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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Good Morning All -</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>So, journey well and don't be surprised about
anything that happens on the trip. It is a life-changing
experience.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ultreia,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Steve Bean</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>ultrrnnracts.com</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>