Short Camino video

A big thank you to my sister Julie for finding this short video on the Camino de Santiago.

Click here for Walking the Camino video

As she says, the guy is a bit 'cheesy' but he gives a nice intro to the Camino Frances, a little history and glimpses of my starting point in France, the village of St Jean Pied de Port.

Til next time ...

J.

My walking buddies

While I was writing my last entry, I found myself thinking about my walking buddies - and how lucky I've been to have their company and support as I prepare for The Camino and, before that, The Coastrek.

Just last Saturday as my regular walking buddy Gemma and I walked to Balmoral - we came across the Oxfam trekkers as they walked the final 500 metres or so of their 100 km trek.  As we passed each one, we clapped them and cheered them on and assured them they were nearly there.  This chance encounter brought back wonderful memories of the Coastrek in March, with my sister Pam and brother Mike.  I knew how these trekkers were feeling - exhaustion doesn't even begin to cover it.  But I knew that in a few short minutes burning feet and aching limbs would be replaced by a feeling of elation ... and relief. I recalled how good it felt to be cheered on when we were doing it tough on the Coastrek.  It was great to see them and wish them well.

So, back to my walking buddies - Gemma, Audrey, Sue, Graeme, Jill, Peter, Pam and Mike on the Coastrek of course, and Rosanne for those much enjoyed coffee breaks at Rushcutters Bay Park on my way to heartbreak hill.  I've enjoyed your company very much and you've played a huge part in my preparation for The Camino.  I know I'll think of each of you often when I'm on the path.

Estoy agradecida por el regalo. 

J.

So, here's what's in my pack

The Way

Welcome back. Sorry for delay in getting to this entry.  To my great surprise more than a few friends have said they're looking forward to finding out what's in my pack and, by the way, when am I going to get around to it??  Well, I have two things to say to you - 1) I really appreciate your interest - though I suspect you're just being kind - in which case I appreciate it even more; and 2) careful what you wish for, because this could definitely be a case of 'more than you ever needed to know'.  But, for better or worse, here it is.

You'll see I've included more links you may find useful. My friend Roland (plug for Harvest the Net) suggested that with the amount of 'product placement' on this blog (I'm sure he meant that in a good way), I should have thought to fund my trip entirely through sponsorship!  What a great idea - why didn't I think of that sooner? Though I imagine my 'sponsors' may have imposed some KPIs which would require a readership greater than my family and friends.

You'll see from my clothing list that I've opted for merino wool for shirts, thermals and sock liners. It's lightweight, breathes well, drys quickly and, apparently, the shirts can be worn for 2-3 weeks before they are totally 'anti social' if you know what I mean. I'll let you know how that goes!  Items marked with an * are those I'll be wearing, at least on day one, so they're not counted in the 10kg. 

WALKING GEAR

1 x Columbia lightweight hiker pants (zip off to convert to shorts) *
1 x Kuhl hiking skirt
2 x Icebreaker 150 merino T-shirts - * one shirt
1 x Icebreaker 200 merino zip neck long sleeve top - for colder weather, if needed
1 x Icebreaker 200 merino thermal pants - as above
2 x Brandella Superlite merino thermals (1 x black sleeveless, 1 x black long sleeve)
4 x pairs knickers - * one pair, naturally
3 x bras - * as above
4 x pairs merino sock liners - * one pair
3 x pairs walking socks - * one pair
1 x Columbia Titanium waterproof jacket
1 x pair waterproof pants (worth getting a decent pair that 'breathes' and essential (in my view) they have zipper legs so you can get them on and off without having to take off your boots/shoes.
1 x spare shoes (haven't decided yet on Brooks trek runners or Keens - but will definitely take an extra pair)
2 x buffs (great multi-purpose item - sweat band, neck protection from sun or cold, beanie, balaclava and more) Visit http://www.mybuff.com.au/  If you're a fan of Survivor, you'll be familiar with buffs.
1 x lightweight hat
1 x hydration bladder - mine is 2 litre Camelbak
2 x Explorer SA walking poles  - *
1 x Deuter rain cover for pack

SLEEPING GEAR
1 x Roman +10 Palm sleeping bag (only 500 grams) - I don't fancy relying on bed linen in the refugios / albergues

1 x Active pants (can double as walking pants)

1 x Snowgum merino T shirt (can double as walking shirt)
Ear plugs (for a good night's sleep in albergues / refugios with dormitory style sleeping quarters)

FOOT CARE GEAR

This is important.  If you injure your feet (blisters, pressure points), you can be out of action for days - or longer.  I've tried out quite a few products. But what works for me, may not work for you.  So, if you're planning a long walk - try a few things to see what works for you. You can buy these products from most pharmacies - except Hikers Wool which you buy online from NZ. 

Compeed patches  (medium and small)

Scholl Blister Stop Prevention Kit

Hikers Wool

Aqua protect bandaids

Paw-Paw cream

OTHER STUFF

Red Cross Hikers First Aid Kit (thanks to my Mum, Helen, for this great birthday gift from a few years ago)

Tiger Balm

Voltarin and Panadol

Toiletries (these can weigh a lot, so check out Sea to Summit Pocket products - I've tried the shampoo with conditioner  - works just fine)

Sunscreen - my recommendation is Hamilton skin products - roll on 30+ sunscreen very lightweight

Pegless clothes line and washing liquid (see Sea to Summit above)

Travel cutlery set

Plastic cup
Chargers and Adaptor

Phone 

Camera (or if you're happy with picture quality on your phone, just use that), and
... my iPad + Camera Connect to load pictures directly from my camera.

It seems like a lot but if you choose your gear carefully you can take all this in a lightweight pack and you'll still be carrying under 10kg. So, unless I've forgotten something - which is entirely likely - that's it for the gear.  Til next time ... J.

Lunchtime on The Camino

My backpack

With my BFF walking shoes sorted, time to think about my backpack and, of course, the contents. Back to my favourite Camino website Spanish Steps and some other forums, for advice on a reasonable weight to carry.  In summary:

1.  Don't carry more than 20% of your body weight.
2.  If you keep it to 10kg or less, you'll be glad you did.

Well, the challenge was simple - 10kg. A nice round number - recommended for The Camino and it's less than 20% of my body weight.  So I should be able to manage. But will my iPad send me over the limit?  Hope not - I'm planning to use it to update this blog.

Back to the backpack. There are great brands on offer - Macpac, Osprey, North Face - but I have a Deuter day pack I'm fond of, and my sister Pam and brother-in-law Peter are long-time Deuter fans, so that's the path I chose to follow.  And, here's my choice - Deuter ACT Lite 35+10 SL

Deuter ACT Lite 35+10 SL

The SL stands for shorter length.  These packs are ideal for women as they have a shorter back length - and, like most Deuter backs,  the back is adjustable as well.  The only feature not included in this model is a raincover but you can buy that separately.  Deuter packs are excellent quality and highly regarded, but not top of the price range.  The retail price for this one (June 2011 in Sydney) was $235 at Larry Adler.  And, there was a 20% sale at the time, so less that $190.  Yeah.  And the pack itself weighs just 1.45kg.  Plug for Larry Adler, Kent Street, Sydney store. So helpful. Recommended.

I'm getting ahead of myself to tell you that, having done two training walks last weekend with a full pack (20km Saturday, 27km on Sunday), I'm  happy with my choice.  I think my pack and I will get along just fine. But I digress.

What you really want to know is what's inside - what makes up that 10kg? And, the big question - with the official weigh in concluded - did my iPad make the cut?  Suspenseful, isn't it?

You're just going to have to wait for my next post.