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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Disposable Wipes

Mark H

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino France
This is my third day walking the Camino and I can not believe the amount of wet wipes, tissue even panti liners and a pair of pants just discarded on the trail.
You call yourself Pilgrims and you leave your crap for someone else to clear up after you in this beautiful country side we have the privilege to walk, if you are one of the people who has totally no respect I ask would you drop it in your own garden, kitchen, bathroom.
You are probably have far to many pockets in your hiking pants so put a zip lock food bag in one of those pocket and put your wipes etc in the zip lock instead of leaving them on the trail.
Or take this tip in a former life when I was on special oops we left nothing behind you would ask you mate to hold a plastic bag for you to crap in then tie it up and in to your Bergen it would go or if working alone you would use clingfilm then wrap it up and into your Bergen.

Take note I maybe walking behind you at the moment and if I catch you leaving wipes etc behind YOU will be doing more than just picking it, I will walk with you and you WILL pick every piece of rubbish up!

I am sorry if this has upset anyone but it is disgusting they SOME people behave and have no respect
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
As you direct this clearly and emphatically at me, the forum reader, I can't help being a little offended and intimidated.
This is only directed at the people who have NO respect for the way
Perhaps as you walk you will see and realise what is been left behind
If you do not drop wipes etc why would you feel intimidated
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
This is only directed at the people who have NO respect for the way
Perhaps as you walk you will see and realise what is been left behind
If you do not drop wipes etc why would you feel intimidated

Sadly I think here, you are preaching to the choir.
What the long term answer is, who knows........ :(
 
I understand your frustration, even anger - i too find it both disgusting and disappointing that people litter our natural environment, whether on the Camino or anywhere else. It’s one thing that irks me about the busier routes. It’s a long time since I walked thé Frances - and can only imagine the extent of the problem.

If you do see someone dropping litter, I think you can ask them to pick it up and, if they don’t comply, do so yourself. Beyond that, threats and intimidation are not the way to go, in my view.

As to whether you are preaching to the choir - well, I don’t agree we can assume that all forum readers are innocent of this behaviour. So perhaps there may be some who read your post and will reflect on that and not do it in the future. But if people don’t already know this is very poor behaviour then … 🤦🏼‍♀️
 
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Like you @Mark H , my wife Pat was shocked when she first walked a Camino.
How can people be so disgusting?

I didn't mean to make light of the matter, by saying you are 'preaching to the choir' here.
But I get a sense that most forum members are decent people.

It's more about what we do with the brainless ones leaving this mess behind?
No doubt these are the same ones who leave the fast food cups and wrappers on the street outside my house.... total xUCk Wits.......

Are you on the Frances? Starting in St Jean? Day 3? This is where Pat was making this video. Between Zubiri and Pamplona on the river bank.

 
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This is my third day walking the Camino and I can not believe the amount of wet wipes, tissue even panti liners and a pair of pants just discarded on the trail.
You call yourself Pilgrims and you leave your crap for someone else to clear up after you in this beautiful country side we have the privilege to walk, if you are one of the people who has totally no respect I ask would you drop it in your own garden, kitchen, bathroom.
You are probably have far to many pockets in your hiking pants so put a zip lock food bag in one of those pocket and put your wipes etc in the zip lock instead of leaving them on the trail.
Or take this tip in a former life when I was on special oops we left nothing behind you would ask you mate to hold a plastic bag for you to crap in then tie it up and in to your Bergen it would go or if working alone you would use clingfilm then wrap it up and into your Bergen.

Take note I maybe walking behind you at the moment and if I catch you leaving wipes etc behind YOU will be doing more than just picking it, I will walk with you and you WILL pick every piece of rubbish up!

I am sorry if this has upset anyone but it is disgusting they SOME people behave and have no respect
Harsh but fair.
To highlight the "trace" you leave is commendable and has been the subject of many a thread.
Wet wipes have long been the scourge of many a drainage system due to their capacity to block and inability to degrade.
To leave this to nature is even worse.
I cannot find fault (nor offence) to your post.
 
Like you @Mark H , my wife Pat was shocked when she first walked a Camino.
How can people be so disgusting?

I didn't mean to make light of the matter, by saying you are 'preaching to the choir' here.
But I get a sense that most forum members are decent people.

It's more about what we do with the brainless ones leaving this mess behind?
No doubt these are the same ones who leave the fast food cups and wrappers on the street outside my house.... total xUCk Wits.......

Are you on the Frances? Starting in St Jean? Day 3? This is where Pat was making this video. Between Zubiri and Pamplona on the river bank.

Pat's wise no nonsense tip is great!
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Like you @Mark H , my wife Pat was shocked when she first walked a Camino.
How can people be so disgusting?

I didn't mean to make light of the matter, by saying you are 'preaching to the choir' here.
But I get a sense that most forum members are decent people.

It's more about what we do with the brainless ones leaving this mess behind?
No doubt these are the same ones who leave the fast food cups and wrappers on the street outside my house.... total xUCk Wits.......

Are you on the Frances? Starting in St Jean? Day 3? This is where Pat was making this video. Between Zubiri and Pamplona on the river bank.

I am in Zubira now the section to here every few meters wet wipes and tissue oh and anther pair of pants on the trail there must be a high number of people who have no respect
 
I am in Zubira now the section to here every few meters wet wipes and tissue oh and anther pair of pants on the trail there must be a high number of people who have no respect


I guess you mean Zubiri?

Like others already wrote here: preaching to the choir!

Part of the solution of the problem : sturdy gloves, thrashbag and start collecting...
 
I am in Zubira now the section to here every few meters wet wipes and tissue oh and anther pair of pants on the trail there must be a high number of people who have no respect
As @trecile has mentioned, the problem has been the subject of discussion and will be universally condemned by forum members. Your post will not be able to reach non-forum members.
Your original post alluded to your training and will only be able to be improved (or even eradicated eventually) through education and a workable solution.
If you drop it....pick it up.
 
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I guess you mean Zubiri?

Like others already wrote here: preaching to the choir!

Part of the solution of the problem : sturdy gloves, thrashbag and start collecting...
I like your thinking SabineP. View it as a small sacrifice to be blessed to make the pilgrimage through these beautiful towns and landscapes. I'm starting the Portuguese Camino from Porto on June 1 and have added gloves and thrash bags to my packing list.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
This is my third day walking the Camino and I can not believe the amount of wet wipes, tissue even panti liners and a pair of pants just discarded on the trail.
You call yourself Pilgrims and you leave your crap for someone else to clear up after you in this beautiful country side we have the privilege to walk, if you are one of the people who has totally no respect I ask would you drop it in your own garden, kitchen, bathroom.
You are probably have far to many pockets in your hiking pants so put a zip lock food bag in one of those pocket and put your wipes etc in the zip lock instead of leaving them on the trail.
Or take this tip in a former life when I was on special oops we left nothing behind you would ask you mate to hold a plastic bag for you to crap in then tie it up and in to your Bergen it would go or if working alone you would use clingfilm then wrap it up and into your Bergen.

Take note I maybe walking behind you at the moment and if I catch you leaving wipes etc behind YOU will be doing more than just picking it, I will walk with you and you WILL pick every piece of rubbish up!

I am sorry if this has upset anyone but it is disgusting they SOME people behave and have no respect
Most wet wipes are NOT biodegradable and can take 100 years or longer for them to disappear. They are not flushable and can also clog up sewage pumps and boat propellers. Not to mention littering our beaches and pollution of seawater and marine life. People need to get themselves informed. I remarked once on Camino that I did not require yellow arrows, simply follow the "paper" trail! I empathise with your frustration and upset. And pray we can be better! We don't need waste bins along the way. Just carry our waste to the nearest town and deposit waste in the proper place. Otherwise, let's remain peaceful.
 
This thread motivates me to bring along kitchen trash bags when I arrive in Sept to SJPP, and pick up others’ bathroom trash as I go. It’s unfortunate that many people don’t know the old adage of “take nothing and leave nothing behind” when you’re in the wilderness—and I’m preparing to be shocked and disgusted—but I doubt the Camino has a maintenance crew, right? Who else to solve this issue other than those of us who know better?
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
This is my third day walking the Camino and I can not believe the amount of wet wipes, tissue even panti liners and a pair of pants just discarded on the trail.
You call yourself Pilgrims and you leave your crap for someone else to clear up after you in this beautiful country side we have the privilege to walk, if you are one of the people who has totally no respect I ask would you drop it in your own garden, kitchen, bathroom.
You are probably have far to many pockets in your hiking pants so put a zip lock food bag in one of those pocket and put your wipes etc in the zip lock instead of leaving them on the trail.
Or take this tip in a former life when I was on special oops we left nothing behind you would ask you mate to hold a plastic bag for you to crap in then tie it up and in to your Bergen it would go or if working alone you would use clingfilm then wrap it up and into your Bergen.

Take note I maybe walking behind you at the moment and if I catch you leaving wipes etc behind YOU will be doing more than just picking it, I will walk with you and you WILL pick every piece of rubbish up!

I am sorry if this has upset anyone but it is disgusting they SOME people behave and have no respect
I agree that it totally disgusting; we encountered it on our first Camino--back in 2001. I and many others have previously written about it. Many have also talked about LNT ethics. Some have even suggested that baggies be given out at SJPP or other places--but I would hope they are not made of plastic! REMINDER: wet wipes should not be left anywhere outdoors--they should be carried in a bag or other container until they can be put in a proper receptacle. And they are not to be flushed down toilets because of the damage to plumbing. Maybe we need a new campaign about bandanas or quick-dry items that can be used for #! and hung on the back of packs.

Rebekah Scott and her team of "Ditch Pigs" (and maybe others) have often gone out and collected scads of trash. I wish I had an answer too, because it IS totally disgusting. We have NOT found this kind, and other types, of litter on the other Camino routes--but then they are less walked and known of. I hope they stay cleaner!
 
This thread motivates me to bring along kitchen trash bags when I arrive in Sept to SJPP, and pick up others’ bathroom trash as I go. It’s unfortunate that many people don’t know the old adage of “take nothing and leave nothing behind” when you’re in the wilderness—and I’m preparing to be shocked and disgusted—but I doubt the Camino has a maintenance crew, right? Who else to solve this issue other than those of us who know better?
There is no 'maintenance crew' but us pilgrims. Apart from the many wonderful volunteers who paint the yellow arrows etc. And I hope that it remains that way. This is an issue that has been raised before and no doubt will be raised again in the future. Meantime be prepared to be amazed and filled with wonder. Relegate these small disappointments to the place where they don't impact on your journey too much.
 
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Apologies if this was already mentioned…but something very compact, inexpensive and lightweight are dog pick up bags (some
brands are even biodegradable). Easy to pick up after yourself and deposit in the next trash bin. Embarrassingly, I was unaware of this forum when I walked (my daughter and I “winged it”) but being hikers from Colorado, we were prepared to leave NO trace and dog bags are a must for any backpack IMO.
 
This is only directed at the people who have NO respect for the way
Perhaps as you walk you will see and realise what is been left behind
If you do not drop wipes etc why would you feel intimidated
She has walked, many times.
And like all of us has seen her share of disgusting stuff out there as well as the many threads here over the years about this same sad subject. It's a perennial topic, as each new crop of pilgrims discovers the underbelly of the camino.

We share your revulsion, disgust, and outrage, Mark. It boggles the mind what people will do.
Question is, what to do?

First, pick up what trash you can, the usual suff like bottles and wrappers. Leave the biohazards where they are, for your own health.

Lots of people are acting from ignorance and short-sightedness. Kind education goes a long way. Not venting understandable outrage, but maybe passing out doggie bags so people have a place to put their stuff until it can be disposed of properly. Or?

Use your reaction constructively to effect change.
 
I hope to be walking my first Camino this Fall. In the future would it be possible for the companies who print the Camino Passports to add a page or include a slip of paper with Camino instructions including Please respect the path, leave no trace kinds of reminders, and an inspirational note about Nature and history they are about to experience? Even a how-to on disposing of waste, etc. One would hope that it might provide a mental framework of how to behave on Day 1 and perhaps a pang of guilt every time they leave their trash behind. It won't end the behavior but perhaps reduce some of it.
Buen Camino!
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
There is no 'maintenance crew' but us pilgrims. Apart from the many wonderful volunteers who paint the yellow arrows etc. And I hope that it remains that way. This is an issue that has been raised before and no doubt will be raised again in the future. Meantime be prepared to be amazed and filled with wonder. Relegate these small disappointments to the place where they don't impact on your journey too much.
Unfortunately it also impacts on the people who live there.
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Like you @Mark H , my wife Pat was shocked when she first walked a Camino.
How can people be so disgusting?

I didn't mean to make light of the matter, by saying you are 'preaching to the choir' here.
But I get a sense that most forum members are decent people.

It's more about what we do with the brainless ones leaving this mess behind?
No doubt these are the same ones who leave the fast food cups and wrappers on the street outside my house.... total xUCk Wits.......

Are you on the Frances? Starting in St Jean? Day 3? This is where Pat was making this video. Between Zubiri and Pamplona on the river bank.

We can't make any definitive statements about our fellow forum members. You and I are on this forum alot and I would venture to guess that he is preaching to the choir regarding this. He is not wrong about his complaint. How to solve this is difficult to say but maybe a polite reminder to others and possibly reaching into your bag to give them a plastic bag to carry their wet naps may help just a little. Baby wipes are always in my pack when I walk. But so are a bunch of sandwich bags. There are lots of days when I start pulling stuff out of my backpack in the albergue and wrappers or half eaten fruit comes flying out!
 
I do not believe the people leaving this Eternal Trash are evil. As the Camino goes up-market, there are more people on it who have never been outdoors before. No one's told them how to "go in the woods." They are not bad. They are just ignorant.

When/if you have contact with a Camino travel agent or outfitter, tell them to please inform their clients of the damage they are doing.
Evidently some pilgrims now walking suffer from urinary infirmities... I have found several adult diapers abandoned in ditches in the past week, as well as dozens of wet wipes. I think it's great that handicapped people can now make the pilgrimage, but they too are responsible for cleaning up after themselves! (I fantasize finding this person and handing him back his throwaways!)
... not to mention the sanitary pads/towels/tampons. OMG. Shameless.
 
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Perhaps the Pilgrins Office could hand out plastic bags with instructions on the disposal of toilet paper, wet wipes etc. Would cost less than the people employed to clean up. Might work, might not.
 
Perhaps the Pilgrins Office could hand out plastic bags with instructions on the disposal of toilet paper, wet wipes etc. Would cost less than the people employed to clean up. Might work, might not.
Why not a customised "poo kit" purchased (and carried) by every pilgrim. It wouldn't weigh much and the cost wouldn't fall on "someone else".
This could be carried at the albergues (or other supporting outlets) to purchase on your journey if and when needed.
I live on a hiking route and can only imagine the outcry if these sort of biohazards littered my own environment where I lived.
It really isn't acceptable.
 
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Why not a customised "poo kit" purchased (and carried) by every pilgrim. It wouldn't weigh much and the cost wouldn't fall on "someone else".
This could be carried at the albergues (or other supporting outlets) to purchase on your journey if and when needed.
I live on a hiking route and can only imagine the outcry if these sort of biohazards littered my own environment where I lived.
It really isn't acceptable.
Honestly I can see this adding more to the litter with people leaving their bagged up poo or just throwing out the bag and just using the paper inside along the way? I carry my own homemade kit to transport my waste, but honestly I can only remember maybe two or three times that I had pee in nature on the Camino. Guess I am not drinking enough water...
 
Honestly I can see this adding more to the litter with people leaving their bagged up poo or just throwing out the bag and just using the paper inside along the way? I carry my own homemade kit to transport my waste, but honestly I can only remember maybe two or three times that I had pee in nature on the Camino. Guess I am not drinking enough water...
Well....I pick up my dogs waste perhaps two or three times a day and dispose of it responsibly. I carry a kit on every walk. Most do and some don't.
It is only a suggestion to a problem.
 
It costs us money to have our septic tanks emptied, and I don't expect to be paid for people to use my toilet, even though it it my own personal toilet, not one that is part of a café or something. Younger men I often refuse if they aren't customers because they can piss behind a wall outside the village like the cows do, but everyone else is free to use mine.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Perhaps the Pilgrins Office could hand out plastic bags with instructions on the disposal of toilet paper, wet wipes etc. Would cost less than the people employed to clean up. Might work, might not.
Which pilgrims office? The one on SJPDP, Santiago or somewhere in between. There really is no one institution or organization that oversees all of the Camino routes. National Camino organizations can and should address these issues, but I think that it's probably a small minority creating most of the problem, and reaching them will be difficult.
 
I have no pets, but at home I sometimes see bagged doggie poo on the side of my local trail and often wonder "why". Do the owners think someone else will pick up the bag, carry it to a trash recepticle and dump it for them so they don't have to carry it themselves? I am baffled.
I see those baggies in my standard middle class suburban neighborhood. Some of the owners claim that they will pick them up on the return trip, yet I sometimes see the same bag in the same place several days in a row.
 
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I have no pets, but at home I sometimes see bagged doggie poo on the side of my local trail and often wonder "why". Do the owners think someone else will pick up the bag, carry it to a trash recepticle and dump it for them so they don't have to carry it themselves? I am baffled.
In England it's common to see cheap plastic bags of dog poo hanging from branches of hedges. It'd be better if people just threw it into a ditch or something, the bag's going to take years to decompose but animal poo always decomposes quickly, it just needs to be out of the way. On holiday wild camping in Scotland I use a trowel and as long as you're several metres from a watercourse it's fine.
 
I guess you mean Zubiri?

Like others already wrote here: preaching to the choir!

Part of the solution of the problem : sturdy gloves, thrashbag and start collecting...
Sorry about the miss spelling I was working and writing at the same time 😩
 
In England it's common to see cheap plastic bags of dog poo hanging from branches of hedges. It'd be better if people just threw it into a ditch or something, the bag's going to take years to decompose but animal poo always decomposes quickly, it just needs to be out of the way. On holiday wild camping in Scotland I use a trowel and as long as you're several metres from a watercourse it's fine.
I also live in England and benefit from using the right of ways and the public footpaths. These traverse other peoples land of which to continue to use this privilege I also have to accept my responsibilities. My walks I share with livestock (at a distance).
I also notice bags attached to the stiles and gates. Very often this has been collected by the owner of the field and left in annoyance to people who do not clear up.
There will always be irresponsibility and I don't know the answer that will provide the perfect solution. As some posters have highlighted this is not just limited to fecal matter and associated products.
 
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My take away (no pun intended) from these last few posts seems to be that it is actually better to let pet waste decompose "naturally" rather than do a half a## job of enclosing it in plastic if the owner is not willing and responsible to carry it to a waste bin recepticle, even when the law requires it disposed of properly.
 
I also live in England and benefit from using the right of ways and the public footpaths. These traverse other peoples land of which to continue to use this privilege I also have to accept my responsibilities. My walks I share with livestock (at a distance).
I also notice bags attached to the stiles and gates. Very often this has been collected by the owner of the field and left in annoyance to people who do not clear up.
There will always be irresponsibility and I don't know the answer that will provide the perfect solution. As some posters have highlighted this is not just limited to fecal matter and associated products.
Ooh I never thought it might be deliberate. Good point. I guess I'd do the same if it was my land.
 
My take away (no pun intended) from these last few posts is that it is actually better to let pet waste decompose "naturally" rather than do a half a## job of enclosing it in plastic if the owner is not willing and responsible to carry it to a waste bin recepticle, even when the law requires it disposed of properly.
I'm afraid this is not acceptable to just leave it to decompose.
These last few years have taught us the importance of public health and the costs involved
As has been mentioned, this subject is a perennial on the forum and should be addressed as the costs are not only sanitary and financial but also reputational.
 
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Students of history, and/or the perversities of the pilgrim horde, might like to search a thread entitled “An unholy year on the Camino Frances”.

It was ever thus, and the sands of time neither bury it nor sweep it away
Interesting thread. Thanks for the link.
I used to think no way any members of this forum are guilty parties to littering and other nasty habits on the Camino but I was surprised to see a member of this forum actually admit to be a Camino graffiti vandal on that thread and how inspired they were by seeing words written on a toilet stall door.
The easily amused.
 
Perhaps the Pilgrins Office could hand out plastic bags with instructions on the disposal of toilet paper, wet wipes etc. Would cost less than the people employed to clean up. Might work, might not.

Are people employed to clean up?
It's more likely local landowners and @Rebekah Scott 's volunteer Ditch Pigs! :rolleyes:
 
I'm afraid this is not acceptable to just leave it to decompose.
Of course I agree. I was merely stating that "if" the pet owner is so irresponsible I would rather "it" decompose in a few months time in nature rather than discarded plastic bags lasting potentially "forever", including its trapped contents if no one decides to pick it up...I will say no more.
 
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€46,-
I don't see education as the solution because in my experience ignorance isn't the problem.

No one I have ever talked to about Camino trash has ever said "Oh, I didn't know that! Thanks for telling me to carry it out."

Instead I hear "Uhh, no way am I going to carry that around with me."
 
There is no 'maintenance crew' but us pilgrims. Apart from the many wonderful volunteers who paint the yellow arrows etc. And I hope that it remains that way. This is an issue that has been raised before and no doubt will be raised again in the future. Meantime be prepared to be amazed and filled with wonder. Relegate these small disappointments to the place where they don't impact on your journey too much.

Wise words. It's all too easy to get distracted from the amazing positives that the Camino provides.
One of the major lessons I learned on my first Camino was.........

If you look for the positive in every day and in every situation, you will generally find it. Many times over.
If you look for 'crap' (no pun intended) it will surely find you.......

After 3 Caminos, which I know is not many (I'm working on it) I now really don't get upset by much ;)
 
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This is my third day walking the Camino and I can not believe the amount of wet wipes, tissue even panti liners and a pair of pants just discarded on the trail.,....
I am sorry if this has upset anyone but it is disgusting they SOME people behave and have no respect
Hi Mark H, totally agree how disgusting it is but another thought instantly struck me - it's a holy year and people who are non hikers and probably have never heard of the "Leave No Trace" principle are currently on the Way. It's no excuse- just a thought. It would seem that maybe when pilgrims obtain their passport they should be given a little speech??
I also want to point out that I take my own doggy bags to clean up but I ran out of them in 2017 and couldn't find any anywhere (I tried pet stores and supermarkets) perhaps Spain needs to start having them available to purchase?
 
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In England it's common to see cheap plastic bags of dog poo hanging from branches of hedges. It'd be better if people just threw it into a ditch or something, the bag's going to take years to decompose but animal poo always decomposes quickly, it just needs to be out of the way. On holiday wild camping in Scotland I use a trowel and as long as you're several metres from a watercourse it's fine.
Make that 100m and with some cognizance of local geography and water flow and you are doing (pardon the pun) your best. Crapping into a baggy and shipping out is the best solution.
 
Sigh.

This is a problem that has been around for a long time . . . and so have the solutions.

The primary solution is to realize that we no longer live in a throw-away society. Every action has a consequence, whether you are around to be impacted or not.

Someone who leaves their trash on the Camino has not given enough thought to their entire journey (what if I can't find a bathroom when I need one?) or is too young and/or foolish to consider the consequences.

Although the rant is understandable - who isn't repulsed at the sight of another's refuse - the moderators and posters are not to blame.

At one stop on my second Camino, an albergue offered bags and gloves for pilgrims to take so they could clean up trash along the way, then drop them in trash cans (which, yes, are also present along the Camino).
I did my part and cleaned up after others - Yuck.

I've also posted a tried and true version of a "Scat Kit" to pack with you just in case. When you need it, you need it!! You clean up after your dog, so clean up after yourself.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I'm afraid this is not acceptable to just leave it to decompose.
These last few years have taught us the importance of public health and the costs involved
As has been mentioned, this subject is a perennial on the forum and should be addressed as the costs are not only sanitary and financial but also reputational.
Unfortunately I would say that a tiny percentage of people who have to defecate outdoors will be willing to bag up their poop and carry it any distance, let alone to the next town. Honestly it's just not going to happen. The best one can hope for is that the person buries it and that is unlikely as well as very few pilgrims carry trowels with them. I'm just happy when they do their business away from the path. Far away. The same with waste covered, soiled toilet paper. Very few people are willing to carry that around as well, and again I would be happy if they just did it away from the path and half ass buried it. Life's little compromises I suppose.
The other stuff like plastic bottles, food wrappers etc? No excuse for being a selfish slob and littering.
 
Unfortunately I would say that a tiny percentage of people who have to defecate outdoors will be willing to bag up their poop and carry it any distance, let alone to the next town. Honestly it's just not going to happen. The best one can hope for is that the person buries it and that is unlikely as well as very few pilgrims carry trowels with them. I'm just happy when they do their business away from the path. Far away. The same with waste covered, soiled toilet paper. Very few people are willing to carry that around as well, and again I would be happy if they just did it away from the path and half ass buried it. Life's little compromises I suppose.
The other stuff like plastic bottles, food wrappers etc? No excuse for being a selfish slob and littering.
I agree with almost everything you say. There is no excuse for imagining that others would be happy living in your garbage. It is selfish and rude.

I have to disagree about burying poop, however.

Spain is a first world country. Many times, one thinks one is out in the middle of nowhere and has found a secluded spot to do one's business. but the next thing you know, there are farmers and walkers and homeowners and cars all around. Few places are secluded enough - burying is only in wilderness areas, and we've pretty much run out of those (we all know about the trash on Mt. Everest, right?). The Camino runs from town to town, close to roads, not through miles of true wilderness.

And trying to dig a deep enough hole for poop and tissues when one is, ahem, in a hurry usually ends with an . . . inadequate . . . result.

As hikers and as stewards of our Camino, we need to have a change in mindset about many things. How to dispose of one's waste is clearly one of them. There are ways to carry one's "stuff" in a sanitary way that does not necessarily create the "Ewww" factor, except in one's own mind.

Like I said, I understand completely what you are saying and why and I agree with your basic premise. I'm just disagreeing that there is no other way.
 
I do not believe the people leaving this Eternal Trash are evil. As the Camino goes up-market, there are more people on it who have never been outdoors before. No one's told them how to "go in the woods." They are not bad. They are just ignorant.

When/if you have contact with a Camino travel agent or outfitter, tell them to please inform their clients of the damage they are doing.
Evidently some pilgrims now walking suffer from urinary infirmities... I have found several adult diapers abandoned in ditches in the past week, as well as dozens of wet wipes. I think it's great that handicapped people can now make the pilgrimage, but they too are responsible for cleaning up after themselves! (I fantasize finding this person and handing him back his throwaways!)
... not to mention the sanitary pads/towels/tampons. OMG. Shameless.
Funny you mention adult diapers. The other day I would’ve sworn I saw an adult diaper thrown into a ditch along the trail and I questioned my eyes. I wish that they would hand something out in SJPP that tells people to pick up their damn trash. And it’s women 90% of the time. That’s what blows my mind. It is women who would call the police if you squatted in their front yard and left a wad of toilet paper there!
 
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n the future would it be possible for the companies who print the Camino Passports to add a page or include a slip of paper with Camino instructions including Please respect the path, leave no trace kinds of reminders,
We are not a company that prints credencials - we are an Amigos group (the Australian Friends of the Camino) which has been given permission by the pilgrim authorities in SdC to do so. Along with other information our prospective pilgrims will find useful, we include the following suggestion with each credencial we issue; -

Clean up ………… the Camino

With thousands of people walking the Camino each year the paths are well trod. Unfortunately, there are some in the pilgrim community who have not had our education regarding litter and seem to be unaware of the saying Take only photos, leave only footprints. Consequently, and unfortunately, there is an abundance of litter on the path – particularly on the Camino Frances. Each year Camino volunteers walk sections of the Camino armed with tongs, gloves and bags to collect the rubbish. Distance precludes us from participating in this project, unless we happen to be there, but we can contribute by including a rubbish bag in our pack to collect rubbish as we walk. Please consider doing this, as a service to the path that gives us so much.

In Australia we have a programme called "Clean up Australia" hence the title used for this insert. Travel companies etc. can only issue credencials approved by the pilgrim authorities - they do not print their own. We try try hard to educate pilgrims from our part of the world.
 
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As people have said upthread, a lot of this is lack of knowledge and the right supplies. In some mountaineering areas, you get handed a blue bag kit along with your climbing permit, with full instructions on how to use it. That was how I learned how to take care of the problem, and that it would not kill me to pack out my own waste.

Perhaps in addition to that microscopic print listing of alberques, the Pilgrim Center in SJPP could hand out an information sheet on what to do if you’re stuck miles from an open bar.
 
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I agree with almost everything you say. There is no excuse for imagining that others would be happy living in your garbage. It is selfish and rude.

I have to disagree about burying poop, however.

Spain is a first world country. Many times, one thinks one is out in the middle of nowhere and has found a secluded spot to do one's business. but the next thing you know, there are farmers and walkers and homeowners and cars all around. Few places are secluded enough - burying is only in wilderness areas, and we've pretty much run out of those (we all know about the trash on Mt. Everest, right?). The Camino runs from town to town, close to roads, not through miles of true wilderness.

And trying to dig a deep enough hole for poop and tissues when one is, ahem, in a hurry usually ends with an . . . inadequate . . . result.

As hikers and as stewards of our Camino, we need to have a change in mindset about many things. How to dispose of one's waste is clearly one of them. There are ways to carry one's "stuff" in a sanitary way that does not necessarily create the "Ewww" factor, except in one's own mind.

Like I said, I understand completely what you are saying and why and I agree with your basic premise. I'm just disagreeing that there is no other way.
Yes, I am aware of the topography of the Camino. I have over 180 days on multiple routes of it. I have also been fortunate not to not have had to take a crap while I was walking it. Close mind you, but no cigar lol. Not that it would have bothered me to do so (I have a ziplock with toilet paper and alcohol sanitizer in my pack). I grew up backpacking, hiking, fishing etc and also a stint in the army. I've been the proverbial bear that shit in the woods before :D. I will also be honest and say I never packed it out, ever (buried and covered with leaves). Never even thought of doing so, especially in the army lol. I'll further be honest and admit I wouldn't on the Camino and don't carry bags to do so. I simply am not going to scoop up my own fecal matter, put it in a bag and carry it about ("excuse me, is that a turd in your pocket?" :D ). I would also guess that most advocating people do so have never done it either and if were honest would admit they wouldn't. It's just not going to happen. So I've that aspect of the filth left behind, and save my rant and finger pointing to the graffiti and trash (bottles, wrappers etc).
 
Yes, I am aware of the topography of the Camino. I have over 180 days on multiple routes of it. I have also been fortunate not to not have had to take a crap while I was walking it. Close mind you, but no cigar lol. Not that it would have bothered me to do so (I have a ziplock with toilet paper and alcohol sanitizer in my pack). I grew up backpacking, hiking, fishing etc and also a stint in the army. I've been the proverbial bear that shit in the woods before :D. I will also be honest and say I never packed it out, ever (buried and covered with leaves). Never even thought of doing so, especially in the army lol. I'll further be honest and admit I wouldn't on the Camino and don't carry bags to do so. I simply am not going to scoop up my own fecal matter, put it in a bag and carry it about ("excuse me, is that a turd in your pocket?" :D ). I would also guess that most advocating people do so have never done it either and if were honest would the admit they wouldn't. It's just not going to happen. So I've that aspect of the filth left behind, and save my rant and finger pointing to the graffiti and trash (bottles, wrappers etc).
Everyone has their "pet hates" when it comes to litter, filth or other issues which affect the environment adversely.
The OP headed the post focussing on wet wipes and I have felt it was fair game to broaden the issue beyond this particular piece of detritus. I understand that you (and you extend your view that the majority would also do as you do) will not be picking up your faecal matter. Unfortunately this, and ancillary matter, will generally sit there or someone else will have to pick it up and dispose of it responsibly.
Along with the discarded items on this thread are tampons, disposable nappies, wet wipes, toilet paper. (And other things).
Not only do these represent a bio hazard but the habit of discard is just plain filthy.
This forum has a much wider readership than just the members who are willing to post and engage.
I would add that I would not suggest putting such items in your pocket unless sealed (although if that is your choice of temporary transportation so be it). There has to be a solution to this problem which (along with other perennial subjects) is repeated annually and the problem just accepted as your camino experience.
 
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,,,,,,,,,,, people do so have never done it either and if were honest would admit they wouldn't. It's just not going to happen. .
I beg to differ - not only have I picked it up and placed in a doggy bag (business and paper) but I also packet it out and placed in a bin when I got to town but then again I have respect for the townspeople and the country. I did my time in the Air Force as well and they never once told us to just leave it behind for the locals.
 
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I beg to differ - not only have I picked it up and placed in a doggy bag (business and paper) but I also packet it out and placed in a bin when I got to town but then again I have respect for the townspeople and the country. I did my time in the Air Force as well and they never once told us to just leave it behind for the locals.
Not sure what kind of time you spent in the field in the air force, but there's no way we were going to hump out our poop from the boonies (infantry). I guess I could have strapped it to a mortar base plate or a crew served machine gun tripod lol. Carry it around with us in jungle warfare school in Thailand lol.
 
Not sure what kind of time you spent in the field in the air force, but there's no way we were going to hump out our poop from the boonies (infantry). I guess I could have strapped it to a mortar base plate or a crew served machine gun tripod lol. Carry it around with us in jungle warfare school in Thailand lol.
There is a difference between combat training etiquette and treating Spain as a public toilet whilst walking a camino.
I don't expect you left many wet wipes, Tampons and nappies in the field.
 
There is a difference between combat training etiquette and treating Spain as a public toilet whilst walking a camino.
I don't expect you left many wet wipes, Tampons and nappies in the field.
Of course not, and my whole opinion on this matter did not involve non-organic materials. I specifically brought up the reluctance/refusal for the average pilgrim (or person for that matter) to retrieve and transport on their person human waste in a baggie (I'm including the waste soiled toilet paper). Not the picking up and removing what is commonly known as litter (bottles, cans, wrappers, paper etc).
Like I mentioned earlier, I've never done number two in the field while walking the Camino, but like everyone else I have seen refuse and what not on the ground while walking. I have also never actually witnessed a pilgrim littering. Obviously somebody is, but is the blame to be shared with locals on strolls or throwing stuff out of passing cars as well? Who knows? Without a doubt nobody on this forum knows and any opinions on who the culprits are is based purely on speculation.
 
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Of course not, and my whole opinion on this matter did not involve non-organic materials. I specifically brought up the reluctance/refusal for the average pilgrim (or person for that matter) to retrieve and transport on their person human waste in a baggie (I'm including the waste soiled toilet paper). Not the picking up and removing what is commonly known as litter (bottles, cans, wrappers, paper etc).
Like I mentioned earlier, I've never done number two in the field while walking the Camino, but like everyone else I have seen refuse and what not on the ground while walking. I have also never actually witnessed a pilgrim littering. Obviously somebody is, but is the blame to be shared with locals on strolls or throwing stuff out of passing cars as well? Who knows? Without a doubt nobody on this forum knows and any opinions on who the culprits are is based purely on speculation.
On the occasion that I served as a Ditch Pig, I recall hauling the litter out of a literal ditch, including a large tin containing the remnants of some oily substance, clearly for local use by a farmer and not carried there by a pilgrim. When we got to the edge of a nearby town, we saw local people sitting on a bench in the sun. I had to resist the temptation to collect the litter located under that bench: food and beverage waste which might have been left there by pilgrims, but was just as likely the detritus of some of the local people who occupied the bench. It is necessary to clean up after pilgrims, because there are so many of us and some do not seem to know any better. But I cannot say for certain that their habits are any worse than those of the local people.
 
Of course not, and my whole opinion on this matter did not involve non-organic materials. I specifically brought up the reluctance/refusal for the average pilgrim (or person for that matter) to retrieve and transport on their person human waste in a baggie (I'm including the waste soiled toilet paper). Not the picking up and removing what is commonly known as litter (bottles, cans, wrappers, paper etc).
Like I mentioned earlier, I've never done number two in the field while walking the Camino, but like everyone else I have seen refuse and what not on the ground while walking. I have also never actually witnessed a pilgrim littering. Obviously somebody is, but is the blame to be shared with locals on strolls or throwing stuff out of passing cars as well? Who knows? Without a doubt nobody on this forum knows and any opinions on who the culprits are is based purely on speculation.
Thank you for that clarification.
I have deliberately kept away from "everyday" littering and focussed on the bi-products of a natural bodily function and personal hygiene.
Of this I am sure that the "culprits" who leave this trace for all to see and enjoy is not a matter of speculation and, although it comes with no identifier or person of origin, I am sure that any fair minded person knows who has left it....and it isn't a local.
The original poster (quite rightly imo) started their post with the example of wet wipes. The timescale for these items to degrade is about as long as the half life of a Uranium atom.
Apart from discussing this subject on an all too regular basis it does need a change of culture and solutions found that instead of the majority not doing something then people do. That change worked and is working with smoking. That comes with positive action.
It takes time.
 
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When we got to the edge of a nearby town, we saw local people sitting on a bench in the sun. I had to resist the temptation to collect the litter located under that bench: food and beverage waste which might have been left there by pilgrims, but was just as likely the detritus of some of the local people who occupied the bench
This is reminding me of certain cafes/bars along the Way where it was apparently custom to throw the little napkins used from the tables on to the floor. It was odd for me to see such a mess, and I assumed mostly from locals doing it out of custom/culture. It is most likely cleaned up at the end of each day.
 
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Perhaps the Pilgrins Office could hand out plastic bags with instructions on the disposal of toilet paper, wet wipes etc. Would cost less than the people employed to clean up. Might work, might not.

In the far-off past, the Canadian Company of Pilgrims and the South African Confraternity distributed plastic bags with their credentials, but the Galician government asked them to no longer do so, as they were trying to limit the number of plastic bags entering the province.
 
This is reminding me of certain cafes/bars along the Way where it was apparently custom to throw the little napkins used from the tables on to the floor. It was odd for me to see such a mess, and I assumed mostly from locals doing it out of custom/culture. It is most likely cleaned up at the end of each day.
The convention was that the floor got swept ( and saw dusted / sanded) regularly throughout the day. Even the bars that provided little trash cans would empty them onto the floor and then sweep up.
Bins get sticky and smelly very quickly. Floors are easy to disinfect
 
The convention was that the floor got swept ( and saw dusted / sanded) regularly throughout the day. Even the bars that provided little trash cans would empty them onto the floor and then sweep up.
Bins get sticky and smelly very quickly. Floors are easy to disinfect
A very interesting tidbit of information, @Tincatinker.
In the US we once had a restaurant chain with a Western cowboy theme. Along with your drinks at the bar you were given complimentary peanuts in the shell. The custom was to throw all the empty shells on the floor...in an odd way it was fun to do; part of its appeal and charm.
 
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Today I was walking an otherwise pristine path near - but not on - the Camino Invierno. I suddenly came upon this (there was more than the photo shows).
20220520_102418.jpg
A few minutes later I saw the explanation. There was a roadside information panel, and the start of a non-pilgrim path. In this photo, looking back, you can see that people stopped there, had to "go", and went just around the curve, out of sight from the road. Not many pilgrims here so no need to scold them specifically.
20220520_102728.jpg
 
I arrived in Ramallosa today
I’m staying at Pizo Pias beautiful right on the Camino

Even if u are not staying here if you stop in they will give u a stamp and they have the lovely trash bags you can connect to your backpack

There r places on the Camino where you can dump your trash and get a stamp
Every three stamps they plant a tree

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Or

 
In England it's common to see cheap plastic bags of dog poo hanging from branches of hedges. It'd be better if people just threw it into a ditch or something, the bag's going to take years to decompose but animal poo always decomposes quickly, it just needs to be out of the way. On holiday wild camping in Scotland I use a trowel and as long as you're several metres from a watercourse it's fine.
Offerings for the "Poo Fairy" I'm told.
 
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This is my third day walking the Camino and I can not believe the amount of wet wipes, tissue even panti liners and a pair of pants just discarded on the trail.
You call yourself Pilgrims and you leave your crap for someone else to clear up after you in this beautiful country side we have the privilege to walk, if you are one of the people who has totally no respect I ask would you drop it in your own garden, kitchen, bathroom.
You are probably have far to many pockets in your hiking pants so put a zip lock food bag in one of those pocket and put your wipes etc in the zip lock instead of leaving them on the trail.
Or take this tip in a former life when I was on special oops we left nothing behind you would ask you mate to hold a plastic bag for you to crap in then tie it up and in to your Bergen it would go or if working alone you would use clingfilm then wrap it up and into your Bergen.

Take note I maybe walking behind you at the moment and if I catch you leaving wipes etc behind YOU will be doing more than just picking it, I will walk with you and you WILL pick every piece of rubbish up!

I am sorry if this has upset anyone but it is disgusting they SOME people behave and have no respect
Welcome to the Forum and to the realities of everyday life along the Camino.

Twenty years ago somebody I was walking on the CF with said that a seeing eye dog could find its way from SJPP to SdC on its own simply by sniffing the ammonia trail. Plus ça change as they say.

Whilst I agree with your sentiments, bully boy tactics and aggressive behaviour towards other pilgrims is not the answer no matter what they taught you on "special oops".

Leading by example and expressing disapproval might be a better stratagem?
 
Welcome to the Forum and to the realities of everyday life along the Camino.

Twenty years ago somebody I was walking on the CF with said that a seeing eye dog could find its way from SJPP to SdC on its own simply by sniffing the ammonia trail. Plus ça change as they say.

Whilst I agree with your sentiments, bully boy tactics and aggressive behaviour towards other pilgrims is not the answer no matter what they taught you on "special oops".

Leading by example and expressing disapproval might be a better stratagem?
What???..no torture with the soft cushion from the Spanish Inquisition?

 
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Unfortunately it also impacts on the people who live there.
Why aren’t local authorities organising cleaning crews & anti-fouling initiatives? The money generated by pilgrims is mot insignificant. Why should the people who live/work on the routes endure the filth of inconsiderate visitors & ineffective local councils?
 
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Like you @Mark H , my wife Pat was shocked when she first walked a Camino.
How can people be so disgusting?

I didn't mean to make light of the matter, by saying you are 'preaching to the choir' here.
But I get a sense that most forum members are decent people.
I am shocked that she was shocked. Has she actually lived most of her life in a place where there are no sleaze balls? Does such a place even exist?

Most humans everywhere are decent people. But most is not all. I've been in thirty countries, and have never seen a place without litterbugs. Yeah, it irritates me, too, but it will probably never change.
 
We need to be the change we want to see.
We already are. Who knows who's doing this but no-one here is likely a culprit, and plenty of us actively pick up trash when on a camino. Not to mention organizing and volunteering for extended clean-ups.
 
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I am shocked that she was shocked. Has she actually lived most of her life in a place where there are no sleaze balls? Does such a place even exist?

Most humans everywhere are decent people. But most is not all. I've been in thirty countries, and have never seen a place without litterbugs. Yeah, it irritates me, too, but it will probably never change.

Yes she has travelled. I think we have visited 42 countries to date.

And Yes we have seen dirty, filthy places before. And were not shocked, because they were very poor countries/communities without adequate facilities.

What is shocking on the Camino, is that this is in a first World country, with adequate facilities along the way (at least not far to the next bar/cafe), and the refuse is left behind by 'so called' civilised people.

What we see on the Camino, in regard to this mess, is people with no respect for other people. Which is sad.

Of course there are also litterbugs everywhere as you say..........
 
What we see on the Camino, in regard to this mess, is people with no respect for other people. Which is sad.
This is what's most surprising, given that we're all pilgrims out there.

But it may also be the delusion that says "If I do this, it's not that big of an impact" - not thinking of the 200,000 other people out there over the course of a year, some of whom will be thinking the same thing. Given the numbers of people walking the camino, it only takes a fraction of that to make a big mess.
 
This is what's most surprising, given that we're all pilgrims out there.

But it may also be the delusion that says "If I do this, it's not that big of an impact" - not thinking of the 200,000 other people out there over the course of a year, some of whom will be thinking the same thing. Given the numbers of people walking the camino, it only takes a fraction of that to make a big mess.

I'm sure you're right.

Ooops. I'm not sure if I can hold out till the next village.
I'll nip behind that tree, just this once, or it's just one tiny piece of tissue,


And what if 300,000 people a year do that?

But I suspect it's the minority of Pilgrims, who just do it all the time, without thinking, or caring :(

There is probably an element too, of:

Look at this pile of tissues. It's obviously accepted and just what people do out here!

...........
 
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Why aren’t local authorities organising cleaning crews & anti-fouling initiatives? The money generated by pilgrims is mot insignificant. Why should the people who live/work on the routes endure the filth of inconsiderate visitors & ineffective local councils?
Ha ha ha, or 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. The money generated by Pilgrims bunging €10 for a bed and hot shower and €12 for a three course meal. Well, that’s going to swell the local coffers something spectacular. Though I guess after costs the actual leftovers for taxing may not be as plump as a desert fox.
And which authority? The Camino is anarchic. There is no one in charge. There are no rulers, there are no rules- except the ones chosen and followed by the community- there is a reasonable ( though frequently disappointed) expectation that a Pilgrim to the shrine of Santiago will conduct themselves as a Pilgrim.
There is a reasonable expectation that the Pilgrim community as a whole will conduct itself in a reasonable manner. So: some of us pick up other peoples’ shit, and some expect someone else to do it for them.
 
I am going to walk the Le Puy route this fall. One aspect of this route which I am looking forward to is the presence of public toilets along the route. I know that this is a French custom and much rarer in Spain. But I regret the absence of these facilities along the Spanish caminos. Who sets them up and pays for them in France?
 
Ha ha ha, or 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. The money generated by Pilgrims bunging €10 for a bed and hot shower and €12 for a three course meal. Well, that’s going to swell the local coffers something spectacular. Though I guess after costs the actual leftovers for taxing may not be as plump as a desert fox.
And which authority? The Camino is anarchic. There is no one in charge. There are no rulers, there are no rules- except the ones chosen and followed by the community- there is a reasonable ( though frequently disappointed) expectation that a Pilgrim to the shrine of Santiago will conduct themselves as a Pilgrim.
There is a reasonable expectation that the Pilgrim community as a whole will conduct itself in a reasonable manner. So: some of us pick up other peoples’ shit, and some expect someone else to do it for them
I’m very disappointed at the tone of your response to my legitimate post. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but to belittle a fellow poster on an open forum verges on bullying and is, in my opinion, unacceptable. I would expect that a Moderator would treat all posters with dignity & respect.
 
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I’m very disappointed at the tone of your response to my legitimate post. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but to belittle a fellow poster on an open forum verges on bullying and is, in my opinion, unacceptable. I would expect that a Moderator would treat all posters with dignity & respect.
I'm sorry that I have offended you. You are correct; I should treat the innocent with kindness and not appear to mock. The fact remains that the pilgrim community makes only a tiny contribution to the economy of Spain though there is some benefit to the dedicated family businesses in the little Pueblos along the way. And like the endless debates about the supply of public toilet facilities, better mattresses and warmer showers your €30-50 a day isn't going to pay for them.

I believe that it is vital that prospective pilgrims understand that they are not very important. They will meet with welcome, encouragement and kindness every inch of the way but they will not find a landscape or an environment designed for their needs. All that there is is what there is.

I truly wish you Buen Camino
 
I'm sorry that I have offended you. You are correct; I should treat the innocent with kindness and not appear to mock. The fact remains that the pilgrim community makes only a tiny contribution to the economy of Spain though there is some benefit to the dedicated family businesses in the little Pueblos along the way. And like the endless debates about the supply of public toilet facilities, better mattresses and warmer showers your €30-50 a day isn't going to pay for them.

I believe that it is vital that prospective pilgrims understand that they are not very important. They will meet with welcome, encouragement and kindness every inch of the way but they will not find a landscape or an environment designed for their needs. All that there is is what there is.

I truly wish you Buen Camino
Thank you
 

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