The CAMINO DE SANTIAGO is no joke (this is getting harder each day…)

[@vanhallaadventures]

For those that have walked the Camino de Santiago...Am I the ONLY one who has almost lost their breakfast after smelling some VERY intense farm air? 🤢🤢🤢

[@iansalsbury5215]

Never ate breakfast, excersize fasted until my first coffee after about 3 or 4 hrs walking. Mind you I was out due to the heat wave sometimes before 3am to get cool.

[@Daisylove6387]

Thank you for showing the hard. I’m prone to blisters. My feet are just super sensitive. So I appreciate you aren’t fluffing these but being vulnerable to possibly criticism by being real. You can edit these all into this is the best thing ever and flowers and sunshine and glitter when obviously a lot of days will just be difficult physically and mentally. And finding ways to keep pushing through. I also really enjoy how you have edit and put this all together as well. Thanks again! My daughter and I will be doing our Camino next May/june24.

[@SusanThompson33]

You are such an amazing human!!!!!! You are one of my favorite people to watch. Your wonderful personality, the way you express yourself, you inspire, you’re so interesting, your creative editing ….. I could go on and on. In summary, you’re the best Crystal! Thank you for being you and bringing us all along on your journey of life ❤.

[@johnmys5am]

I know I keep saying it, but, a pair of injinji sock liners, (the toe socks) and one pair of regular socks over them and you'll get no blisters. Basically, 2 pair of socks. No blisters. I have over 3,500 miles in the last 3 years on long distance hikes. I know what works.

[@vanhallaadventures]

I tried that (didn't show it though) and it def didn't work for me. The podiatrist also recommended not doing that during heat waves as I would sweat even more. She eventually told me to just change socks out during the day and then I covered my feet in super thick moleskin. I think everyone is so different - I wish it was more straight-forward for things like this.

[@lisadailey]

I love experiencing this "virtual" international trip, Crystal. The scenery is spectacular! One reason you may have decided to live this adventure is to expand many other people's world "view". Thank you for all your hard work to bring this part of the world to all of us.❤

[@sunnydaze136]

I wish I could mail you some lambswool.. I had foot bunion surgery a year ago and my toes were squished together..you weave lambswool through you r toes put in between..I should have had stock in lambswool I could mail you some!! Keep pressure off and helps with sweating I love the stuff

[@gunwoman93]

I relate so much to what you-re explaining in this video. I also got on my first Camino (Francés) with the wrong hiking boots and got painful blisters in those same spots. I am so glad that you actually managed to arrive to Santiago :) I had to return home 2 days earlier (didn't make it to Santiago unfortunately) not only because of blisters and other pains, but also because I got ~50 very itchy bedbug bites all over my arm which ultimately ended up breaking my spirit for that Camino... But the magic of the Camino is so special that I am already planning my next Camino and I can't wait to do it again (hopefully without issues this time). Well done lady!

[@judithbyerly5888]

So proud of all you’ve accomplished so far on your journey! Listen to your body and listen to your own heart. You will know what your nexts steps will be. You are amazing!! Looking forward to the days ahead with you! 🙏🏻😊❤️

[@sharonwilson2450]

I can't tell you how much I admire your perseverance on this journey. You are such a strong person in many ways! ❤

[@DartmoorPaul]

Another lovely day on the trail with you, Crystal. That sunrise was beautiful 😊 Thank you so much for all the hard work and thought you are putting into these vlogs, I hope it’s not distracting you from your own journey but is part of it. Thank you also for the mention of where we can find your hotels listed ❤️ best wishes Buen Camino, Paul

[@lindapinkul]

Toes socks, in addition to another sock layer may help. Also leuko tape works really well. Good luck, and I agree, The Camino Frances is much harder than anticipated. I Pretty much dragged myself everyday to each location. We began the adventure by spending time in Paris and trained to Saint Jean Pied De Port and walked to Pamplona. From Pamplona we took a train to Barcelona, spent 4 night and trained back to Pamplona and then walked nine days to Burgos. After Burgos we took a train to Leon; spent two nights there and then trained to Madrid, where we flew out. Personally, I don’t have any desire to finish the Camino, but my son would love to go back and complete it. It will be interesting to watch what happens with you. This was our initial plan and time wise we couldn’t stay any longer. Go with what’s best for you. Everyone does it there own way and don’t feel like you’d be any less if you need to deviate.

[@deacondavidviscount7579]

Another great few days Crystal. So true to recognize what is pain from injury, and what is pain from lack of use. It's said that we need hard feet and soft hearts...we've become a society of soft feet and hard hearts. Keep going...Buen Camino! Can't wait to see what is next.

[@Beol789]

Thank you so much for sharing this...I always had in my heart the desire to do El Camino de Santiago....I thought it was impossible for a woman to do so by herself...(I know, what was I thinking?) And the first time I saw your video I burst into tears...Now I'm preparing everything to do the same...so thank you so much for sharing...your experience gave me courage to follow this calling that I've having for such a long time.

[@pinkiesmum]

Same here!

[@anneokane7172]

Congratulations for your determination to keep going. Love your honesty. Thank you for sharing.

[@carriedadamo]

You have inspired me to do this walk with my son after he gets out of the military and I have Never done anything like this before thank you for that so proud of you

[@vanhallaadventures]

Awww I love that!!! EEk! You’ll love it Carrie ☺️ It has been the single most transformative experience of my life and I feel you’ll receive everything you desire and more from it!

[@sandypage9995]

I just love watching your videos. You've come a long way and inspire us all.

[@paulbrown2532]

Good luck with your journey,i think you made the right choice resting up.all the best.😃

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you Paul :)

[@raewebb6365]

I admire you and you're documenting everything so much, so thank you. I don't if it will help, but I have tendonitis in 2 toes, and they form like a peace sign. I switched to a WIDE TOE BOX... sometimes hard to find, but that is helping my comfort level. Good Luck, and know that we all Appreciate your authenticity

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you Rae! Oh goodness - that sounds painful. Sending my love to your feet too!

[@asprelskcalling1151]

Omg, the vine bottle😂 Love your videos, and starting my camino in mid June.

[@christophermurphy6302]

Hi Crystal. You are going well. My girlfriend Jacinta and I have just finished our Camino on October 18. Luckily we did not suffer with blisters. We did have an issue with a knee one day and took a taxi into Astorga to rest up. Next day we took a taxi back out to where we’d finished and walked in without a bag. I was surprised to see that you seem to have just kept going. Anyway you are giving a great account of the torture and fun of the Camino. Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@richardbrown8881]

Keep going crystal...me and my partner are walking from sarria to santiago starting from the 5th December...just 110km for us...a little starter for us and eventually we will do the full distance...love your vlogs...just wish you would/could vlog every couple of days

[@terantruitt66]

I came to your channel to check on what The Camino of Santiago is like. However, after a while I realized that all I was going to get from this channel was your blisters adventures. You could've been talking about the towns you visited, the weather, the noises, the soul experiences but instead all is about blisters, and your pinky. I feel that I wasted my precious time.

[@ervinslens]

Hats off! Amazing video, so much effort has been put into this video, thsi upload is simply incredible! 🔥🔥

[@yvonnebirch6026]

I felt such relief for you when you arrived in that nice hotel ! I love to walk with you and taste the reward of a good meal. Hats off to you girl ! 👏👏👏💕🌷

[@traciewalker7892]

I feel your pain!!!! I just finished a walk in Australia and even though I had worn my boots and socks for 5 months leading up to it, day one my feet exploded in blisters. Thankfully mine was only 7 days but it was 7 hard days as each day brought with it new blisters. My feet hurt like hell but I didn't want to quit and it is definitely a mind over matter thing to keep putting one foot in front of the other. There is a sign at the gym I go to that says "The body can achieve what the mind believes" and I think that is so relevant in these situations. Keep going and I will be waiting in anticipation for the next episode. P.S I found putting tape or a large bandaid over the blister pads stopped them from sticking to my socks 🙂

[@eiccoaching8642]

Where did you walk in Australia? I'm really glad you powered through. Xx

[@traciewalker7892]

@@eiccoaching8642 Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia 😊

[@louburnett6782]

So well done 👏, tough times.

[@edwardmoran1739]

How do you film this? You use a stick? Or you have a friend/husband walking backwards in front haha???? You have a drone? I would want to just move to one of these beautiful little pueblos.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yes I film myself when trekking alone. I also have a drone. Sometimes I meet people along the way and they will assist with filming me. 😀

[@stephannirichards8163]

Oh my goodness it’s hard not to cringe with you and for you with the pain you’re in. You have the best attitude though. Looking forward to your next video xxx

[@vanhallaadventures]

As always - thank you for being so supportive Stephanni!

[@spannymakronkeep8673]

A lot of folks change to sandals with toe blisters. I use Altras only got 1 toenail blister in 500ish kms. Anyways, it takes a lot of attention to your feet to get along well moisturize at night and morning. I use anti chafe bofore putting on my socks. Wool medium cushion. Take off the shoes as needed and change socks. Good luck

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you for sharing all of this :)

[@touchdown_travel]

Fun watching your journey! I miss the Camino

[@vanhallaadventures]

I am happy to hear it is bringing back fond memories :) I miss it too!

[@iansalsbury5215]

I really like your videos. I particularly like the fact that they show the truth about how we can suffer during our camino. Personally I get very frustrated if I don't achieve what I started out to do, originally my intention was 7 weeks 4 caminos Frances, Finistere, Muxia, Ingles. I arrived at Saint Jean this year on 29th June and started walking on the 30th with too much weight on my back (30lb), but I never learn. 8 days in I got a 3inch diameter blister covering the entirity of the ball of my left foot, then tendinitis on the top of the same foot. 8 more days later, so 16 days 296miles I gave in. Caught buses and flew home to the UK. The heat in July was unbearable particularly at night in the albeges (I'm assuming it was July when you were there ?). The good thing is I can't wait to get back, so in 8 days time I fly back and resume from where I first caught a bus to continue but hopefully much cooler weather. 29lb pack this time but i have a sleeping bag instead of just a liner so its a slight improvement 🤣. Thank you for such a great, realistic channel. xx

[@vanhallaadventures]

Oh goodness Ian - I can feel the pain of everything you and your feet endured 🥺🥺🥺 I trust this next camino journey will be easier albeit with its own lessons. I will envision your feet strong and healthy!

[@iansalsbury5215]

@@vanhallaadventures Done it ! All the way to Finistere and Muxia. No issues, the low temperatures really helped. Last night tonight before flying home 👍

[@davidharris4062]

Your doing well, I worked with a guy who did this walk, he said he was crying in pain most mornings

[@erikopdecamino3510]

I like your video’s. Just wondering: you don’t use your poles or you use them in a wrong way. What is the meaning of carrying them with you?

[@vanhallaadventures]

I use them the right way for me ;) to use my poles and film at the same time is a disaster. They hit the camera and make a weird sound on film. I only used them while not filming.

[@erikopdecamino3510]

@@vanhallaadventures i understand that you don’t use them while filming. Besides that i see you often placing both poles in front of you at the same time. You don’t get the support that they can bring you. When i was on the Camino i saw a lot of people using the poles just ‘for fun’. On the other side… i might be a maniac 😂

[@DivineMojo]

Wow 🤩 that view from your hotel was so beautiful and serene, and that sunrise was gorgeous! 🤩 What a gift to see that! I hope your feet started to feel better. I haven’t walked the camino, but when you drive on I-40 outside of Amarillo TX don’t ever have the windows down, that smell is the most horrendous smell on earth! It has to come from a feed lot 🤢 If that smell isn’t enough to make someone go vegan I don’t know what is! 😂 Buen Camino Beautiful Heart! 🙏🏼💖

[@mira55ou]

At what time of the year did you walk? Im planning to walk in June next year, but im a bit scared about the heat 😅

[@grevanduijn4946]

Go walking in April and may, the nature is so beautiful than flowers and not so hot. Even there will be not so many pilgrims. Try to stay in albergue it will give you a different experience in meeting other pilgrims.

[@vanhallaadventures]

I started in mid-may and am happy I did. Two weeks prior there was still snow and then right after a heat wave. I think I would still start in May if I were to do it again.

[@domautard2030]

Hang in there girl!!! Watching and following all tge way from Sydney Australia. Your accommodation details are so so helpful as we're planning our 2024 Camino at present. Ask the Virgin Mary to watch over you. Do you still have tge Miraculous medal given to you by a little old lady at a certain church ? Take care of that foot. God bless you.

[@stephkachel9191]

I’m enjoying this from Townsville, North Queensland. Doing the Portuguese caminho in Aug-Sept 2023 with my daughter to celebrate my retirement. Maybe Frances in 2024 with hubby.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Aw I love this! How wonderful to celebrate with your daughter - that warms my heart for you :)

[@vanhallaadventures]

I do! Curious how you knew of that necklace!

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Vanhalla once again thanks again for sharing these videos... thy are so amazing,,, Camino de Santiago north Camino next time maybe??

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you Juan! I am planning out several treks for next year so we shall see...The UK is calling me (West Highland Way + Great Glen Way) and so is the Via Francigena!

[@philadelphiawalksptsd]

💗👑

[@paxtecum4814]

Walking with blisters? Brave. Life is joy and suffering, but this last purifies your soul.

[@curiosity19]

Do you have to reserve all your accommodations, prior to the Camino, in order for your luggage transport to match up with your stops? ... what will happen to your luggage transport if you decide to make an unplanned stop before your next destination?

[@janeingram7331]

After a long walk and having a blister on my heel, I found that panty liners are excellent for larger coverage. I also get blistered on my baby toe and they do hurt. Good luck.

[@vanhallaadventures]

ooooh that is a good trick! Thank you Jane!

[@carolp1912]

Toe socks worked well for me too. K tape any hot spots and I double socked as well. goodluck hope your feet improve soon. Love your videos

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you Carol :)

[@nannagumm77]

I read it was best to wear double layers of socks...one silk and Merino wool socks..to prevent blisters..or nylon sock in stead of the silk one...do spill if you know😉..

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yes I tried that too! I ended up seeing 2 podiatrists and they said the 2 sock thing doesn't work in HOT HOT weather - it is best to just change socks during the day and air out at breaks too. Some people do great with wool and others like the Darn Tough socks. I think it really comes down to trial and error. I had to try EVERYTHING to eventually figure out what worked for me. In the end, having these EXTRA thick padding sheets really helped. I haven't been able to find them in the USA but I will post about them once I do. They were like moleskin but much much thicker. Then I began rotating socks during the day and just got used to walking. I also got some custom inserts too which were so nice! That all will come up in a few videos :)

[@stephkachel9191]

I’ve heard (but not tried) “hikers wool” is good for blisters. I will be bringing this from Australia next year.

[@vanhallaadventures]

I bought some before I left and then forgot it - I heard it was great too! Let me know how it goes for future reference :)

[@stephkachel9191]

@@vanhallaadventures - I will but it won’t be until Aug/September next year.

[@dvidgonzales8376]

Some shoes have seams that will give your feet problems, those mesh top. And thick soft soles are becoming popular in LA. Should pick a hiking style when available.

[@JudyG745]

Are Val and Claire stalking you or are you stalking them? :)

[@vanhallaadventures]

haha! I think we equally stalk each other.

[@TheMariodeblas]

🇪🇸❌🇪🇸👑🥇🪙🙏

[@davidgutesleben1266]

Hi, hi Citygirl

[@carlbernsen1290]

Has anyone ever made more of a fuss about walking 12-15 miles in a few hours per day while their bags were transported to the next refugio? People in their 70's regularly walk this route, people in wheelchairs do it.

[@vanhallaadventures]

I would suggest walking the Camino. It often teaches compassion ❤️ blessed be ✌🏻

[@NeurodiversityFairy]

7:00 God trying to stop you lol

[@vanhallaadventures]

bwhahaha

[@ignacioheredia9599]

¡How awful use as soundtrack a guitar strum on your walk along nortnen Spain! It is the same as setting the cliffs of Moer in Ireland with music from Mexico.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thanks for all the comments Ignacio! Appreciate the support :)

[@anthonyrebock5351]

haMe'rikan! ...." where is my MacBurga, fries and my Limousine

[@ignacioheredia9599]

Yes, indeed. Poor dear! He doesn't want to get together with the vulgar populace that crowds into the hostels and take the first taxi at the slightest inconvenience.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Only 1 slight adjustment to your comment - I am a she ;) Thanks for watching!

[@anthonyrebock5351]

@@vanhallaadventures She is a She happily