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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.
<p>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!
<p>--Carlos Mentley
<p>Steve Bean wrote:
<blockquote TYPE=CITE><style></style>
<font face="Arial"><font size=-1>Good
Morning All -</font></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>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></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>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></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>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></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>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></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>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></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>So,
journey well and don't be surprised about anything that happens on the
trip. It is a life-changing experience.</font></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>Ultreia,</font></font> <font face="Arial"><font size=-1>Steve
Bean</font></font><font face="Arial"><font size=-1>ultrrnnracts.com</font></font></blockquote>
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