How easy is it to get ice on the Camino?

[Roger M.]

Might seem like a dumb question to some folks. But I have found that I can significantly improve my walking experience by periodically applying ice to my feet. A small sandwich bag half filled with ice and held to my foot for 10 minutes or so provides meaningful relief to aches and pains.

So will most bars or tiendas readily provide me with a couple of handfuls of ice that I can put in a bag and apply during rest breaks?

Thanks,

Roger

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Every bar has ice, and I have never been turned down. Buy and cafe con leche and ask nicely for some hielo. Bring several ziplok bags with you; they will develop holes.

 

[mspath]

Roger,

Ice is NOT widely sold in bags either in France or Spain as it is throughout the USA. Hence forget trying to buy ice in a shop; perhaps you might acquire some in a bar. As an alternative have you considered a pack of frozen peas? No joke; they are cheap, generally available and can be shaped to fit your foot.

Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Roger,

I do exactly the same thing. In many years of caminos, I have only been refused once. (At a bar in the main square in Logroño). I take care to sit outside at a table where the melting ice can drain away inconspicuously. I also carry a plastic bag with me so they don't have to scrounge around for one.

Ice is great, but so are those icy rivers we are frequently near on the Camino, so plan your rest breaks accordingly. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Roger M.]

Every bar has ice, and I have never been turned down. Buy and cafe con leche and ask nicely for some hielo. Bring several ziplok bags with you; they will develop holes.

Thanks Falcon, just the info I was looking for. --- Roger

 

[Roger M.]

Roger,

Ice is NOT widely sold in bags either in France or Spain as it is throughout the USA. Hence forget trying to buy ice in a shop; perhaps you might acquire some in a bar. As an alternative have you considered a pack of frozen peas? No joke; they are cheap, generally available and can be shaped to fit your foot.

Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

The pack of peas is a good idea here at home where I have a refrigerator. I have also found that by mixing a bag with 3 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol I can create a super cold ice pack that molds to my feet.

 

[ajp]

No more difficult than getting ice in any other first world country.

 

[Packinglight]

oh, ice is pretty much unknown where I live (Austria). And never served in cafes or restaurants. The large hotel chains would have ice for their American guests, I suppose.
when we're at other expats' parties, there are those who are designated to buy ice at the one or two gas stations that have it, at the outskirts of town. Very unusual to be able to get ice.

 

[Roger M.]

oh, ice is pretty much unknown where I live (Austria). And never served in cafes or restaurants. The large hotel chains would have ice for their American guests, I suppose.
when we're at other expats' parties, there are those who are designated to buy ice at the one or two gas stations that have it, at the outskirts of town. Very unusual to be able to get ice.

Well, when I travel to Austria ( maybe next year ), I'll be sure to bring my own ice with me. Thanks PL!

 

[jayree]

Might seem like a dumb question to some folks. But I have found that I can significantly improve my walking experience by periodically applying ice to my feet. A small sandwich bag half filled with ice and held to my foot for 10 minutes or so provides meaningful relief to aches and pains.
So will most bars or tiendas readily provide me with a couple of handfuls of ice that I can put in a bag and apply during rest breaks?

I developed a tendonitis and initially searched in vain for 'Instant Cold Packs." I don't think they are available in Spain. Then I discovered that showing my swollen ankle to the bartender and asking for "una bolsa de hielo" always met success. I sat in the bar with my foot elevated and iced and enjoyed "una cerveza" or two. I was happy and the bartender was happy. Taking extra heavy duty ziplock bags is a great idea.