Experiment – Somewhere Slowly

To boot or not to boot?

14/08/2015

Now that is a question. When I started researching appropriate footwear for Hadrian’s Wall, the concensus seemed to be that you need waterproof boots. Which is fine for some, lots of people like wearing boots for all sorts of walks. It’s just … I really don’t. I prefer shoes, I like the lightness of them, I like the … More To boot or not to boot?

Pacerpoles impression after a bit of use

27/07/2015

I have never used walking sticks or poles on my caminos, for some reason I just thought that was for people with joint or balance problems or in the case of the rough wooden single pole – a camino chic fashion statement. Also there were tales of people in constant panic about losing them, having … More Pacerpoles impression after a bit of use

Top pilgrim tip: The tostada

24/07/2015

I was recently reminded of my first typical camino breakfast, which was in albergue Orisson: white bread for toasting, butter and preserves/jams. Café con leche, of course. Orange juice. We could also buy a bocadillo – more white bread, and lots of it, so sharp it will cut your mouth inside and out – with … More Top pilgrim tip: The tostada

To repeat or not to repeat?

24/07/2015

I am going back again this September. All booked and planned – well, as planned as I like my two week top-up caminos to be: flights and buses so I know when I get there, then the first and last nights’ accommodation to make sure I will get on the flights and buses. I have also … More To repeat or not to repeat?

A change of socks

06/07/2015

Ah, the sock conundrum. (Don’t get me started on the shoes or boots one.) One pilgrim’s favourite sock is the end of another’s camino, that’s how important socks are. Not kidding. Luckily there are socks to be bought along the way for those who got it wrong! On my first camino walk – my first … More A change of socks

Top pilgrim tip: The sarong

26/06/2015

Another Camino staple item that deserves a bit of praise is the sarong. Or scarf. Or wrap-around skirt or whatever you call it: shemagh, Palestine scarf, lava lava or whatever. Square, rectangular, cotton, silk, man made fibres, single colour or patterned. It can be used as a cover-up after the shower, a spare towel, a … More Top pilgrim tip: The sarong

Top pilgrim tip: The top bunk

26/06/2015

I thought I’d heap some praise on some forgotten, undervalued or misunderstood Camino fixtures and features – let me start with the top bunk. People either hate it or don’t love it. Most try to avoid it. It sometimes has no ladder, if it has one it tends to be uncomfortable or even ill devised for … More Top pilgrim tip: The top bunk

Experimental laundry

14/06/2015

I recently got very excited about a new gadget which sounded really good for travel, hiking and therefore the camino: The Scrubba. It has a ‘flexible washboard’ with little nobules on the inside, and a small valve to let the air out before agitating the laundry in the bag … but essentially it’s a drybag … More Experimental laundry