first aid on Camino Sept to Oct

[David]

Hi all, I have been delayed by a family situation but am now leaving for the Camino on Thursday, hope to be at St Jean by the weekend and visiting Roncesvalles by Sunday or Monday afternoon, then moving downstream.

For those who don't know, I offer first aid to pilgrims. I will be moving around quite a bit, mainly the area around Los Arcos and Puente la Reina and then the Meseta, where I will be based at Castrojeriz, so the 'first half' really, no further westwards. I take a car and caravan, basing them on a campsite and then use my bicycle to cover some Camino miles each day.

Look out for me dressed in brown and with a large green first aid kit - please do say hello if you see me.!!! Though, saying that ...... if Scotland vote YES I may be wearing my Kilt! (Clan Horsburgh tartan).

I will check my forum messages each evening so should you be in dire need leave a message (with a phone number or phone number of the refuge you are in) and I will try to help. This isn't for ordinary first aid of course but if something has happened and you are really stuck, or need to get to an airport, boots stolen and miles from a town - that sort of thing - if it isn't too far and I can help I will help.

(Not that that is going to happen, you will all have wonderful autumnal Caminos!!!).

Buen Camino!

p.s. look after your feet!!!!

 

[dougfitz]

@David, it is good to see you back assisting pilgrims with initial medical care. I am torn between hoping that you have nothing to do (unlikely?) and the alternative that your support helps the many pilgrims that might be in need.

 

[wayfarer]

Good on you David, you are indeed a Bon Homme.

 

[GettingThere]

This is a wonderful thing you are doing, David. Any pilgrims in need who find you along the way will be fortunate indeed.

 

[JennyH94]

Hi David -

I add my very best wishes for a wonderful First Aid Camino. Lucky are those pilgrims in need of first aid or help who meet you. They'll receive guaranteed first-class treatment, care and conversation.

All Forum members on the Camino at the moment - look out for "our" David!

Buen First Aid Camino -

Cheers - Jenny

 

[hunsta]

Good on you David. I too will wear the family tartan for the yes vote. Buchan( clan Comyn)

 

[Kanga]

Oh dear - will a "yes" vote is Scotland mean hoards of hairy legs in skirts? I'm not sure my sensibilities can cope!

David, great work you are doing, a kilt might just frighten those blisters into submission. Hope the weather is kind.

 

[Dennis D]

David you are one special guy. a real gift for the Camino.

 

[David]

Woman "tell me, is anything worn under the kilt?" Man in kilt "no madam, it is all in perfect working order"

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola David - so glad to see that Vote or No vote you are still doing your St James imitations. Whether you have lots of customers or note is not really important (imho) - hopefully all pilgrims will stop and spend a few minutes or more discussing the news of the day. We here in Oz will look on with interest to the news from Scotland on Friday.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Woman "tell me, is anything worn under the kilt?" Man in kilt "no madam, it is all in perfect working order"

an oldie but a goodie - just don't go giving us any "selfies" of this functioning equipment!!!

 

[JennyH94]

an oldie but a goodie - just don't go giving us any "selfies" of this functioning equipment!!!

Don't worry Mike - this is exactly why we have the Mods! Greetings Wayfarer and Arn!!!

 

[pilgrim b]

I could always, no maybe not !!!!! So pleased you can help other pilgrims David in a kilt or not.

Buen camino David

 

[Tia Valeria]

Have a blessed time David, and not too many pilgrims in distress. It is a great service that you are offering.

 

[JoeNYC]

God bless you David for the work that you do.

I'll definitely be on the lookout for you!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Woman "tell me, is anything worn under the kilt?" Man in kilt "no madam, it is all in perfect working order"

Hola David - Well as you and our friends "north of border" now know it was a NAE (NO) to dissolve the Union with the Sassenachs (English to the rest of us). Maybe it will have be a wee toast to common sense with that 18 year old single malt I picked up in Dubai last time. God Save the Queen!!!

 

[JennyH94]

Och! David and Hunsta -
It was a sair peety that the YES Vote daednae win ... Dinnae be dowie ... wear those kilts anyway!

 

[David]

So no kilt wearing then - I found that I was both saddened and relieved, a strange mix ... I do like the UK!

So - first aid on a bit of a back burner now as I have broken down south of Bordeaux. Had just pulled in to a service station and engine wouldn't start again. Looks like the electronic engine management system. Guy that runs the breakdown garage had a good look before he went off again for the tow truck - he can't fix it and Rover electronics boffins are a bit thin on the ground here (can you imagine a French person buying a Rover? exactly).

So now I m off the motorway I am about to call my recovery people in the uk and take it from there - not many people get to holiday in France at the back of a garage!!

Funnily enough I am actually on a Camino! Route de Compostelle, Lavignolle, which is the Tours route but no pilgrims of course - just me!

 

[SooYunKim]

Hello, David.
This is such a great news.
But I really wish I would not need to use that first aid kit.
Still if I see you, I'll say hello to you.
You are an angel, for sure.

 

[dougfitz]

@David, sorry to hear that you are being delayed with car problems. I hope that you are not held up for too long.

 

[JennyH94]

Hi David -
I second Doug's sentiments above. Every best wish for a financially satisfactory and timely solution to your car problems.
If you see any waymarkers in or around the village, please take a photo and share it with us - it would be fantastic to see a photo "Live" from Lavignolle.
Cheers - Jenny

 

[alexwalker]

I sincerely hope you'll get your car fixed, David - "May the car be with you".

Your first aid idea is a brilliant one, IMHO: Next time I will take more stuff with me to help firsttime pilgrims, mainly with feet problems. I've had to do it before, but then had to rely on only my personal supplies. Will bring more next time.

And how strange: Many times, I have observed that the young ones, and the strong ones, are often the people who end up with feet problems, overestimating their capabilities, while the lazy old ones (yes, you and me ) just stroll along with minor problems.

Advice: Listen to your feet and body, and stop for rest/sleep when your body tells you to.

All the best, Camino brother,

 

[David]

all good stuff! Thank you. Have been told 3,000 Euros to repair it - I laughed so much .. simply absurd - so am going home, no choice - but all is well!
Scrapping car tomorrow, repatriating the caravan to my house and taking the train home - insurers wanted to fly me home - more laughter ... they fall out of the sky you know ... looking forward to the train journey .... sorry no first aiding - what can you do ...

 

[Tia Valeria]

David, this is very sad, but there must be some purpose as yet unknown. Hopefully you will find a reliable car soon and be able to 'first aid' again in the future. Have a safe journey.

 

[Icacos]

So very sorry to hear this, David. I do believe that everything happens for the best, but it is times such as this that I find my belief system very much tested. Bless you for your good intentions.

 

[wayfarer]

Sorry to hear this David, next time God willing.

 

[bystander]

I am sorry to read of your travails - so cruel when your intentions were so generous.

 

[pilgrim b]

So disappointed for you David I know how much you cared about your work on the camino. Take care and get home safely .

 

[David]

Thank you for your kindness, but, truth to tell, I find myself laughing - it is just the universe presenting itself, the absurd universe presenting itself

Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2 - "for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so".

I will return in the spring, perhaps - who knows ...

All is well, all is always well

Buen Camino!

 

[JennyH94]

Aah David - talk about 'expect the unexpected'!!!

So many of our Forum members have had their Caminos interrupted this year - you join a very special group of people. For all those members, may 2015 see all of your plans come to fruition.

Great to hear that All Is Well, All Is Always Well -

Very best wishes for a safe journey back home -

Cheers - Jenny

 

[Dennis D]

David -I am sorry sorry to hear the news. I wish you safe travels back to your home and a Buen Camino next spring.

 

[JohnMcM]

all good stuff! Thank you. Have been told 3,000 Euros to repair it - I laughed so much .. simply absurd - so am going home, no choice - but all is well!
Scrapping car tomorrow, repatriating the caravan to my house and taking the train home - insurers wanted to fly me home - more laughter ... they fall out of the sky you know ... looking forward to the train journey .... sorry no first aiding - what can you do ...

Hi David,
Let me know if you need any help with transport home when you reach this side of the water.
Best
John

 

[Al the optimist]

Sorry about your having to return in such a way. As Valerie said maybe he has an ulterior motive. Maybe it is to replace the car with an ambulance!