Traveling in March. Need help.

[Aryk]

I'm so glad that I found this forum. It has answered alot of the questions I've had. It has inspired me. But the best thing it's done is reassure me. I'm not the only one going for the first time. I do think I will be scared up till the time I take the first step. So I wanna say thanks to all those who have gone before me and set up this forum to help us "newbies".
I do have one question. Socks in March?? My feet chill easy. I can handle a Texas winter. Was 14 degrees last winter. But never been out in rain snow sleet wind and cold for 8 hours at a time. Day after day.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Aryk.
Go Cowboys!!!!

[sean]

Hi Aryk,

I walked in March/April 2 years ago. It was cold and wet/snow/sleet for a lot of the way. Not too much of a problem there but it makes the ground very soft and difficult to walk on. In some places there is no option but stay on the trail, as the fields have been ploughed and are just as soft. I wore and swear by 1000 mile socks. They are fantastic to walk in and help avoid blistering. They are heavy enough to be warm but bring a few 3-4 pairs. Try leave it late as possible in March before departure would be my advice.

Go Cowboy,

Regards,

Sean
Dublin

[Covey]

I "discovered" the 1000Mile socks three years ago and they are brilliant. Last year I swapped my Salomon boots for Merrell Moab shoes and used the 1000Mile trainer liners which were double layer socks. They worked very well indeed and I am using that combination again this year when I set off along the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon on the 2nd Sept.

[zzotte]

It may be a little too much but I love gaiters for hiking and is great for bad weather too, nothing like soggy feet for blisters and in bad weather the inside of your boots don’t dry as fast, gaiters not only keeps your feet nice and dried (In turn keeps them worm) but also averts those pesky little rocks and sand from finding they way into your socks which increases friction (like tine sandpaper) which is another blister awaiting to happen

Zo

[Aryk]

Thank y'all for the info. Was kinda freaked out. I hate the cold and rain and snow. But for some reason it's when God chose me to go. And if you knew the miracles surrounding this trip. You would understand why I'm not going to argue. I bought some Merrell boots. Not sure what model but there waterproof and hotter than all get out. But it has been 105+ for the past 50 days. Were pretty much baked here in Texas. I saw the Gaitors. And the rainfall amounts and I just may take two pairs (be prepared, former Boy Scout). Thanks again for your help. And if anyone happens to run into a Texan in a cowboy hat along the way. It may be me. If your there in March.
Aryk

[Gazza]

Covey

We plugged the virtues of the 1000 mile socks pretty solidly 18 mths ago & no doubt their sales went through the roof.
Just wondering where my freebies got to............. lol

Looking fwd to hearing abt the Portugese route

Gazza

[Covey]

zzotte......You are right about the pesky little stones being thrown up!! If you are wearing shoes, then reasonably frequent stops to "de-stone" the shoes are called for. Best to do it frequently cos if you don't the bit of stone will irritate the skin, and the next thing you have a blister.

I find early mornings are the worst where there has been overnight dew and the gravel path surfaces are slightly damp. The stones seem to "stick" to the soles and get flipped up and in to the shoes. Gaiters are probably a good idea if they are very lightweight.

[grayland]

The most used hiking word for the little stones that always end up in your shoe is "skree".
I went from low top shoes on first Camino to mid-top shoes (boots?) on the next just to avoid the skree. It really did help. I much prefer the low shoes for the Camino but will stick with the mid length to avoid the stones.

[Aryk]

Thank you for all the help.

[Aryk]

Hi Y'all
It's official. Plane ticket is bought and paid for. Got all my gear and ready to go. I'm leaving March first and spending Easter weekend in Santiago at the Husa Santiago Apostol. Anyone know of it?? And if so, what's it like?? I'm taking y'alls advice in regards to the 1000 mile socks. Plan on picking them up in London on the way. At Blacks Sports Store. Is there any retailer in America that sells them only found them in "jolly ol' England"Any opinions on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Also I'm a big user of Absorbine Jr. (if anyone knows what it it) is it available on the Camino??
Thanks again for this forum. It must be quite a task keeping up with it. Thanks again
Aryk

[Aryk]

Hi Y'all
It's official. Plane ticket is bought and paid for. Got all my gear and ready to go. I'm leaving March first and spending Easter weekend in Santiago at the Husa Santiago Apostol. Anyone know of it?? And if so, what's it like?? I'm taking y'alls advice in regards to the 1000 mile socks. Plan on picking them up in London on the way. At Blacks Sports Store. Is there any retailer in America that sells them only found them in "jolly ol' England"Any opinions on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Also I'm a big user of Absorbine Jr. (if anyone knows what it it) is it available on the Camino??
Thanks again for this forum. It must be quite a task keeping up with it. Thanks again
Aryk