• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Advanced search…

Search results for query: *

  1. Bradypus

    Where do ( did ) you walk locally in 2024?

    On the way back from the pub. Foxglove. Digitalis purpurea. I saw a lot of it on the Camino Portugues recently. A welcome link with home. A staple of Golden Age detective crime stories though I think Dame Agatha exaggerated its toxic properties a little. :)
  2. Bradypus

    Where do ( did ) you walk locally in 2024?

    Back in Wales after walks on the Portugues and the Ingles. Came across a guelder rose bush in full bloom by the cycle path. Viburnum opulus. Or if you are Russian - Kalinka. Couldn't get the tune out of my head the rest of the way to the pub... :cool:
  3. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    Time to look for a better informed doctor! :rolleyes: There are 5 venomous snake species in Spain but two - the Montpellier snake and the false smooth snake - are only mildly venomous and of no danger to humans because the placement of the fangs at the back of the mouth makes it extremely...
  4. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    If people are sensible and watch these fascinating creatures at a respectful distance then with luck we can keep the word for very special occasions.... :cool:
  5. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    Ladder snake. Beautiful example! When they are young they have a very distinctive "ladder" pattern on their back but with age the "rungs" of the ladder fade leaving the long dark lines along the body. Another non-venomous snake which can grow to a fairly impressive size...
  6. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    Despite keeping my eyes open and looking in likely spots I have spotted very few snakes when in Spain. The species I would really like to see is the Montpellier snake which has the marvellous Spanish name culebra bastarda. They can grow to a very impressive size and can apparently be very...
  7. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    I think you must have had both adders and grass snakes around. Their territories often overlap. Adders do not lay their eggs - the females retain them internally and they then give birth to live fully-formed young. Grass snakes do lay their eggs in places like compost or manure heaps to use the...
  8. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    Vipera berus is not found in Spain but there are three very similar Vipera species which are: V. latastei, V. seoanei, and V. aspis. I am fairly confident that the snake in the original post is none of those.
  9. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    On a very cold wet day on the Via de la Plata I came across a small Viperine Snake (Natrix maura) coiled up in the middle of the path. A lucky sighting as it was very well camouflaged. I watched it closely for a minute or so and saw no movement. Eventually I tapped it very gently with my pole...
  10. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    A mutual friend in Sydney told me I wouldn't see any snakes as it was the middle of winter. Less than a week later I sent her this photo taken on a bush path in Queensland. The name "Death Adder" was enough of a hint not to be a Josh... :cool:
  11. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    A few years ago I saw this post on Facebook. It has given me a personal mantra: "Don't be a Josh!"
  12. Bradypus

    Snake identification

    I think it is a horseshoe whip snake. Non-venomous. Must be right at the northern edge of its range. A great sighting - I'm very jealous! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_whip_snake
  13. Bradypus

    Your most valuable stamp

    I found my 1990 credencial last year when putting most of my stuff into long term storage. Thought it had been lost years before. I particularly liked the sello I received from the famous Bar Chonina in Rabanal on that first Camino and I stole part of it to use as my Facebook avatar.
  14. Bradypus

    Where do ( did ) you walk locally in 2024?

    On my way home after walking the Portugues and Ingles. Stayed for the night with family in London. On my way from Tooting to Brixton and passing the church where I was married on St James's day nearly 37 years ago. Saw a yellow arrow on the pavement outside. Must be the Camino de St Reatham...
  15. Bradypus

    Memory lane

    I walked my first Camino from SJPDP to Santiago with no electronics. A couple of landline phone calls home. But these days I carry a mobile phone and I am grateful for it. A very useful tool in many ways. My first day was long and hot and hard - SJPDP to Roncesvalles in August. Before Orisson...
  16. Bradypus

    Walked into Santiago this morning.

    I also walked into Santiago today for the second time this week - after walking the Portugues from Valença and then the Inglés from A Coruña. Had the pleasure of a chat with @ivar on Monday and meeting Faith of @natefaith for the first time today. Then lunch with two old friends. One of the...
  17. Bradypus

    The Pilgrim’s Guide to Etiquette

    There seems to be quite a few! :cool:
  18. Bradypus

    The Pilgrim’s Guide to Etiquette

    . .
  19. Bradypus

    The Pilgrim’s Guide to Etiquette

    In most situations I have found that Spanish people equate "britanico" and "Ingles". As a Scot I am very happy to be considered "Britanico" but object very strongly to being called "Ingles". A brief mention of "Escocia" or 'Escoces" usually makes the situation clear. It has even produced a free...
  20. Bradypus

    The Pilgrim’s Guide to Etiquette

    During my first two Caminos in 1990 and 2002 there were stories of hospitaleros doing exactly that for people whose behaviour was deemed unacceptable. Simply tearing up their Credencials. Though it may be entirely mythical.

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Latest posts

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top