Mar Oregon
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Hoping to walk in 2020
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Hi friends. I am constantly thinking about the Camino which I hope to walk in sept 2020. Lately I’ve been thinking about which luxury item, if any, I might want to bring along. Small musical instrument, tiny watercolor painting kit, music player in addition to a smart phone, comfy slippers, lightweight hiking chair?
Please tell me what you brought or plan to bring, and if it was worth the weight. Was it really valuable to you? Did it go all the way with you or maybe got dumped overboard after a very hard day. What can you (almost) not live without?
The idea of a luxury item is subjective, I would classify several dry bags as an unnecessary weight and bulk, for 1 would be sufficient.I think you are attaching too much symbolism to the idea of an official "luxury" item. Don't bring any cherished item that you are not willing to lose. We all bring slightly different things, for various reasons and preferences. The idea of a luxury item is just a cute rationale for bringing something you want but don't need. I like to organize my belongings in several dry bags whereas others would consider them unnecessary.
Go ahead and bring anything, as long as you can carry it and won't be devastated if it goes missing.
ps for Robo: what brand is your r@#% c*&#$er? !!! Mine is a Cuckoo! I will not be taking a cuckoo on any camino...
Oh drat... they were on the tip of my tongue!Afternote. No one is allowed to mention the Rice Cooker! ..............or the HairDryer..........or.........
Long stories .......... @Mar Oregon
My view is that things you need to record your pilgrimage the way you would like to are not luxury items. So being able to sketch (or even paint) might not be a luxury, nor might be an SLR camera. They will be your burden, but once you have become used to carrying them the rewards will be in the unique view that you will have captured.
Hi friends. I am constantly thinking about the Camino which I hope to walk in sept 2020. Lately I’ve been thinking about which luxury item, if any, I might want to bring along. Small musical instrument, tiny watercolor painting kit, music player in addition to a smart phone, comfy slippers, lightweight hiking chair?
Please tell me what you brought or plan to bring, and if it was worth the weight. Was it really valuable to you? Did it go all the way with you or maybe got dumped overboard after a very hard day. What can you (almost) not live without?
Rice In Peace?Name your brand, we have about 6!
But the small Camino one blew up and died during training
It's funny, I never pictured you as a Goth . . .Mascara
I have either taken a pair or bought a pair a couple of times. I don't use them for washing clothes, but for keeping my hands dry and warm on a cold rainy day. I have a thin pair of gloves underneath for insulation.My one luxury item isn’t really a luxury item - it’s an essential! That item is a pair of rubber washing up gloves - they go everywhere with me when I travel.
I brought silk pajama bottoms. I read somewhere that they are light in weight, which is true. Saved me from wearing my hiking pants and underwear to bed. Saved me from doing laundry often. I'd bring them again.Hi friends. I am constantly thinking about the Camino which I hope to walk in sept 2020. Lately I’ve been thinking about which luxury item, if any, I might want to bring along. Small musical instrument, tiny watercolor painting kit, music player in addition to a smart phone, comfy slippers, lightweight hiking chair?
Please tell me what you brought or plan to bring, and if it was worth the weight. Was it really valuable to you? Did it go all the way with you or maybe got dumped overboard after a very hard day. What can you (almost) not live without?
I find it spectacular when you have next to no luxury with you, real luxury is what a remarkable good coffee will get you ( when you really, really need it), kindness or a very good Albergue....
Remember, everything is a luxury when you have to carry it for 500 miles over endless hills. Less is more on the Camino.Hi friends. I am constantly thinking about the Camino which I hope to walk in sept 2020. Lately I’ve been thinking about which luxury item, if any, I might want to bring along. Small musical instrument, tiny watercolor painting kit, music player in addition to a smart phone, comfy slippers, lightweight hiking chair?
Please tell me what you brought or plan to bring, and if it was worth the weight. Was it really valuable to you? Did it go all the way with you or maybe got dumped overboard after a very hard day. What can you (almost) not live without?
Be sure the “luxury” item is worth it’s weight and worth carrying for 30+ days of 5-6 hours a day walking. If you send your pack ahead each day, bring what you want, otherwise your luxury items may be the reason you can’t finish. Having said that, I certainly enjoyed listening to others playing guitar during the days.Hi friends. I am constantly thinking about the Camino which I hope to walk in sept 2020. Lately I’ve been thinking about which luxury item, if any, I might want to bring along. Small musical instrument, tiny watercolor painting kit, music player in addition to a smart phone, comfy slippers, lightweight hiking chair?
Please tell me what you brought or plan to bring, and if it was worth the weight. Was it really valuable to you? Did it go all the way with you or maybe got dumped overboard after a very hard day. What can you (almost) not live without?
Top tip, linkster! Thank you!I have either taken a pair or bought a pair a couple of times. I don't use them for washing clothes, but for keeping my hands dry and warm on a cold rainy day. I have a thin pair of gloves underneath for insulation.
Wow I had no idea some people feel having with you something you want but don’t ‘need’ is somehow against the pilgrim code. IMO this just seems a surprising idea, considering no one ‘needs’ to walk the Camino in the first place, but rather wants to do it. However I am not here to criticize how others want to make their way. If walking with only what you absolutely need for the journey makes it more special to you, then please do so with my best wishes.I brought my tiny travel watercolor kit and a small sketchbook. I loved taking time each day to sit and sketch/paint, and other pilgrims took time to find me to see what I was sketching that day. The paintings transcended language differences and I enjoy looking through my finished sketchbooks and reminiscing.
I brought silk pajama bottoms. I read somewhere that they are light in weight, which is true. Saved me from wearing my hiking pants and underwear to bed. Saved me from doing laundry often. I'd bring them again.
I am considering bringing my lucky bowling ball, or perhaps my grandmother’s silver tea service for 12. Never hurts to be civilized.
Care to share the pattern?I will be walking my first camino September 2020 & plan to take my crochet so I was encougaged to see Oz Annie comment about knitting. I crochet small Teddy bears for a hospital & plan to take 50grams of wool which I will replace as needed & post the finished 50gms worth back to the UK. I hope 50gms is not to much of a luxury but if so I will leave it somewhere. If you see me doing my crochet please talk to me as I can do both at once.
For me that counts as a necessity☺, the mask and a scarf rather than a buff.Some may think this is a must and some may use a buff but how about a sleep mask as a luxury item?
For me that counts as a necessity☺, the mask and a scarf rather than a buff.
Bullying should not be countenanced under any circumstances. They're lucky you didn't accidentally shine your high powered LED torch in their faces on a night time trip to the bathroom!I remember one particular year when five male pilgrims in group were laughing at me becasue I was wearing a sleep mask. And not laughing in a nice way but making fun at my expense.
Ah well, I survided but it was a textbook case of groupbullying.
I'm really enjoying this post. I don't tend to carry luxury items but, like Strivander, I do like to 'luxury' myself very occasionally ... maybe a good meal just because (a rare thing for me), or buy a superb wine rather than my budget ones ...
But! I Do have a luxury item and it weighs nothing - a star map app on my phone .. those huge night time skies - just point phone and all is revealed!
And, thinking about it, I do carry something that adds weight but don't know if it is 'luxury' (as in weighs something) or 'fun' - I always take two laminated signs I have made and tie them up somewhere miles apart along the Camino, usually at the top of a hill where pilgrims stop, or entry to a town.. .. just a few grams
always makes me laugh, and if that isn't a luxury in 2019 ... well .... ...
View attachment 65967
So it is you! First time I saw one of these (between El Ganso and Rabanal I think), I cried with laughter! Got a photo somewhere!
Fantastic!!! A Camino pal has watched me putting them up but this is the first feedback!! Brilliant - so pleased !!!! ❤
I actually wondered about it a lot at the time. (Lots of time to do weird thinking isn't there)? I wondered where it had actually come from, as the sign is in English, but as it is very well made it must of been carried there. I wondered who on earth would carry such a thing! Now I know. I loved the way at first glance it looks official making you stop and read it!
Comedy installation street (Camino) art!
Loving this thread! Had some smiles reading the answers
When I walked last year, a fellow pilgrim brought is SKATEBOARD - and ever since was known as the skateboard pilgrim or "What was that 'whoooooosh' passing by?"; plenty of hills along the way to use it and be the first at the next albergue
I brought one rather thin book (yes I know, there are kindles - but I am one of those stubborn people who love paper) and read maybe the first 2 chapters during that one time I got sick for a couple of days, was totally worth it
yes I will sort ot out for you. Do you want it in English or American?Care to share the pattern?
Measurements? Either is fine - it'll make a change from the crocheted octopuses my daughter and I make!yes I will sort ot out for you. Do you want it in English or American?
May I have a copy too? I’m in Texas but can read English too!yes I will sort ot out for you. Do you want it in English or American?
This sounds like the start of a Vegemite 'discussion'. I once tried that stuff here in Australia, and have more respect for the integrity of my taste buds than to ever use it again!!If food is important, you can't beat Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ to really help out a burger!
This sounds like the start of a Vegemite 'discussion'. I once tried that stuff here in Australia, and have more respect for the integrity of my taste buds than to ever use it again!!
Clearly a man of distinction, even if we might have different tastes. I always start with a spare tube of Vegemite in case I find another Australian in distress!I got donated a jar of Marmite on my last Camino by an Englishman who was carrying six jars. Just in case.
I found it either keeps Aussies away or sets them off ranting. I don't particularly want to keep Aussies away, but the ranting was amusing. I think they were jealous....
I have, and won't do it again unless I am travelling with my wife. I am a little fortunate that I can do without it for the month or so that I am away. I know there are other users where this is inadvisable, and they cannot avoid carrying it, but I can./EDIT/ almost forgot... I should have packed and carried my CPAP. That would've made every ones' Camino much more pleasant!
For Jeff & JacTx and anyone else here is the pattern for the Teddy bear. To explain before I start crochet terms are different in the UK & USA. I am using the English double crochet (dc), 4.5mm hook & double knitting wool.Measurements? Either is fine - it'll make a change from the crocheted octopuses my daughter and I make!
I’m not much of a drinker, and would never drink a beer, but I do enjoy the nonsense you beer drinkers talk.Full cold can (or two) of beer that I can open and drink at some isolated spot (especially on less walked Caminos) enjoying the countryside and views in fullest. That's priceless. And when I drink it the empty cans weights nothing
I’m not much of a drinker, and would never drink a beer, but I do enjoy the nonsense you beer drinkers talk.
I always start with a spare tube of Vegemite in case I find another Australian in distress!
Thank you!For Jeff & JacTx and anyone else here is the pattern for the Teddy bear. To explain before I start crochet terms are different in the UK & USA. I am using the English double crochet (dc), 4.5mm hook & double knitting wool.
I use 3 colour 1st for the feet hands & head. 2nd for the trousers (legs). 3rd for the jumper (body & arms).
1st leg -make 10 chain using the 1st colour.
1st row 1 dc into 2nd chain 1 dc into each chain 9 stitches.
rows 2-6 - 1 chain miss 1st stitch 1dc into next 8 stitches
change to colour 2 and work 18 more rows fasten off.
2nd leg make as first leg but don't fasten off
work across 18sts for 8 rows.
Change to colour 3. Work 10 rows for the jumper.
Change to colour 1. Work 26 rows for the head. when folded in half this makes the back & front of the head.
Change to colour 3. work 10 rows for the jumper.
Change to colour 2. work 8 rows * then work 18 rows on 9 stitches. (leg)
Change to colour 1. work 6 rows fasten off.
join the yarn to * and work 2nd leg as before.
Make 7dc to the top 7 rows of the jumper for the arms work 12 rows
Change to colour 1. work 6 rows fasten off. make 4 arms.
sew up leaving a hole for stuffing. Turn to the right side, run a few stitches diagonally at the top of the head for the ears. Sew face with black yarn. stuff & oversew the hole.
I’m not a drinker of beer wine or any other alcohol but for me, I relish a really cold Diet Coke on a hot afternoon or after a long day or at breakfast instead of coffee or... Hey we all have our addictions. Reminds me I have some neoprene fabric lying around. Maybe it’s time to fashion a double barrel can kuzie to pack a couple cans of my drink of choice.Full cold can (or two) of beer that I can open and drink at some isolated spot (especially on less walked Caminos) enjoying the countryside and views in fullest. That's priceless. And when I drink it the empty cans weights nothing
I've seen pictures of at least one person doing a camino with his personal cello!My luxury item is a personal sello.
When packing, I decided any cosmetics or lotions were luxury items. The only lotion I carried was sunblock. Didn't take long before the very dry, arid conditions started doing a thing on my skin. My fingers cracked and it looked like my heels were about to (no! not my feet!). Also had a serious case of lizard skin on my legs. What I thought was a luxury item became a medical necessity. I picked up some good lotion/cream at a pharmacy for my hands and feet (the legs were going to have to wait). It was a small tube, easy to replace at another pharmacy. However, I would have started out with a tube of restorative cream from home to avoid, as much as one can, the dryness.Hi friends. I am constantly thinking about the Camino which I hope to walk in sept 2020. Lately I’ve been thinking about which luxury item, if any, I might want to bring along. Small musical instrument, tiny watercolor painting kit, music player in addition to a smart phone, comfy slippers, lightweight hiking chair?
Please tell me what you brought or plan to bring, and if it was worth the weight. Was it really valuable to you? Did it go all the way with you or maybe got dumped overboard after a very hard day. What can you (almost) not live without?
I actually have a French press mug and bring my own ground coffee, along with the coil.Since you mention coffee, I always carry a very small electric coil water heater plus instant coffee I bring from France (do not like the Spanish instant) to have a first coffee in the morning while still in bed. And enjoy the spectacle of everybody else getting ready. Thus often I am the last one to leave - no hurry!
Read about it here, and then see the movie. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/arts/music/bach-cello-dane-johansen.htmlI've seen pictures of at least one person doing a camino with his personal cello!
Three season sleeping bag.....?....
.....comfy and warm to snuggle into where- & whenever....
I agree with you!I have discovered a new luxury on the Camino! Depending the period of the year you are walking you have the luxury to walk completely solo in the low periods of the year. It might rain every day but it is so peaceful.
I have sleep in alberguay we're I was alone I walk days without seeing anyone.
At the begining I did not enjoyed it but after many days in that situation I felt rested and very calm appreciating the moment. Especially in the forest... Even in some village people are surprise to see me at this time of the year and are happy to share few words even a coffee. In some cases people were giving me water bottles and sharing places to see.
All in all I am back home and did spend a wonderfull time without stress of finding a bed or been rush by anyone... I wish you the luxury of having 10 to 15 days like that we're the Camino is to you probably like it was 100 year's ago.
The special Camino cafe we're close there was no transportation services offert nobody saying they did 40 km yesterday and they are doing 45 km today... Nobody telling you they did 39 caminos before this one. Nobody telling you you backpack is to small or to big or you walk to slowly... And ... Nobody walking with brand new technical clothes and carring just a bottle of water and a GPS for the day. Nobody telling you they prefer poncho to rain coat or this boot to this shoe brand...
It was like entering in a medidation state without realising it. (Sorry for my english) I think for now on I will only go back to the Camino in the very low seasons.
I hope you will keep this as a secret ...
My peaceful luxury
I brought a rather heavyweight pair of jeans...not a rational move. My pack was 23 lbs., but I got used to it. And, every cold day I wore them, every chilly evening they felt so warm and substantial. It was a conversation piece as well. People were flabbergasted that I could get them washed and dry etc... yes, it was silly, but I really enjoyed them (and 3 years later, still have them)I've seen pictures of at least one person doing a camino with his personal cello!
i too like my alone time and while I don’t mind talking to people once in a while, I really enjoy my own company. Good for you listing this pleasure as a luxury. Oh! I won’t tell anyone. Just like a secret meadow that is only yours.I have discovered a new luxury on the Camino! Depending the period of the year you are walking you have the luxury to walk completely solo in the low periods of the year. It might rain every day but it is so peaceful.
I have sleep in alberguay we're I was alone I walk days without seeing anyone.
At the begining I did not enjoyed it but after many days in that situation I felt rested and very calm appreciating the moment. Especially in the forest... Even in some village people are surprise to see me at this time of the year and are happy to share few words even a coffee. In some cases people were giving me water bottles and sharing places to see.
All in all I am back home and did spend a wonderfull time without stress of finding a bed or been rush by anyone... I wish you the luxury of having 10 to 15 days like that we're the Camino is to you probably like it was 100 year's ago.
The special Camino cafe we're close there was no transportation services offert nobody saying they did 40 km yesterday and they are doing 45 km today... Nobody telling you they did 39 caminos before this one. Nobody telling you you backpack is to small or to big or you walk to slowly... And ... Nobody walking with brand new technical clothes and carring just a bottle of water and a GPS for the day. Nobody telling you they prefer poncho to rain coat or this boot to this shoe brand...
It was like entering in a medidation state without realising it. (Sorry for my english) I think for now on I will only go back to the Camino in the very low seasons.
I hope you will keep this as a secret ...
My peaceful luxury
I met a a French pilgrim named Marie who has walked many Caminos with her donkey called Jose. Given the choice my luxury item next time would be a donkeyPlease tell me what you brought or plan to bring, and if it was worth the weight
When packing, I decided any cosmetics or lotions were luxury items. The only lotion I carried was sunblock. Didn't take long before the very dry, arid conditions started doing a thing on my skin. My fingers cracked and it looked like my heels were about to (no! not my feet!). Also had a serious case of lizard skin on my legs. What I thought was a luxury item became a medical necessity. I picked up some good lotion/cream at a pharmacy for my hands and feet (the legs were going to have to wait). It was a small tube, easy to replace at another pharmacy. However, I would have started out with a tube of restorative cream from home to avoid, as much as one can, the dryness.
While you might have thought this was a rhetorical question, it nonetheless deserves an answer. It happens, and if you really did want to know, here is one story about how it happens: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/to-be-lost-on-the-camino.58961/.How can anyone get lost on the Camino?
Depends on how you define "lost." A walk for 100 m down the wrong road doesn't really mean you are lost. How about 5 km down the wrong road so that you are not sure where you have gone wrong, and you want to figure out how to get back to the camino without backtracking the whole way?How can anyone get lost on the Camino?
To me, that's the entire point of doing the Camino. I'm always on the geographical point where the route goes. But there's more then one way of being "lost" and they're not all bad.....How can anyone get lost on the Camino?
I think I met this same French woman on the Le Puy camino in 2018. She was staying at the same gite and always walks with her donkey...unfortunately I only captured her "backside" in my photo.I met a a French pilgrim named Marie who has walked many Caminos with her donkey called Jose. Given the choice my luxury item next time would be a donkey
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