As and when I have time I will answer the questions that have been asked in the comments section. I will do this via a post as it might be useful to others who wouldn’t otherwise see it.
GPS
I’ve been asked about which GPS system I’m using.
The answer is Wikiloc. You can record your trail and/or download other people’s trails. I have compared the results to a dedicated GPS system and they were the same. I have found that different GPS apps vary in distance recorded by between 5 and 10 percent. I decided upon wikiloc because it recorded a shorter distance than some others I have used and I don’t want to exaggerate stage lengths on this blog.
Camera
I have put my poor old camera to rest although it struggled on for 18 months after a serious drop caused the case to buckle and demolished the viewfinder. I have stuck with the same range, but not opted for the latest version because of price.
I have gone for the Panasonic LUMIX DCM-TZ60 (there is now a 70 and an 80, but they didn’t offer sufficient additional features to justify the hike in price). The TZ60 cost me £195, it weight 258 grams which is a bit more than my last one.
This range of cameras seems to have an issue with getting dust on the sensor. A camera repair man told me that all cameras with an extending lens will be prone to this, because when the lens extends a vacuum is formed and dust or pollen can get sucked inside. I have checked this out online and it does seem to be a problem more related to the lumix range as far as I can see. But I like the camera (my third Lumix). So I purchased this one from the store John Lewis who give an excellent extension of guarantee to three years and include accidental damage cover for £30 – just ten pounds per year. So if I have a problem with dust under the lens I will just take it back and get it sorted out under the guarantee cover. An excellent deal as far as I am concerned.
Trekking poles
I use Pacerpoles which are only available direct from the producers in Scotland. I find them incredibly comfortable. Look them up online to find out more.
Boots
There is a story about the boots that didn’t come on the Camino (see here). In the end they gave me pain and got left behind, and the original new boots that I bought for this journey came instead. Ecco again, but Xpedition model.
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
Hi Maggie
Like you I favour Lumix cameras and have a LF1 which has the option of a digital viewfinder which is very useful in bright light conditions when screens are hard to see. Like you I’ve also had problems with dust on the sensor, I’ve found an excellent company (in UK) who will sort this out. Let me know should you need them.
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I shall keep that in mind. My last model was the LF1. I’m absolutely no expert, but I do like the range.
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Maggie, you are a wealth of information for all of us – thanks for taking the time. It looks like your latest adventure is going well. I may not comment all the time, but I read your blogs every day. I am with you every step of the way. I must say your elevation charts scare me a little and I haven’t seen an easy day yet. I think I will find the Camino del Norte much different than the Portuguese (bringing walking poles this time). Anyway, I wanted to say hi, thank you for all your efforts, wish you luck physically (none is needed mentally as you’re a tough cookie when it comes to Caminos). Lovely pictures too and I see you haven’t lost your love for the flowers. Happy trails to you dear Maggie!
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