Recycled poles in SJPDP?

[Corelacka]

Wonder if any entrepreneur has brought all those abandoned walking poles in Santiago (often due to carry on luggage restrictions on flights) back to SJPDP for resale to peregrinos beginning their Camino

 

[Washie]

Yes I have wondered this too but could not find any details on it so have paid the hefty price of checking in a small bag because I have walking poles.

 

[lt56ny]

After buying 3 sets of poles because I didn't want to bother with checking them in. My recommendation is to buy some cheap poles. I have never paid more than 25 Euros for a pair of poles and they have all been more than adequate for my caminos. After all you are not climbing Everest.

 

[mmmmartin]

Wonder if any entrepreneur has brought all those abandoned walking poles in Santiago (often due to carry on luggage restrictions on flights) back to SJPDP for resale to peregrinos beginning their Camino

Santiago airport allows you to check poles into the hold for free. No need to abandon them at all unless you have a second flight that will not let you put them in the hold for free.

 

[Washie]

I checked with the airline and they have to be checked in unfortunately. I also checked the prices of them in SJPDP and they were expensive enough. (unless I go out to Decathlon which is out of SJPDP). I will ask the last albergue I stay at if I can leave them there for another pilgrim. I got injured walking downhill last year without them so think I do need them for the first few days of hills, stones and possibly slipping in muck. All part of the fun.

 

[CWBuff]

So.... lots of suggestions that usually say to put them into a mail card tube (along with perhaps other items that we may find useful but cannot bring in carry-on)
Is it a safe assumption that the fee charged will be the same as a up to 50 lbs suitcase (i.e. $35.00-$50.00 pending on the airline)?

 

[Washie]

Yes, around the same price to send them as check them in. I do think Corelacka is correct. There is a market for second hand poles and possibly other bits and pieces in SJPDP. I'll ask in the pilgrims office and albergue when I'm there next month if anyone is doing it and report back here.

 

[Corelacka]

There is a market for second hand poles and possibly other bits and pieces in SJPDP. I'll ask in the pilgrims office and albergue when I'm there next month if anyone is doing it and report back here.

Thank you very much! Looking forward to your feedback. Coincidentally I just listened to the most recent Pilgrim’s Podcast and the interviewee, Mark, said he got some recycled ones in a church near the bridge in SJPDP.

 

[Theatregal]

I will ask the last albergue I stay at if I can leave them there for another pilgrim.

Here is an interesting thread about abandoned walking poles and other items in SDC - where they are left and where they could go.

www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/leftover-gear-in-santiago-bring-it-to-us-please.59017/#post-688060

And a photo from the Pilgrim's Museum in SDC with sticks and poles collected from (I think) the Pilgrim's Office.

 

[CWBuff]

Well.... tons of poles left at Pilgrim's Office in SdC does not help someone who is looking for them in SJPdP
I am actually leaning towards bringing my 29" suitcase (where my collapsible poles will go, along with any other stuff that maybe pegged as needed by me but cannot go into a carry on).... hmmm... maybe even a backpack itself, less to carry while dealing with planes.... and mail it to Ivar...
That is not to say that I may not change my mind about it all

 

[Delphinoula]

I sold my set in Vigo at a second hand store. I just asked what he would give and left with a couple euros that went into another poles from the town Decathlon they had there. There are charity stores in Spain which will take them as well.

 

[Corelacka]

Well.... tons of poles left at Pilgrim's Office in SdC does not help someone who is looking for them in SJPdP

Agree I’m not looking for freebies, just would be nice to contribute to pre-loved ones and keep them out of landfill. Perhaps there could be a monthly drop back to SJPDP and the cost of transportation factored into resale price.

 

[muddy-mama]

Agree I’m not looking for freebies, just would be nice to contribute to pre-loved ones and keep them out of landfill. Perhaps there could be a monthly drop back to SJPDP and the cost of transportation factored into resale price.

Sounds like a good idea and better than the hold price on the plane

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I thought there was a thread some time ago with @SYates commenting. She lives in Santiago. Also @natefaith may have some insight as well.
At times I have not been able to bring my poles in a tube from Chicago if my connecting bus or train out of Madrid does not allow me ample time to collect a checked item...sometimes time is of the essence.

 

[Tincatinker]

Wonder if any entrepreneur has brought all those abandoned walking poles in Santiago (often due to carry on luggage restrictions on flights) back to SJPDP for resale to peregrinos beginning their Camino

Aah, wouldn't that be lovely. Endless chains of Correos, Caminofacil, & Jacotrans vans, otherwise running empty, shipping bundles of hiking Poles to a great big box just outside the Bureau Pelerins. Pilgrims of every shape and size being issued with their standard kit: list of Albergues, perpetual water-bottle, three poo-bags and a dyspepsia tablet and, a set of walking poles that have already been to Santiago. A kindly guide and mentor, experienced but willing to stay silent and let the pilgrim learn...

I'd do it myself, but as Gran would have said, "there's no profit in the obvious". Shame really.

 

[Bradypus]

three poo-bags and a dyspepsia tablet

Only 3 poo bags for 800km? I think you might need more fibre in your diet. Or a different sort of dyspepsia pill.