6 Sleeps and 6 Must-Haves

June 6, 2025 / runningforthegate / 2 Comments

Our departure for England to walk the Coast to Coast Path is fast approaching. Just 6 sleeps left – well, I am probably too excited to actually call them sleeps. This time next week, we’ll be on our adventure!

As we put the final touches on what we will be packing for this trip, I started thinking about some of the must-have items that I take with me every time. The little things that I realized over many trips are my must-haves. I thought I would share these must-haves with you to see if they might be helpful for any future trips you might be taking. They are not specific to my usual long-distance path adventures, even though those are mostly what I talk about here on Running for the Gate. For any travel, here we go ..

Carabiner! A large carabiner is a must-have. You do not need the super-expensive, official carabiner used by actual rock climbers. Rather, I am talking about a large carabiner that you can often find in your Canadian Tire, outdoor store, department store, etc. They are fantastic for hooking onto the seat back on a plane or train to keep your bag or hat off the ground, for clipping on to your backpack so you can hang your shoes instead of jamming them inside or to hang wet socks to dry or your hat when you do not need to be wearing it. They are also fantastic for clipping your bags together when sitting in airports and train stations to make them harder to swipe (swiper no swiping!).
Ziplocks! A combination of a couple of large and a few sandwich-sized sized ziplocks are a must-have. Roll them up into a tiny little tube, and they can be tucked in any small spot in your backpack. These little beauties are fantastic for your sunscreen that exploded, the snacks you opened like a wild beast and now the package cannot be closed again, the cheese and bread you grabbed in the morning to eat on the train or on the path for lunch, as a small trail time garbage to pack out what you packed in, etc. So small and light to carry, and so mighty in what they can do for you.
Stuff sack for laundry! A stuff sack that you can use for your dirty laundry is a must-have. No matter what kind of travelling you’re doing – hiking or tourist, or a combo – dirty clothes are exactly that, dirty (and often stinky too). You do not need them tucked in next to your clean clothes. That just makes more dirty clothes. I use a stuff sack for my dirty laundry so it is separated, and so I can squish it down so it does not take up as much room. For some reason, dirty clothes feel like they take up more space. Not sure if that is just me or science. A stuff sack keeps them separate, small, and gives you a cute little bag to carry them to the laundromat with too. I toss my stuff sack into the wash with the dirty clothes and then pull it out before the dryer so it gets clean too.
Book! A book is a must-have. I do not mean a book on my phone. I mean an actual physical book. I love reading, so there is that, but I mostly love that a book is a big ole, global signal for do not talk to me. I travel alone quite a bit, and that means I want to be alone, not talk to strangers, and am here for the peace and quiet. Not a stranger’s chatter. I find that once I have my nose in a book, no one approaches me. I have my book, my pint in a pub, or a coffee in a shop, and I am free to enjoy my me time. Bonus: from behind a book, you can also secretly people watch and for sure people listen while it looks like you are just quietly reading, not being a Nosey Nellie.
White noise app! A white noise app or some sort of sleeping sound is a must-have. I find that every hotel, B&B, and campsite has its own sounds at night, and I find it really distracting. The elevator in the hotel hallway or the crunchy sound at the campsite that you are convinced is either a bear or a creepy vampire can ruin your sleep. A white noise app is an easy way to set a quiet and constant noise in any place you sleep. It signals to your body it’s sleepy time and helps you ignore some of those new sounds that may interrupt your sleep.
Copy of your passport! A copy of your passport is a must-have. Take this with you just in case your real passport is stolen or missing, but I suggest you take a digital copy (password protected). This way, you have a copy to show the Embassy to get yourself a new one if yours is lost. I also leave a digital or hard copy behind with my husband. That way, should something happen to me, he has the info needed for the authorities to check borders and other passport checks to find me. (Bonus: also leave behind a very detailed itinerary, including the phone numbers of places you stay, just in case your loved ones need to reach you and you have no cell coverage.

Those are my must-haves, and it will probably not surprise you to hear that they are already packed for my departure in 6 sleeps. Did I mention 6 sleeps?

Brandé

Coast to Coast – Let’s Pack

May 19, 2025May 19, 2025 / runningforthegate / Leave a comment

We are in the final stretch folks – departure for the Coast to Coast Path in England is a month away (literally!).

The Dad and Daughters crew have been hard at our training in and around each of our respective cities and provinces. At this point, we also need to add a focus on packing to our pre-departure regime. So let’s talk packing list!

A have posted a few blogs on packing that I recommend a read through – some ‘rules’, some ‘tips’ and some specific lists from my last trips. I just did a reread and they are all still super relevant so that makes me happy.

Specifically though for this Coast to Coast Path adventure, I am recommending the below specific list that takes into account the time of year, distances each day, activities other than the hike, and the mixed long distance path experience of the crew.

Let’s get to it…

Upper Half – Hiking

2-3 Tech T-shirts and/or tank tops
1 Tech Long Sleeve
1 Micro fleece or warm layer Long Sleeve or Zip Up (you will wear this on the plane, chilly evenings when not hiking and while on mid-day hiking breaks too)
optional Sun Shirt – I love an Eddie Bauer long sleeve button-up UV shirt. I love it as a thin layer in the evening and I love it on the plane. When hiking in the heat, I want very little sun exposure so wear it all day hiking on hot days. This blonde burns fast!

Lower Half – Hiking

2-3 hiking bottoms (I do a short, a capri tight and full length hiking tights. If you have a zip off pant you can count that as a 2 in 1)

Under Bits

3-4 undies (one for the day, a new pair for the night and spare)
2 sports bras (ladies you will wear one of these when not hiking too and need more than one so you can wash them and they often don’t dry overnight. Wee ticks love tucking into sports bras so changing them out for a good wash gets rid of these jerks! And yes there will be ticks. Sorry)
Pajamas

Pack all the above in 1-2 compression or stuff sacks! Think of them like drawers that squish.

Outer Hiking Bits

Hiking Poles
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Toque – all have an amazing bamboo toque from Wild & Raven we will be showing off this trip. The best!
Hat (for sun but also works for rain, especially for the crew wearing prescription glasses)
optional 2 Buffs – good for your head, on your arm for sweat and runny nose, a sling, thigh chafe cover, a carry sack, etc!

Pack your rain gear in a compression sack. This will be in your pack everyday – if the weather spirits love us, you will never use it.

Foot Bits

Hiking boots or trail shoes – the ones you will wear every day, every km on trail
optional runners – if you have room, changing to a light weight runner on long stretches of road walking (or when being a tourist) feels dreamy! Like clouds!
Gaiters – soft short pair for every day to avoid bits in your boots, a optional second tall waterproof pair for the Moors and rainy days
Sandals – for the evening, your toes will thank you for the fresh air
4 hiking socks (or combo if you use liners) – you will need 2 socks a day so you can switch-out midday.
optional Knee length compression socks – but hugely recommended. I wear them on the plane, in the evening and even overnight if my dogs are barking, and in a heat wave while I hike. My feet love to get their ‘swell on’ once in a while, these socks keep em contained and they help with cramps and recovery

In Your Hiking Pack

Hiking Pack (20L to max 35L)
Rain cover for Pack (might be built in)
Water bladder 3L
First Aid Kit (see list below)
Carabiner
Phone (and camera), optional power pack and cords, optional headphones – all in a waterproof ziplock or case
Small bug spray with deer (horseflies!)
Sun screen for face and body
Lip chap with SPF
Trail guide and map – not all of us need to carry these but we should have a couple between us for when we split on low and high route options.
Kleenex / Toilet paper (and ziplock to pack out)
Small hand sanitizer
Your lunch and snacks as applicable
Candy (mmm Coke Bottles and Sour Soothers are my recommendation!)
Wallet and some small cash (for honesty boxes or wee stops that don’t take card)

I like to put ‘like’ items in a little case – sunscreen, lip chap, Kleenex, sanitizer etc so it’s easier to find. I also bring a cute little zippy case for snacks. Over the days you will cumulate a little variety of half eaten cookie and candy packages from the shops – these keeps them and their crumbs contained. This is called the Happy Zippy!

You will find what works for you between the pockets in your backpack. My best recommendation is to put things back where you found them! If your pocket on left hip is for lip chap, sour soothers and hand sanitizer then don’t go putting your lip chap in the right pocket.

Plane, Train, Evening & Tourist

Basically all the activities you will do when not hiking. This is wear a little cotton next to the skin when you have been head to toe in tech gear can feel like a dream!

Plane / Train / Tourist light pack that can be squished really small to go into or hooked to your larger backpack when we travel about – I have a Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack Backpack that can be stuffed into its own pocket that I swear by. No I do not work for Osprey – yes I am available if they want me too 😉
Plane / Train / Tourist outfit that you will also wear each night at the pub post hike and shower. Think simple, think small to pack but also comfy and photo worthy. I do a cotton pants tight black and cotton tank. Then use my hiking fleece or sun shirt or tech long sleeve to layer up.

Random Must Have Bits

A brain dump of the extra things I bring along that I feel are essential and are relevant to all the activities you will do.

UK plug or adapter
Tech charger leads/cords that work with the UK plug or adapter
Headphones
Light weigh water bottle – think the weight and size of a Smart Water Bottle. You need to stay hydrated so this is your plane, train, evening, tourists ‘always with you’ bottle AND suggest you also take it on the hike each day with some electrolytes. Your bladder is water only.

Toiletries

These are super personal but happy to share my list if it’s helpful. I will say you use less than you think and if visiting a country like England you can buy what you run out of or forget. Finally, everyone is prettier on vacation – relaxed and happy is beautiful – so take less or even more makeup. Don’t stress!

Brush or comb
Small shampoo (and conditioner)
Brush or comb
1/2 bar soap (in a waterproof bag / case)
Deodorant*
Body cream
Face Cream
Razor
Tweezer (remember ticks!)
Prescriptions*
Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss*
Q-tips
Nail clippers
Tiny stinky bathroom smell spray
Meds Rescue – a little sample of the meds you might need if feeling unwell. I bring a single little blister pack (and take a photo of the instructions) of the following: Pepto, Imodium, Gravol, day Sinus or Allergy, night Sinus or Allergy, a few throat drops, Advil and Tylenol.
optional hair spray
optional dry shampoo
optional hair elastics
Minimal make up*
Perfume sample*

Anything with a * I bring on the plane with me in the above-mentioned stuff sack backpack – with 20hrs of travel ahead of us, these help me feel human. For sure your prescription meds must be carried on with you!

All of this is packed in a little toiletries bag!

Extra’s I Swear By

Sunglasses
A few laundry sheets or soap
Silk sleep sack – they often only have a comforter in the BnBs and I am a sheet gal so bring my own!
An extra, empty compression of stuff sack of about 8L or 10L for your dirty laundry. Keep that stink contained 😉
Ziplocks – a couple medium sized one and a bunch of sandwich size for snacks when the bag breaks, wet socks, exploded sunscreen, etc.
Electrolytes! Nuun is my go to. I like the ones with caffeinee for a wee boost during my hike and without caffeine in the evening to help recovery. I use that lightweight water bottle mentioned above for my Nuuny-juice!
Sleep mask (for the plane and each night. The sun is up at 5am and black out curtains are not a thing in English BnBs)
Ear plugs
Copy of your passport and your itinerary – and leave a copy of each at home with a loved one!

First Aid in Your Hiking Pack

Headlamp or small torch with batteries
Emergency blanket
Blister treatment – I swear by and only use UK sourced Compeeds but do what works for you! Blister bandaid, Leuko tape, wool, etc.
Individual wrapped Alcohol swabs – before you do anything first aid-like swab those hands and the treatment site!
Safety pins (a few) or needle and thread – the little travel sewing kits are a dream
Bug bite relief
Polysporin or equivalent
Whistle (may be built into your pack strap, I know Osprey has a whistle strap)
Tweezers (from your toiletries bag)
Emergency electrolytes or sport beans
Bandaids
Prescription rescue meds – inhaler, epinephrine, etc. If you have these make sure you fellow hikers know where to find them and when you need them. Put them in an obvious outer pocket on your pack too!
Medical tape
Tensor bandage
Lighter
Duct tape – wrap a whole bunch around the lighter instead of trying to being a roll
optional Saline Tubes
optional Iodine Soaked Pads
optional Tegaderm Dressings

The optional items may be better suited to treating blisters and skin abrasion off the trail so you don’t need to carry them in your hiking pack. Also work with the crew you are hiking with to share the load on these items where it makes sense.

Well that’s it – wow that feels like a lot but at almost 2000km of long distance path hiking I feel like it’s a solid list for newbies and a good place to play with for the non-amateurs.

One final MOST SUPER IMPORTANT TIP …

Packing tends to be one of the most stressful steps for people. I can see that. It’s not the actual packing – it’s about all the many, many, many micro decisions you have to make that can be exhausting. In a world where we are all sitting on the edge of decision fatigue, packing can break the bank. Try this:

Set aside a place where you can put your to-be-packed items as you collect, buy and decide on them. I literally get dressed for my training hikes from this pile and then put them back when washed.
Hang your packing list up beside it – and in detail as you decide. Do not just list 2 tech tshirts. No! List 1 smartwool red tech tee, 1 grey under armour tee. Decision made, moving on.
Check off the list twice. When you add something to the pile highlight it, when you actually put it in your bag to depart cross it off.
Keep a list of things you decided NOT to take and why (an example from my list: purple tech T-shirt do not pack, it rubs my arms weird on my pack straps). This may sound odd but trust me. In the last days and hours before you depart you will doubt yourself, and start to rethinking that purple shirt – the answer is NO because it rubs my arms weird which I figure out 2 months ago. Leave it home! Stick to the list.

Ok longest blog post with the most bulleted lists goes to this gal. I meet with our Dad and Daughters crew tonight about packing – this blog post is the agenda.

Brande (31 sleeps!)

Packing Lighter Than Expected

July 14, 2019 / runningforthegate / 1 Comment

Of course sitting at the airport with just a short week ahead of me in Newfoundland, I have only carry on … my trusty Missy Morado (yes she has a name) 35L osprey and my soft ‘purse’ Osprey will get me through this most amazing of adventures!

So what is packing lighter than you expected title about then? Well this morning playing with our new, crazy pup Bella Bean Pup Pup … I literally tore my pinkie toe nail off right to the raw, flesh core. I have photos of course but know that only my twisted sister Hailey, bestie Lana and hubby Lance would want to see them so I will spare the rest of you the gore.

Needless to say this is not the best timing … I am heading to hike in 90% humidity Newfoundland where it is slotted to rain EVERY day we are there and I have my raw toe in a boot all day. Can you say fungus and bacterial infection kids?

What is there to do? Well suck it up. Really! Got me some first aid supplies (it pays to have an expert foot wound care nurse on your friends list for advice!), a decent pain threshold and a sense of adventure greater than a gaping wound. Yah!

Found my way to the airport, ordered a pint and focused on the fun of a flight x3 ahead and a new Young Adult Fiction book to read all washed down with a pint … and fizzy water of course – I do need to be hydrated to fight the infection! Oh for those of you all caught up on the YA Fiction reference – no judging. I am just done a 20-30hr a week Academic writing class and this brain needs some Fairy world teen romance and mythology to cleanse it of citations, argumentative clauses and naysayer statements.

A small part of me thinks that walking for a week in foot pain is my way of bringing Lana along for the trip! For those of you who have read about our Kilimanjaro and Camino adventures here on the blog you will remember Lana comes with a fantastic sense of humor and horrendously misbehaving feet! Poor thing. Every step in pain Bean (Lana) is like we are on the Camino again together!

Ok off to board my first of 3 overnight flights – super bonus … I get on the next 3 with my sister Shar once I land in Calgary. Not so super bonus … this flight is delayed and now lands 2mins before the next one boards. I may need one of those little golf cart things! Hold the door Shar! ( who didn’t just think of GOT Hodor? )

I will check in again once we hit Newfoundland!

Brande

Let’s Pack – Packing Tips

July 11, 2018July 25, 2018 / runningforthegate / 3 Comments

12 sleeps to Scotland …

Our Scotland adventure to walk the Arran Coastal Way and climb Goat Fell Mountain is just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the actual packing – putting stuff in stuff. We have our Let’s Pack – Toiletries and Let’s Pack – Clothing lists and now we can go from lists and piles to actually packing it into a pack!

I have learned a few tricks over the years about the actual packing part and thought I would share them with you for your next adventure.

Roll It

Yup roll everything.

There are some folks who try and say folding everything nicely and all flat like is the best way. Nope! Actual science has confirmed rolling is the way to go – and my science I mean myth busters. Each little clothing roll takes up less space than a flat fold and you can tuck and squish and jam the rolls into little nooks and crannies in your pack (or luggage).

Don’t believe me? Try it! Pack flat and then unpack and do it all again rolled – yup told yah! Oh and if you are worried about wrinkles from the rolling, I get that but don’t think you need to worry too much. In my experience the wrinkle count is about the same with a roll or a flat fold and there is no getting away from the things. That’s all part of travelling I guess – being wrinkly and not giving one hoot cause you are on vacation!

Tip: half fold and then tight roll. What? For a shirt, for example, fold it in half with the arms laid flat over it – then roll it from the collar to the bottom. This will keep the arms all nicely tucked and the roll tight. For pants you flatten/fold the legs one over the other and then roll from leg bottom to waist band.

Stuff it

Quite literally stuff all the stuff! Have you heard of compression sacks, or light weight dry sacks or stuff sacks? These are magic bags! You jam them full of all your stuff (in rolls of course, see tip above) and then you roll or tighten the closure to suck out all the extra air and compress your stuff.

Here is a photo of the clothes I am bringing to Scotland:

Now here are all of those clothes, less my fleece, that have been rolled and compressed into my 8L lightweight stuff sack:

My fleece doesn’t go into the stuff sack because it will be coming on the plane with me as a pillow or shawl or blanket or maybe just a fleece as it was design to be. However I put it in this photo so you can use it to see just how small that stuff sack is – and it has all my clothes in it that were in the previous picture. I probably could have compressed it even more too!

You don’t need a heavy weight stuff or compression or dry sack for packing – something lightweight does the trick! So do not go out and buy those heavy duty water proof boat bags or anything – that will just add weight. We are focused on lightweight for backpack packing. Not only will these sacks help reduce the amount of room your clothes take but it also creates compartments of sorts in your pack or luggage to keep you organized.

Caution: using stuff sacks does not give you permission to pack more than you need! Just because there is a bit more space does not mean you need to fill it with that ‘just in case’ extra dress or that shirt ‘I hoped I would actually like on vacation’. Leave the untested and maybe items at home. Enjoy the space, not the extra stuff!

Ziplock It

As you have read in my past few blog posts – I love me some Ziplock magic!

I encourage you to put all your potentially messy and goopy stuff like shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen in Ziplocks when you pack it – both for the plane and on the the trip. I have been the gal who has a shampoo explode in her suitcase and can still get grumpy thinking about the mess lol

Ziplocks are also good for compression and compartmentalizing your stuff. The Sea to Summit or similar stuff / dry sack pictured above can be a bit tough on the budget – you will only ever have to buy em once and use them for every trip you will ever take in your life but they are not cheap. So if money is a consideration as I imagine it is for all of us – there is a back up Ziplock solution.

Grab some big Ziplocks to pack you clothes in. Maybe a Ziplock XL Freezer size for your shorts and pants, a XL for your shirts and Buffs, another L for undies and swimming costume. (I love that word)

Once you clothes are all nicely rolled and tucked into the Ziplock, you will want to push out as much air as possible and close the zip almost all the way. Leave about a 1inch section of the zip not closed. At this gap you are going to literally suck the air out of the bag and then close when it’s all gone. No joke. This really works!

Group It

Did you notice a theme among all these tips? I am big on grouping like items with like items and suggest this for anyone packing a bag, a pack, a suitcase.

Grouping your travel stuff basically mimics the organization you have at home. This will make finding things and re-packing things while abroad so much easier for you. Don’t be the person who has to un-roll and un-stuff everything to find that one thing – pack in such a way that you know where all the things are! This will save you time, reduce stress, keep your travel companions happy, and get you to the tourist stuff faster – the reason you packed all this in the first place!

There are a few different trains of thought for how to group items for your different stuff sacks, compartments or Ziplocks. Some people stuff by outfit – so they will have a roll for each day (bottoms, top and undies all rolled together) and out all those daily rolls in one stuff sack. I don’t bring enough tops and bottoms for each day so this never works for me but I do like the idea in theory. Some people may put all the tops on one sack and all the bottoms in another. This doesn’t work for me either because then I have to open both sacks each time instead of just one for the whole ensemble.

Finding the way that works for you may take a few trips or re-packs but once you do – wow, the heavens will sing for ya! Here is how I will be organizing for this hiking trip:

Big Stuff Sack: all my hiking clothes (not undies, socks, or outdoor layers like jackets)
Med Stuff Sack: all of my extra bits like pajama, city tourist clothes, train/plane clothes
Med / Small Stuff Sack: undies, sports bras, socks and liners, Buffs, toque
Med /Small Stuff Sack: all the dirty clothes

When I am on a non-hiking holiday, like a trip to a hot destination, I will have a large stuff sack for evening destination wear, a sack for daytime beach wear (bathing costume and cover-ups), a sack for my running gear, and one for all my undies, pajama, etc. So a bit different than my backpacking or hiking pack grouping but same idea.

Organize It

Roll it, stuff it, group it – got it! You got the basics if you have all that well in hand, but I figured I would dazzle you (ha ha I am probably the only one who is dazzled by packing ideas) with some additional packing / organizational tips to consider…

Shower Caps: use these to cover the bottom of the shoes you pack. You can use a shoe bag or Ziplock of course but when those aren’t available a shower cap works to cover the dirty sole of any shoe – the little elastic around the edge keeps it nicely secured. I steal every hotel shower cap I can get my hands on! Flip flops can go in one cap sole to sole and boots one cap per sole.
Make-up bags or pencil cases: back to grouping again here! Never leave an item loose! If you have some pens, highlighter, and a journal – put them all in a zippered case! Make it big enough for your wallet and passport too. If you have some toiletries you need on the plane (lip chap, hand cream, floss, etc) – put them all in a wee make-up bag or better yet the 1L clear plastic security bag at the airport. Little, light zippered cases will save you digging around trying to find stuff – from believing you have lost the 4th lip chap of the trip – and can add some personality to your pack. I have a pencil case for my toiletries that has a world map on it, I feel like such a globe trotter when I pull it out.
Extra Ziplocks and some elastics: toss a few of each in a case or extra Ziplock and bring them along. These are great for storing left over snacks, leaky tubes of face cream or whatever might bring en route, or soggy socks. Elastics are great for closing chip or crisp bags, keeping your journal closed when it’s full of train tickets and receipts or other ephemera, etc.
Carabiners: grab a few of these and attach them to your pack or your cases inside of your pack for the trip. A small one and a couple mediums should do the trick. These are great for clipping items into place in your pack or on your pack (like when you need to dry your socks you hand-washed that morning). I also use them to close the zippers on my city-tourist day pack so the sneaky pick pockets have to work a little harder. I use them to hand my towel or toiletries in the shower so my stuff does not sit on the floor wet. So many amazing uses for these things. Oh and you do not need to buy the rock climbing grade Carabiner – they should only cost you a couple bucks each for the ones you need.

Well that is my approach to packing the things in the things – now I am off to get some training in! With just 12 sleeps left I want to get as many miles as I can in every day – today I am touring downtown Victoria with 30lbs in my pack (aka my entire John Grisham novel collection) and my sneakers.

Next week we will talk about packing documents for your trip. Yup, even this subject is worth a whole blog post my Running for the Gate friends!

Brande

Let’s Pack – Clothing

July 2, 2018 / runningforthegate / 4 Comments

21 sleeps to Scotland …

We talked about toiletries in my last post, Let’s Pack – Toiletries, so now lets talk about the biggest bulk of any suitcase, backpack or duffel bag… the clothes!

From conversations with many a travelling soul in hostels or hotels, on planes or trains, and chats among my friends and family – it seems to me that deciding on the clothes to bring on a trip is the toughest part of packing. I get that. This used to be something I really struggled with.

I used to hunt through websites and books for that perfect packing list – which of course alluded me as much as the perfect, diet alludes us all. I would stand in front of my closet or dresser pulling out anything I might just maybe want wear while away on a trip. I would think of every possible scenario that could ever possibly happen and make sure I had an outfit for it. The result was always way too much stuff. My suitcase or pack would be burden not a comfort. Why was I creating burdens to take with me, when the whole idea of trip is to ditch those burdens at home and travel light and free?

Well after a few trips of carrying way too much, I started to think about what principles I could apply to how I pack that would reduce the amount I take on a trip without leaving me unprepared. Not only was I keen to stop over packing, I was also keen to make the act of packing a little less stressful. Also, if it made picking what to wear while abroad a little less stressful too that would be fabulous. So over a few more trips I developed some principles that really, really work for me – happy to share them with you here!

Packing (Clothes) Principles:

Leave items that still have price tags at home (or at the store)

If you have not worn it and loved it, it does not come on the trip. There is nothing worse than discovering a shirt is uncomfortable, those pants ride up, or even that something is broken or you don’t know how to use it when you are abroad. That was precious pack space and weight that has been spent on an unworthy item. Test every item you are taking with you before you take it with you.

Leave anything that is too special to wear at home, at home

Clothes that you are not wearing at home are not going to get worn on a trip. We are creatures of habit and will reach for those comfort items more than the new or special almost every time. That summer dress you have been saving to wear again when you next go to Mexico – don’t bother packing it. If you don’t love it enough to wear at home it does not deserve a place in your pack. Only items that bring you joy, no matter latitude and longitude, should be coming with you on your travels.

All tops and all bottoms need to get along

This is a tough one folks but has the most impact. This one principle will make decision making so much easier when you pack and when you decide what to wear while away. Here it is … every top you take should match any bottom you take. So that tank top needs to match the shorts, skirt and the pants you are packing. Those tights need to match every shirt you are taking. An easy way to achieve this is to stick to black, grey and khaki on the bottom; with solids or muted, simple patterns on top. Refer to the next principle if you need more spice than this principles suggests.

Always pack a scarf or pashmina shawl

Some of y’all will think this only applies to the ladies, but for those fashion forward and comfy-in-their-own-skin men I would also recommend this one for you too!

While I have been using the same grey scarf when I travel for 15 years, this is where I encourage you all to add a little more ju-ju (some spice for those of you who do not watch Queer Eye) to your trip wardrobe. Don’t let my easy choice colour deter you from some pizzazz here. Caveat is you need to be willing to wear it with every top/bottom combo you have. For people like me who are fashion-challenged this means a neutral solid colour like grey but for those of you who actually have a sense of style you can kick it up a notch here and get your own look on.

A scarf is great for so many things: when you are chilled and need a little something more than you have on but less than a jacket, a pillow on a plane or train, a fashion accessory, to cover knees or shoulders when visiting churches or sacred locations where you have to cover up, a make shift dress while all your clothes are in the dryer due to bed bugs, as a towel in a pinch, a tourniquet and more. I also use mine to create some privacy when staying in hostels – pick the bottom bunk for your bed, and then tuck you scarf under the mattress above you and let it hand down like a curtain.

With just these principles in play I guarantee you your packing stress will be reduced big time. Don’t trust me – try it! Oh and if you are heading out on a overseas long distance hike trip, I am also happy to share my full packing list with you too. Here we go!

Packing List – Arran Coastal Way, Scotland:

This list takes into account that our trip to Scotland is 2 weeks long , is largely based on hiking 20+km each, includes only a few urban tourist days, includes flights of over 10hrs, and temperature will be summer moderate 20C with rain on a pretty regular basis. This is a long distance hike to different accommodations each night, not a thru hike.

Hiking – Bottoms

Hiking Capri
Hiking Pant
Hiking Shorts
Undies (cotton recommended) 1 pair/day

If you have zip off hiking pants that’s even better – as you can drop one of the other items from the list. For example if I pack my hiking pants that zip off into carpi length then I don’t also pack my Capri pants. Oh and make sure you trial your pants on an actual hike before you go. Shorts that ride up. undies that crawl or pant waistbands that bunch under your pack straps can cause rubs and even blisters that will ruin days of hiking for you.

Hiking – Top

Technical Long Sleeve
Technical Short Sleeve x2
Technical No Sleeve
Sports bra x2

I prefer short sleeves over no sleeves as I don’t like the pack straps being directly on my skin and it reduces the need for sunscreen on some hard to reach parts like the back of my shoulders. But if you prefer no sleeves then just flip the numbers here.

I always take 2 sports bras as I find they dry too slow to wash one evening and wear the next day. Also I want to wear the non-sweaty one in the evening after a hike post shower. In a bind, pun intended, you can also use your buff as a boob-tube of sorts if both the bras need a clean and dry. Again, make sure you do a few hikes in all your gear and especially your bras. Falling straps or pressure spots where a clasp is will make you crazy on the trail. If its uncomfortable at home it will be annoying as heck abroad.

Hiking – Outer

Gortex Jacket (shell)
Fleece jacket / layer
Toque (Buff can work)
Sun / rain hat
Departure Day Decision: Gortex rain pants

If you do not have Gortex outer layers bring the very best rain gear you can afford, borrow or already have. Arriving at to your accommodation soggy at the end of the day is all good when you have a bath and heat available – but what if you don’t make it, get lost or are tenting? Sogginess can make for some morbid outcomes if you cannot warm up and dry off at the end of a hike day.

Also, make sure you can put all the things on – trial having your no sleeve, short sleeve, long sleeve, fleece and shell on to make sure they all fit and are comfortable. If you cannot put your rain shell on over your fleece and base layers, you need a bigger one. You want to have things fit nicely over each other. Not too tight or you will be uncomfortable but also not too loose as you will lose heat in those spaces.

Hiking – Feet

Hiking boots
Hiking runners or sneakers
Flip Flops
Smart Wool medium hiking sock x3
Hiking liner sock x3
Running sock (ankle) x2
Compression sock (knee length) x2
Departure Day Decision: Gaiters

This is largely where personal choice comes into play – there is nothing more important that finding the shoe or shoe combo that works for you. If you need some help deciding and want to know why I prefer a hiking boot and running shoe combo, check out my blog post 8 Weeks to Isle of Arran – Feet. No matter what your footwear preference is you need to test it over and over again. Make your decision early and train in them.

I take a number of socks because I have specific combos for my boots and my runners which I toggle between everyday depending on the trail terrain. I also take more than a couple Smart Wool Medium Hiking Socks as I find they tend to stretch when moist or after a day of travel and that is blister city for me if I don’t switch them out for a new pair. When you are training, find your combo and adjust this list accordingly.

Hiking – Head

Toque or Buff
Sun / Rain hat

I go nowhere without my Patagonia Beanie so this may something that you don’t need to bring with you if the weather where you are heading is always moderate. I love mine for cool morning starts, pints on the patio with the sun setting, and to block the light when sleeping on planes or train stations.

The sun/rain hat should have a decent rim on it to keep the elements from your face and neck – a good brim is also good for keeping the bug netting off your face if we have to resort to this measure when the Scottish midges get too bad.

Hiking – The Other Bits

Day Pack (rain cover)
Bladder
First Aid Kit
Hiking Poles*
Buff x2
Sunscreen (face/body and lip)
Bug Spray
Trail Guide, Map, Compass (waterproof map case)
Phone, Camera (Ziploc bag)
Some extra Ziploc baggies (to transfer your snacks into)
Carabiner x2 (to dry clothes while walking)
Departure Day Decision: Hiking Poles

Many of these items will also be part of your sight seeing tourist days as well – your phone, camera, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, Ziploc baggies are all daily items no matter the activity. Even a Carabiner or 2 should be clipped onto your lightweight day bag or purse so you can clip on anything you buy, secure your water bottle, secure the purse to your clothing (if you are in a high rate pick pocket city), etc.

All The Other Things

Top and bottom pajamas (cotton)
Sleep mask
Earplugs or headphones
Cotton tights or light pants
Cotton No Sleeve, T-Shirt or Long Sleeve
Cotton button up (or Technical UV Button Up)
Journal and pens
Scarf or Pashmina
Light weight bag or purse
Light weight water bottle
Cotton undies 1 pair/day when not hiking
Small Ziploc of dry laundry soap

I am a big advocate of natural fibers when technical gear is not required. They just feel comfortable and cozy and I like to have what is immediately next to my body be as natural as possible. So I am all about the cotton undies everyday on a trip even if you have to bring a few extra pairs as they don’t wick as well as synthetic fibers. Also, I always wear cotton tights, cotton tank or tee, a cotton button up shirt, my scarf and compression socks on a long haul plane trip. This keeps me in cotton, gives me layers for when the temp changes on the plane, keeps the feet swelling down and is almost like being in pajamas without the world knowing it.

Do you have to do laundry on your trip? To have your hiking clothes available for sight seeing or vice versa you may need to do a little laundry. If you can find a laundromat great but I tend to not worry about that and just hand wash a couple of items each night or every other night. I do not put any of my technical gear in the dryer so a sink wash and a hang dry works for me – especially in the United Kingdom where most rooms have a radiator heater for quick drying.

Departure Day Decisions … prior to departing I will check the long term forecast and make a decision on if Gortex rain paints are needed. I will bring them if we they are forecasting a 50% chance of rain for 50% of the hiking days. I have read the guide book and continue to read blogs about the trail and will use this info to decide if Gaiters or hiking poles are needed. I will bring Gaiters if 50% of the trail is either high grasses, through overgrown bush or over gravel, pebble, shale based trail. This will keep the ticks at bay and the rocks out of my shoes which are blister makers. I will bring the poles if there is a 50% elevation gain or drop on 50% of the hiking days. This will keep my balance up and reduce the pressure on these four decade old knees.

There you go – now off I go to put all these items together!

Next week I will post some packing tips – some things I have learned that help make the actual act of putting stuff in that duffel, suitcase or pack easier before you go and when you are off gallivanting.

Brande

Let’s Pack – Toiletries

June 18, 2018June 20, 2018 / runningforthegate / 5 Comments

With just 5 weeks (eeeek) to our departure for Scotland and the 100km Arran Coastal Way and some Edinburgh and Glasgow sight seeing, these next posts few posts will focus on what is currently top of mind for our merry travelling band – what to pack!

While I would never claim to be a packing expert, I do have some handy tips and tricks that work well for me and just might be something that could work for you. How do I know some bits about this? Well, I have read dozens and dozens of books, follow way too many travel blogs, comb through loads of trail guides, and have had to pack for quite a few long, walking holidays myself. Also, I have some packing lessons I learnt the hard way that I would gladly share with you all to save you stress they caused me – like realizing I packed everything but a comb or brush and had no place to buy one for 4 days. Scarecrow!

This week lets focus on packing toiletries – yes, toiletries. You are probably wondering how could there possibly be enough info in my brain to dump on you about toiletries to fill a blog post and keep you entertained. Ha! There is more in my brain on this topic (and all things packing and prep) than you can imagine or that I ever thought was up in there. You will see. Here we go …

Toiletries – My Tips and Tricks:

You will use less than you think of most stuff and more of some stuff than you ever thought. How confusing is that! Basically, don’t stress about amounts – figure it out by doing a trial! Schedule a two week duration (or the length of the trip you are going on) before you go and use the products you intend to take for that same time frame. Pay special attention to what you use everyday, how much you use, and also what you don’t use. Pack the items and the amount accordingly.
Don’t pack the ‘that would be cool’ stuff. Like you have his awesome charcoal mask you use once in a very blue moon but think hmm maybe I would have time to do it while relaxing or journaling on the trip. Nope! You won’t. Don’t pack it. If you didn’t use it during your home trial (see above) – it doesn’t get a place in your pack!
If you have a roomie or travel buddy, think about sharing. For example, one of you bring the conditioner and another the shampoo.
If you are bringing a blow-dryer, straightener, or other electronic hair appliance they will need a converter which can be purchased before you go – you will need one that not only converts the style of plug but also the voltage or watts. Cautionary tale, I have NEVER had success with a converter and I think my current international ‘blow up a blow-dryer’ count is at about 5 and the last even burnt my hand. Boo! Instead of buying a converter, I suggest you buy a small blow-dyer or whatever once you arrive at your destination (researching where there is a store that sells them and how to get there from your arrival spot before you depart of course – so it’s a quick stop and not a waste of a tourist day).
Prescription medications must be in their original prescribed container and should be in your carry-on that you take on the plane. This is important for customs but also for your health! Should your checked luggage be lost or delayed, you can buy new underpants and deodorant but replacing that prescription blood pressure medication is a bit tougher, expensive and can mess with your trip plans.
Over the counter medications that you might want to bring should be in their original blister packs but to save space I tend to take the blister packs out of the box and rip off just the name and dosage instructions from the original pack. I then toss an elastic around the blister packs and the package bits I ripped off so they are together and you know how much to take should you need to. If space is really tight, remember you can buy this kind of stuff in most countries so you don’t need to pack too much. Just pack enough to to cover you for a few days for immediate relief until you can buy more locally. I suggest a few of the following: Gravol, Immodium, Pepto Bismal, Daytime Cold & Sinus, Nighttime Cold & Sinus, Tylenol and/or Advil plus any other specifics you tend to suffer from, i.e. maybe cold sore medication or something like that.
Always pack an extra lip chap or 5! I swear there is a lip chap conspiracy in this world where they magically walk away, lose themselves, disappear, invisibility cloak themselves, something. I don’t lose things but I cannot keep a handle on a lip chap so something is going on with those wee tubes! I will be bringing 4 on this trip (one in my day pack, one in my carry on, and 2 spare in my toiletries kit).
Everyone is pretty and somehow most especially when they are happy, and I find I am pretty darn cute (tee hee) when travelling cause I am so much in my happy place! So don’t worry about bringing stuff to glam yourself up with – happiness will do that for you! Think simple day to day toiletries stuff not night out on the town, look at me like I am in Las Vegas stuff.
If you use bar soap, think about cutting it in half for the trip. I have a rule – 1/2 bar of Ivory lasts me 30 days so long as I dry it after each shower. I take with me a 1/2 bar Ivory and a 1/2 bar Rocky Mountain Soap Company Shave Bar on each trip of 30 days or less. I dry them off after the shower so they do not dissolve more than necessary and they are stored in a wee baby zip lock together – they get along and appreciate the company I think.

Toiletries – My Packing List:

Here is what I will be taking and/or recommend folks consider taking, in travel size containers that will be the perfect amount plus a wee squeeze extra for your trip.

Face Cream and Face Sunscreen (daily, combo if you have it)*
Face wash, wipes or soap (some use their body for face, or have a combo)
Shampoo and conditioner (or combo if that works for you lid)
Daily hair products (I use an oil in my hair every few days to keep it silky and have a wee baby travel bottle I use to take just enough for the trip)
Make-up (powder, mascara, eye liner, lip gloss, lash curler, and a bit of cheek colour which can also be used eye shadow if you wanna kick it up a notch)*
Make-up remover (if needed, aka for my waterproof mascara)
Deodorant or antiperspirant*
Body cream
Body soap (1/2 bar)
Shave soap (1/2 bar)
Razor
Tweezer
Comb and/or brush (aka anti-scarecrow device)
Daily medications and vitamins*
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss*
Q-tips
Some hair taming things (bobby pins, elastics, scrunchy)
Hairspray
Dry Shampoo
Tiny bathroom spray so your roomie doesn’t have to smell you post bathroom ick
Perfume**

*I take these items on the plane with me so after 15 hours of travel with 10+ of those on a plane, I can do a little pre-landing freshen up and hit a new country with confidence!

** A trick I use for perfume to avoid bringing a glass perfume bottle with me … dampen a few paper towels, spray liberally with your perfume and store these damp, smelly towels in a air tight Ziplock bag. When you need to smell nice (before landing on your transatlantic flight, out to the pub for eats after a day of hiking), simply dab the perfume soaked damp paper towel where you would usually spritz and return to / resell the Ziplock. Magnifique!

Toiletries – How to Pack Them Advice:

Perfume – see above **
Every day and just in case – have two lightweight, mesh cases for your toiletries. One that stores all your everyday stuff from face cream to mascara to shampoo. The other for the just in case like those sinus or allergy meds that you hope you never need. You keep this second one buried in your bag and the other on top for easy access! This way you are not shuffling past some of these just in case items to get to your daily sunscreen – saving loads of time and frustration in your daily routine.
Hands and surface free – keeping on that same theme of having one bag for all that you use everyday, also think about putting an S hook or carabiner on the bag for off the counter storage. This is especially important when staying in hostels or B&Bs with share bathrooms where counter space is at minimum or at best soggy from the last patron and no one wants to put a soggy toiletries bag back in their pack.
Ziplock it – store your shampoo, conditioner and other gooey toiletries in a big ziplock bag when you check it in. A poor firing lid, the pressure on the plane and baggage handling can cause gooey implosions from those items. While easy enough to clean up, you do need to be careful about wasting the volume of product that was meant to last the duration of your trip. If the mess happens in a ziplock you can still use what made the mess!

Well that’s the toiletries run down – told you I had a lot to say about dental floss and shampoo!

Brande

We See the Sea in Cee

September 13, 2017March 12, 2018 / runningforthegate / Leave a comment

Yesterday, Lana and I were back at it – moving along the Camino by our own two (well four) tired but happy to be on the trail feet.

We walked from Oliveroa to Cee. A go of 19kms or 30,465 Fitbit steps in a little less than 4hours. We had the pleasure (tongue in cheek) of either mist, rain or just plain old sogginess all day. It was our first day on the Camino where we had to wear waterproofs for the full walk. We have been at this Camino thing now for a couple weeks so that’s not too bad! No complaints.

We were up this morning at our usual time of about 7am with the rest of the hostel crew in our room of 12 near full bunk beds.

I was feeling more rested than the days prior thanks to my headphones that play literally the sound of a big electric fan running on repeat. White noise magic! Lana was a little less rested. A pilgrim in the bunk next to us was sawing logs like no one’s business. I turned up my white noise volume and Lana tuned him out – snoring not the problem. Turns out another pilgrim could not tune out the snoring and proceeded to snap loudly or clap from across the room trying to get the snorer to wake. But instead of waking the snorer actually just woke everyone else up. Not sure where they read that the snap/clap technique was a thing – cause it sure was not. You can tune out a consistent snore but not someone snapping and clapping loudly in small room at midnight. Too funny (well it is now, it was not late last night).

Any who, we were up and ready for our soggy day by 8 or so and enjoying breakfast (coffee, toast and bananas) in the cafe of our albergue. By 920 we had done our good morning social media stuff and we hit the trail. See ya later Casa Loncho of Oliveroa.

Boots on, packs covered, and waterproof jackets on we set out. We had pre-made some sandwiches for lunch but it looked like the sogginess of the day was going to prevent the vision of a picnic we had in mind. We threw them in my pack anyway of course and hoped for the best!

We were quickly out of our village and walking on a forest gravel road of sorts – up, down, across and up another river valley. The rain prevented much of a view and the fog hid the row of massive wind turbines that dot the ridge of the hills.

At the 4 or 5km mark we walked through the last couple of villages we would see before starting a barren stretch of approximately 12kms into Cee.

At one of these villages we learned about the ferocious Vakner said to haunt the woods we would be walking through – that’s great to know!? Where is my bear/Vakner spray? Do you act big with a Vakner like you would with a cougar? Or make loud noise and back away like a Bear? There was no Vakner tips in the guidebook.

With no reason to delay (besides being mangled by a Vakner) we got right to the barren stretch – it was foggy, humid, raining or misting (similar to a Scottish like mist) the whole time. We had our hoods up which makes it really difficult to have a conversation. So we just got up business!

While I couldn’t have my camera (aka iPhone) out much due to the rain, I was able to snap a few pics. The landscape was just awesome even in the rain. I can’t imagine how great it would look on a sunny day!

Before long we were at the ‘distinct decent’ section that was described in our guide book. A long, big toe punishing hill that when over means you are in Cee.

Lana and I did an assortment of jogging, switchback, long stride and short stride hiking techniques to get down the hill while keeping our toes intact. Lana felt the jogging was her best bet and would often be 20-30 feet in front of me jogging almost out of sight in the thick fog. If she didn’t have her lime green cover on her backpack I am not sure I would have seen her at all. Seems the Vakner does not like jogging, so we not only got down the hill in great time and we also kept the beast at bay. Win, win!

All of a sudden we saw a road, some houses m, and if you squinted hard enough you could also see the sea in the distance. We had made it to Cee on the Sea!

We found our humble new home, Albergue Tequeron at the beginning of town and just a couple blocks from the harbour and a bunch of great cafes and checked in. The hostel lady greeted us with tea and cookies! Perfect after such a soggy day!

We were finally in a dry place. So decided to have that pre-made sandwich picnic we had planned for a sunny afternoon instead in our rain roof hostel terrace!

After that there wasn’t too much to do besides hang our stuff to dry, shower of the muddy mess that was on our legs (clearly kicked up by our amazing speed and agility on the muddy trail) and check our Cee from under the hoods of our rain jackets!

Well that ended up being a sit in a great pub and journaling, playing Camino-grams (a travelling version of Scrabble / Bananagrams of sorts that I made with paper and stamps before leaving home – too keep the weight down) and seeing what is happening in the world on iPad and iPhone. We love evenings like this!

We are up and at it again this morning with a walk to what is called Mile 0 of the Camino in Finisterre about 20km away. The forecast is 30% rain and 97% humidity… aka soggy but smiling!

Buen Camino!
Brande

In Line for Santiago

September 10, 2017March 12, 2018 / runningforthegate / Leave a comment

Yesterday we made it to Santiago and were given these awesome bits of paper that prove we are pilgrims! Pilgrim!! Ok we already knew by the dust, sweat and blisters we had that status but something ‘official’ made it much more real somehow!

Our day began around 830am yesterday after alone, last morning – we had the hostel room all to our selves and that is such a novelty we couldn’t resist enjoying it. Most of the the pilgrims left before 6am to get to Santiago for the noon Mass in English, but walking 2 hours in the pitch back is not my idea of a good time. We also needed a bit of time on wifi so before we left we chilled in the hostel living room sipping instant coffee (well sugar, fake cream and only some coffee from the taste of it) for a vending machine. We would need a real coffee room to replace this taste from memory.

On our way we were pleasantly surprised that it had poured rain most of the night – everything was fresh and the chances it was going to rain on us decreased. We expected a lot of pilgrims this final day but there was a lot fewer than most days. It’s funny how we hate too many pilgrims on ‘our path’ but also want just enough to confirm we are going the right direction.

Our way out of town was delayed by a brief photo shoot with our pilgrimages’s spirit animal – the snail.

Before stopping for our first coffee (real coffee made by humans not machine), we had some great path to cover.

Just before 10am and at about 3.4km we were ready for our coffee and a little warm up – while not as cold as the day before, the air had a bit of a bite and the clouds were keeping us pretty mindful that it could rain or mist, at least, any time. We had our shells and pack covers at the ready.

Leaving Cafe Amenal, we continued forward with some caffeine in our shuffle and started to feel like we were getting close now. The path started to provide lots of little photo opportunities for pilgrims and people were asking other people and groups to snap their pics, which wasn’t the case on the trail till today. Some people say the Camino should not include technology, but I say let’s all remember it’s ‘the Way, your Way’. And as a scrapbooker there is no way I could leave my camera (aka phone) at home!

We stopped again around lunch (at about 9.5km into our 22km day) for a glass of wine and to eat the amazing sandwiches we had prepared the night prior. We had found a salad (quite literally) of the local Arzua cheese which is amazing creamy goodness – so added some meat and baguette for an awesome lunch!

Our timing was impeccable – while we were inside at Casa de Amancio it poured rain hard, like I mean buckets of rain, for about 20mins and then didn’t rain again for the rest of the day. Not sure how but my wine and sandwich tasted even better watching the rain cascade off the glass roof that I was under!

We continued on our way that afternoon, again seeing many more pilgrim associated monuments and structures than noticed in prior days.

Coming into Santiago on sore feet and walking through a regular, old city with the cathedral almost completely hidden by scaffolding and sheets was a bit anticlimactic. We knew this would be what to expect but you secretly wish for maybe a parade or a banner or a marching band least?

We snapped a few pics and then went and got on the 2hours + line up to get our pilgrim’s certificate. It was cold and our feet were sore and wow that line barely moved and no one got the ‘personal space is important’ memo but we happy to be there.

Finally with our pilgrim certificate in hand, and a need to get off here barking dogs we paused for a quick photo shoot and heading to our albergue for the night.

While relaxing in our room we enjoyed an awesome view of the cathedral from our window and some refreshments and snacks. It feels so good to arrive at your next home for the night – so we never rush the getting our bags sorted and beds set up process.

At around 730 we headed out to see the old city that surrounds the famous Santiago cathedral – what a beautiful place. To give our feet a break we decided to take a total tourist trap train around the city. Some good info and we were totally laughing at ourselves the whole time.

After our Chu-Chu ride about the city, it was after 9pm and we were starving for supper – oddly this is the time everyone eats supper in Spain so the restaurants were fun and busy. We found a great place without too long of a wait and enjoyed an amazing pilgrim’s meal!

So full and so tired, we heading back to our albergue, The Last Stamp, for a good night’s sleep.

Well the good night’ sleep didn’t exactly pan out, but we are up and at em again this morning anyway – this gal is drinking two coffees before we even hit the road! So tired but still so happy to be here.

Today we start our next Camino – 5 days to Fisterre and Muxia (the Spanish coast)!

Buen Camino!
Brande

Taxi, Train, Walk

September 6, 2017March 12, 2018 / runningforthegate / Leave a comment

Yesterday Lana and I got back to walking the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) after a couple of amazing sight seeing days.

We were up before the crack of dawn (not joking, it was still dark outside) for a 5am train from Leon to Sarria where we would resume our pilgrimage. The train ride was 4hrs but in our first class seats where you could near totally recline, were provided with water, sleep masks, blankets and ear plugs we were only awake for about an hour of it. If only our flights to France and home from Portugal would be so comfortable!!

Arriving in Sarria we adjusted our packs, I transitioned from flip flops to sneakers (lots of asphalt roads in our walk today) and then we made our way to the Monastery of Magdalena about a km away. Here we were leaving a duffel bag of our heavy stuff like toiletries for transport to the albergue we stayed in last night in Porto Marin.

Why? No joke, Lana’s feet are in a bad way. She is a blister bandaid (compeed) advert! We are pulling all the stops to get her to a place where she can walk and enjoy it and that means diff shoes, less weight, compression socks, you name it. When every single step hurts, everyday is absolutely no fun. Usually Lana and I are total geeks together with jokes and antics – and sore feet make that really tough to be. So we are getting things sorted! We have weeks left to walk and we will be laughing till we cry again soon!

Well there was a wee mess up with the transport company. After a few telephone conversations in my less than adequate Spanish – we finally had the bag picked up at 11am. Instead of 930am as planned. Almost a couple of hours later than we wanted but hey we both had packs pounds lighter than before and we were ready for an awesome day and our first, much delayed cafe con leche in 3.7km in the next village of Balderado.

After that first coffee – we were spiced right up and getting silly already!

The day continued with walk and walk and walk on really easy paths and only some uphill but some lengthy downhill that timers the big toes ringing. It was over 30 degrees and we were roasting but loving it.

Much of what we walked though in the morning at least was farm land, and in this heat well it smells worse than you can imagine – we had a ready solution.

We pulled into a baby cafe about half way through the day for the yummiest sandwiches and the biggest coffee we have had yet! Oh and we met a new friend, wee gato. He very much loved the meat on our sandwiches.

The afternoon was well full of walking – imagine that. At about 22km we arrived in PortoMarin, a very small village organised around the main square and church (pretty standard for Europe).

We toasted the end of a great day, and enjoyed the local traditional fare – some Galicia broth soup (leeks, chick peas and potatoes) followed by some pulpos (octopus) and potatoes for the main course. Then some local desserts a flan (like our creme caramel) and a Santiago tart (chewy, thin cake). It was interesting and actually quite tasty but I don’t think I need to order it again.

Off to Palais de Rei this morning!

Beun Camino
Brande

101, 22, 21, 13, 7 and 15

September 2, 2017March 12, 2018 / runningforthegate / Leave a comment

Another beautiful day on the Camino complete here in Spain yesterday!

And nope the title of this blog post is not lottery numbers (well I guess they could be if you were so inclined). Rather they are the # of pilgrims passed on the route yesterday, the # of kilometres walked and the temp yesterday, the # of locals passed on the route and the # of snails who crossed my path yesterday, and the # of big bites I have that we are still trying to find the source of.

All in all, I am just glad none of those snails passed ME! Oh goodness that reminds me of Lana joking on the first day (the brutal uphill trial by Camino fire) that she was slow up the hills and some slug was like ‘hey passing on the left’ as it “sped” past her. Ha ha! A laugh we needed so bad at that exact moment.

Any who, the route yesterday was from Puenta La Reina to Estella, 22kms or 42,137 Fitbit steps and it was meant to be an easy no incline / no decline stroll from the elevation map. That was not exactly true. There were some serious hump it up and up and up spots in my mind. Granted my legs are feeling these 20+km days so I may just be fatigued and those hills were but mere speed bumps to the average pilgrim.

The day started with this amazing view of Puenta La Reina (Lana took this amazing pic):

And continued with the amazing beauty this path offers! Some highlights of the route were:

Making it to Estella for 1pm made for an awesome afternoon and evening. Lana and I hit up a pub in a busy plaza (the classic European square) for a Spanish spin on Radler Beer and some raciones (like tapas but not called tapas here in this region). Cheese ball things, baked bacon of sorts and some kind of cheeseburger slider thingy. Mmmm

Then headed up (another darn hill!) to our albergue to chill and do some laundry. With only one maybe two of everything like shirts and such you do as much laundry as walking it seems! Once the laundry was done, we did a freshen up and headed back down to town for some groceries.

After a grocery shop, a pharmacy stop for some cream for my bug bites (?), we accidentally also got a pizza for dinner … we ordered a delicious soft goat cheese with tomatoes and arugula pizza and a ceasar salad but ended up with a ceasar pizza of sorts. Looks like I should have practiced my Spanish a bit more. It worked out though. While scary in concept the pizza was actually amazing in taste!

Full and happy, I loaded up on allergy pills and allergy cream to try and get these bug bites or hives or something at bay so I could get some sleep. So itchy and sore! What a sleep it was, we had our own little twin bed room again and it was awesome! Snore galore!

Today we are up and at em heading for a tourist day in Burgos. But first a bus to Pamplona then a train to get there. Yahoo a no walking day – our feet are thankful!

Brande