Finding water and sweat questions

WalkingInGers

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Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Baztan and Frances 04/24

• Feb 9, 2023

• #1

I started hiking in what is now called OCCITANIA, I have noticed a lack of fountains, of public water facilities. I have asked locals why in many villages there are no fountains like you find in the southeastern and eastern parts of France, in other countries. Some people have said that they thought that the authorities closed them years ago due to the costs of maintenance. That seems like a strange answer. Having looked up that question on the Internet, still did not find the answer.

So besides going into a convenience store or a supermarket in France, where can you find drinkable water to fill your gourd (water bottle)
You may not like the answer....the local cemeteries all have running water! Incredible?

Since I am on the subject of water, and do not want to take up more space, how do you manage SWEAT?

Thanks for your answers.

 

Vacajoe

Traded in my work boots for hiking ones

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances, Portuguese, Aragon, Norte, SJWayUK, Nive

• Feb 9, 2023

• #2

The largest maintenance cost is likely routine testing to ensure that the water is still potable. Sadly, many villages find it easier and cheaper to simply turn off spigots and fountains rather than footing that cost. While walking across Normandy to Mont Saint Michele, finding water was extremely challenging - even the cemetery taps had been removed as cement and gravel replaced the traditional lawns.

 

P

Perambulating Griffin

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2022

• Feb 9, 2023

• #3

I think the cost of maintaining is shorthand for “liability is too great if we promise that we can care for the springs/fountains”.
There is a spring near to where I live and locals have been using it for over 50 years to acquire drinking water (as many still draw their water from lakes and rivers). The municipality did not cap it after the Walkerton disaster (google Walkerton Municipal Water Disaster) although some thought they ought to. But there is a sign that says “this water is not tested and is not guaranteed to be safe”. Locals still use it. I now run it through UV filters just to be extra careful.
But at a guess, I think nobody where you are noting the issue wants the problem on their conscience and so they’ve opted to close the fountains rather than post warnings.
So: bars/cafes, grocery stores… or: cemeteries, streams and a portable filter UV system. But then you have some extra weight to consider:

Here’s a filter I use on domestic hikes: https://www.rei.com/product/100537/katadyn-befree-06-l-water-filter-bottle-20-fl-oz

And here is a nice, portable UV bottle: https://www.amazon.ca/UVBrite-Self-...ess-Steel/dp/B092RGSM7B/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

Used in combination, you’d get pretty good coverage.

 

WalkingInGers

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Baztan and Frances 04/24

• Feb 9, 2023

• #4

I didn’t realise that the problem existed also in Normandy/Brittany.

 

WalkingInGers

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Baztan and Frances 04/24

• Feb 9, 2023

• #5

Thanks for the link on Amazon.

Perambulating Griffin said:

I think the cost of maintaining is shorthand for “liability is too great if we promise that we can care for the springs/fountains”.
There is a spring near to where I live and locals have been using it for over 50 years to acquire drinking water (as many still draw their water from lakes and rivers). The municipality did not cap it after the Walkerton disaster (google Walkerton Municipal Water Disaster) although some thought they ought to. But there is a sign that says “this water is not tested and is not guaranteed to be safe”. Locals still use it. I now run it through UV filters just to be extra careful.
But at a guess, I think nobody where you are noting the issue wants the problem on their conscience and so they’ve opted to close the fountains rather than post warnings.
So: bars/cafes, grocery stores… or: cemeteries, streams and a portable filter UV system. But then you have some extra weight to consider:

Here’s a filter I use on domestic hikes: https://www.rei.com/product/100537/katadyn-befree-06-l-water-filter-bottle-20-fl-oz

And here is a nice, portable UV bottle: https://www.amazon.ca/UVBrite-Self-...ess-Steel/dp/B092RGSM7B/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

Used in combination, you’d get pretty good coverage.

Click to expand...

 

P

Perambulating Griffin

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2022

• Feb 9, 2023

• #6

FireDragon said:

Thanks for the link on Amazon.

Click to expand...

You might find the Katadyn filter system there too. I get them at MEC or Canadian Tire when I need new filters for bottle. My filter size cleans 1000 litres before it needs to be replaced.

 

WalkingInGers

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Baztan and Frances 04/24

• Feb 9, 2023

• #7

Now other question….how do you handle sweat in a cold environment?

 

K_Lynn

Buen Camino!

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances 2021, Ingles 2023

• Feb 9, 2023

• #8

FireDragon said:

Now other question….how do you handle sweat in a cold environment?

Click to expand...

Appropriate wicking fabrics and layers. Merino is great as it will keep you warmer than synthetics and does not tend to get stinky and is pretty light weight. Start the morning with the layers you need, walk until slightly warm, start removing extra layers. I don't like being cold and would layer up, leggings with hiking pants overtop (I had to buy the pants on Camino because I was too cold in September in mornings and afternoons/evenings) a tank, tshirt, long sleeve shirt and a jacket, and would stop and remove a layer as I warmed up. Some jackets have venting and that will help to keep you cooler/more comfortable while walking.

 

C clearly

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Most years since 2012

• Feb 9, 2023

• #9

FireDragon said:

how do you handle sweat in a cold environment?

Click to expand...

Obviously, individual bodies behave differently. But if sweating is a problem, you should take care to remove layers (as @K_Lynn suggests above ) before you start sweating. That may take some trial and error, but it emphasizes how important those light layers are - much more versatile than a single heavy layer.

Items such as buff, hat, and gloves can be very convenient - they provide considerable comfort when you are just warming up for the day, or if you encounter a chilly period, but they can be doffed and donned without breaking stride and whenever you want a slight adjustment in temperature - for example when you are going up a hill. I practice this at home every day - adjusting my hat, hood, gloves and buff as I walk along, but almost always wearing the same layers of clothes.

 

HeidiL

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Time of past OR future Camino

Francés2004, Portugués,Madrid,Plata, hospi Grado

• Feb 10, 2023

• #10

I walk more slowly, so I sweat less - and save the fast walking to the last stretch before I get to my daily shower.