It’s all booked. Flights, trains and first night hotel. Yes, we are going back to the Camino in the next couple of months!
Last year, we finished the first leg of the Camino with our bikes in Leon; time had been against us and we had to go back home and back to work. But we knew we would be back in Northern Spain, it was just a question of when.
Having been on a few trips this year, it was beginning to look like the Camino would not happen but life events have meant that our plans for the next couple of months need to be fixed – in stone! As you know, I am not a planner in general but even I could see the necessity of at least booking the dates!
This time, we will be walking the Camino from Leon to the very end at Finisterre, the original end for pilgrims in centuries past. And very conveniently, we will be flying back with Vueling from Santiago directly to the UK, something that is a big bonus as we won’t have to make the longer journey back to Madrid!
A few lessons about walking
Walking in Scotland has taught me a few things about my precious feet, something that I wasn’t too worried about when we cycled in Spain before.
- Socks – walking socks are essential. I spent one day with Primark socks on the West Highland Way and my partner suffered from the complaints as a result! The seams on the toes cut my skin and made walking very uncomfortable. This time we have over 300 km to complete. Not something I want to repeat. I like lightweight socks, with a little cushioning and no seams, especially in Spain, so I have chosen to stock up on the following:
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/us/womens/footwear/socks - Stock up on blister plasters: as soon as the feet start to rub, it is worth dealing with it. The longer those tell-tale red patches are ignored, the worse they get. And there is nothing worse than walking with rubbed-sore feet!
- Walking poles are also essential. The downhills take a particular toll on my knees and although I alternate between none, one and two, the fact that I can lightens the load.
- Snacks: stocking up on favourite snacks that keep spirits and blood sugar at optimum levels was essential in Scotland. If our experience from the first Camino is anything to go by, there are plenty of cafes on route on the Camino but it is always useful to have some kind of trail mix, just in case.
- Camping: no longer allergic to camping, I am happy for the tent to join us but still as an insurance policy against full hostels.
In the meantime, I look forward to reading all the Camino stories and any advice is always gratefully received.
Buen Camino
talestrailsandtravels 