I completed a 21 mile (33.8k) pilgrimage this weekend in the USA. Details of it are here I carried a pack weight of 3k (out of spirit for my Camino. It was pretty empty). Here is (some of) what I learned:
1. 23k no problem, 27k uncomfortable, 33.8 body and spirit willing, not the feet. I have 4 months to work on this.
2. Blister Prevention – Not all things work the same way for each person. I wore 2 pair of merino wool socks and changed them 3 times during the day (after airing the feet out for 15 minutes), Used the little blister prevention stick, used moleskin on hotspots (peeled in 30 minutes), used tape on hot spots (lasted 30 minutes) and got a few blisters anyway. They were not broken, but sore.
The wool sock actually gave my foot and ankle heat rash. The temperatures were 6-22C that day. A perfect walking day.
This is becoming more of a concern.
3. Blister Care (after the fact) – This worked great, but did not hike for two days either. Epsom salt foot soak was wonderful.
4. Poles – Tested out a pair and becoming more of a believer. I plan to take one for sure, but maybe two now. I tweaked my knee while playing 18 holes of golf the day before and it was tender the morning we started out. No knee problems though and I could feel reduced stress on the knee.
5. Carrying water – Bought a plastic clip at a zoo that was terrific and weighs only g that hooks in a belt or loop
6. Hat – Bought a Tilley hat and love it. I am not normally a hat wearer, but given the sun protection and more, I have the right one.
7. Skittles – The candy. I was a bit lightheaded getting started in the morning and a diabetic friend of mine gave me a small handful and they balanced things out. I am not diabetic, but did not eat a good breakfast and slept poorly with the excitement of the walk.
Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.
Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox. 