Alex, The tour was wonderful and much of the reason for that must be attributed to Jeff, Cate and Alberto; nothing was too much trouble for them and they were very sensitive to the different personalities in the group and individual needs. I have already shared my experiences with friends and recommended Fresco as an excellent option if they are anxious about walking the Camino as I did in 2012. I also felt it was excellent value for the cost of the tour; and a particular bouquet to Office Manager, Alissa, who made some extra bookings for me, including my Tarjeta Dorado, and was always incredibly efficient and helpful. Last year in May when I walked the first part of the Camino from St Jean Pied de Port to Burgos, carrying my 10kg mochila,I stayed mainly in albergues and ate ‘pilgrims’ meals,’ so I really appreciated the standard of accommodation Fresco had organised – it seemed like absolute luxury to me, with a special mention for our meals, both ‘on the road,’ as well as ‘in house.’ The only unexpected surprise for me was the development of blisters on my R.F (side of big toe and L. edge of same foot); this was the last problem I anticipated having had no blister problems on my 2012 Camino – so I was also aware as to how blisters can bring one completely unstuck on the Camino, as I met a number of people in 2012 who had to prematurely withdraw from their walk due to bad blisters which got infected. I was walking in the same boots, and with the same double socks system and with similar poles, as I had in 2012. I had prepared for the 2013 walk by doing regular bush walks of moderate to hard level in Australia, so felt I was pretty fit; my feeling is that the blisters may have developed because of the unseasonably warm weather we experienced, coupled with some quite long days during the first 2-3 days of walking. If there have been others doing a Fresco tour who’ve had similar problems in the early part of the walk, perhaps it could be worth thinking of making those first 3 days of full walking, 18 km journeys, then increase the distances, once pilgrims have got into their walking rhythm; it is just a suggestion, which may not be feasible, given the tour is designed to be completed within 10 days. My blister problem was solved by immediately applying first aid and taking the bus option of cutting short my walking distance on the 2 days when the blisters were ‘fresh.’ By the 4th day, I was fine, and had no further problems with blisters. Thanks also for the photographic record of our Camino journey in Galicia, and I guess we should be grateful that the region did not live up to its reputation as the wettest in Spain; walking in continuous rain can be a bit miserable! Muchas gracias
Based in Spain since 2006
Menu
