We were on our way by 7:15 thinking about not walking bent over as our Hospitalero demonstrated "walking like chickens". We stopped in Sansol at a cafe and alberge which featured a large fountain foot pool for soaking tired feet. Alas we were too early to hang up our poles and soak our feet. We continued on walking through hill and dale over many rocks enjoying magnificent scenery and many stone shelters. Today gave us lots of time to practice our pole techniques. The trick seems to be to put the ball of your hands in the straps and press down to maintain forward motion. Our backpacks have moved our centre of gravity from our butts to our backs, so the pressing down helps us stay upright and maintain forward momentum.
For downhill to prevent falling on your face, and to ease yourself down preventing knee damage, we've found that double poles ease the weight of you and your backpack as you lower the pounds on to fragile feet!
Our poles have become our best friends and we recommend two poles. The alberges insist on leaving your boots and poles at the front door. We wouldn't leave home without them!
You are so right Pat! I couldn't have walked the Camino without my poles. I found they took a lot of the load off my knees too. Also helped one keep one's balance whilst looking up at trees, birds, etc. You and Ada look like you are really enjoying yourselves.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Pat! I couldn't have walked the Camino without my poles. I found they took a lot of the load off my knees too. Also helped one keep one's balance whilst looking up at trees, birds, etc. You and Ada look like you are really enjoying yourselves.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my fav blogs!! Please keep those pics of your happy faces coming!
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