boots, packs and snoring

[Caldwell, Emily]

Pack:
I read in a book that don't take the 'just in case' items.  Normally you can find those in villages.  However, you can also figure out what is needed and not needed on the way.  You will also figure out your comfort level as you go.  I ended up lightening the load as I went and started to throw things away, but this can also be compared with the camino.  My pack and life's burdens were heavy in the beginning, and little by little things got easier and I was able to let things go.

Boots:
Again, I agree with others... there is a comfort level.  I have a pair of boots that I've had for a year and I walked away with one blister...though I only walked 140 miles of the 500.  I met a woman who had a pair of boots she broke-in also and she had many blisters and foot problems.  Just 'love those feet' as I told a fellow peregrino.  At night I would put Vicks on my feet, and in the morning would put on Vaseline.  I also had knee-high pantyhose to help with the friction.  A friend of mine who was in the military and walked 100 miles in the heat with 120 pound pack said they would work... and I think they did.  Everyone's feet are different, just make sure you listen to them.

Snoring:
I'm with everyone else, earplugs.  However, I had earplugs and never used them.  I was so tired by the end of the day I slept like a rock, which isn't normal... I'm a light sleeper.  I also talked with a woman who would wake people up who were snoring.  But snoring is also another, though not welcomed, experience of the camino... :)

Buen camino
Emily

-----Original Message-----
From: James R Eyskens [mailto:jeyskensaAUSTIN.RR.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 7:25 PM
To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
Subject: boots, packs and snoring


Everyone has a favorite rucksack-The one I use is Army surplus canvas,
heavier, I know than all the go-lite, etc. but its covered with patches and
pins, and extremely hard to miss in a Refugio or outside a bar!  I do pack
fairly light, under 15 ibs, exclusive of water or the days lunch.

As for snoring, use earplugs.  I was given some between Zubiri and
REoncevalles by a girl who was quitting the Camino, and never had a better
gift.

Jim Eyskens