We have received lots of questions regarding our journey. Here is an attempt to answer them…
* What time do you start walking every day? Between 7:30-9am, and we are walking about 7-8hrs every day. We are learning that we prefer getting started early and arriving at the destination a bit before dinner, in order to enjoy the town.
* Do you use hiking sticks? YES! They help so much going up and down the hills, and also they help to keep your hands from swelling as you are holding them up higher than normal walking.
* What are you eating? We are receiving a “continental breakfast” at most of the albergues/inns that we are staying. This includes coffee, orange juice, toast, boiled eggs, and a basket of fruit. Sometimes yogurt & cereal are available. Lunch is usually trail mix and fruit, although lots of people do stop in the towns we pass through for soup/sandwich. Typically we are wanting to get on to the next location and have dinner there. Spanish food is really good—and we are eating way too much in the evenings!
* How are you feeling? Dave & I both did a lot of preparation training for this. We wore our hiking shoes for long walks ahead of time to break them in, going up and down stairs, etc. So far, no blisters, which is amazing. We do get a bit sore, and tired, but after a week we are getting into a groove and it’s a lot better.
* What are you doing while walking? We talk some, and listen to music/podcasts on our iPods, but mostly just listen to the sounds around us. You will be amazed at what you can hear if you just listen. I didn’t realize how happy the chirping of birds can sound! Or how far away that you can hear a cowbell….
* What about toilets along the way? So far, there are restaurants, cafés, convenient stores, that you can go to when needed. You do need to plan your day, such as, if the guide book says you will be going from 3km-11km without services, then go to el bano at 3km. Whether you need to or not! (By the way, this has been the most asked question!)
* Are you making friends? We have met so many interesting people, from all over the world, that I will have to make a different post regarding this. I will say that everyone is friendly and excited to be doing this pilgrimage. I have yet to meet an “angry pilgrim”.
* Is it like the movie? NO. It is not like the movie.
It is so much better!
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Loving this post!! Especially the part about the birds chirping. I have come to a place I see God breathing his life into everything around me , especially in nature! So the next bird you see chirping & flying free, think of me. Much love coming your way!♡♡
Thanks for the information. It answered a lot of questions I’d been wondering about. I’m really enjoying your adventure and learning a lot in the process. The friend I work with who’s from Holland has been to some of the same areas and gives me a little more information about the people and the area. I think the post makes him homesick for Europe. Today he was telling me about how great the Spanish wines are. Made me want a class of wine. I think I’ll go take care of that.
Suggest you have 2 glasses, Kent. Very difficult to get the fulll measure of a wine in 1 glass.
Very interesting. Glad you are enjoying it.
Great post! Vicariously enjoying your journey.
Not only are you making the road but you are also living the way … that’s the interesting thing, the magic! Congratulations pilgrims!
Love the posts. I start looking every afternoon here for them. Very exciting and interesting
I’m so glad you are enjoying the Camino! I appreciate the posts and yearn to go back. Please keep Gillie in your prayers as you make your way through the beautiful churches! 🙏🏻❤️
PS I told my kids I’m glad I didn’t do a blog. You are both much better at writing than I. I couldn’t have competed with the wit and knowledge! 😁
So glad you are enjoying the journey!! Love the updates!!
My muscles are getting tired vicariously just reading about your trek. Reminds me of my high-school cross-country team days when my lungs and legs continuously sought a short-cut across Green Lake in Seattle even though that was a watery impossibility. sure hope Dave has arranged a relaxing spa vacation for Sarah after this forced march he talked her into!
Thanks, Steve. Yes…I have no leverage after this trip.