Safety – Somewhere Slowly

CF21 Day 14 – Rabanal to Acebo

16/09/2021

Most of the rain must have passed us during the night, but I woke up to thick fog, and though I waited as long as I could, it only got thicker. In the end I just decided to be excited about trying my new rain trousers, yay! With the leg zips at half mast I … More CF21 Day 14 – Rabanal to Acebo

CF21 Week 1 – some observations

10/09/2021

The first and most obvious difference between Spain and the UK, where I live, is that everybody here is wearing a mask, almost everywhere. Not just indoors and when they are in close proximity to others, but even on the streets and sitting outside. You may have brought a favourite reusable one from home, but … More CF21 Week 1 – some observations

CF21 Day 1 – Pilgrims at their best (but no kilt)

03/09/2021

Sorry about the delay, but this camino decided to start with a bit of drama. The rain that was forecast seemed to arrive with thunder and lightning in the middle of the night, so I put on my poncho mainly against the wind and set off from Burgos (reluctantly). The first thing I saw and … More CF21 Day 1 – Pilgrims at their best (but no kilt)

Should I stay or should I go?

22/08/2021

I know, I know. It covers my conundrum perfectly though. I have been mulling it over for ages now, pros and cons and hopes and dreams and worries and vaccines and all the new paperwork and flights constantly being changed, cancelled and refunded. I would say I have been in two minds, but it’s more … More Should I stay or should I go?

Top pilgrim tip: Power bank

27/06/2021

Some pilgrims bring USB or multi splitter charger plugs on the camino so they won’t hog the sometimes few charging points in an albergue, which is a great idea, but not always ideal as others might not want to just tap into someone else’s plug or get upset if you unplug theirs to replug it … More Top pilgrim tip: Power bank

The perfect pilgrim present 2020

02/12/2020

If you have a significant pilgrim in your life, and want to contribute to their preparations with some practical, inexpensive and most importantly lightweight presents, here are some things I am sure they will be delighted to get (I know I would) in no particular order: Casa Ivar, on the Camino forum, sells some lovely … More The perfect pilgrim present 2020

Postponing a postponed walk

30/07/2020

This week I bit the bullet, grit my teeth and cancelled my beds on the Camino Francés in September. Not because I wanted to, but for the simple reason that I am waiting to hear about a rather lucrative contract – if I get it, I won’t have time to go, and if I don’t, … More Postponing a postponed walk

New travel advice for Spain

13/03/2020

These areas are basically the ones I was going to, so it’s game over for me for May. If you are worried about travel, precautions, options etc, please follow the advice of government bodies and authorities like the WHO and don’t take social media speculation to heart. For an updated list of albergues closed or … More New travel advice for Spain

Last minute checklist

18/02/2020

Here we are again. Butterflies, open pack, stuff everywhere, and me ticking off points on my checklist. Tomorrow I am on my way and what I haven’t got, I’ll either have to get or go without. Of course I have a packing list, but have you ever tried to actually follow one of those things?? … More Last minute checklist

Top pilgrim tip: Alert Cops app

12/02/2020

If you are going to Spain, either as a pilgrim or tourist, I highly recommend that you download the AlertCops app on your mobile phone. It’s easy to set up, and lets you call or send text messages to the nearest police emergency line, specify which language you speak, choose from a number of easy … More Top pilgrim tip: Alert Cops app