Hello Everyone,

[Jayholdman]

Thanks for the valuable information each of you have contributed to this forum. Because of your generosity I feel very comfortable with my preparation for my first Camino. I start May 15 from SJPdP after spending a few days in Ireland having left Boston on the 9th. I do have two topics i'm hoping to get a little more information on; other than where marked, is there a need to treat water on the CF? Second, I have read comments about 'not putting your bag on the floor in albergues' what is the thinking behind that and how should I handle my backpack in the albergues? Do I carry a large plastic bag to put it in? Thanks again,

 

[freeflyer123]

Hi Jayholdman. Both excellent questions. I have never had any problems with drinking water in Spain, and I don't think you will either. You could always buy bottled water but I've never felt the need. I have been going to France, Italy and Spain (mostly France) for at least thirty years now and never had a tummy upset due to water. But if you are really concerned, I'm sure most pharmaceutical stores will sell tablets for treating water.

I would say, don't take any water from running streams. My husband did that once, and had a tummy upset the following day - which was almost certainly down to the water from the stream. I had some tablets for that and it soon cleared up. Having said that, if there is a sign saying "pottable water", I believe that is safe to drink.

Your second question. Although most of the albergues are treated for bed bugs, the reason you are advised to keep your backpack off the floor is to that no nasty creepy crawlies might make their way into it. If you have to, placing it in a plastic bag would be an excellent solution. The last thing you want is to be plaqued by bed bugs. We rode the Camino de Santiago in 2013 and never came across any. Perhaps we were just lucky, or perhaps it was because the albergues seemed to be taking care and making sure there wasn't an infestation.

Most of all, go, have a phenomenal time, and you will never regret the decision to do it. Buen Camino.

 

[Jayholdman]

Thank you.

 

[lizlane]

Since you're doing the French Route, water purification tablets are not needed. The meseta is the only stretch where you have to consider your water because the stages are longer and there is less infrastructure from the small villages.

A simple S hook or clamps you might use to attach gear to a backpack is what I'm taking to keep my pack not on the floor. I'm also taking a short bungee cord and some string just to be safe so I can make my own makeshift laundry line when needed.

There is alot of information here. I'm sure if you search bed bugs or water you will find many old threads on many given topics. Much of the information is the same. Same with boots, backpacks, etc. You are welcome to post topics that are specific to your questions. People are kind they will take time to answer your questions but me, personally, I search first for specific threads and then read.

 

[Jayholdman]

Thank you,