Barb

brizzie -- thanks so much for all the good information. Sending our packs ahead with a service is something I'll consider if it gets to be too much. I'm hoping to keep the weight under 10 lbs. I'm going to purchase the Ultra-Sil Day Pack that was suggested. It folds up to nothing.

sofarsogood - I've made note of the restaurant recommendation. Also curious what type of sandals you used. Obviousy trying to keep the weight down, so my Chaco's or even Teva's, which would be ideal, are just too heavy to pack. I'll have a pair of Teva flip flops, which are very light, for the hotel and maybe out to dinner, but they wouldn't be good for walking any distance.

Our room at Costa Vella is a twin room with a view of the Cathedral, or so says the web page. Hopefully the weather will be nice so we can enjoy the lovely garden.

On my 6.25 hike Saturday, with poles, which were great btw, I started getting pain across the top of my foot, so I went to REI and they said it was probably because I have really high arches, so recommended an insert --

http://www.amazon.com/SOLE-Karnazes-.../dp/B005AQU6NA

So far, no pain, and they fit perfectly in my shoes. Keeping my fingers crossed.

sofarsogood

<<curious what type of sandals you used.>>
My sandals aren't anything special, think they're Clarks. Similar to the one on the chacos homepage; leather with well-cushioned straps and a sturdy sole.

Yes they add more weight than simple flip flops, but did give me the flexibility of wearing both on the Camino and in the evenings. Boots and the sandals were the only footwear I took. If you can take sandals, then maybe no need to take your flip flops?

Ah.. the delights of taking of your boots and sweaty socks off and putting sandals on after a long days walk!

lowcountrycarol

Bookmarking

Barb

The only problem taking walking sandals is that then I would have to carry my boots and they are heavy, so I guess that won't work. Drats, sounded good. Hopefully letting my feet rest and air out at the end of the day will suffice.

TexasAggie

Sounds like a lovely trip, Barb! Living in CO for many years, I grew to love my Merrell hiking shoes and boots. They also make some sturdy hiking sandals that might suffice for dinners out in casual locations.

emdee

I took a pair of sandals for the evening. When I got the terrible blisters I walked a few days in sandals and socks.
Found this so comfortable that I did this on a flight to europe in May.
You never see sandals and socks in north america but its fairly common elsewhere.

BigAleinstein

My SIL walked the entire 500 miles in socks and sandals, even on the rainy days.

Barb

If I can find really lightweight sandals, I might consider it. Nice to have the option, just in case of the dreaded blisters.

BigAleinstein

Just because she's nuts, does not mean you have to be too.

But it goes along with a funny story. When my wife and SIL are in Galicia, they heard a woman singing who finally caught up with them. She was a gallega who on a whim decided to walk part of the Camino and she wore the wrong shoes and was in great pain. My SIL dipped into her backpack and gave her extra pair of shoes. They asked here why she did not wear the right shoes, to which the gallega replied, "My friends said you do not have to bring anything. The Americans will have everything."

We are still friendly with her to this dayu.

sofarsogood

<<If I can find really lightweight sandals, I might consider it>>
Make sure any sandals you take have a sturdy enough sole. The trail is a mixture of stony tracks and paved surfaces. So things like bog standard Teva's are really too flimsy. But if you can manage to carry your boots it would offer flexibility.

iris1745

This is a woman's advice on walking the Camino.

We met in Oviedo a few weeks ago as she was doing the walk for the fifth time.

http://senseofwondertravel.com/110/

Momddtravel2

It is coming up Barb! Excited for you. My husband and I really want to do this!

Barb

Well, it's countdown time. I wish I had trained with my loaded backpack more. I've walked lots and for some long distances, so that's not a real concern, but only with a day pack. Been doing some short distances with just the clothes I am taking in my backpack and I'm not going to lie, it's not a walk in the park. I hope to keep the rest of the "stuff" to a minimum. I have to keep reminding myself, that I can take rest/stretch breaks frequently, I'm not in a race to find a bed in an alberque every night. So, if worse comes to worse I can send my backpack ahead and walk with a small compact day pack, no shame in that. Really, I am doing this for so many reasons and endurance is not at the top of the list of those reasons. I think the mental preparation has been tougher than the physical prep.

I am only doing the last 70 mi! How in the world do you prepare for 500 mi.

lincasanova

Barb.. just keep moving and do what you feel like doing. There's no shame in stopping early.. or having to take a taxi or ride to the hotel the last miles if you put too much on your plate that day. Enjoy the scenery and I do hope you will have time to send us an occasional update!

lincasanova

Once any anxious newbie realizes tis is not a marathion.. nor a contest.. nor a competition.. but a nice way to stroll through some beautiful scenery in a safe way in a foreign country, then your pace will be what it is.. I think you will be just FINE. have fun.Eat good food and do what you can/want everyday.

I don´t know if you read my report, but I had a VERY low moment the FIRST DAY! ( maybe I didn´t express myself quite that strongly in my report). I really did not know HOW I was going to "keep up".

Then I decided to "not keep up" and just go my own pace. It was fine.

I'll do part of the camino again whenever we have the time to go up there.. and I will encourage ANYBODY to even do ONE DAY of a few miles or so along a certain area just to get the feel of it. It's very invigorating, soothing and thought - provoking.

I can´t wait for your impressions!

Barb

lincasanova, thanks for your very helpful suggestion. I know it's pre-trip anxiety and I am really overthinking this, so I need to just relax about it. I think getting the compostela has been so firmly planted in my brain that I've let that dictate how I am approaching this. I need to let that expectation go. If I do, great, if not, it will still be a wonderful experience. I love Spain, the beautiful people and the scenery, not to mention THE FOOD!! So, yes, you are so right, I will concentrate on just doing what I need to do to enjoy every moment. I will try to post along the way, but if not, certainly when I get back. Thanks for all the support!

cruiseluv

Hi Barb,

So excited for you that the date is getting close! Believe me, I understand your apprehension. I was not a "hiker" or serious walker by any stretch of the imagination, but like you, tried to train as best as I could. Pls do consider traveling just with a day pack and sending your heavier backpack with a transport.
Lin is spot on in her comments. The Camino is what you make of it. The other members of my family walked faster than me, so I walked for long stretches by myself, and it was a great experience. I had the opportunity to think and consider many things.

Buen Camino! Pls keep us posted if time permits, when is that you leave?

Have some pulpo for me in Melide, I loved Pulperia Ezequiel.

rosetravels

Hi Barb,
The FOOD? By that do you mean the WINE?

What did you decide about sandals? I have always taken a pair of lightweight sandals with me when I've backpacked and they have been an absolute footsaver at times. There are some very lightweight Tevas out there. I took the Teva Tirra to Italy with me last year and they are very light and did not give me blisters (unlike nearly everything else.)

Let me know if you want to go on a practice hike in the next week or so - this will be an amazing trip!

Momddtravel2

Just reading about your upcoming trip and your past trips encourages and excites me! I do hope you can post a little a long the way.

I would SO send that heavy pack ahead and enjoy!!

Barb

Went for another walk with pack last night. A neighbor joined me. It was much easier this time. I think it was because we were chatting and it took my mind off any discomfort. Or, maybe it was just easier, I hope. I'll finish packing it tonight and head out for a longer walk tomorrow.

Rose, I definitely mean food AND wine!! I'm going to do Lake Padden next week. I leave on Oct 1. I'm hoping we don't get too much rain next week. I'm taking Sanuk flip flops, but I'll take a look at the Tevas you recommended.

I've written down the number of a couple of backpack transport companies, so I will definitely consider doing that if I have to.

We are going to put together a video of our walk when we get home, so hopefully I will be able to share that with family, friends and all you guys.