Some things not mentioned so far

[Carlos Mentley]

Thank you, Steve, for your insights--they correspond very closely to my
experiences last month.  I would underline the part about the
psychological aspect of walking every day, and the part about blisters.
(I used the fountains extensively, and never had a problem, but that
does not necessarily mean anything ...)  And yes, the more Spanish you
have, the more you can enter into the Camino, instead of simply walking
over it.

The saying is that the Camino provides what you need.  I found that to
be very true, as long as I was willing to accept what the Camino
offered.  So prepare well, but don't fret--adapt and accept and things
work out!

--Carlos Mentley

Steve Bean wrote:

> Good Morning All - I have been quietly monitoring all that has been
> going back and forth about water, footgear,food, etc., and want to add
> something from  my experiences that I don't believe has been mentioned
> so far. It is important to remember that when you walk the Camino, you
> will be out there for 20, 30, 40+ days, every day, continuously
> walking - You may take a day off every now and then, but for the most
> part you will be packing up and moving every day - That takes focus
> and determination in itself. Just the thought of one more day of
> packing and walking is enough to affect your experience and is
> something I don't believe you can train for. You can teach your body
> to recover after the first day, and then  the second, and maybe the
> third, but after a while a tiredness sets in, and that is surprising
> to some people. Just be prepared for it and don't be surprised when it
> happens. Be prepared to take a day off now and then for your body and
> your mind. And don't let it take away from your incredible journey.
> It's all a part of it to look back on and remember Most people WILL
> develop blisters or foot problems of some sort - It's inevitable on a
> trek as long as the Camino - Double socks help, the right footgear
> helps, vaseline, dry feet, all help, but you are walking 500 miles,
> all at once. Something's gonna give. I hiked in boots well broken in
> and developed a blister. In Carrion de los Condes, I purchased a pair
> of hiking sandals from a sporting goods store(for $40.00 American,
> including the 'Pilgrim's discount', which I asked for!) and hiked in
> them for the rest of the journey; No blisters, no rocks in the foot,
> and only slightly damp on the last (prerequisite) wet day into
> Santiago. One of the most important pieces of information pointed out
> in some guide books is the location of shoe repair shops. Think about
> it. Also, remember, you are hiking thru a civilized country, with
> stores that sell the same or similar stuff that we have in the States.
> So, pack light and be prepared to purchase what you need if you find
> you need it. ( Friends I met on my second trip found they needed
> lighter sleeping bags than they had brought. They found a store in
> Burgos similar to our K-Mart or WalMart stores and bought 2 very nice,
> VERY light sleeping bags for about $45.00 American. They said the
> store, which is a chain throughout Spain, reminded them of K-Mart back
> home; large, well-stocked, modern). Bottled water is available
> everywhere, (Altho many talked about using the fountains in the
> villages, I never had that courage on my two trips - I didn't want
> anything to spoil what was happening). as are other drinks and snacks,
> etc. Just be adaptable. And, lastly, please try and be somewhat
> conversant in Spanish when you go. It greatly enhances the journey,
> especially in the smaller villages and you'll also be able to shop and
> eat easier. So, journey well and don't be surprised about anything
> that happens on the trip. It is a life-changing
> experience. Ultreia, Steve Beanultrrnnracts.com
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