<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>1: Feet... Sandals that are good, are heaven. I have two pair for hiking;
<BR>Nike Air Max Tailwind, which have wonderful treads and cushioning, and REI
<BR>Arroyo, which have the tremendous arch and heel support So I can air my feet
<BR>yet do many miles.
<BR> Shoes... The most important thing is the fit of the foot bed. I
<BR>went to REI and they insisted on a supplemental bed for the trek, changed my
<BR>conceptions of my size, and sent me out with a pait of (low ankle) shoes that
<BR>can take the pounding I anticipate on the Camino.
<BR> Socks: Liners,and thin Coolmax, are a necessity if you cant carry
<BR>lots of pairs; they was and dry fast. Even in the summer, liners are good to
<BR>change two (or three) times a day to avoid blisters. Outer socks. I like
<BR>thermo wol hikers, or any wool, coolmax, spandex type material. There is a
<BR>pair with teflon that are supposed to reduce blisters, and I like those.
<BR> When spending money, and weight, first spend on your feet.
<BR>
<BR>THEN:... spend on your sleep... one third of your pilgrimage after all.
<BR>Cushioning under, thermal over, and watch out for cooties!
<BR>
<BR>Clothes, paper stuff, all those other things you thought were
<BR>important...aren't.
<BR>Think about this; if you walk well, sleep well, what else really matters, the
<BR>less you carry, the more you are on the camino.
<BR>Donna the D</FONT></HTML>