A Friend on the Camino
a helping hand on the camino francesBlog
Shaving Weight Off Your Pack
Let’s go through an imaginary back pack and see where shaving weight off can be done…
The first place we’ll find some weight to shave off is – the bag itself. Most packs weigh at least a kilo, some weigh over two. Mine weighs 850 grams. First of all, you don’t want to have a pack that’s got lots of extra room in it. That extra room means extra fabric and a heavier pack. It also means you’ll be tempted to buy souvenirs and other things along the way.
Hostel Review:Refuge Orisson
Orisson is legendary for the rudeness of it's owner, the difficulty of the booking system, and the outrageous prices of the food and accommodation (compared to other places along the way) - but you won't wake up to a more magnificent view anywhere else along the way....
Hostel Review:Beilari
Beilari is very possibly the best albergue in St. Jean Pied de Port. I can't say for sure, because I haven't been to them all, but it's in my top ten albergues along the camino. The proprietor of Beilari, Joeseph, is clearly passionate about hosting new pilgrims...
I’m so tired!
I forgot how tiring the camino is. If someone told me I"d be collapsing into bed at 9.30 each night, I would have said they were crazy. But here I am. It's 8:10pm and I'm ready to curl up in my sleeping bag. It's not because I'm having trouble sleeping with all the...
Getting to the starting line is a marathon
I haven't written or posted anything in awhile. It's not because I have nothing to say (that will never happen!) but that I was trying to finish up so much work, socialising and getting ready before I leave that I had no time for anything else. Taking time to walk the...
When do you *really* need a sleeping bag on the Camino?
Obviously, there is no one answer for everyone. But with some information about what the Camino is actually like, you can make an informed decision that could potentially save you a lot of weight carrying, and make your trip more comfortable. What kinds of sleeping...
How to avoid being the “albergue asshole”
Here’s my top ten list of things to NOT do in an albergue – I have seen ALL of these things happen. Do not wake up snorers and tell them they are snoring. They know already. Get (better) earplugs.
The Camino Provides…
So lots of people believe that the “Camino provides…” and in many cases I’d have to agree!
I’m not superstitious or religious. Really, I think that on the Camino, people are generous and open and giving. That pilgrims in need tend to swallow their pride and ask for help. When generosity and humility come together, a miracle often results. Or at least a personal miracle. I had one of those experiences on my first Camino.
Addicted to the Camino?
I’m obsessed with the Camino. Some people seem to get addicted to the Camino. They go again and again and just can’t seem to get enough. I’m one of those people. I’ve been on the Camino Francés 4 times now (as of 2017) and hope to go every year or two for as long as I can.