Stephanie Martin
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino in Sept/Oct/Nov 2022 (via the French route)
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Welcome!Hi all,
I'll be doing my 1st camino soon (Camino Frances) and I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping to get help with.
Am wondering about whether we should bring laundry powder & a laundry line or if these are provided in albergues?
Also, I've been advised that most albergues only accept cash. I'm trying not to carry too much cash on me. What about restaurants/eating places/supermarkets - will I be able to pay by card?
I'm travelling super-light, and am wondering if shades/sunglasses are necessary when walking from mid-Sept to late October. For anyone who has walked this period, is the sun really bright?
For the season that I'm travelling, is a beanie enough, or is a cap/hat advised?
Will I be able to buy the Pilgrim's passport from St. Jean; and how many stamps a day do I need to get? I've read somewhere that we need to get at least 2 stamps a day during the last 100km, and wanted to double-check if this is true.
I've just been reading of muscle cramps etc on long walks. I'm not bringing any of the usual vitamins/magnesium etc. Wondering what's the advice around this for muscle cramp prevention (I've not been a walker, but have been training abit for the camino). How often should we consume electrolytes and are these readily available along the way (at supermarkets, etc)? Are there other ways to prevent cramping?
Finally, some of those were badly bitten by bed bugs advise that it's best to 'pre-treat' everything (bags, liners etc) before starting the camino. How do we 'pre-treat' , would it be with deet or something else? And when exactly do we do it? I'll be flying from NZ. Should I pre-treat my belongings before the flight, how long does the treatment last?
Many thanks, fellow pilgrims! It's so awesome to know that there's a body of people here to help and support each other.
Cheers
Albergues that have washing machines supply laundry detergent. For hand washing clothes you will need to bring soap. There are usually clotheslines available, but some people find it useful to bring one.Am wondering about whether we should bring laundry powder & a laundry line or if these are provided in albergues?
Increasingly, more places take credit cards, but many still only take cash. There are ATMs in most larger towns.Also, I've been advised that most albergues only accept cash. I'm trying not to carry too much cash on me. What about restaurants/eating places/supermarkets - will I be able to pay by card?
I would always bring sunglasses when spending that much time outdoors.I'm travelling super-light, and am wondering if shades/sunglasses are necessary when walking from mid-Sept to late October. For anyone who has walked this period, is the sun really bright?
A beanie is mostly for warmth - it's still can be hot in September. You might prefer a brimmed hat for sun protection.For the season that I'm travelling, is a beanie enough, or is a cap/hat advised?
You can purchase a credential at the Pilgrims Office in SJPP.Will I be able to buy the Pilgrim's passport from St. Jean; and how many stamps a day do I need to get? I've read somewhere that we need to get at least 2 stamps a day during the last 100km, and wanted to double-check if this is true.
I've never used electrolytes on the Camino. Regular food and drink have been sufficient for me. Others prefer a supplement. Do you often suffer from muscle cramps? If so, what does your doctor recommend?I've just been reading of muscle cramps etc on long walks. I'm not bringing any of the usual vitamins/magnesium etc. Wondering what's the advice around this for muscle cramp prevention (I've not been a walker, but have been training abit for the camino). How often should we consume electrolytes and are these readily available along the way (at supermarkets, etc)? Are there other ways to prevent cramping?
The product that you use to treat your bedding and or backpack is called permethrin. You need to use it before you get to the Camino. It is toxic when wet, but safe to touch when dry. I believe that it lasts through six washings and approximately six weeks.Finally, some of those were badly bitten by bed bugs advise that it's best to 'pre-treat' everything (bags, liners etc) before starting the camino. How do we 'pre-treat' , would it be with deet or something else? And when exactly do we do it? I'll be flying from NZ. Should I pre-treat my belongings before the flight, how long does the treatment last
I do not like plain yellow mustard at all, but love dijon; it must be the white wine ingredient I am so fond of.If you do get cramps then eating some yellow mustard (the stuff with turmeric) plain may give you some relief.
I suffered with muscle cramps on my first Camino until someone suggested that it was a loss of electrolytes causing the problem. They were right. If you sweat a lot, this can become an issue. My solution is to make sure I eat a banana every day, and drink an Aquarius at the first break in the morning. For those unfamiliar with the brand name, its essentially gatorade, a soft drink that includes electrolytes. Every bar and mercado in Spain sells it. I like the lemon flavor, but try them all.I've just been reading of muscle cramps etc on long walks. I'm not bringing any of the usual vitamins/magnesium etc. Wondering what's the advice around this for muscle cramp prevention (I've not been a walker, but have been training abit for the camino). How often should we consume electrolytes and are these readily available along the way (at supermarkets, etc)? Are there other ways to prevent cramping?
Interesting. I've never heard of taking vitamin C for cramps.Muscle cramps and how to treat is always a topic of discussion on caminos. Germans like Magnesium. Pilgrims who are American bird dog hunters use what they give their dogs for muscle cramps--Vitamin C. Trade Vitamin C for Magnesium tables --both seem to work but Vitamin C works better for me if walking more than 15 miles.
I agree wholeheartedly. If you look at the doses of electrolytes involved, they are sub therapeutic compared to Rx replacement for deficits. OJ and bananas replace potassium. Magnesium supplements are good, if you’ve never previously taken magnesium try it at home before you leave, frequent side effect may be increased gut rumblings, gas, and bowel movements, not fun to attempt the experiment while on the Camino. Stay hydrated and Buen Camino!Electrolytes are more or less just a bit of salt, a bit of sugar and some flavouring in an expensive sachet.
"2 stamps a day only needed in the last 100 km". - is that really your understanding of the matter?1. Most albergues with a washing machine include soap and have a place to dry clothes. Bring a laundry bar or use shampoo for hand washing.
2. More places accept cards now, but smaller albergues still usually don't.
3. We always wear sunglasses even in winter. Personal choice.
4. Stocking cap or beanie is fine or you might bring a buff which is more versatile.
5. Yes, you can buy a credential in St Jean. 2 stamps a day only needed in the last 100 km.
6. Just salt your food and eat a variety of things. That should be enough unless you sweat profusely or take medication which depletes your electrolytes.
7. There are several threads about bed bugs here. Seek them out and read. Many misconceptions. We never pretreat with permethrin, but many do. It does not guarantee you won't be bitten, but they might die before you get to the next albergue in your pack. Bed bugs are tenacious and when they are determined to bite you, they will.
Yes, the credentials issued by the Cathedral say this, but the official wording from the Pilgrim's Office is this:"2 stamps a day only needed in the last 100 km". - is that really your understanding of the matter?
If you just want to obtain a Compostela sure, and I know I bang on about this (a lot) and I know it says it in Spanish not English, but what do you think "AL MENOS DOS POR DIA" actually means? And why do you think that it's considered important enough to be written in capital letters?
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Permethrin won't "stop" bedbugs from getting into your bedding or gear, nor kill them on contact to keep them from biting. What it does is kill bed bugs over time - like a few hours. That's why I spray most of my bedding, the inside of my pack and my cloth stuff sacks with it. If bed bugs manage to get inside my backpack I don't want them coming out alive in another albergue or in my house!Many people will spray their sleeping bag/blanket and backpack with permethrin to stop bed bugs, I've never used it so I can't speak on its efficacy.
Thanks and ewwwwwwww.Permethrin won't "stop" bedbugs from getting into your bedding or gear, nor kill them on contact to keep them from biting. What it does is kill bed bugs over time - like a few hours. That's why I spray most of my bedding, the inside of my pack and my cloth stuff sacks with it. If bed bugs manage to get inside my backpack I don't want them coming out alive in another albergue or in my house!
This video shows how bed bugs slowly die when exposed to permethrin treated fabric.
Magnesium supplements are good, if you’ve never previously taken magnesium try it at home before you leave,
If I drank pickle juice I'd probably forget I had muscle cramps.Cyclists swear by pickle juice for muscle cramps.
Awesome to know! G & T's are my favorite hard drink and I like mine with the lime when available...I digress.Pickle juice has a lot of salt in it...probably why it helps some people. I prefer gin and tonic. Tonic water helps my legs and the gin has other side effects...
Quoting fromPickle juice has a lot of salt in it...probably why it helps some people.
HydrateMuscle cramps and how to treat is always a topic of discussion on caminos. Germans like Magnesium. Pilgrims who are American bird dog hunters use what they give their dogs for muscle cramps--Vitamin C. Trade Vitamin C for Magnesium tables --both seem to work but Vitamin C works better for me if walking more than 15 miles.
Some formulations can, err, encourage bowel activity, so check the specific ingredient.
Agreed insofar as the Compostela is concerned but as Montse told us when we had our induction at the Office - you can cut people some slack if they've missed the odd stamp or two over the last 100km so long as they'd shown due diligence over the previous 700.Yes, the credentials issued by the Cathedral say this, but the official wording from the Pilgrim's Office is this:
In reality, it doesn't matter if you have a single stamp prior to the last 100 km if you want to receive a Compostela - the only ones that "count" towards the Compostela are those in the last 100 km. But of course many of us consider our credential as the best souvenir of the Camino, because we can look back at all of those stamps and reminisce about where we were when we got them. And many pilgrims are real "stamp collectors," filling multiple credentials during their Camino.
- You must collect the stamps on the “Credencial del Peregrino” from the places you pass through to certify that you have been there. Stamps from churches, hostels, monasteries, cathedrals and all places related to the Way are preferred, but if not they can also be stamped in other institutions: town halls, cafés, etc. You have to stamp the Credencial twice a day at least on the last 100 km (for pilgrims on foot or on horseback) or on the last 200 km (for cyclists pilgrims).
I noticed that the credential that I have from American Pilgrims on the Camino says
To receive the Compostela in Santiago, pilgrims on foot or on horseback must complete the final 100 kilometers, or the final 200 kilometers if on bicycle. Two stamps per day, including the final day arriving into Santiago, are required for the final 100 kilometers if on foot or horseback or the final 200 kilometers if on bicycle.
You can order the Sawyers permethrin online from NZ, comes in a yellow bottle. Lasts for the duration of the Camino, and I always like to think that the prolonged exposure on the long haul back will kill any stragglers. It comes promptly, does a few Caminos, and I always spray my stuff the weekend before I go to give it time to dry.Hi all,
I'll be doing my 1st camino soon (Camino Frances) and I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping to get help with.
Am wondering about whether we should bring laundry powder & a laundry line or if these are provided in albergues?
Also, I've been advised that most albergues only accept cash. I'm trying not to carry too much cash on me. What about restaurants/eating places/supermarkets - will I be able to pay by card?
I'm travelling super-light, and am wondering if shades/sunglasses are necessary when walking from mid-Sept to late October. For anyone who has walked this period, is the sun really bright?
For the season that I'm travelling, is a beanie enough, or is a cap/hat advised?
Will I be able to buy the Pilgrim's passport from St. Jean; and how many stamps a day do I need to get? I've read somewhere that we need to get at least 2 stamps a day during the last 100km, and wanted to double-check if this is true.
Finally, some of those were badly bitten by bed bugs advise that it's best to 'pre-treat' everything (bags, liners etc) before starting the camino. How do we 'pre-treat' , would it be with deet or something else? And when exactly do we do it? I'll be flying from NZ. Should I pre-treat my belongings before the flight, how long does the treatment last?
Me, too, in the US it is in a plastic yellow bottle.You can order the Sawyers permethrin online from NZ, comes in a yellow bottle. Lasts for the duration of the Camino, and I always like to think that the prolonged exposure on the long haul back will kill any stragglers.
Yep, get sunglasses.Yes to sunglasses, they dont add weight as you're wearing them most of the time.
Mainly washed my stuff by hand and used soap.
About 1 week before walking, I put "insect barrier" on them, like this one:Finally, some of those were badly bitten by bed bugs advise that it's best to 'pre-treat' everything (bags, liners etc) before starting the camino.
I am an avid hiker and longer suffered from tendonitis / shin splints when dehydrated. I was always confused by this as I really focus on drinking lots of water. Talk to my doctor and he explained the relationship of salt, electrolisis and the bloods ability to carry oxygen to your body.Hi all,
I'll be doing my 1st camino soon (Camino Frances) and I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping to get help with.
Am wondering about whether we should bring laundry powder & a laundry line or if these are provided in albergues?
Also, I've been advised that most albergues only accept cash. I'm trying not to carry too much cash on me. What about restaurants/eating places/supermarkets - will I be able to pay by card?
I'm travelling super-light, and am wondering if shades/sunglasses are necessary when walking from mid-Sept to late October. For anyone who has walked this period, is the sun really bright?
For the season that I'm travelling, is a beanie enough, or is a cap/hat advised?
Will I be able to buy the Pilgrim's passport from St. Jean; and how many stamps a day do I need to get? I've read somewhere that we need to get at least 2 stamps a day during the last 100km, and wanted to double-check if this is true.
I've just been reading of muscle cramps etc on long walks. I'm not bringing any of the usual vitamins/magnesium etc. Wondering what's the advice around this for muscle cramp prevention (I've not been a walker, but have been training abit for the camino). How often should we consume electrolytes and are these readily available along the way (at supermarkets, etc)? Are there other ways to prevent cramping?
Finally, some of those were badly bitten by bed bugs advise that it's best to 'pre-treat' everything (bags, liners etc) before starting the camino. How do we 'pre-treat' , would it be with deet or something else? And when exactly do we do it? I'll be flying from NZ. Should I pre-treat my belongings before the flight, how long does the treatment last?
Many thanks, fellow pilgrims! It's so awesome to know that there's a body of people here to help and support each other.
Cheers
Pity they cover half the credential with maps though. Not enough room for stampsAgreed insofar as the Compostela is concerned but as Montse told us when we had our induction at the Office - you can cut people some slack if they've missed the odd stamp or two over the last 100km so long as they'd shown due diligence over the previous 700.
I refused a Compostela to somebody who hadn't got his two stamps on two of the days over the "golden" 100km because there were also great gaps over the rest of the journey from SJPP. He appealed and she turned him down too.
Just saying it doesn't hurt to get at least two stamps over the whole Camino as the credential states - I love my "stamp albums"
Just a note about the Magnesium. It comes in different forms: Magnesium Citrate causes loose stools/diarrhea, so don't bring that. But Magnesium Glycinate gives you the benefits of Magnesium without the diarrhea. Both are easily found in health food stores, and maybe regular markets, depending on your area.I agree wholeheartedly. If you look at the doses of electrolytes involved, they are sub therapeutic compared to Rx replacement for deficits. OJ and bananas replace potassium. Magnesium supplements are good, if you’ve never previously taken magnesium try it at home before you leave, frequent side effect may be increased gut rumblings, gas, and bowel movements, not fun to attempt the experiment while on the Camino. Stay hydrated and Buen Camino!
You have some good questions. I am starting mid Sept. also and will follow this thread.Hi all,
I'll be doing my 1st camino soon (Camino Frances) and I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping to get help with.
Am wondering about whether we should bring laundry powder & a laundry line or if these are provided in albergues?
Also, I've been advised that most albergues only accept cash. I'm trying not to carry too much cash on me. What about restaurants/eating places/supermarkets - will I be able to pay by card?
I'm travelling super-light, and am wondering if shades/sunglasses are necessary when walking from mid-Sept to late October. For anyone who has walked this period, is the sun really bright?
For the season that I'm travelling, is a beanie enough, or is a cap/hat advised?
Will I be able to buy the Pilgrim's passport from St. Jean; and how many stamps a day do I need to get? I've read somewhere that we need to get at least 2 stamps a day during the last 100km, and wanted to double-check if this is true.
I've just been reading of muscle cramps etc on long walks. I'm not bringing any of the usual vitamins/magnesium etc. Wondering what's the advice around this for muscle cramp prevention (I've not been a walker, but have been training abit for the camino). How often should we consume electrolytes and are these readily available along the way (at supermarkets, etc)? Are there other ways to prevent cramping?
Finally, some of those were badly bitten by bed bugs advise that it's best to 'pre-treat' everything (bags, liners etc) before starting the camino. How do we 'pre-treat' , would it be with deet or something else? And when exactly do we do it? I'll be flying from NZ. Should I pre-treat my belongings before the flight, how long does the treatment last?
Many thanks, fellow pilgrims! It's so awesome to know that there's a body of people here to help and support each other.
Cheers
Deet, oh no!!! How about diatomaceous earth? I hope albergues and trails are not being contaminated with pesticides.Hi all,
I'll be doing my 1st camino soon (Camino Frances) and I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping to get help with.
Am wondering about whether we should bring laundry powder & a laundry line or if these are provided in albergues?
Also, I've been advised that most albergues only accept cash. I'm trying not to carry too much cash on me. What about restaurants/eating places/supermarkets - will I be able to pay by card?
I'm travelling super-light, and am wondering if shades/sunglasses are necessary when walking from mid-Sept to late October. For anyone who has walked this period, is the sun really bright?
For the season that I'm travelling, is a beanie enough, or is a cap/hat advised?
Will I be able to buy the Pilgrim's passport from St. Jean; and how many stamps a day do I need to get? I've read somewhere that we need to get at least 2 stamps a day during the last 100km, and wanted to double-check if this is true.
I've just been reading of muscle cramps etc on long walks. I'm not bringing any of the usual vitamins/magnesium etc. Wondering what's the advice around this for muscle cramp prevention (I've not been a walker, but have been training abit for the camino). How often should we consume electrolytes and are these readily available along the way (at supermarkets, etc)? Are there other ways to prevent cramping?
Finally, some of those were badly bitten by bed bugs advise that it's best to 'pre-treat' everything (bags, liners etc) before starting the camino. How do we 'pre-treat' , would it be with deet or something else? And when exactly do we do it? I'll be flying from NZ. Should I pre-treat my belongings before the flight, how long does the treatment last?
Many thanks, fellow pilgrims! It's so awesome to know that there's a body of people here to help and support each other.
Cheers
How would you propose that pilgrims use it along the Camino?How about diatomaceous earth?
Lots of problems with that including health issues to you and your fellow pilgrims. There are several types of diatomaceous earth and some can cause lung damage. Do you want some stranger who isn't trained tossing this stuff around. Even with the right stuff professionals use masks and gloves.How about diatomaceous earth?
beware of suddenly changing your diet when you start or are on the Camino. You HAVE to give your body some time to adjust to all the changes you are making it go through. Don't change too many things at once - changing your diet suddenly can have very . . . uncomfortable . . . consequences.
I use the same method and Breezeo strips, but instead of a plastic bag I use a dry bag.Laundry on the road: laundry strips (Breezeo is the brand I found on Amazon) and a plastic bag ... instant washing machine. A month's worth adds the equivalent to a few few sheets of paper to your pack.
Great idea! Never would have occurred to me!use the same method and Breezeo strips, but instead of a plastic bag I use a dry bag.
Here's a post in which I describe the method that I use.Great idea! Never would have occurred to me!
I've mentioned my method of using a dry bag as a "portable washing machine" before. IMO definitely preferable to stomping on my clothes on the shower floor.
I use a 12 liter dry bag to wash my clothes in, rather than the albergue laundry sinks. As I'm undressing for my shower and the water is warming up I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag, then my clothes. Then I fill the bag about 3/4 full with water and close it up. I give it a few shakes and set it aside to soak while I shower and dress. I then shake the bag some more to agitate everything well before rinsing in the laundry sink. The detergent sheets don't create a lot of suds, but get the clothes clean. After wring them out well I roll them up in my towel and twist it. This method gets my clothes cleaner than using the laundry sinks alone in the albergues. I think that the long soaking time is the secret. I even use the dry bag to wash when I'm staying in a room with my own bathroom.
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