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What a good point! I start next week and will do as you say, thxMany pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
No, no, no! Pack out all toilet paper. The path is often rock hard, animals find disturbed earth and dig, the wind blows away topsoil... All toilet paper is "biodegradable" because it is wood based, but it takes about 3 years to decompose.Many pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
Wow thx again too, even better advice!!No, no, no! Pack out all toilet paper. The path is often rock hard, animals find disturbed earth and dig, the wind blows away topsoil... All toilet paper is "biodegradable" because it is wood based, but it takes about 3 years to decompose.
In a normal (non Covid) year 350,000 people walk the Camino Francés. Can you envisage how much toilet paper would be left behind if everyone did this? It is already a nightmare and in some spots there is no need for yellow arrows - just follow the toilet paper trail!
If you are a woman, choose one of these alternatives:
1. A small washable "pee" rag or child's handkerchief that you can rinse out and dry overnight (and a small plastic zip lock bag in which to carry it).
2. A panty liner you can change when you get to a cafe.
3. The new padded underpants made for menstruation are excellent for catching any small drips.
4. A FUD (female urinary device). I can recommend the Pibella, a clever bit of Swiss engineering.
I find it hard to believe any hospitalero would suggest leaving toilet paper behind. Bury poo if you get caught short, but carry out the toilet paper. Always carry a small ziplock plastic bag for your waste. Empty and rinse. There are big garbage bins in every town and village.
And yes - use the toilets in the local cafes - never miss an opportunity! It is what the locals do. But remember it costs money to keep them clean and supply toilet paper, soap etc - so always buy something or make a small monetary donation.
Thank you!No, no, no! Pack out all toilet paper. The path is often rock hard, animals find disturbed earth and dig, the wind blows away topsoil... All toilet paper is "biodegradable" because it is wood based, but it takes about 3 years to decompose.
Watch diet and coffee intake! both will encourage the "load" you are going to discharge! Fast and repentMany pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
Excellent advice! ¡Excelente consejo!Many pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
I brought a https://www.shewee.ca/ device with me last year along with a tissues and a ziplock bag and thankfully did not need to relieve myself between stops.Many pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
This is not as universally predictable as some forum "regulars" suggest.Watch diet and coffee intake! both will encourage the "load" you are going to discharge! Fast and repent
If you don't have biodegradable paper, the next best thing are baby wipes and you can put them in a plastic baggie to cart off. I eat outside alot and they are great for yourself up. Put those in a separate baggie and those you can wash out and reuse over and over.Many pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
This method has always worked for me. I'm always baffled by someone who heeds the call of nature while on the Camino when they haven't gotten more than 250 meters out of town.Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
Almost any paper is more biodegradable than baby wipes. Even a page out of your BrierleyIf you don't have biodegradable paper, the next best thing are baby wipes
Thanks for the question. It’s a good one.I'm also a fan of giving business to cafes and carrying bags to carry used TP. So I apologize for an honest but gross question. Is it really recommended practice to use bags for solid waste and then leave them in municipal bins or dumpsters? Would you have to use a special type of plastic or additive to do that safely? I'm sure I'm missing something important, but it sounds like a potential biohazard...
Just remember to pack your peas out.I have bought biodegradable baby wipes when I was in the States. Now the only thing degradable is what is on them haha. But they work great for a delicate derriere like mine. Just call me the Princess and the Pea!
Contact @Rebekah Scott by PM and offer to join her annual "Ditch Pigs" cleanup, mentioned by @TincatinkerI am willing and want clean up the toilet waste, left behind by previous walkers, along the way and leave the place in a better state. Any advice on how to do that ? Anyone has done that ?
I agree with those who say this isn't a great project to combine with your Camino. You can, however, easily carry a bag to collect some of the less biodegradeable waste - bottles, cans, paper/ plastic wrappers. There is enough of that to keep you busy!I am willing and want clean up the toilet waste, left behind by previous walkers, along the way and leave the place in a better state. Any advice on how to do that ? Anyone has done that ?
Hear, hear!A little bit of tinkle behind an appreciative tree will do little harm and maybe some good. Bagging out your tissues is a given, as it is for those whose nose runs better than their feet in those early hours of the day.
Bagging out those more solid deposits has been standard practice among military forward reconnaissance; protected natural reserve wardens; backpackers worth their salt and 99% of dog walkers in my home town. It’s not as if it’s difficult.
I would assume, though perhaps erroneously, that if you are grown up enough to leave your parental home, raise children or rabbits, surf the internet or even catch an airplane - that you are perfectly capable of picking up your shit and dealing with it responsibly.
If not, perhaps you should phone your parents and let them know you’re coming
Exactly! If you pay attention and set the time the inflow, you'll set the pace for the outflowWatch diet and coffee intake! both will encourage the "load" you are going to discharge! Fast and repent
Samarkand.
Tell that to millions of mothers who dispose baby diapers in those bins -- or senior homes who dispose adult diapers, for that matter. You can buy adult disposable diaper bags on Amazon if you need them.I'm also a fan of giving business to cafes and carrying bags to carry used TP. So I apologize for an honest but gross question. Is it really recommended practice to use bags for solid waste and then leave them in municipal bins or dumpsters? Would you have to use a special type of plastic or additive to do that safely? I'm sure I'm missing something important, but it sounds like a potential biohazard...
Tell that to millions of mothers who dispose baby diapers in those bins -- or senior homes who dispose adult diapers, for that matter. You can buy adult disposable diaper bags on Amazon if you need them.
But I don't think the "pooh" is as much a problem as the line of toilet paper that peeing WOMEN leave all along the path! Pick the danged stuff up and carry it out!
It's like women who squat to use the toilet and pee all over the seat.
If you're going to stand up and pee like a man, then lift the seat like a man.
Women can be so gross...
I am still smiling at the memory of telling my now middle-aged daughters this when we were travelling from Dorset to Scotland when we stopped for the first that needed to go to the toilet. I think we visited every services on the motorway from Bristol to the Scottish border, and turned a 10 hour road trip into a 14 hour horror.Just like I used to tell my kids before a road trip - it doesn't matter if you feel like you have to go - try, because this is the last stop in X distance.
I think this is a really pertinent question. Faeces are not normally handled in the same waste stream as other domestic and industrial waste - they are normally flushed into a sewerage system that results in them being treated quite differently to those other waste streams. In the places where I see dog poo bins, these are also separate from the other waste bins and I presume are collected and disposed of separately from the general waste that comes from parks and gardens. Campgrounds sometimes have separate grey water disposal from waste from chemical toilets, although I have seen the same disposal point used for both.Is it really recommended practice to use bags for solid waste and then leave them in municipal bins or dumpsters?
No, no, no! Pack out all toilet paper. The path is often rock hard, animals find disturbed earth and dig, the wind blows away topsoil... All toilet paper is "biodegradable" because it is wood based, but it takes about 3 years to decompose....
Thank you thank you thank you for all the great pointers. I did the Portuguese Coastal and found the cafes sufficient; except twice when I discovered these "makeshift" toilets.Bury poo if you get caught short, but carry out the toilet paper. Always carry a small ziplock plastic bag for your waste. Empty and rinse. There are big garbage bins in every town and village....
....And yes - use the toilets in the local cafes - never miss an opportunity! It is what the locals do. But remember it costs money to keep them clean and supply toilet paper, soap etc - so always buy something or make a small monetary donation.
I wondered who would call out the TP leavers.Tell that to millions of mothers who dispose baby diapers in those bins -- or senior homes who dispose adult diapers, for that matter. You can buy adult disposable diaper bags on Amazon if you need them.
But I don't think the "pooh" is as much a problem as the line of toilet paper that peeing WOMEN leave all along the path! Pick the danged stuff up and carry it out!
It's like women who squat to use the toilet and pee all over the seat.
If you're going to stand up and pee like a man, then lift the seat like a man.
Women can be so gross...
Never leave any paper in nature! Biodegradable or not. It just does not belong there. In particular where lots of folk travel.Many pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
Yes, carry a ‘dog poop’ bag, use it and carry it to the nearest bin!Many pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
I always do - because it's the truth.I wondered who would call out the TP leavers.
Women: Get a Kula cloth. Game changer for pee. Readily available, online, REI, etc. I used it for the Camino, hiking, backpacking, etc.Many pilgrims use corners and bushes as toilets.
In an attempt to minimize these makeshift toilets, I offer two suggestions:
1. Use the toilets and the cafés on your path, bonus deed: buy a bottle of water or a snack to help them run them (costs of paper, cleaning, offering a stamp).
2. If you must relieve yourself in the outdoors, carry biodegradable toilet paper, dig a small hole (a hostalera told me she uses her shell to dig a hole instead of carrying a shovel or tool) and burry your footprint.
People who just go and leave all "as is" are being disrespectful to themselves, nature, the farmer that has to deal with this in the property, and other pilgrims that have to smell it when they walk past, specially on hot days.
Any other ideas to deal with this issue?
Yes, eventually all Pilgrims will have to pack everything out. It’s only a matter of time.A little bit of tinkle behind an appreciative tree will do little harm and maybe some good. Bagging out your tissues is a given, as it is for those whose nose runs better than their feet in those early hours of the day.
Bagging out those more solid deposits has been standard practice among military forward reconnaissance; protected natural reserve wardens; backpackers worth their salt and 99% of dog walkers in my home town. It’s not as if it’s difficult.
I would assume, though perhaps erroneously, that if you are grown up enough to leave your parental home, raise children or rabbits, surf the internet or even catch an airplane - that you are perfectly capable of picking up your shit and dealing with it responsibly.
If not, perhaps you should phone your parents and let them know you’re coming
Then you are very lucky. The time may come, as it did with me, when you don’t have as much control over the frequency or urgency of the call of nature as you would like.This method has always worked for me. I'm always baffled by someone who heeds the call of nature while on the Camino when they haven't gotten more than 250 meters out of town.
Read @trecile ‘s comment again, slowly. She is reflecting a real world in which it seems Pilgrims will prefer to take a dump within 5 minutes hike of available facilities rather, presumably, than buy a drink or leave a €1 on the bar. The Ditch Pigs could offer you a thousand examples of beer bottles, Aquarius cans and boccadillo wraps dumped at exactly the consumption distance from the spot they were purchased. And anyway the ruck isn’t about whether you have the bladder or bowel control of an baby, an infant, a teenager or a wrinkly like me. The ruck is about what you do with the mess you just made.Then you are very lucky. The time may come, as it did with me, when you don’t have as much control over the frequency or urgency of the call of nature as you would like.
I totally understand the point of the thread and Trecile’s post. I agree with sentiments expressed. I always use bar or cafe facilities and I always purchase something. Trecile was baffled and I was just commenting, maybe my reply didn’t appear as polite as I intended. I can sometimes get one or 2 km down the road and need to go again. In fact it is a matter of some amusement with my daughter. “I need to go to the toilet.“ “Of course you do mama”Read @trecile ‘s comment again, slowly. She is reflecting a real world in which it seems Pilgrims will prefer to take a dump within 5 minutes hike of available facilities rather, presumably, than buy a drink or leave a €1 on the bar.
No offense taken. I did acknowledge with myI totally understand the point of the thread and Trecile’s post. I agree with sentiments expressed. I always use bar or cafe facilities and I always purchase something. Trecile was baffled and I was just commenting, maybe my reply didn’t appear as polite as I intended. I can sometimes get one or 2 km down the road and need to go again. In fact it is a matter of some amusement with my daughter. “I need to go to the toilet.“ “Of course you do mama”
Of course I do carry small plastic bags in case I'm caught out somewhere, but so far I haven't needed to use them.
Agree- talking to my husband sometimes I think that the "ladies" room in public places are worse than the mens' room. If you can't bear to sit on the seat at least wipe up your pee. Sorry- its a pet peeve of mine!Tell that to millions of mothers who dispose baby diapers in those bins -- or senior homes who dispose adult diapers, for that matter. You can buy adult disposable diaper bags on Amazon if you need them.
But I don't think the "pooh" is as much a problem as the line of toilet paper that peeing WOMEN leave all along the path! Pick the danged stuff up and carry it out!
It's like women who squat to use the toilet and pee all over the seat.
If you're going to stand up and pee like a man, then lift the seat like a man.
Women can be so gross...
We need to pick up our dog poo when we walk, why not our own.Packing out TP may sound gross but it's a lot easier than it seems. It's been the standard in wilderness areas in my part of the US for years now. In some areas, they even give you "blue bags" to carry out your poo because as others have said, it does biodegrade — but only over time — and attracts flies and other pests. This is second nature to me now — we carry a "privy kit" that has everything we need to leave no trace.
You can turn your plastic bag inside out to grab it if that helps. A small vial of hand sanitizer in an accessible part of your pack is your friend.
I actually just bought one of these after one of my clients carried one, and seeing how great they worked on the Camino.Women: Get a Kula cloth. Game changer for pee. Readily available, online, REI, etc. I used it for the Camino, hiking, backpacking, etc.
Honestly, there's just NO reason (except for an actual emergency) to poop on the Camino. There are PLENTY of opportunities before you leave the albergue, or in bars along the way. Train your body to go first thing in the morning, then stand in line and do it. Or hold it until you get to a bar. Be sure to BUY something and for crying out loud, don't steal the danged toilet paper from the albergue OR the bar! Buy your own!We need to pick up our dog poo when we walk, why not our own.
I'm curious why they are an improvement over a plain cotton bandana? Can you share why you think they are a big advantage, Annie?I actually just bought one of these after one of my clients carried one, and seeing how great they worked on the Camino.
How about starting a campaign to provide compost toilets along The Way ( not quite sure how, but it must be possible).
This suggestion has been made before but the discussion had to be closed! This thread describes some of the many challenges facing such a campaign.How about starting a campaign to provide compost toilets along The Way ( not quite sure how, but it must be possible).
I am going to sound somewhat jaded, but we have been there before, and no doubt will do so again. It's a real shame that we expect Spanish communities to pay again for facilities needed to overcome the poor behaviour of some pilgrims.How about starting a campaign to provide compost toilets along The Way ( not quite sure how, but it must be possible).
But I meant that ‘we’ should all somehow pay- and sorry for bringing up and old idea ( I’m new) but it obviously hadn’t been resolved!!!I am going to sound somewhat jaded, but we have been there before, and no doubt will do so again. It's a real shame that we expect Spanish communities to pay again for facilities needed to overcome the poor behaviour of some pilgrims.
It is a natural and well-intentioned suggestion. But it is quite informative to read that whole thread to get an idea of how the Camino works, how complex such solutions are, and why they haven't been resolved.‘we’ should all somehow pay
How about starting a campaign to provide compost toilets along The Way ( not quite sure how, but it must be possible).
This suggestion has been made before but the discussion had to be closed! This thread describes some of the many challenges facing such a campaign.
The fact that people walk right past establishments that have toilets available, then stop to do their business less than a kilometer later shows that this would probably barely put a dent in the problem.I am going to sound somewhat jaded, but we have been there before, and no doubt will do so again. It's a real shame that we expect Spanish communities to pay again for facilities needed to overcome the poor behaviour of some pilgrims.
Just crossed my mind too; once there they need very little maintenanceHow about starting a campaign to provide compost toilets along The Way ( not quite sure how, but it must be possible).
Very little is not zero maintenance, and they would probably create new problems while not solving the existing problem.Just crossed my mind too; once there they need very little maintenance
Yes you are probably right, just leave no trace always bestVery little is not zero maintenance, and they would probably create new problems while not solving the existing problem.
You don't have to feel sorry for suggesting solutions, but it always seems odd to me that, innocently perhaps, people seem to think that matters like this haven't previously been raised in the life of this forum.But I meant that ‘we’ should all somehow pay- and sorry for bringing up and old idea ( I’m new) but it obviously hadn’t been resolved!!!
Well, I held off for a long time because I thought the same.I'm curious why they are an improvement over a plain cotton bandana? Can you share why you think they are a big advantage, Annie?
How about starting a campaign to provide compost toilets along The Way ( not quite sure how, but it must be possible).
Compost toilets, I happen to have one, are not at all maintenance free. Especially under "heavy load". In peak season it is quite probable that some of the toilets would be used well above their capacity – the compost process needs time and the system collapses if you feed it faster than it can decompose whatever it is fed.
So I would strongly oppose the idea of compost toilets along the way. It would become very smelly and messy
I like the Kula cloth because they get me completely dry, they are two-sided so my hand never gets wet, they are infused with silver so they don't smell, you can use it more than once a day, they wash easily and dry quickly, two corners snap together so that the used part is on the inside of what becomes a triangle, they hang conveniently from your pack with a provided tiny lightweight carabiner, they are cute (lots of patterns), and when people ask you what it is (if they even notice it hanging from your pack), you can spread the word about how nice they are and how they are environmentally friendly (no toilet paper/plastic bag system). I hike/fish a lot and have been using mine for the past several years. Game-changer for me. Big improvement over a cotton bandana. Only downside is the $20 initial cost.I'm curious why they are an improvement over a plain cotton bandana? Can you share why you think they are a big advantage, Annie?
A great review!I like the Kula cloth because they get me completely dry, they are two-sided so my hand never gets wet, they are infused with silver so they don't smell, you can use it more than once a day, they wash easily and dry quickly, two corners snap together so that the used part is on the inside of what becomes a triangle, they hang conveniently from your pack with a provided tiny lightweight carabiner, they are cute (lots of patterns), and when people ask you what it is (if they even notice it hanging from your pack), you can spread the word about how nice they are and how they are environmentally friendly (no toilet paper/plastic bag system). I hike/fish a lot and have been using mine for the past several years. Game-changer for me. Big improvement over a cotton bandana. Only downside is the $20 initial cost.
How about more of these? ( which ‘we’ could pay for)Composting toilets really only work in areas where they can manage traffic via some type of permitting system, or where the inherent difficulty of the physical challenge to get there necessarily limits traffic.
I do think more could be done to make peregrino/as aware of how to use the toilet outside and leave no trace, such as an information sheet passed out with a Pilgrim's Passport in multiple languages with simple guidelines.
It's not reasonable to expect most pilgrims to know what to do when the nearest open bar is too far away, and there are a lot of myths floating around about how rapidly toilet paper and tissues break down when they're just left trailside.
When I started hiking, I didn't know what to do either but I had lots of resources at my disposal, including a book called — I'm not kidding — How to Shit in the Woods.
How many of these do you think would be needed, to accomplish the goal?How about more of these? ( which ‘we’ could pay for)
So true and probably the post most insightful post I have read on here. Not sure why folks think a 1000km jaunt through Northern Spain requires all sorts of questions re using the bathroom, drying clothes, overtaking, etc and is any different to any other journey. One person even suggested doing a ‘trial run’ European trip so you can learn and be ready for a Camino! Initially I wondered if North American folks think we are all neanderthal in Europe with no toilets, running water, public transport, and internet.. but convinced it’s not that! It’s very unique and entertaining though!Coming back to roughly where this thread started; the topic is one of those raised from time to time which seems to suppose that the route through a mixture of villages, suburbs and cities in northern Spain is on a different planet where nothing is familiar and so everything must be assumed to be different.
I often walk through villages, suburbs and cities in the UK and from the age of about six have never felt the need to ask anyone what the basic principles and conventions might be with respect to relieving myself. Henry the (actual) dog figured out for himself aged nine weeks that he shouldn’t crap in the house. I may regard him as the brains behind our partnership; but he is only a dog - it can’t be that difficult.
I generally applaud the ‘house style’ on here of politeness, civility and openness as it creates something of an oasis of calm; but it can’t be just me who looks at some of our topics with a sense of despair from time to time.
Speaking as a norteamericana, we tend to have the extremes: either you're walking on an urban trail with lots of services, public toilets, etc or walking in wilderness where the traffic is too low to matter, and it's easy to get far enough off trail that even the worst habits aren't that visible.I wondered if North American folks think we are all neanderthal in Europe with no toilets, running water, public transport, and internet.. but convinced it’s not that! It’s very unique and entertaining though!
Minor quibble. I haven't seen the statistics on every year, but in the biggest one of the five or more I looked at, the total was a little less than that, and only a quarter of them were on Francés. Last year was less than 150 thousand total, but the Covid fears are not completely gone yet.In a normal (non Covid) year 350,000 people walk the Camino Francés. Can you envisage how much toilet paper would be left behind if everyone did this? It is already a nightmare and in some spots there is no need for yellow arrows - just follow the toilet paper trail!
The current year (2022) has broken all records for the number of Compostela issued. As of today more than 430,000.Minor quibble. I haven't seen the statistics on every year, but in the biggest one of the five or more I looked at, the total was a little less than that, and only a quarter of them were on Francés. Last year was less than 150 thousand total, but the Covid fears are not completely gone yet.
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Absolutely, in addition to feminine items, couldn’t believe anyone would leave such things along the road.I took small dog waste bags to keep used toilet paper in until I could get to the next waste receptacle. It was discouraging to see how many people left their toilet paper on the ground.
While I pee first thing in the morning, it takes me moving for about an hour before my body wants to poop. How in the world do you "train" your body to poop first thing? I'm planning on bringing dog poop bags and dumping the contents and any tp I might use in the next toilet I stop at. Of course paying the bar or albergue for use of their toilet.Honestly, there's just NO reason (except for an actual emergency) to poop on the Camino. There are PLENTY of opportunities before you leave the albergue, or in bars along the way. Train your body to go first thing in the morning, then stand in line and do it. Or hold it until you get to a bar. Be sure to BUY something and for crying out loud, don't steal the danged toilet paper from the albergue OR the bar! Buy your own!
All of this is true. At Mrs Henrythedogs insistence we confine our shopping to Booths (the Waitrose of the North) for many reasons, to which I can now add that the customers don’t shit in the sinks.I think quite often topics that consider bodily functions of the human animal attract i lot of interest!
Most people will always try and show respect for where they are and for the people who live there.
However for example on the Camino; even if only a minority spoil the environment it's still a mess when over 400000 walk the trail!
For every hundred that care there are those that don't cos it's to much trouble!
That's the nature of the beast,
If you could improve toilet facilities for all there will still be someone who would poo next to it!!!
I live in a place where the majority are good ;but the few spoil it for all.
Working my Guide dog I come across upturned supermarket trolleys, kick beer cans and tread in mess from other people who are to lazy to pick up after their dog!
Two incidents' in the last few weeks
the first some a*rse launched a bottle out of a moving car which smashed a few feet in front of my boy(Yankee)
The second went in the toilets in Morrisons supermarket and someone had defecated in the sink !
My point is no matter how much effort the majority of us do our best to improve things those few will screw it up ALWAYS cos they just don't care.
Woody
There are lots of towns along the way - I've always been able to be near/in one when I really need a toilet. I normally walk a couple of hours before I take my first break in a town with a bar/cafe.While I pee first thing in the morning, it takes me moving for about an hour before my body wants to poop. How in the world do you "train" your body to poop first thing? I'm planning on bringing dog poop bags and dumping the contents and any tp I might use in the next toilet I stop at. Of course paying the bar or albergue for use of their toilet.
Dog poo bags I would think would work.No, no, no! Pack out all toilet paper. The path is often rock hard, animals find disturbed earth and dig, the wind blows away topsoil... All toilet paper is "biodegradable" because it is wood based, but it takes about 3 years to decompose.
In a normal (non Covid) year 350,000 people walk the Camino Francés. Can you envisage how much toilet paper would be left behind if everyone did this? It is already a nightmare and in some spots there is no need for yellow arrows - just follow the toilet paper trail!
If you are a woman, choose one of these alternatives:
1. A small washable "pee" rag or child's handkerchief that you can rinse out and dry overnight (and a small plastic zip lock bag in which to carry it).
2. A panty liner you can change when you get to a cafe.
3. The new padded underpants made for menstruation are excellent for catching any small drips.
4. A FUD (female urinary device). I can recommend the Pibella, a clever bit of Swiss engineering.
I find it hard to believe any hospitalero would suggest leaving toilet paper behind. Bury poo if you get caught short, but carry out the toilet paper. Always carry a small ziplock plastic bag for your waste. Empty and rinse. There are big garbage bins in every town and village.
And yes - use the toilets in the local cafes - never miss an opportunity! It is what the locals do. But remember it costs money to keep them clean and supply toilet paper, soap etc - so always buy something or make a small monetary donation.
WOW! Guess the Covid moratorium is finally over for real!The current year (2022) has broken all records for the number of Compostela issued. As of today more than 430,000.
I think that it was a combination of pent up demand, albergues being open at full occupancy, and that it's a holy year.WOW! Guess the Covid moratorium is finally over for real!
As hospitalero, more than once I've had to take apart a shower drain to remove feces.All of this is true. At Mrs Henrythedogs insistence we confine our shopping to Booths (the Waitrose of the North) for many reasons, to which I can now add that the customers don’t shit in the sinks.
That's just gross!As hospitalero, more than once I've had to take apart a shower drain to remove feces.
Morrisons customers, clearly.As hospitalero, more than once I've had to take apart a shower drain to remove feces.
No advice on that, but just in case you've not had glucose tolerance tested, one possible result of diabetes is gastroparesis, aka "sluggish digestive system."I have a sluggish digestive system, always have I guess I always will. Please no advice on how to be regular, tried every trick in the book.
I carried a roll of doggie bags, too, as well as a Kula cloth and a pack of outdoor wipes. Tried the pee funnel and hated it. I’m also in agreement with those who recommend carrying out and disposing of your “waste.”I took small dog waste bags to keep used toilet paper in until I could get to the next waste receptacle. It was discouraging to see how many people left their toilet paper on the ground.
This is me exactly and I totally agree, how do you ‘train’? It takes an hour of walking to get things moving for me, and once they are on the move I need to go now! No amount of sitting on the loo and straining will produce results, and is medically inadvisable anyway. We just all need to do the right thing according to our individual circumstances.While I pee first thing in the morning, it takes me moving for about an hour before my body wants to poop. How in the world do you "train" your body to poop first thing? I'm planning on bringing dog poop bags and dumping the contents and any tp I might use in the next toilet I stop at. Of course paying the bar or albergue for use of their toilet.
Gosh, please be a little less baffled. I’ve had the tiniest bladder all my life and sometimes need to go 250 yards down the road after having just been. Nothing I can do about the way I was born, and yes I’ve had it looked at. A little more sympathy please.This method has always worked for me. I'm always baffled by someone who heeds the call of nature while on the Camino when they haven't gotten more than 250 meters out of town.
Just like I used to tell my kids before a road trip - it doesn't matter if you feel like you have to go - try, because this is the last stop in X distance.
Of course I do carry small plastic bags in case I'm caught out somewhere, but so far I haven't needed to use them.
I agree, a little more understanding from some on this thread would be appreciatedGosh, please be a little less baffled. I’ve had the tiniest bladder all my life and sometimes need to go 250 yards down the road after having just been. Nothing I can do about the way I was born, and yes I’ve had it looked at. A little more sympathy please.
The being baffled by others' digestive/urinary tracts is a side issue. The thread has one main message - do not leave litter - paper or feces - on or near the trail, whether you need to relieve yourself 100 times/day or never.I agree, a little more understanding from some on this thread would be appreciated
I wouldn’t dream of leaving anything behind as I don’t in my raining walks but to me the bladder issue is not a side issue and it’s been the bane of my life. Let’s not brush that aside either. Thank youThe being baffled by others' digestive/urinary tracts is a side issue. The thread has one main message - do not leave litter - paper or feces - on or near the trail, whether you need to relieve yourself 100 times/day or never.
Oh, I am not brushing it aside as unimportant. All of us need to manage the same issue. I am only saying that people on this thread have not intended to be critical or dismissive of the need to go. They are focused on how to do it responsibly.Let’s not brush that aside either. Thank you
Ok well obviously I have misunderstood the word baffled. I also hadn’t really understood that everyone has tiny bladders like me. My bad as they sayOh, I am not brushing it aside as unimportant. All of us need to manage the same issue. I am only saying that people on this thread have not intended to be critical or dismissive of the need to go. They are focused on how to do it responsibly.
Welcome to the forum @ditts! The best we can do on an internet forum is to try to be straightforward and considerate with our words.Ok well obviously I have misunderstood the word baffled. I also hadn’t really understood that everyone has tiny bladders like me. My bad as they say
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