The Camino SpiritThis is a transcript of a talk I was asked to give at an information session on walking the Camino, presented in September 2016 and sponsored by the Albuquerque, New Mexico Chapter of The American Friends of the Camino.My wife, Janet, and I walked the Camino Frances in the … [Read more...]
Best Hiking Shorts for Backpacking
If you’re planning on hitting the trail any time soon, you’ll need some thin, light clothing if it looks as though the weather is going to be good. Wearing the right hiking shorts means you can have the freedom to move around as you please, but it also means you won’t overheat.Hiking shorts may … [Read more...]
Planning Rest Days on the Camino de Santiago
For most people walking the Camino de Santiago means a month walking across northern Spain covering about 800 km, (500 miles). So it is not surprising that most of us plan on a few rest days along the Camino.Below are some of the towns and villages that I suggest are good places to stop for a … [Read more...]
Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for Hiking & Backpacking
Protecting yourself from whatever Mother Nature throws at you while out on the road is vital. If you want to stay safe and well when you’re out in the wilderness, you need a backpacking rain jacket that works well.Just in case you don't want to read the full review, my favourite is this jacket … [Read more...]
Best Rain Ponchos for Hiking and Backpacking
When you’re out hiking or backpacking, you need to make sure you’re prepared for all types of weather. When it begins to rain, you need to know that you’re not going to get soaked through. You need the best rain poncho that’s going to work well for you no matter how much it’s pouring down, ensuring … [Read more...]
How to Prevent and Deal with Blisters on Your Feet
Blisters are every hiker’s worst nightmare, and not just because they can be very painful. If you roll your ankle or your back gives out, it feels like a proper injury, and you’re more than justified in packing up and going home. Blisters on the other hand always feel like something that you can … [Read more...]
Top Ten Things About Camino de Santiago
I was asked recently what would be my top ten things about the Camino de Santiago – so here it is. 1. The People, Other pilgrims. The other pilgrims I met is my number one on the Camino, all Camino routes. I feel I was blessed. I don't like crowds, however, I do in general like talking, and … [Read more...]
Blister Prevention for the Camino de Santiago
What’s the most common injury experienced on the Camino de Santiago? Without a doubt, foot blisters!They’re painful. They’re frustrating. They take precious time, effort and skill to look after. They make you walk differently and that can stir up other aches and pains. They can get … [Read more...]
How to Choose Waterproofs for the Camino de Santiago
This is the third post in my series about walking gear for the Camino, the first is how to choose the best hiking boots or lightweight hiking shoes, the second is how to choose a backpack. This is a general article on waterproofs - the age-old discussion about a waterproof jacket or poncho continues … [Read more...]
Best Camera for Hiking and the Camino de Santiago?
The pilgrimage to Santiago is an adventure rich in breathtaking views and unforgettable moments. Still, some travellers prefer to completely unplug from the noise of civilization and leave all the tech gadgets behind. Others, like me, can’t resist documenting whenever possible, and because of that … [Read more...]
What About Medical Help & Health Care?
Concerns about health care and medical help while on the Camino is one of my most common asked questions. You can read some reports from pilgrims on the Camino here about their experience with the Spanish health care system.For all those that reside within the twenty-eight countries of the … [Read more...]
Best Hiking Socks for Long Distance Trails in 2019
Long distance hiking is a pursuit that is enjoyed by men, women and children of all ages. With many stunning trails to cover, from the glorious mountains of Scotland to the amazing and varied scenery of the USA and the long and windy roads of the Camino de Santiago, there is no shortage of … [Read more...]
Training Plan for the Camino de Santiago
How fit do I have to be to walk the Camino de Santiago or what kind of training do I have to do? This is one of the questions I am asked most often.The answer depends on your Camino plan.How long do you want to take? Are you walking the whole way?If you have a lot of time … [Read more...]
What is Food Like on the Camino de Santiago
Yes, what about food? A question which had not occurred to me before going to Spain and France to start my first Camino. I have had the pleasure of travelling in Spain and France on numerous occasions before and I love their food. Compared to the usual British cuisine I find it tastier.All that … [Read more...]
Bed Bugs on the Camino de Santiago
The Camino to Santiago might be a spiritual journey, but it’s not exempt from common earthly troubles like bed bugs. Who would have thought that such little creatures could be such a huge pain in the neck? In the past decade, bed bugs have infested some albergues along the Camino causing … [Read more...]
