Thank you for all the encouragement and advice. I see there are a few things I need to look into - such as bedbugs. I suppose there is a guide to protect one's gear from bedbugs somewhere on the forum?
If you search for the word bedbugs in the forum you will come up with a number of threads. Briefly, the problem of bedbugs has been growing in many urban areas in the US and around the world. As the volume of pilgrims builds up on the caminos, the problem of folks bringing the bedbugs with them has also grown. My sense is that the problem is greatest on the
Camino Frances where the numbers are bigger. But also, the later in the year you walk the more the chance of exposure (as the numbers build up so does the possibility of bugs).
Having said that, I will say that we walked the
Camino Frances in April of 2013 with no problems. Also, bed bugs are generally harmless. They are uncomfortable but not more. Many people do not react to the bites or only have minor reactions.
Here are my tips:
1. Know what to look for and ask to look at the sleeping quarters in any albergue before deciding to stay. Go to the next place if you think you see evidence of bed bugs. Here is a link to a very good University of Virgina Department of Entymology publication on bed bugs:
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticides/pdffiles/bb-identify1.pdf . Be forewarned the pictures are a bit extreme -- scientists showing the worst case scenarios.
But the publication is scientific and accurate.
2. Consider whether you want to "pre-treat" your things with chemical repellents -- ie permethrin. I plan to thoroughly spay my pack and then to use a plastic bag as a pack liner. This will give me some protection against rain also. I don't like chemicals and would rather deal with itchy bites for a few days so I don't plan to spray my sleeping sack or any of my clothing. Another thing some folks do is carry a permethrin sprayed hostal sheet. Again. I don't want to sleep on a chemical sprayed sheet, so...
3. If you feel itchy and see bites, know how to treat it and be prepared to take the time to thoroughly treat your gear. You can do this by going to a location far from an albergue and shaking everything out, then bagging it securely in a plastic garbage bag until you can get to a facility with a dryer where you run everything through the dryer at the highest possible temperature. Many albergues will help you with this. The one I am working at this summer even maintains a spare set of one size fits all clothing for folks to wear while they are treating their stuff. You also can apply new spray. The product available in Spain that I have been told about is called Cucal. I think its basically got the same chemical as permethrin.
4. Consider organic repellants -- there are lots of home remedies. But be aware that most are not supported by scientific research. Still they might make you feel better!
Buen Camino.
Liz