GOCAMINO Digest - 21 Jan 2004 to 22 Jan 2004 (#2004-20)

[Eva]

Hi Duke,

I walked the Camino last August and September. One thing I would do
different next time is bring a lighter backpack. I carried about 37
pounds, and being a fairly small woman (under 140 lbs), this was pretty
heavy. I didn't need 4 pairs of shoes, tons of cosmetics,  and about 10
pounds of medication. In fact, I walked in the same pair of boots the
whole way and didn't get a chance to walk in my lighter shoes. All this
medication was useless too since I didn't get a single blister. I just
needed the ibuprofen for the pain in my shoulders from carrying so much
weight. Next time I would try to make it 20 - 25 pounds.

The thing that disappointed me about the Camino is that for most of
August, there was a lack of beds in the refugios. I couldn't believe
that people would start walking 2 or 3 hours before sunrise, and stop
walking for the day frequently at 1 or 2 p.m. I just didn't want to
participate in this crazy competition to get the bed. I never left the
refugios before sunrise, but the result was that the first 2 weeks I
ended up sleeping on the floor. This was the worst part of the Camino
for me. Second worst was being woken up by all those people who started
walking 2 -3 hours before sunrise.... :-)
Next time, I would probably stay in a hotel once a week to catch up on
my sleep. And don't forget the earplugs!!

-Eva

-----Original Message-----

From: Duke [ <mailto:dklassenaMN.RR.COM> mailto:dklassenaMN.RR.COM]

Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 7:37 PM

Subject: Suggestions and/or regrets



I am leaving for St. Jean Pied de Port in late March to begin the
Camino. It occurs to me that those of you who have had the experience
might be able to help me. If you had one piece of advice to give (about
gear, books,things not to miss, weather etc.) or one regret of things
you might have done diffently (shrines visited, pace of walking,
attitudes,etc.) or one thing you would do differently if you walked the
Camino again, I would love to hear about them.

Duke

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