Suggestion For Avoiding Beg Bugs

[Doogman]

There are a lot of smart and experienced people on this Forum, and whenever the topic of bed bugs comes up the advice given is very sound. However, I just came across a suggestion for avoiding bed bugs that I have never heard on this Forum before. It apparently comes from a 14th century French phrasebook for English travellers: "The wise traveller is recommended to send his servant ahead to enquire whether there 'be no fleas, nor bugs, nor other vermin'."*

So there you go. Simply send your servants ahead to check it out. Problem solved. You're welcome!

* This gem of wisdom comes from the book "Pilgrimage" by Jonathan Sumption, the British historian and Supreme Court Judge. This book was recommended by somebody on this Forum about a year or so ago, but unfortunately I cannot remember who that was, so I cannot give them their credit. However, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the history of medieval western European pilgrimage.

 

[domigee]

Yeah, when I walk with a pilgrim friend. I am usually that servant!

 

[SYates]

Now where did I leave that useful servant, where did I leave it ???

Oh yes, nobody's master, nobody's servant!

No luck for me! Good night and let the bed bugs not bite! BC SY

 

[mspath]

There are a lot of smart and experienced people on this Forum, and whenever the topic of bed bugs comes up the advice given is very sound. However, I just came across a suggestion for avoiding bed bugs that I have never heard on this Forum before. It apparently comes from a 14th century French phrasebook for English travellers: "The wise traveller is recommended to send his servant ahead to enquire whether there 'be no fleas, nor bugs, nor other vermin'."*

So there you go. Simply send your servants ahead to check it out. Problem solved. You're welcome!

* This gem of wisdom comes from the book "Pilgrimage" by Jonathan Sumption, the British historian and Supreme Court Judge. This book was recommended by somebody on this Forum about a year or so ago, but unfortunately I cannot remember who that was, so I cannot give them their credit. However, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the history of medieval western European pilgrimage.

Perhaps this earlier forum thread will provide your answer.

 

[linkster]

Not the same as a servant, but on the AT there is usually a log (spiral notebook etc.) in the shelters where hikers can leave notes for others. Most messages are to friends on the trail letting them know where you are, but there is also info on springs etc. I have also read some messages about people being sick ... flu in a shelter can spread to a group pretty easily. Unfortunately, there are not hospitaleros to clean up after people ... I know ridge runners have disinfected shelters to help out. There is more 2 way traffic that serves to pass information up and down the line.

 

[onwayhome]

Now that's what I call a Traditional Pilgrim. I think they may have found the solution to bed bugs, a lighter pack and maybe even personal transport?