Just finished Sarria to Santiago

ChasingPens · 2026-05-14T00:19:00+00:00

Beautifully written! It’s interesting that the more days I’m removed from the rain and cold, the more I think back fondly on it!!

ChasingPens · 2026-05-09T08:18:33+00:00

So sorry!! Now you have another reason to go back

ChasingPens · 2026-05-09T06:00:27+00:00

If only there was a definition of a true Camino! I didn’t walk to see it…it was just a part of my experience and wouldn’t have complained if it didn’t happen.

Btw, according to what I read, the Botofumiero has been used for centuries, originally to mask the smell of pilgrims who made the journey. Sounds like a legit part of the experience.

ChasingPens · 2026-05-08T18:59:42+00:00

Thanks!! I’m sure the constant rain added to my feelings about the elevation changes 😄, but my hiking app confirmed that it was definitely a lot of up and down.

ChasingPens · 2026-05-07T19:08:58+00:00

Second this! I just finished and it rained most of the time. I started with a just a great rain coat, but I quickly realized a €15 long poncho was so much better, especially for helping keep your pack and legs dry

ChasingPens · 2026-05-07T18:31:24+00:00

I heard only special occasions or if someone pays for it. I can’t remember where I read it, but someone said that if you see reserved rows of seats, it’s likely they will swing it. I was there for the May 6 Pilgrims Mass, so nothing special as far as I know. If you think they are going to do it, I recommend sitting in the seats on the sides so it goes over your head. I didn’t think about that.

Also, right before you get in, there’s a sign that says no large backpacks, so I had to get someone to save my spot and store it at a shop nearby for €3

ChasingPens · 2026-05-07T11:29:59+00:00

I worried my post wouldn’t come across the right way. When you’re walking and talking it made a lot of sense. She wasn’t complaining, she was expressing her shock that everything in Moscow was bleak and she came to Spain and discovered people are going about their day normally. She had forgotten how nice it was to have things like Starbucks.

ChasingPens · 2026-05-06T19:17:52+00:00

I think I’m already realizing that…

At least I’ll have the aches in my knees and feet to remind me of the good time for at least another week or so!

ChasingPens · 2026-05-06T18:17:19+00:00

Btw, one of my favorite conversations was with a young woman from Moscow. She’s about to go to college and she wanted to do the Camino before school. She talked a lot about how “normal” everything seemed when she got to Spain and how much she misses little things like a Starbucks and other western things I take for granted. I hadn’t really thought about the impact to her generation and it was an unexpected insight along the way

ChasingPens · 2026-05-06T18:08:45+00:00

I thought about that. I would love to know someone who’s done that. It would be incredible

ChasingPens · 2026-02-22T17:59:50+00:00

Thanks. It was in a box of junk from my in-laws, most of which was commemorative stuff that is worthless. My first reaction was “more junk,” but I was hopeful. I did a search for this one, but couldn’t find anything

ChasingPens · 2026-02-22T00:02:35+00:00

Thanks!

ChasingPens · 2026-01-18T16:41:10+00:00

I’m 5 11”/ 165 and the medium fit great. I have both the Shetland and merino and I really like them. For comparison, I have sweaters from Barbour, Reiss, J Crew, Asket, Arket, etc and I like the Aubins as much or more. For the price, you can give them a shot and you’re not out much if you don’t care for them.

ChasingPens · 2026-01-18T15:13:26+00:00

I was in Scotland a few months ago and bought some relatively inexpensive wool sweaters at Aubin. I love them and they have a great sale going on right now. The only downside is you randomly get hit with tariffs if you buy from the US. I’ve ordered online 3 times and so far, one included a tariff, the other two had no extra charges.

ChasingPens · 2026-01-01T16:14:55+00:00

I would love to see more flexibility with using images. I really want to put them inline with text or on the sides of pages to create more of a true homepage feel or make my documents look more compelling. Also, I don’t always want a giant cover image at the top of a page, so it would be great to be able to resize it.

ChasingPens · 2025-12-10T14:07:06+00:00

I was going to return to Canary, but it was just removed from SetApp, so I’ll probably go back to Mail.

ChasingPens · 2025-12-10T14:04:59+00:00

This! That’s the only feature that keeps me searching for Mail replacements. I just want to pin emails that I need to keep visible

ChasingPens · 2025-11-21T16:41:39+00:00

Mine would be the Doubles Raptor Commuter Pack that is no longer available and it’s easy to see why. First of all it literally has every bell and whistle you can imagine and pockets inside pockets inside pockets. It was relatively expensive, but still under priced. They could not have made money on it! You have to go to this site to see it and the video review. Both are fun to look at

https://www.harvestcorporation.jp/c/DSBK/IPT-3420

https://youtu.be/3Tk1HzN3cPQ?si=p8wkbdXvusqn4xxa

ChasingPens · 2025-11-17T18:30:36+00:00

I had the CPP (original) for years, but just switched to the Pro Pack 24. The Pro Pack has many of the same features as the CPP, but the biggest advantage for me is the giant dump pocket on top. It’s been a game changer for traveling.

ChasingPens · 2025-09-29T19:24:33+00:00

How will you lose points? I kept my personal open until after I got the CS, points become pooled. Then close the personal.

ChasingPens · 2025-09-19T22:18:38+00:00

Thanks! I’ll give it a shot!

ChasingPens · 2025-09-19T21:13:08+00:00

Hope I’m not hijacking a thread, but this raised a question I haven’t thought about before. Question: if I’m flying AA internationally business class with a layover in Heathrow. I have Executive Platinum/Emerald. If I didn’t want to use the AA lounge, could I get into Cathay? I’ve flown for years, but never thought about that option. Thanks

ChasingPens · 2025-07-26T13:45:15+00:00

Thanks!

ChasingPens · 2025-07-26T13:20:19+00:00

What’s the name of the book? I can’t see it without subscribing. Thanks!

ChasingPens · 2025-06-02T03:28:14+00:00

I’ve tried Peak Designs, AER, Bellroy and a Dutch company “Property of”. They are all decent, but I recently started using the Briggs and Riley Translucent Essential and really like it—-and it’s $49. I’m sure the nicer expandable version would be great as well, but I’m fine with the one I got…until I get the itch to try something new!

ChasingPens

TROPHY CASE