes every hour or so.

 

[patriciafross]

Greetings, fellow pilgrims!
Here’s an update for my plans to do the Camino Francés from SJPDP, with a few points I haven’t quite resolved yet. Some of them are on the “dumb question” category, so please bear with me…

Here’s what I have so far: I live in Central FL and will take the new Brighline train to Miami on August 5. I’ll spend the night in Miami, and on the 6th, I’ll take a direct flight to Madrid, arriving on the 7th around 6:05 AM.

Questions:

1) I recently switched to T-Mobile with international data coverage, so I don’t believe i need to worry about an eSIM, correct? Also: do I need to turn on “roaming” in settings? Does that make a difference in how much I get billed? I have zero experience with this kind of situation.

2) Cash, ATM. I’m aware that there are ATM machines in the airport. I’ve read repeatedly that it’s best to use an ATM machine in a bank in case the machine “eats” up the card. Is this a problem at the airport? I plan to withdraw some money in Euros just in case I need some cash, but I may probably postpone this until I get to Pamplona.

I bought a large duffel bag that can contain my large backpack (Kester 48, needed that size because of my large cPAP machine). I will carry my cPAP machine in its travel case on board as my personal item, as well as a carry-on bag for an extra change of clothes, jacket, medication bag (I’m on a bunch of bulky meds). I’m checking my Kester inside the duffel through regular luggage, as it’s too big for carry-on, so I’ll claim it after clearing customs, and then put in the cPAP machine, carry on bag and medications. It all fits in there, so I’ll just carry the duffel bag to my next leg of my journey.

From Madrid Barajas, I’ll take the 10:30 AM Renfe train to Pamplona. My main worry about this part is whether I’ll be delayed in my Madrid arrival or clearing customs, but not much I can do about that. Plan B would be to find either another train to Pamplona or find a place in Madrid to stay overnight, and cancel my Pamplona stay (Albergue Plaza Catedral).

Question: I there an ATM machine at the Pamplona train station? Or a nearby bank?

When I get to Pamplona, I might get the Backpack out of the duffel, stuff the duffel in the backpack (there’s space), walk to the Albergue (or maybe just don’t bother with all of this and take an Uber/taxi to the Albergue, as I’m not officially starting my Pilgrimage just yet). I plan to pack my folded up duffel, stuff I used during the flight, etc and send it to Ivar, provided I have the time and I can find a correos within walking distance from the Plaza Catedral. Do Albergues facilitate this process, like the luggage transport services? Particularly since I’m not planning to have my first pilgrim stamp until the 11th, the date is important to me.

The next day I take the Alsa bus to SJPDP. I have reservations in SJPDP, Orisson, Roncesvalles, and Zubiri. After that, we’ll see, since I don’t know what would be my actual walking pace. I’ve been walking, walking, walking, in the infernal FL heat, but recently had a minor setback with a mild case of COVID. I’m over that now, so I’m back to training, walking with my backpack. Unfortunately, my cPAP, power brick, cords, hoses, etc weigh 4 pounds. My total weight is 22.5 (about 10 Kg). The hip belt in the Kester really help with the weight, but I’m not at the point where I know if I can walk 12 miles a day. I know I can definitely walk 4 miles comfortably at around 3 miles an hour, so I’m expecting to walk 1.5-2 hours at a time, stop, rest, eat, then resume, and take my time. Being that I live in flat terrain, I don’t know how well I’ll do up in the mountains. I’m not too worried about the heat because where I live it’s common to have temps in the 90’s F. Looking at weather apps it seems that the highs, even in the Meseta, would be in the upper 80s. Is the humidity lower? Here in FL is common to have high humidity, making the heat worse. I’m getting familiar with the gear, poles, trying different ways of packing, figuring out how to attach and deploy my hiking umbrella, etc.

ETA: I’m aware of the luggage transport service, and it’s good to know it’s an option. I do feel a bit leery about sending the (very expensive) cPAP machine ahead, out of my sight, but I imagine at some point I may need to do so if needed.

Souvenirs, etc. shipping: Along the way, I might purchase souvenir items but I dont’ want to carry them, it it OK to make several shipments to Ivar from different parts of the Camino? Hopefully I can collect all of these when I get there. I’m not planning to go crazy shopping, just thinking ahead.

Timetable: My return ticket to the US is on September 24. While my plan originally was to just go to SDC, I want to know what I could do if I get there sooner than expected. If I’m close to the Gronze stages, I might have several days leftover, so I might decide to go to Muxia and/or Finisterre, not sure if I want to walk or just take a bus there. In any case, I need to get on a train back to Madrid on September 23 so I can catch my morning flight on the 24th. Or, I could leave Galicia early on, and spend a few days in Madrid, any suggestions would be great.

Weather: I’m guesstimating that while it will be warm a big part of the Camino, it my be cooler early on in the Pyrenees, and later on, I’ll be arriving in mountainous Galicia in early September, so I don’t know if I should pack warmer (meaning, bulkier) clothes. I’m just taking a sleeping back liner, a poncho, and a couple short-sleeved polyester shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 set of convertible hiking pants, two pairs of Darn Tough socks with thinner polyester socks as extra layers. 2 pairs of underwear, I’m walking on Hokas trailrunners and also have Keene Sandals. I also have a pair of longleeved polyester tshirt and finally, a broad-brimmed hat. I normally wear eyeglasses and will be carrying sunglasses as well.

I’m sure more questions will come up, but for now, these should suffice. I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about.

Thanks for all the wisdom and support!

My only comment is 22.5 poinds is way too heavy. My second stage last year in early September was from Cahors, France to Pamplona. It was very hot and I had a heavy pack ( probably around 20 lbs and I am 5’5” and 122 lbs) which did not help my back or my feet or the blister I developed on the ball of my foot due to wool socks, heavy pack and heat. I was with my husband for the first 3 days and when he left, he took 4 pounds from my back with him! That helped tremendously! Remember, ounces = pounds so get rid of anything extraneous, including things like a passport cover, kindle cover, extra chargers, etc! This year I am vowing to start with 16 pounds at the most and have been changing out anything I can to make my Hyperlite pack even lighter!

 

[Simperegrina]

My only comment is 22.5 poinds is way too heavy. My second stage last year in early September was from Cahors, France to Pamplona. It was very hot and I had a heavy pack ( probably around 20 lbs and I am 5’5” and 122 lbs) which did not help my back or my feet or the blister I developed on the ball of my foot due to wool socks, heavy pack and heat. I was with my husband for the first 3 days and when he left, he took 4 pounds from my back with him! That helped tremendously! Remember, ounces = pounds so get rid of anything extraneous, including things like a passport cover, kindle cover, extra chargers, etc! This year I am vowing to start with 16 pounds at the most and have been changing out anything I can to make my Hyperlite pack even lighter!

Sorry, but absolute statements such as “22.5 pounds is way too heavy” are 1) untrue, 2) unhelpful

You had your experience. You are you.

Some prefer to carry less than 10kg (equivalent)
Some are perfectly fine with carrying 10kg. Me, for example. Frances last autumn, and over 1500km this year on Camino routes. Hot weather, rain, wind, whatever. But that’s my own experience.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

My only comment is 22.5 poinds is way too heavy. My second stage last year in early September was from Cahors, France to Pamplona. It was very hot and I had a heavy pack ( probably around 20 lbs and I am 5’5” and 122 lbs) which did not help my back or my feet or the blister I developed on the ball of my foot due to wool socks, heavy pack and heat. I was with my husband for the first 3 days and when he left, he took 4 pounds from my back with him! That helped tremendously! Remember, ounces = pounds so get rid of anything extraneous, including things like a passport cover, kindle cover, extra chargers, etc! This year I am vowing to start with 16 pounds at the most and have been changing out anything I can to make my Hyperlite pack even lighter!

As @Simperegrina says, a comfortable backpack weight is very individual. For my last Camino I increased mine to 8kg to take more comfort items with me.

Bear in mind that the OP is carrying a full sized CPAP machine, and his pack is necessarily larger (and heavier) to accommodate it. A Kestrel 48 weighs 2.1kg so those two items alone weigh appx. 3.9kg

I think he’s doing pretty well!

 

[HBS60]

don't understand what you mean when you say that the charge would not stop off of Apple Pay. The important thing is what does your credit card online balance say.

What happened is that I made a small charge with the phone (which I’m not used to do, as I normally use my physical card), I paid the card through THEIR app, but it kept showing up the charge in Apple Pay as still pending. I called the credit card and they did confirm they got the payment, but it was still outstanding on the Apple Pay end. This is problematic because if I made other charges using Apple Pay, it would be easy to lose track of which charges would be outstanding and which were paid for. It seems like a glitch to me, so i tend to be leery of these new technologies until I get a better sense of them.

Why not go to your bank at home and buy/order €300 to take. That is one hassle eliminated.

Whenever I check my backpack, I do it naked - it, not me. I just tighten up the straps and send it along. No duffel bag.

I never tried that, and my banking is online, so I need to find out how to get euros from my online bank..
As for the duffel bag, here’s the thing: I’ll check-in the backpack in the duffel bag, which is actually bigger than the backpack, deliberately so. I’ll board the plane with my carry on bag with my medications, extra change of clothes for the trip, and my cPAP which is a separate item. Upon arrival, I pick up the duffel bag with the backpack inside, open it, and put in my carry on bag and the cpap, there’s plenty of room, and I only have to carry one item to the Cercanías train to Atocha. Once I get to Pamplona for my first night, I can ship the duffel bag, the carry on bag to Ivar, I’ll put the cPAP inside the backpack, and from that point on I just have the backpack to worry about. At least that’s my rationale. I’m trying to avoid juggling several pieces (backpack, carry on, cPAP at the airport, at Atocha, etc. Just put everything inside the duffel and hopefully that will work.

Re: buying souvenirs along the way and sending them to Ivar - I am sure that it's possible however I'm also sure that every package is treated as separate entity fir storage purposes and will insure a separate charge.
I don't think any souvenirs will be worth the expense... I can't think of anything I saw that I was not able to get in SdC
And speaking of shipping to Ivar - no albergues do not facilitate that type of service. You will need to go to Post Office

Re: your overall schedule- IMHO you are overthinking Just walk and you will see "where you are ". If indeed you are early for your departure figure your options around that time; no reason at all to worry about it now

Actually, I’m not that much of a shopper, I just want to know just in case I come across something along the way that I really want, but I’m not planning to go on a shopping spree.

As for overthinking this, well, to channel Descartes, “I overthink, therefore I am”. I’m more concerned about the logistics of navigating the airport, getting to SJPDP, and getting started, but I figure I’ll find my groove in a few days, so I’m less concerned about the rest of the walk. I’m not a good or experienced international traveler but once I’m there, I’m good. Thanks for the concern, much appreciated!

When you arrive to Madrid, take in account that you must go to PUERTA DE ATOCHA train station to take the train to Pamplona. That's important because there are two different long distance train Stations in Madrid (Puerta de Atocha and Chamartin), and they're in opposite parts of the city. A lot of people goes directly to Chamartin, which is the nearest to Barajas Airport, but the trains to Pamplona depart from Puerta de Atocha Station.
You can find all the information about how to get to Atocha station (with estimated costs and transition times) in that link to the unofficial page of Barajas airport

My Renfe ticket includes the Cercanías, my main worry is finding it in time, and avoiding pickpockets. 10 years ago I visited Madrid with a friend, we went to the ATM to get cash, boarded the Metro, and my friend promptly got pickpocketed, thank God a passenger alerted me and I found his passport on the floor, next to the door about to fall out. The money was missing but at least I was able to rescue the passport. It was a close call so I’m leery of the metro. (The rest of the trip was uneventful, thank goodness).

t-Mobile: If you have t-Mobile, with the unlimited foreign data and texting feature, then your phone will connect to a t-Mobile roaming partner as soon as you turn it one upon landing at Madrid. I have been doing it this way since 2013. Never had a problem. After 30 days, they start to send you reminders that the international usage is a courtesy not intended for "unlimited duration." Ignore these reminders. You will be fine.

ATM usage: Try not to use ATMs at airports as they have the worst exchange rates and fees. OTOH, if you land at Madrid with NO Euros, then I recommend you use an airport ATM for €100 or so - just to get started.

Passport control and bag reclaim. These processes are usually very fast. Plan on one-hour. As MAD is your final flight destination, after passport control, follow the signs to baggage claim. Reclaim your checked luggage, then head for the train station under terminal 4.

Train connection MAD to Pamplona. I believe that, from the Barajas Airport, you take the Cercania train to the downtown train station you need to connect to the Pamplona train. It is a fast trip and I believe the fare is included in your Madrid to Pamplona ticket. I am sure someone else will correct me if I am wrong.

Sending things to Ivar. You can send as manny packages as you wish. One year, I think I sent FIVE packages on my walk from Lisbon to Santiago. It started with stuff I overpacked. Then, it continued on to sending excess layers I did not need. I also bought souvenirs and other stuff that I would not want until I got to Santiago. Sending stuff to Ivar is stupid easy, not expensive and very convenient.

The rest of your plan sound fine.

Thanks, good to know!

I also just bought some euros at my bank before I left. Easy and one less thing you have to do when you land.

I need to figure out how to get euros from an online bank, never tried that before.

As @Simperegrina says, a comfortable backpack weight is very individual. For my last Camino I increased mine to 8kg to take more comfort items with me.

Bear in mind that the OP is carrying a full sized CPAP machine, and his pack is necessarily larger (and heavier) to accommodate it. A Kestrel 48 weighs 2.1kg so those two items alone weigh appx. 3.9kg

I think he’s doing pretty well!

This is a preliminary weight, unfortunately the cPAP machine is an issue I can’t avoid. I looked into purchasing a travel cPAP which is smaller, but they charge around $900 USD for something I don’t expect to use more than once. I did the math on JACOTRANS and at 7 euros/d for 42 days, it comes to 294 euros if I was going to use their service every single day, which may not be the case, but certainly much cheaper than $900 USD. I am in the process of deciding what to take and what not, so I might be able to pare this down more, but the cPAP is a big problem. I weigh 170 lbs or 77 Kg (a little bit down from 175 lbs or 79.4 KG in February). I expect carrying a 22.5 lb backpack to be harder when climbing up mountains, which is a reason I broke up the first stage into two days with a stop at Orisson (yes, I did make a reservation). So I’ll hopefully use the service when I need it, but I might not necessarily need it every single day. I’m sure when the time comes, I’ll know, but now I have good information thanks to y’all!

Thanks for all the feedback. Somebody upthread asked me, (sorry I can’t find it so I can quote) whether I have travel insurance, and yes, I do, although I’m not sure how good it is, as it’s the one I was sold when I bought the ticket. But hopefully, better than nothing.

One month away, I’ve been planning this for most of the year. I’m terrified AND excited, as I never have attempted something as monumental as this, and I’m glad for this experienced community for their guidance, wisdom, and…patience in answering my questions.

Buen Camino, y’all!

 

[trecile]

What happened is that I made a small charge with the phone (which I’m not used to do, as I normally use my physical card), I paid the card through THEIR app, but it kept showing up the charge in Apple Pay as still pending. I called the credit card and they did confirm they got the payment, but it was still outstanding on the Apple Pay end. This is problematic because if I made other charges using Apple Pay, it would be easy to lose track of which charges would be outstanding and which were paid for. It seems like a glitch to me, so i tend to be leery of these new technologies until I get a better sense of them.

I recommend that you talk to you bank.
I would just pay my outstanding credit card balance online as I do every month. I think that what's important is what your actual banking app says.

After some very quick Googling, it sounds like those pending charges on your Apple Pay account are charges that didn't go through for some reason. So you would want to make sure that any online purchases that you paid for in this way actually went through.

Hopefully someone who uses Apple Pay will come along with a better explanation.

 

[Jarrad]

I have the same T-Mobile plan. Just got back last week from hiking in Switzerland and France. I went through the allotted data coverage in about a week. I was able to get by on the additional $35 data pass for 10 days at 5GB, along with frequent use of Airplane Mode and free wifi. You will also have the option to buy a 30-day pass/15GB for $50. T-Mobile sends a text when you go through 80% of your data allowance and a link to buy more (ah, they do make it so easy to spend more).

I believe my Photos app was using a lot of the data (backing up to the Cloud from my iPhone, I assume), but I also used a fair amount with Google Maps and All Trails. Before my next Camino, I'm going to figure out how to keep Photos from eating up data in the background.

Random and irrelevant side note: The cell connectivity in Swiss Alps is phenomenal.

 

[JillGat]

Greetings, fellow pilgrims!
Here’s an update for my plans to do the Camino Francés from SJPDP, with a few points I haven’t quite resolved yet. Some of them are on the “dumb question” category, so please bear with me…

Here’s what I have so far: I live in Central FL and will take the new Brighline train to Miami on August 5. I’ll spend the night in Miami, and on the 6th, I’ll take a direct flight to Madrid, arriving on the 7th around 6:05 AM.

Questions:

1) I recently switched to T-Mobile with international data coverage, so I don’t believe i need to worry about an eSIM, correct? Also: do I need to turn on “roaming” in settings? Does that make a difference in how much I get billed? I have zero experience with this kind of situation.

2) Cash, ATM. I’m aware that there are ATM machines in the airport. I’ve read repeatedly that it’s best to use an ATM machine in a bank in case the machine “eats” up the card. Is this a problem at the airport? I plan to withdraw some money in Euros just in case I need some cash, but I may probably postpone this until I get to Pamplona.

I bought a large duffel bag that can contain my large backpack (Kester 48, needed that size because of my large cPAP machine). I will carry my cPAP machine in its travel case on board as my personal item, as well as a carry-on bag for an extra change of clothes, jacket, medication bag (I’m on a bunch of bulky meds). I’m checking my Kester inside the duffel through regular luggage, as it’s too big for carry-on, so I’ll claim it after clearing customs, and then put in the cPAP machine, carry on bag and medications. It all fits in there, so I’ll just carry the duffel bag to my next leg of my journey.

From Madrid Barajas, I’ll take the 10:30 AM Renfe train to Pamplona. My main worry about this part is whether I’ll be delayed in my Madrid arrival or clearing customs, but not much I can do about that. Plan B would be to find either another train to Pamplona or find a place in Madrid to stay overnight, and cancel my Pamplona stay (Albergue Plaza Catedral).

Question: I there an ATM machine at the Pamplona train station? Or a nearby bank?

When I get to Pamplona, I might get the Backpack out of the duffel, stuff the duffel in the backpack (there’s space), walk to the Albergue (or maybe just don’t bother with all of this and take an Uber/taxi to the Albergue, as I’m not officially starting my Pilgrimage just yet). I plan to pack my folded up duffel, stuff I used during the flight, etc and send it to Ivar, provided I have the time and I can find a correos within walking distance from the Plaza Catedral. Do Albergues facilitate this process, like the luggage transport services? Particularly since I’m not planning to have my first pilgrim stamp until the 11th, the date is important to me.

The next day I take the Alsa bus to SJPDP. I have reservations in SJPDP, Orisson, Roncesvalles, and Zubiri. After that, we’ll see, since I don’t know what would be my actual walking pace. I’ve been walking, walking, walking, in the infernal FL heat, but recently had a minor setback with a mild case of COVID. I’m over that now, so I’m back to training, walking with my backpack. Unfortunately, my cPAP, power brick, cords, hoses, etc weigh 4 pounds. My total weight is 22.5 (about 10 Kg). The hip belt in the Kester really help with the weight, but I’m not at the point where I know if I can walk 12 miles a day. I know I can definitely walk 4 miles comfortably at around 3 miles an hour, so I’m expecting to walk 1.5-2 hours at a time, stop, rest, eat, then resume, and take my time. Being that I live in flat terrain, I don’t know how well I’ll do up in the mountains. I’m not too worried about the heat because where I live it’s common to have temps in the 90’s F. Looking at weather apps it seems that the highs, even in the Meseta, would be in the upper 80s. Is the humidity lower? Here in FL is common to have high humidity, making the heat worse. I’m getting familiar with the gear, poles, trying different ways of packing, figuring out how to attach and deploy my hiking umbrella, etc.

ETA: I’m aware of the luggage transport service, and it’s good to know it’s an option. I do feel a bit leery about sending the (very expensive) cPAP machine ahead, out of my sight, but I imagine at some point I may need to do so if needed.

Souvenirs, etc. shipping: Along the way, I might purchase souvenir items but I dont’ want to carry them, it it OK to make several shipments to Ivar from different parts of the Camino? Hopefully I can collect all of these when I get there. I’m not planning to go crazy shopping, just thinking ahead.

Timetable: My return ticket to the US is on September 24. While my plan originally was to just go to SDC, I want to know what I could do if I get there sooner than expected. If I’m close to the Gronze stages, I might have several days leftover, so I might decide to go to Muxia and/or Finisterre, not sure if I want to walk or just take a bus there. In any case, I need to get on a train back to Madrid on September 23 so I can catch my morning flight on the 24th. Or, I could leave Galicia early on, and spend a few days in Madrid, any suggestions would be great.

Weather: I’m guesstimating that while it will be warm a big part of the Camino, it my be cooler early on in the Pyrenees, and later on, I’ll be arriving in mountainous Galicia in early September, so I don’t know if I should pack warmer (meaning, bulkier) clothes. I’m just taking a sleeping back liner, a poncho, and a couple short-sleeved polyester shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 set of convertible hiking pants, two pairs of Darn Tough socks with thinner polyester socks as extra layers. 2 pairs of underwear, I’m walking on Hokas trailrunners and also have Keene Sandals. I also have a pair of longleeved polyester tshirt and finally, a broad-brimmed hat. I normally wear eyeglasses and will be carrying sunglasses as well.

I’m sure more questions will come up, but for now, these should suffice. I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about.

Thanks for all the wisdom and support!

It's good to ask questions about certain logistical issues, about intl. phone plans, money etc, and this is definitely the place to do it. I also book my first one or two nights on the Camino and I wing it after that. You really don't need to do the kind of detailed planning that you are (though I know planning is fun!) The fact is that your Camino will NOT go according to plan. And there is no way to know enough to plan every step before you go, anyway. I wish I could help you relax about this! You'll drop into your own rythym pretty quickly.

One piece of advice I would give you is to not mess with sending an empty duffle bag ahead to Ivar. It wouldn't be worth the effort and expense. Put your pack in a cheap duffle bag for the flight there and then toss it or give it away when you land. Find a China shop in Madrid - or wherever your last stop will be - and buy another duffle for the flight home.

 

[HBS60]

It's good to ask questions about certain logistical issues, about intl. phone plans, money etc, and this is definitely the place to do it. I also book my first one or two nights on the Camino and I wing it after that. You really don't need to do the kind of detailed planning that you are (though I know planning is fun!) The fact is that your Camino will NOT go according to plan. And there is no way to know enough to plan every step before you go, anyway. I wish I could help you relax about this! You'll drop into your own rythym pretty quickly.

One piece of advice I would give you is to not mess with sending an empty duffle bag ahead to Ivar. It wouldn't be worth the effort and expense. Put your pack in a cheap duffle bag for the flight there and then toss it or give it away when you land. Find a China shop in Madrid - or wherever your last stop will be - and buy another duffle for the flight home.

Thanks!
I admit that I can overthink things too much, but come to think about it, most of my overthinking is really about the logistics of getting there and getting up and running, er, walking. I’m booked through Zubiri, but after that, nothing is planned until I get to Santiago. I did reserve a train from SDC to Madrid at the end of my allotted time, but that’s about it. Anything can happen in between my start and finish, and I have no plans whatsoever, and I expect the unexpected.

As for the duffel, it will not be empty, as I intend to put things in it that I will only use during the flight to Madrid and won’t need during the Camino, like extra clothes, sweaters (planes can be very chilly), etc. As I walk my Camino, I might jettison additional things and/or buy other things, I’ll send them to Santiago. When I get there, I’ll put everything in the big duffel bag and I’m good to fly home. Besides, I already bought the duffel so might as well use it.

Thanks for your concerns, much appreciated!

 

[JillGat]

I don't know about the severity or type of sleep apnea you have, of course, so this input may not be helpful at all. You may also already know about or have tried this. But it's worth a shot to throw it out there just in case!

I also have sleep apnea along with insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, in my case). I struggled with a CPAP machine on and off for a couple of years, but it was just too hard for me to fall asleep with a blowing octopus on my face and I never got used it. Finally my sleep doctor referred me to a clinic that created a custom mouth appliance (called a Mandibular Advancement Device, MAD) that I could wear to bed instead. It pushes the lower jaw out, which opens the airway. It can be adjusted slowly as you adapt to how far it moves the lower jaw. Not only did this alleviate my sleep apnea, it cured my snoring!

Smaller even than a pair of dentures, this device (made of molded silicone) weighs almost nothing and takes up almost no space. It is worlds more comfortable and convenient than a cpap for me at home, and of course especially while traveling.

It doesn't work for everybody, but it was a game-changer for me.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906377/

ps - there are some over-the-counter (send-from-Amazon) versions that fit in your mouth and are adjustable, but - while much more expensive - the one custom made for my mouth/teeth is way better.

 

[David with new Kit!]

My ApplePay regularly shows payment pending, its not an issue. When I check my bank, its already paid.

Also, try not to pay with your credit card (either on phone or physical card) as you will incur international banking charges.

I use a Monzo card, or use a Revolut card. Both avoid international banking charges - There will be other cards out there that do the same.

With international roaming, remember to stop your apps updating in the background and if you are using maps on your phone, download them before you go. Don't stream them live to your phone when walking.

 

[PelegrinNikolai]

RE: Obtaining cash.

If you have a currency exchange you can visit, that works too.
My (Australian) bank would only supply about 4 major currencies. No good for Egyptian Pounds, etc. Just as well I had what I needed, because the ATM in the fancy Cairo hotel wasn't working, nor any of the nearby bank ATMs. Other travellers had a tight deadline to pay for tours (in local currency) and ended up financially inconvenienced!

I hope you have an amazing Camino

 

[Walkerooni]

"I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about."

If the pictures you posted are an accurate depiction of how you are holding your poles, I recommend going to the store where you purchased them, and getting a lesson in how to properly hold/use them. Inserting your hand into the strap from the bottom, then gripping the pole so the strap lays across the back of your hand, will be a game changer, allowing more stability, and for force to be applied to the pole while it sits loosely in your hand without having to grip it tightly. Otherwise, they're not real effective and just become another thing you are lugging across Spain.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Walkerooni, an excellent point, I hadn’t looked at the OPs photos

 

[HBS60]

"I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about."

If the pictures you posted are an accurate depiction of how you are holding your poles, I recommend going to the store where you purchased them, and getting a lesson in how to properly hold/use them. Inserting your hand into the strap from the bottom, then gripping the pole so the strap lays across the back of your hand, will be a game changer, allowing more stability, and for force to be applied to the pole while it sits loosely in your hand without having to grip it tightly. Otherwise, they're not real effective and just become another thing you are lugging across Spain.

LOL, actually the pics are NOT accurate. They were timed selfies and I wasn’t able to correctly use the straps in time. I’m attaching a couple updated pics taken just now, as I might still be doing it wrong. I do struggle more with coordinating my walk with using the poles alternating opposing sides (I’m not sure I’m phrasing this correctly), but I hope at least I got the strap use correctly, let me know!

 

[BarbaraW]

Some small points, that may make a difference at the margins:
if sending souvenirs ahead, bear in mind the extra time you may need to find a post 0ffice, at a time when it is open, and to organise packing and sending.
One of your earlier photos appears to show you carrying water in a metal bottle. These are very robust but it's one of the heavier ways to carry water -the lightest is to use the plastic bottles that water is sold in. These can be reused many many times.
If you are uncertain about your walking stamina, you might think about starting in Roncesvalles or Pamplona. The camino does not start at St Jean, it's just that it's become a common starting point.The first few days of my first camono (from Roncesvalles) was notable for the numbers of pilgrims with stiff limbs, blisters etc from a tough(according to perspective) first few days walking.

 

[JillGat]

Greetings, fellow pilgrims!
Here’s an update for my plans to do the Camino Francés from SJPDP, with a few points I haven’t quite resolved yet. Some of them are on the “dumb question” category, so please bear with me…

Here’s what I have so far: I live in Central FL and will take the new Brighline train to Miami on August 5. I’ll spend the night in Miami, and on the 6th, I’ll take a direct flight to Madrid, arriving on the 7th around 6:05 AM.

Questions:

1) I recently switched to T-Mobile with international data coverage, so I don’t believe i need to worry about an eSIM, correct? Also: do I need to turn on “roaming” in settings? Does that make a difference in how much I get billed? I have zero experience with this kind of situation.

2) Cash, ATM. I’m aware that there are ATM machines in the airport. I’ve read repeatedly that it’s best to use an ATM machine in a bank in case the machine “eats” up the card. Is this a problem at the airport? I plan to withdraw some money in Euros just in case I need some cash, but I may probably postpone this until I get to Pamplona.

I bought a large duffel bag that can contain my large backpack (Kester 48, needed that size because of my large cPAP machine). I will carry my cPAP machine in its travel case on board as my personal item, as well as a carry-on bag for an extra change of clothes, jacket, medication bag (I’m on a bunch of bulky meds). I’m checking my Kester inside the duffel through regular luggage, as it’s too big for carry-on, so I’ll claim it after clearing customs, and then put in the cPAP machine, carry on bag and medications. It all fits in there, so I’ll just carry the duffel bag to my next leg of my journey.

From Madrid Barajas, I’ll take the 10:30 AM Renfe train to Pamplona. My main worry about this part is whether I’ll be delayed in my Madrid arrival or clearing customs, but not much I can do about that. Plan B would be to find either another train to Pamplona or find a place in Madrid to stay overnight, and cancel my Pamplona stay (Albergue Plaza Catedral).

Question: I there an ATM machine at the Pamplona train station? Or a nearby bank?

When I get to Pamplona, I might get the Backpack out of the duffel, stuff the duffel in the backpack (there’s space), walk to the Albergue (or maybe just don’t bother with all of this and take an Uber/taxi to the Albergue, as I’m not officially starting my Pilgrimage just yet). I plan to pack my folded up duffel, stuff I used during the flight, etc and send it to Ivar, provided I have the time and I can find a correos within walking distance from the Plaza Catedral. Do Albergues facilitate this process, like the luggage transport services? Particularly since I’m not planning to have my first pilgrim stamp until the 11th, the date is important to me.

The next day I take the Alsa bus to SJPDP. I have reservations in SJPDP, Orisson, Roncesvalles, and Zubiri. After that, we’ll see, since I don’t know what would be my actual walking pace. I’ve been walking, walking, walking, in the infernal FL heat, but recently had a minor setback with a mild case of COVID. I’m over that now, so I’m back to training, walking with my backpack. Unfortunately, my cPAP, power brick, cords, hoses, etc weigh 4 pounds. My total weight is 22.5 (about 10 Kg). The hip belt in the Kester really help with the weight, but I’m not at the point where I know if I can walk 12 miles a day. I know I can definitely walk 4 miles comfortably at around 3 miles an hour, so I’m expecting to walk 1.5-2 hours at a time, stop, rest, eat, then resume, and take my time. Being that I live in flat terrain, I don’t know how well I’ll do up in the mountains. I’m not too worried about the heat because where I live it’s common to have temps in the 90’s F. Looking at weather apps it seems that the highs, even in the Meseta, would be in the upper 80s. Is the humidity lower? Here in FL is common to have high humidity, making the heat worse. I’m getting familiar with the gear, poles, trying different ways of packing, figuring out how to attach and deploy my hiking umbrella, etc.

ETA: I’m aware of the luggage transport service, and it’s good to know it’s an option. I do feel a bit leery about sending the (very expensive) cPAP machine ahead, out of my sight, but I imagine at some point I may need to do so if needed.

Souvenirs, etc. shipping: Along the way, I might purchase souvenir items but I dont’ want to carry them, it it OK to make several shipments to Ivar from different parts of the Camino? Hopefully I can collect all of these when I get there. I’m not planning to go crazy shopping, just thinking ahead.

Timetable: My return ticket to the US is on September 24. While my plan originally was to just go to SDC, I want to know what I could do if I get there sooner than expected. If I’m close to the Gronze stages, I might have several days leftover, so I might decide to go to Muxia and/or Finisterre, not sure if I want to walk or just take a bus there. In any case, I need to get on a train back to Madrid on September 23 so I can catch my morning flight on the 24th. Or, I could leave Galicia early on, and spend a few days in Madrid, any suggestions would be great.

Weather: I’m guesstimating that while it will be warm a big part of the Camino, it my be cooler early on in the Pyrenees, and later on, I’ll be arriving in mountainous Galicia in early September, so I don’t know if I should pack warmer (meaning, bulkier) clothes. I’m just taking a sleeping back liner, a poncho, and a couple short-sleeved polyester shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 set of convertible hiking pants, two pairs of Darn Tough socks with thinner polyester socks as extra layers. 2 pairs of underwear, I’m walking on Hokas trailrunners and also have Keene Sandals. I also have a pair of longleeved polyester tshirt and finally, a broad-brimmed hat. I normally wear eyeglasses and will be carrying sunglasses as well.

I’m sure more questions will come up, but for now, these should suffice. I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about.

Thanks for all the wisdom and support!

What is the small belt around your waist? And do you mean that your pack is an Osprey Kestrel?

 

[HBS60]

What is the small belt around your waist? And do you mean that your pack is an Osprey Kestrel?

The belt is from a separate bum bag for my wallet, keys, etc. My back does have pockets in their waist band but they are a bit hard to reach. I don’t see where I wrote “Osprey Kestrel”, it’s a Kestrel 48 backpack.

 

[JillGat]

The belt is from a separate bum bag for my wallet, keys, etc. My back does have pockets in their waist band but they are a bit hard to reach. I don’t see where I wrote “Osprey Kestrel”, it’s a Kestrel 48 backpack.

That's what I thought, an Osprey Kestrel. You called it a Kester a few times and I wondered if that was a pack I didn't know about. I agree, the waist strap pockets aren't real useful. I keep my money/passport, etc in one pocket of my cargo shorts and my phone in the other. It is no easy task to find cargo shorts for women that have adequate pockets, but I finally found them... Hope your planning is going well!

 

[katkins_in]

I'm late to your walking prep party, sorry! I like all these thoughts you're receiving here.

I am going to advocating an idea I've had since I ended my camino last year in Pamplona (as planned)...

For me, it being day 28 of my walk, the hill on the way between SJPdP and Roncesvalles was long and tiring, but not really a problem at all. But doing it on day 1? I know that's the tradition, but, phew, I can't really recommend it. I know most people survive it, but I do know of several people for whom it turned out, not immediately, to be a camino-ender (in the form of blisters and injuries that got worse day by day).

On my five walks to date I have found that my legs, hips, back, feet are all progressively more sore at the beginning of each morning (resolving after about the first hour of walking) from day 2 to day 5, when miraculously, everything has adjusted and I have no pain in the mornings from then on... (I figure my brain and body are saying "OK, so, I guess this is what we DO now? Walk 20+ km every day? Alright, we can adjust for that." Probably what's happening is all the joint supporting muscles and tendons are strengthening for those four days and nights.)

So, I've been telling my friends "If you walk the Camino Frances, and you have time, start from Navarrenx, or someplace about 4 days back from SJPdP." You can do that by landing in SJPdP first, overnight there, take a bus + taxi back to Navarrenx, and starting your walk... that gives you four days to get your walking legs, *and* it gives you five days of the feel of walking a French Chemin -- which is different than in Spain... in French Auberges, dinner is usually taken together, at the Auberge, at 7pm... (don't be late, they will hold the meal until everyone expected is present!) As far as I can tell, once you cross into Spain, dinner is... however you want it. Communal, individual, sometimes provided, sometimes not... and not at 7pm... (experienced Spain walkers, please correct me if I'm wrong!)

I know the Napoleon route seems like a "right of passage" for a lot of pilgrims, but... that's not your only choice...

(depending on feedback here, I may start this idea as a new thread sometime, with a bit more detail and research)

 

[HBS60]

Thanks!
I’ve already made reservations from SJPDP through Zubiri. I chose to do an overnight stop at Orisson as I know that it is very steep. The next day on to Roncesvalles, which is longer but less than if I tried to reach it in one day from SJPDP. I figure the real challenge would be Roncesvalles through Zubiri,because of the longer distance. Hopefully the progressively longer distances will help me acclimatize. I’ve also been training a lot in the FL heat and humidity, yesterday I completed 10.8 miles over 7 hours with a fully loaded pack in temps reaching 93F degrees with unbearable humidity. My struggle seems to be more with the humidity and heat than with the weight, but I’m aware of the luggage transport services if needed.

 

[katkins_in]

Thanks!
I’ve already made reservations from SJPDP through Zubiri. I chose to do an overnight stop at Orisson as I know that it is very steep. The next day on to Roncesvalles, which is longer but less than if I tried to reach it in one day from SJPDP. I figure the real challenge would be Roncesvalles through Zubiri,because of the longer distance. Hopefully the progressively longer distances will help me acclimatize. I’ve also been training a lot in the FL heat and humidity, yesterday I completed 10.8 miles over 7 hours with a fully loaded pack in temps reaching 93F degrees with unbearable humidity. My struggle seems to be more with the humidity and heat than with the weight, but I’m aware of the luggage transport services if needed.

Stopping in Orisson is a great idea, I'm glad you set that up!

 

[HBS60]

I’m also trying to learn how to vlog using iMovie with my iPhone. Here’s a 15 minute video of my 10.8 mile training hike yesterday. Apologies for the poor video quality, and for my poor diction (it’s not just my accent, I have a speech impediment even worse in my native Spanish) but I hope it gets the idea across of how I’m trying to prepare. I plan on finding out what I can jettison to avoid being so overloaded, right now it’s trial and error. I think the heat and humidity here in FL is much worse than what I’ve seen in Spain, at least according to my app.

 

[JillGat]

I’m also trying to learn how to vlog using iMovie with my iPhone. Here’s a 15 minute video of my 10.8 mile training hike yesterday. Apologies for the poor video quality, and for my poor diction (it’s not just my accent, I have a speech impediment even worse in my native Spanish) but I hope it gets the idea across of how I’m trying to prepare. I plan on finding out what I can jettison to avoid being so overloaded, right now it’s trial and error. I think the heat and humidity here in FL is much worse than what I’ve seen in Spain, at least according to my app.

You're going to have so much fun! Roncesvalles to Zubiri is so beautiful, you won't notice the distance. And with your training, you'll be in better shape than many just starting out. Being in New Mexico, I can't even imagine how you walk in that heat and humidity!

It's great you are a native Spanish speaker... I really enjoyed chatting with the (many, very elderly) locals in the small villages along the way. Other pilgrims will appreciate you doing the occasional traducción, too.

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes along the way; what about the Camino was what you expected (and what you planned for) and what was completely different. Since you say you aren't sure if you see benefits from it, I wish I could talk you into ditching the CPAP! But that is none of my business (which has never stopped me from weighing in on others' business anyway, haha).

If you are interested in the feedback, I would like to see pictures of you wearing your pack, from the front and the side. You shouldn't be having shoulder pain and the hip belt should be comfortable enough to carry the weight. Do you adjust the load lifter straps (they connect the body of the backpack to the top of your shoulder straps) and the sternum strap? You can re-adjust them while you walk, too. Is the torso length adjustable on your pack? I worked in backpacking stores for many years and might (or might not) be able to help.

Carry on!
Jill

 

[HBS60]

You're going to have so much fun! Roncesvalles to Zubiri is so beautiful, you won't notice the distance. And with your training, you'll be in better shape than many just starting out. Being in New Mexico, I can't even imagine how you walk in that heat and humidity!

It's great you are a native Spanish speaker... I really enjoyed chatting with the (many, very elderly) locals in the small villages along the way. Other pilgrims will appreciate you doing the occasional traducción, too.

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes along the way; what about the Camino was what you expected (and what you planned for) and what was completely different. Since you say you aren't sure if you see benefits from it, I wish I could talk you into ditching the CPAP! But that is none of my business (which has never stopped me from weighing in on others' business anyway, haha).

If you are interested in the feedback, I would like to see pictures of you wearing your pack, from the front and the side. You shouldn't be having shoulder pain and the hip belt should be comfortable enough to carry the weight. Do you adjust the load lifter straps (they connect the body of the backpack to the top of your shoulder straps) and the sternum strap? You can re-adjust them while you walk, too. Is the torso length adjustable on your pack? I worked in backpacking stores for many years and might (or might not) be able to help.

Carry on!
Jill

I’m from PR and I grew up speaking the Boricua version of Spanish. I left the island about 35 years ago so I’m a bit rusty, and not all that familiar with the Spain slang, but I’m sure it will be great to reconnect with my mother tongue.
Here’s a video I did several days ago, I hope it shows clearly whatever issues I might have with the backpack, but I doubt I could switch it now. It’s a Kestrel 48 by Osprey. I’m never sure if I should put the waist band around the iliac bones or over them. The video has me walking in several directions, it takes several seconds before my first pass.
Edit: I had trouble getting the video to play, so I’m trying to re- upload it in a smaller file size
Edit #2: I still can’t get the video to play, so I’m uploading screen shots, I hope this works.

 

[JillGat]

I’m from PR and I grew up speaking the Boricua version of Spanish. I left the island about 35 years ago so I’m a bit rusty, and not all that familiar with the Spain slang, but I’m sure it will be great to reconnect with my mother tongue.
Here’s a video I did several days ago, I hope it shows clearly whatever issues I might have with the backpack, but I doubt I could switch it now. It’s a Kestrel 48 by Osprey. I’m never sure if I should put the waist band around the iliac bones or over them. The video has me walking in several directions, it takes several seconds before my first pass.
Edit: I had trouble getting the video to play, so I’m trying to re- upload it in a smaller file size
Edit #2: I still can’t get the video to play, so I’m uploading screen shots, I hope this works.

I can't really tell from these photos, but I wonder if your pack is adjusted to a shorter torso length. You can re-adjust it to be longer. If you have an REI near you, they can measure your torso and lengthen the pack, if necessary. The hip belt should ride just above the hip bones and your shoulders should not be carrying the weight..

 

[Kirkie]

Greetings, fellow pilgrims!
Here’s an update for my plans to do the Camino Francés from SJPDP, with a few points I haven’t quite resolved yet. Some of them are on the “dumb question” category, so please bear with me…

Here’s what I have so far: I live in Central FL and will take the new Brighline train to Miami on August 5. I’ll spend the night in Miami, and on the 6th, I’ll take a direct flight to Madrid, arriving on the 7th around 6:05 AM.

Questions:

1) I recently switched to T-Mobile with international data coverage, so I don’t believe i need to worry about an eSIM, correct? Also: do I need to turn on “roaming” in settings? Does that make a difference in how much I get billed? I have zero experience with this kind of situation.

2) Cash, ATM. I’m aware that there are ATM machines in the airport. I’ve read repeatedly that it’s best to use an ATM machine in a bank in case the machine “eats” up the card. Is this a problem at the airport? I plan to withdraw some money in Euros just in case I need some cash, but I may probably postpone this until I get to Pamplona.

I bought a large duffel bag that can contain my large backpack (Kester 48, needed that size because of my large cPAP machine). I will carry my cPAP machine in its travel case on board as my personal item, as well as a carry-on bag for an extra change of clothes, jacket, medication bag (I’m on a bunch of bulky meds). I’m checking my Kester inside the duffel through regular luggage, as it’s too big for carry-on, so I’ll claim it after clearing customs, and then put in the cPAP machine, carry on bag and medications. It all fits in there, so I’ll just carry the duffel bag to my next leg of my journey.

From Madrid Barajas, I’ll take the 10:30 AM Renfe train to Pamplona. My main worry about this part is whether I’ll be delayed in my Madrid arrival or clearing customs, but not much I can do about that. Plan B would be to find either another train to Pamplona or find a place in Madrid to stay overnight, and cancel my Pamplona stay (Albergue Plaza Catedral).

Question: I there an ATM machine at the Pamplona train station? Or a nearby bank?

When I get to Pamplona, I might get the Backpack out of the duffel, stuff the duffel in the backpack (there’s space), walk to the Albergue (or maybe just don’t bother with all of this and take an Uber/taxi to the Albergue, as I’m not officially starting my Pilgrimage just yet). I plan to pack my folded up duffel, stuff I used during the flight, etc and send it to Ivar, provided I have the time and I can find a correos within walking distance from the Plaza Catedral. Do Albergues facilitate this process, like the luggage transport services? Particularly since I’m not planning to have my first pilgrim stamp until the 11th, the date is important to me.

The next day I take the Alsa bus to SJPDP. I have reservations in SJPDP, Orisson, Roncesvalles, and Zubiri. After that, we’ll see, since I don’t know what would be my actual walking pace. I’ve been walking, walking, walking, in the infernal FL heat, but recently had a minor setback with a mild case of COVID. I’m over that now, so I’m back to training, walking with my backpack. Unfortunately, my cPAP, power brick, cords, hoses, etc weigh 4 pounds. My total weight is 22.5 (about 10 Kg). The hip belt in the Kester really help with the weight, but I’m not at the point where I know if I can walk 12 miles a day. I know I can definitely walk 4 miles comfortably at around 3 miles an hour, so I’m expecting to walk 1.5-2 hours at a time, stop, rest, eat, then resume, and take my time. Being that I live in flat terrain, I don’t know how well I’ll do up in the mountains. I’m not too worried about the heat because where I live it’s common to have temps in the 90’s F. Looking at weather apps it seems that the highs, even in the Meseta, would be in the upper 80s. Is the humidity lower? Here in FL is common to have high humidity, making the heat worse. I’m getting familiar with the gear, poles, trying different ways of packing, figuring out how to attach and deploy my hiking umbrella, etc.

ETA: I’m aware of the luggage transport service, and it’s good to know it’s an option. I do feel a bit leery about sending the (very expensive) cPAP machine ahead, out of my sight, but I imagine at some point I may need to do so if needed.

Souvenirs, etc. shipping: Along the way, I might purchase souvenir items but I dont’ want to carry them, it it OK to make several shipments to Ivar from different parts of the Camino? Hopefully I can collect all of these when I get there. I’m not planning to go crazy shopping, just thinking ahead.

Timetable: My return ticket to the US is on September 24. While my plan originally was to just go to SDC, I want to know what I could do if I get there sooner than expected. If I’m close to the Gronze stages, I might have several days leftover, so I might decide to go to Muxia and/or Finisterre, not sure if I want to walk or just take a bus there. In any case, I need to get on a train back to Madrid on September 23 so I can catch my morning flight on the 24th. Or, I could leave Galicia early on, and spend a few days in Madrid, any suggestions would be great.

Weather: I’m guesstimating that while it will be warm a big part of the Camino, it my be cooler early on in the Pyrenees, and later on, I’ll be arriving in mountainous Galicia in early September, so I don’t know if I should pack warmer (meaning, bulkier) clothes. I’m just taking a sleeping back liner, a poncho, and a couple short-sleeved polyester shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 set of convertible hiking pants, two pairs of Darn Tough socks with thinner polyester socks as extra layers. 2 pairs of underwear, I’m walking on Hokas trailrunners and also have Keene Sandals. I also have a pair of longleeved polyester tshirt and finally, a broad-brimmed hat. I normally wear eyeglasses and will be carrying sunglasses as well.

I’m sure more questions will come up, but for now, these should suffice. I’m including some pics of myself this morning. Let me know if you see anything glaring that I should know or think about.

Thanks for all the wisdom and support!

Where did it go? I began a reply... ok. Never mind. Safe trip. The railway station in Pamplona has a bus stop for the number 9 bus. It might go close to your hotel. In any case, you will have access to cash to get on the bus? The distance is not far, less than about 20 minutes by taxi depending on the traffic. Pamplona is a small city and easy enough to get around in.
I really just want to say: I hope all begins well, and continues well, for this pilgrim journey you are closer to embarking on.

 

[keepitsimple]

I’m from PR and I grew up speaking the Boricua version of Spanish. I left the island about 35 years ago so I’m a bit rusty, and not all that familiar with the Spain slang, but I’m sure it will be great to reconnect with my mother tongue.
Here’s a video I did several days ago, I hope it shows clearly whatever issues I might have with the backpack, but I doubt I could switch it now. It’s a Kestrel 48 by Osprey. I’m never sure if I should put the waist band around the iliac bones or over them. The video has me walking in several directions, it takes several seconds before my first pass.
Edit: I had trouble getting the video to play, so I’m trying to re- upload it in a smaller file size
Edit #2: I still can’t get the video to play, so I’m uploading screen shots, I hope this works.

These pics are so great! You look so prepared and I'm excited for you! Glad to see another "team umbrella" person, too.

 

[JillGat]

Is HBS60 on the road now?

 

[GettingThere]

Is HBS60 on the road now?

He is indeed: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/hector-walks-his-way.88259/