In my last posting I described the various activities that are part of each day on the Camino. One thing that I didn't mention in detail was blister care.
"Compeed" has the corner on the European market when it comes to blister care. They make excellent blister wraps, that seem to take care of the problem. Every pilgrim checks his feet daily for blisters, as well as putting on cremes (e.g. Vaseline).
I'm hoping that my blister phase is over, but you never can tell.
LAUNDRY
Laundry is a never-ending necessity. Most albergues offer an automatic washing machins, but charge 4€ (almost $6) per load. Highway robbery? Yes, but it beats hand washing! There are dryers available as well, but these are just as expensive. Also, you might have to wait for other pilgrims. Some save up their laundry for a few days and then just pay for a large load. I prefer to do it by hand each day, and then hang it on the clothesline to dry. Of course that only works on sunny or windy days.
ADVERTiSING
The Camino is as commercial-free as it comes, but occasionally there will be some advertising on a small board. Sometimes albergues discreetly offer their services in the preceding town or along the route. One in France was so witty in their publicity that you wanted to stay their just to meet the author.
Sometimes I'll be walking and forget what town that terrific albergue was located in. It's hard to write things down while you're walking.
THE PATH
In Spain the path is much wider than in France. This is necessary, as the traffic is much heavier. Also, more people bike the path on Spain, so you have to be careful for those two-wheelers who roll by at fast speeds right next to you.
CITIES
Cities are always a challenge, as it's hard to hike through traffic. But cities sell the things you need, like fruit, chorizo and bread, etc. So walking through cities is a mixed thing. There's beautiful architecture in cities, but magnificent nature in the rural parts.
WILDFLOWERS AND POPPIES
They are everywhere along the Camino. I thing someone hiked the Camino years ago with a bag of poppy seeds that they spread.
There are red poppies EVERYWHERE!
THE PEOPLE
That's the best part of the Camino! I've met so many people, with such interesting stories.
Below is a Spanish couple that have been walking the same stages as I have:
And here's Davy from Scotland, who is taking a break from teaching English in a school in Spain:
I could write forever about the Camino. Remember, it's a long walk! Suffice it to say it's a pilgrimage where those who are searching hopefully find why they need.
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