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I just completed the El Camino in October. It was wonderful and beautiful and difficult. At the time I thought how can anyone want to do this several times. Now that I am home and reflecting, I would go back and walk again without question. I loved every minute of it. I have one issue though that nags at me still and was with me almost the entire walk from SJPP...the trash. I was saddened and disgusted by all the trash, bottles, toilet paper, human waste and garbage left by pilgrims along the entire way. I was also saddened by the graffitti on the El Camino posts and signs. It seemed such an insult to everyone, but especially the people of Spain who were so welcoming and kind and helpful along the way. How could people be so inconsiderate and thoughtless in such a beautiful country. We picked up what trash we could and certainly didn't contribute, but there was little we could do as we walked. What right do we as pilgrims have to deface the "way," trash the environment, and insult the hosts of such a historic and sacred path. Frankly, in many areas, the signs were not necessarry, one just needed to follow the trash. The entire walk I told myself I would comment on this when I got home so that, hopefully, others will not contribute to it as they walk in the future.
I just completed the El Camino in October. It was wonderful and beautiful and difficult. At the time I thought how can anyone want to do this several times. Now that I am home and reflecting, I would go back and walk again without question. I loved every minute of it. I have one issue though that nags at me still and was with me almost the entire walk from SJPP...the trash. I was saddened and disgusted by all the trash, bottles, toilet paper, human waste and garbage left by pilgrims along the entire way. I was also saddened by the graffitti on the El Camino posts and signs. It seemed such an insult to everyone, but especially the people of Spain who were so welcoming and kind and helpful along the way. How could people be so inconsiderate and thoughtless in such a beautiful country. We picked up what trash we could and certainly didn't contribute, but there was little we could do as we walked. What right do we as pilgrims have to deface the "way," trash the environment, and insult the hosts of such a historic and sacred path. Frankly, in many areas, the signs were not necessarry, one just needed to follow the trash. The entire walk I told myself I would comment on this when I got home so that, hopefully, others will not contribute to it as they walk in the future.[/QUOTE
It would be great if we could get a group together specifically to pick up trash along the Camino Francis. We would walk the Camino but be picking up trash along the way to Santiago. If this could not be done we should encourage all pilgrims to pick up a bag trash along the way, no matter how small the bag. Maybe it could be like coastal clean up. We should clean up the Camino we love.
Welcome to the club.Now that I am home and reflecting, I would go back and walk again without question.
Huh, great idea!!! I'm already planing my (hopefully) 2015 Camino de Levante/Sanabres/Fisterra and have few short days in between. Now I know how to fill that time gap while walking short distance.Well said jdickson, I too was saddened by the trash all along the Way. People laughingly referred to the toilet paper as Camino flowers - horrible. Like you I made sure to not add to the mess, though unlike you I didn't pick any of the trash...Here in South Africa we have organised 'clean up days', what if, each person who walked dedicated one day (or more) as a clean up day? I hope to be able to save up and walk the Camino again...and when I do, I will have a dedicated 'clean up day'. Maybe those of you who a planning your Pilgrimage will include in your pack some disposable gloves and a big black bag for your 'clean up day'. Let us all respect The Way and the people of Spain - our hosts.
... The camino is a path through hundreds of counties, towns, municipalities, states, provinces, and cities, and most of them don't talk to each other. It is the nature of the beast. No one is going to take on more work or expense than he has to...
If every foreign pilgrim were to chip in, say, $1,000, the Spanish authorities might consider it. It is unlikely that the government will ask its 20%-unemployed citizens to pay. Half the pilgrims are Spanish. When they collectively demand toilets, it might happen. As it is, I suspect they are happy with toilets in bars and restaurants for the price of a cup of coffee. The contrast between public toilets in France and in Spain is quite stark. That said, the footprint-in-the-floor toilets common in France in the villages are pretty much avoided. They are there, but no one uses them. I also suspect that the Spanish leave more than their share of litter, and virtually all of the graffiti. The Spanish do not like the graffiti any more than the foreigners, but it only takes one or two vandals to cover an entire city, given fairly unlimited nights to do it. The 99.99% can only decry the activity, and occasionally pay to have it cleaned up.Surely it's time for Spain to install some public toilets
Well said jdickson, I too was saddened by the trash all along the Way. People laughingly referred to the toilet paper as Camino flowers - horrible. Like you I made sure to not add to the mess, though unlike you I didn't pick any of the trash...Here in South Africa we have organised 'clean up days', what if, each person who walked dedicated one day (or more) as a clean up day? I hope to be able to save up and walk the Camino again...and when I do, I will have a dedicated 'clean up day'. Maybe those of you who a planning your Pilgrimage will include in your pack some disposable gloves and a big black bag for your 'clean up day'. Let us all respect The Way and the people of Spain - our hosts.
I couldn't agree more with the comments about the trash. I was shocked and certainly saddened by the amount of trash. I went in August at the height of the season and it was really awful. I challenge all those to send your pack ahead one day and take a trash bag for the day and just pick up trash. It would be cleaned up in no time! Send ahead your pack, and take a sack! I did spend one morning picking up trash right in front of a group on teen students from Brazil. I hoped the example was seen??? One of the tour leaders I inquired with about the problem, said that sadly the Spanish are the most contributing. I just felt the need to share on this subject. I had an amazing time on my Camino and still am enjoying the after glow! Buen Camino and take a sack!Huh, great idea!!! I'm already planing my (hopefully) 2015 Camino de Levante/Sanabres/Fisterra and have few short days in between. Now I know how to fill that time gap while walking short distance.
Thanks
This is an excellent idea. I was wondering how long I would last if, with pack on my back, I were to be constantly bending over to pick up trash. Now, here you have provided a way to get around that. Thank you.Send ahead your pack, and take a sack!
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