When I saw pilgrims with heavy packs with extra stuff hanging and dangling outside, I was happy for my super light pack.
This was what I took:
1 knapsack
1 sleeping bag
1 set of walking poles (collapsible into three parts)
1 lightweight gore tex windstopper/rain jacket
1 hooded fleece (thin)
2 merino wool tops, long sleeved (lightest weight available)
1 tanktop
1 sarong
1 pair of travelling pants (which can be rolled up into shorts)
2 pairs of hiking socks
2 sets of underwear
1 travelling towel
1 pair of flip flops
1 pair sunglasses
1 hat
1 smartphone with detachable macro lens and charger
1 pair of walking boots
1 pair of thin wool gloves (for the
mornings),
1 pair of silk long johns
1 scarf (to "dress up" in the
evenings).
Toiletries and other supplies (toothpaste, toothbrush, sunscreen, face
cream, ear plugs, eye shades, tiny sewing kit, two pegs for hanging
clothes to dry, various anti/post-blister plasters, 2 painkillers, 10
anti-histamin tablets, 1 tube anti-bacteria cream to help prevent
infection in minor burns and cuts, tiny vial of tiger balm, 1 jar of
camphor gel to massage feet in the evening)
Luxuries (toothpicks, dental floss, some mints, small compass).
NEXT TIME, I will leave out:
1 merino wool top (it was enough with 1 wool top and 1 thin fleece)
sewing kit (did not use at all)
We did not use any of the anti/post-blister plasters but I think I will continue to take them.
The tanktop was useful to sleep in and for warm days.
The long, broad and thin scarf was useful for many situations (as a head covering, to keep shoulders warm when wearing only tanktop, to "dress up" in the bigger towns etc).
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The local speciality in Burgos
Blood sausage: morcilla!
I was assured that the white lumps were not fat, but rice.
So, in fact, it is a healthy dish, proclaimed our local friend.
Sunny side up
Snug between toasts.
Eggs are used a lot in Spanish cooking, and not only for breakfast.
Many dinner items feature eggs.
Burgos
Gastronomic capital of Spain, 2013
The waiter pointed to the crowds and said "Economic crisis? What crisis?"
Obviously, it also helps to be listed on top on Tripadvisor!
Obaneja Riopico (144 innhabitants)
...which we thought was where we were the last time we had a coffee break
Nothing much to stop for.
But this is where pilgrims have the choice of three routes to Burgos:
two lousy ones going through the industrial zone,
and a pleasant one by the river.
Our host at Casa Caracol, Anja, pointed the latter out to us.
The climb ahead to Burgos
It was not as bad as I had feared.
But it was chilly.
Burgos boasts of having the coldest weather in Spain
because of its altitude (about 1000 m above sea level).
Gentle climb towards Burgos
Pleasant pilgrim meeting between fellow countrymen.
In total, we met five 1/2 Norwegians.
Watch out!
There is also a road sign for "crossing pilgrim" which I unfortunately did not take and cannot, therefore, add to the above collection.
Breakfast at the Tienda
For those who did not have a host who served breakfast like we had at Casa Caracol.
Casa Caracol
The highlight of our camino this time was staying with Anja at Casa Caracol.
Her house was old, charming and quirky and newly done up with
a fresh coat of paint, new floors etc.
She served coffee, biscuits and a warm chat when we arrived.
No tv or wifi, but discussions about literature, art and music.
She reads widely and her kitchen - the warmest spot in the house - was filled with books.
Next morning, she served an organic breakfast which included homemade orange marmalade,
and hand-painted a pilgrim's seal in our pilgrim's passport.
Payment? Give a donation (take what you want, leave what you don't need).
Tienda
The local hangout at Ages which sent us to Casa Caracol, luckily,
and not to the municipal albergue.
The km ahead
Informative at the albergue reception.
Good news because there are many possible stops along the way.
Santo Domingo
Besides taking care of their many needs, Santo Domingo also gives pilgrims a chance to have some fun,
Slow and steady...
...wins the race. At this point, I did not know that the snail trying to tell me something.
Another early departure
As usual, we start off together with the other pilgrims but soon,
the km between us lengthen and spread us out along the camino.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
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