The ALTUS Poncho - 2018

If you hang around Camino forums for very long, 

you'll hear people talking about the ALTUS poncho. 

What the heck IS an ALTUS poncho?

The ALTUS poncho is a rain poncho

but better.

The ALTUS has a large "hump" on the back 

that completely covers your backpack.

When you're not using that "hump,"

it snaps neatly down to the poncho,

making the back flat.

The ALTUS also has sleeves,

unlike other ponchos,

and the sleeves have elasticized cuffs,

so your arms stay completely dry.

Here you can see the coverage with Linda and Patty's ALTUS

The ALTUS both zips up the front,

and snaps up the front,

so a strong wind won't blow it up or off of you.

In fact, it makes a very good windbreaker

for those cold, windy days.

The ALTUS has a large hood,

which fits comfortably over your hat,

whether it is a baseball cap style,

or a Tilley hat with a larger brim.

In fact, though the ALTUS hood has a brim,

I find it better to wear it over my hat,

for stability and better vision.

In other words,

the hat keep the brim of the ALTUS 

from flapping around in the wind,

and keeps it stabilized.

It also keeps the hood up in a way 

that keeps the rain from hitting your face and neck.

The ALTUS is so good at keeping your warm

that I've literally used it

as a blanket at Roncesvalles,

when one of the pilgrims in my group 

didn't bring a sleeping bag, 

and I gave her my own.

I simply put on my longjohns 

and slept with the ALTUS over me

and it kept me toasty warm.

People have asked if it keeps you dry?

It keeps me dry as a bone.

However,

like any other gear, 

you must learn to use it.

You must vent the Altus properly.

in order to stay dry.

Because you are walking and sweating,

the ALTUS will collect condensation,

like any other rain gear,

and you will get soaked by your own sweat.

To keep that from happening,

I always leave the top several inches of the ALTUS open

when I'm walking in rain,

so the heat can escape.

And though you can't help but get a little damp

from condensation of your own body heat,

you do not get soaked if it's vented properly,

and you do stay warm.

If I'm walking on a day where it rains, then stops,

then rains, the stops,

between rains I simply unzip the poncho

take my arms out of the sleeves,

and let it hang loose from my pack.

It stays (unless of course it's  too windy,

in which case I'd wear it to block the wind).

It doesn't come off because of the neck of the poncho.

And then when the rain starts again,

I slip my arms in, zip it up, and off I go!

At the time of this writing (Feb 2016)

the  ALTUS cannot yet be purchased in the United States.

There are several places you can purchase it

at the beginning of your Camino.

In St. Jean Pied de Port, 

Boutique du Pelerin carries the ALTUS poncho

as well as other pilgrim needs.

If you email Pierre, and ask nicely,

he will hold a poncho for you.

You can pick it up and pay for it on the day you arrive.

Just be sure to give him your name, size, color, and date of arrival.

Here is his website link:

http://www.boutique-du-pelerin.com/en/

In Zubiri, there is a sports shop called Planeta Agua.

It is on the main street of the village.

Here is their website link:

http://www.planeta-agua.com/

In the past, they have carried the ALTUS,

and I see they take Paypal.

So you may be able to order ahead, pay,

and pick up your poncho when you reach Zubiri.

This might be your best bet if you are 

starting out in Roncesvalles

and did not get your poncho in Pamplona

In Pamplona, Caminoteca is the place to go.

Located in Old Town, they also carry the ALTUS poncho

as well as other pilgrim gear.

The last time I checked, 

the prices for the ALTUS were less here,

so if you're starting by flying into Pamplona

it would be worth a stop to get your poncho.

I'm not sure if they'll hold one for you.

I'm emailing them today to ask if they take Paypal

or if they'll hold a poncho (or sticks)

so come back in a day or two and I will post their answer.

Of course, you can take regular rain gear.

On my first Camino I wore a rain jacket and rain pants.

But the weight put me off and I needed something more lightweight

that would cover my legs and hips.

The ALTUS keeps my feet dry.

I am 5'3" and usually start the Camino weighing around 155.

So I should by most calculations wear a SMALL.

However, I buy a large,

because I like the way the large covers me 

halfway down my legs, 

keeping the rain off my feet.

Also, if you were to be injured or get lost,

the ALTUS can make a very good shelter,

using your walking sticks.

You could cover up with it 

to shelter you from the elements.

Ralph and Toni Marie, from Las Vegas, spent the night on the mountain!

I did meet one couple in 2014

who got stuck all night

on the pass between Orisson and Roncesvalles

because they started too late in the day

and were caught in the dark in a snowstorm.

They snuggled under a bush

praying the Rosary to stay awake,

until it was light enough to see the trail and walk down.

They were lucky they didn't freeze to death!

I've kept in touch with them,

and they did make it to Santiago.

If they'd had an ALTUS poncho,

or two,

they would have had a much more comfortable night!

OTHER PONCHOS

I have tried the Sea to Summit

and the Bluefield Poncho,

both of which can be purchased on Amazon.

I hated both.

The reason was because they did not zip up the front,

and I about had a heat stroke 

just sitting in my living room with the danged things on.

See my review of the Bluefield here:

http://caminosantiago2.blogspot.com/2015/12/review-of-bluefield-poncho.html

And remember,

if you wear rain pants and rain jacket,

you'll need a pack cover,

which you do NOT need if you're using an ALTUS.

So,

those are all the reasons I love the ALTUS poncho.

If you have any questions, please list them below.

Buen Camino!

Annie

***

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Anniewalkers Camino

Which Money Belt is Best? 2018

Most pilgrims agree that a money belt is a necessity on the Camino Santiago.

It makes the most sense to use an ATM card 

and withdraw €200-€300 when you find a bank, 

and then spread that cash out over several days. 

Using my budget of €20 per day, 

one withdrawal can last me up to 10 days.

I take out €20 each morning 

and carry it in a change purse

that is easy to access.

The rest travels in a money belt with my passport and credit card.

There are many options for carrying your cash on the Camino.

Here are a few:

Neck pouch.

Review: I do not recommend these at all.

First of all, the strap around your neck is a dead giveaway.

Thieves have been known to grab these and cut them with a blade.

The ones that cannot be cut could strangle you if the thief was on a bike.

I just don't think they're safe at all.

Leg Safe.

Again, I do not recommend these.

I have seen pickpockets on the Metro

drop to their knees and run their hands

up a man's pants, because they know this is a popular option.

It only takes them a second

to grab your leg safe 

and jump off the train!

Waist Belt.

A regular waist-band money belt.

You can find these in all travel stores.

You can also find them in the Rick Steves travel store.

The are a zippered flat pouch that you wear around your waist.

The compartments are large enough for your passport,

and often have separate places for credit cards and cash.

They have a snap buckle that is plastic.

Please note this belt is to be worn UNDER your clothing, 

not over.

Review:  I wore this type of belt for several years. Sometimes it was uncomfortable because it continually rode up unless I tightened it, in which case it felt binding.  My passport and cash often was damp with sweat. But I still recommend this type of belt over a neck-style.

Bra Caddy

Here's another option.

I don't think it would be too comfortable backpacking,

but hey…

Hidden Pocket.

This is one of my favorites. 

It is a pocket, with various compartments. 

It is big enough for your passport, cash, and credit cards.  

It has two loops, one brown and one black, 

so you can wear it over your belt, 

then tuck it into your skirt or pants.  

It's easy to access. 

I like wearing this along with a regular money belt. (see below) 

It comes in different colors.

 I like the tan because it can't be seen under light clothing.

Standard Money Belt

In addition to the money pouch above,

this year I bought a regular money belt.

I bought the one made by 

Binh,

in a polyester weave.

It is lightweight,

not bulky at all, 

and the zipper is quite long,

so there's space to store several large bills.

The belts can be purchased in leather as well.
I tried this belt one year and discarded it.
It's just not convenient to me.
For a man, it might be a good way to store extra cash,
or for a woman who wears pants with belt loops.
But I didn't care for it.

Splitting Up The Cash

However you decide to carry your cash and cards,

it's probably a good idea to split it up.

Carry some in one belt,

and some in another.

Dummy Wallet

Some people carry a "dummy wallet."

This is a wallet with a credit card or two

that are outdated,

maybe a couple of €20 or €50 bills.

In case of pickpocket or theft,

this wallet can be surrendered easily,

and you're not out your entire bank!

Here is a good blog on what to carry 

in a "sacrificial wallet."

http://blog.backpackerbucks.com/gear/sacrificial-wallet-thwart-theives-stay-safe/

Whichever money belt you decide on,

I suggest you fill it,

and wear it around your hometown for a few days,

so you will know whether or not 

it is going to be comfortable on the Camino.

ON THE CAMINO

Never, ever leave your money, credit cards, passport,

or anything you cannot afford to lose

unattended.

Never leave it with another pilgrim

no matter how friendly they appear.

On my first Camino, I met three young people

whose Camino ended after 3 days.

In Pamplona, they left their bags

with a friendly fellow pilgrim

they had walked with from SJPP.

The "pilgrim" had targeted them

and when she agreed to watch their bags

while they showered,

she robbed them of all cash and credit cards,

and vanished in the Pamplona night.

Sad but true.

When you shower, put your valuables into a 

zip lock bag, or special waterproof bag 

and 

TAKE THEM INTO THE SHOWER WITH YOU!

* * *

And remember,

NEVER get into your money belt

in a public place.

Access it in private each morning,

in a bathroom stall if necessary,

taking out your cash for the day.

When you go to the ATM,

go with a friend when possible.

Have them turn facing outwards,

while you get your cash.

And then immediately go somewhere

you can put your cash away

out of the public eye.

Watch out for children who want to "help" you!
Keep your hand over the slot where the money comes out.
See my post on pickpockets here:
PICKPOCKETS

At night, don't just leave your money belt and valuables by your bedside.

Be sure they are safe where nobody can pick them up and walk out with them.

I often stealthily tuck mine into the foot box of my sleeping bag.

There is very little theft on the Camino.

But it does happen.

And as the Camino becomes more and more popular,

petty crime increases.

Thieves look for an easy target, so...

Don't be paranoid, 

but don't be naive.

And you will have a

 Buen Camino!

Money on the Camino - 2018

When my friend arrived in Spain for the first time,

her fare was €2 and she "tipped" the taxi driver the "quarters"

which amounted to about €8!!

When I arrived in Portugal the first time,

I paid the taxi driver €20 for a €2 fare.

For many, learning to use Euros takes a few days.

The money looks different.

Why not do some studying BEFORE you leave for Europe.

Here are what Euros look like.

BILLS.  

The bills are not too difficult. 

They are clearly marked and in colors! 

 When you take €300 from an ATM machine, 

you generally will get one €100, two €50, 

and five €20 bills. 

Albergues and tiny tiendas are not going to want to change your €100 bills, 

so try to get them exchanged in a large supermarket or bank.

Albergues and tiendas also will NOT take credit cards.

They operate on a cash-only basis.

Private albergues will sometimes take cards,

as will hotels.

So if you're booking hotels, 

a credit card is fine.

COINS.  

Here is a photo of American coins next to Euro coins.

As you can see, both the ONE EURO and the fifty cent EURO 

are approximately the same size as our American quarter.

The TWO EURO coin is larger.

The colors are different also, so pay attention.

Study these now so you don't make mistakes later.

The ONE EURO will become easy to recognize because it is two-toned.

USING ATM MACHINES

There are ATM machines all along the Camino,
beginning in the airport when you arrive.
As soon as I get through customs,
I find an ATM in the airport and withdraw 200 to 300 Euros.
This will hold me for about a week or 10 days.
In the 11 years I've been walking the Camino,
I've never found it difficult to obtain Euros
in the airport
from the ATM.

I do NOT purchase Euros from a seller in the airport.
I use the ATM

In the airport, there are security guards everywhere,
so you're as safe there as anywhere at home.

On the streets of busy cities,
I'm a little more cautious when I take out my cash.
Places I'd be cautious would be Pamplona,
Burgos, Leon, and maybe Santiago.
You're pretty safe in the smaller villages.
Just be aware of your surroundings.

It is good practice to have a friend stand with you while you take out your cash. 

Before you begin, study where the cash will come out and keep your hand ready

to retrieve both your card and your cash.

If anybody appears to be standing too close or to be watching you, be wary.

Also beware of locals who want to "help" you -
they've been known to grab and run.

These are usually children or young people.

But I had an adult man try the "bird poop" scam on me in Barcelona,

so adults can also be culprits.

When you take your cash out of the ATM, 

DO NOT PUT IT AWAY IN PUBLIC!

Immediately go to a bathroom or to your room 

and put the cash into your money belt IN PRIVATE.

ATMs are watched closely by gypsies, 

especially in the larger cities. 

Not so much to worry about in smaller villages.

I never take cash from the ATM on a weekend.

I've seen cards get eaten 

and then the person is stuck until Monday, 

when the bank opens.

When possible, 

I use the ATMS where you go into a little private cubicle.

CALL YOUR BANK 

The week before you leave for Spain 

be sure to call your bank

and tell them you will be traveling in France (SJPP) and Spain. 

Otherwise, the first time you try to use your card, 

they will think someone has stolen it and will block it 

and you'll be stuck in a foreign country with no money.

 And considering the time change, 

calling your bank to straighten this out can be a huge problem.

PIN NUMBERS. 

ATM machines in Spain use the 4 digit NUMERAL system. 

If your pin uses letters, you will not be able to use most ATM machines in Spain.

Most ATM machines in Spain work just like the ones at home. 

You put in your card, type in your pin number, 

and choose the amount you want. 

Most have English options.

BUYING EUROS AHEAD OF TIME.  

I did this the first time I walked the Camino but I never do this anymore.

I go to Spain every year, sometimes twice, and I never take Euros.

Every international airport will have ATM machines inside.

The Madrid airport has several on different floors.

I've never had a problem getting Euros.

If you DO want to take Euros, 

I suggest no more than €200-€300 to begin with.

That will last you a week on the Camino.

ATM FEES

I use Charles Schwab online bank for my travel.

They issue me a card that I can use anywhere and 

I PAY NO FEES.

If a bank in Europe charges a fee,

Charles Schwab reimburses me at the end of each month.
Charles Schwab also has the best exchange rate I've found anywhere.
And I get that simply by using my ATM card.

Bank fees can add up to hundreds of dollars.

So I suggest you do NOT use your regular bank's ATM account 

unless your bank gives you a special rate.

Exhange Rates

Not only do banks charge fees for using the ATM,

but many also charge a HIGHER EXCHANGE rate.

For example, 

if the regular exchange rate is 1.37, 

the bank might charge 1.50 or higher.

Those pennies along with ATM fees add up.

Call your bank and ask what exchange rate they charge

for international withdrawals.

They will talk around the bush

but eventually you will learn

that most charge a whopping fee

for exchanging cash in a foreign country.

Use a Travel Account.

It's a good idea to keep your travel money

separate from your regular bank account,

just in case your card is compromised.

I know Wells Fargo has a special travel account you can open

to keep your travel cash separate from your regular bank account.

They also offer a travel card that has no fees, so you can call them and check.

But I am in love with my Charles Schwab card.

And… since Schwab only gives you one ATM card,

I'm opening an account with my walking partner this year.

That way he will get a card also in case mine is lost or stolen.

If two of you are traveling, it is smart to have your walking partner carry 

your extra card, in case of problems.

Lastly, 

I know I harp on this,

but be aware of girls with clipboards.

It is a scam, and a successful one!
While one "deaf" girl has her clipboard pressed into your belly,
the others will be picking you clean!
So take a wide berth and steer clear of these girls.
They are NOT deaf.
They are pickpockets.

Let me know if you have questions.

And BUEN CAMINO!

Love,

Annie

Anniewalkers Camino

Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite - 2018

When I was a girl,
my grandmother said a little rhyme to me
each night when she tucked me in.
She said,

Goodnight!

Sleep Tight!

Don't let the bedbugs bite!"

When I would ask her "What are bedbugs, Grandma?"
she'd just cackle and say,
"Girl, you are SO lucky that you don't know what they are!"

I guess I WAS lucky.

I had no idea what bedbugs were

or if they even existed,

until I walked the Camino.

If you get grossed out easy, you may not like this blog post.

But if you're planning on walking the Camino any time from spring to fall, you may find this information very helpful.

I began seeing pilgrims with horrid bedbugs bites 

about 4 days into my trek.

In fact, I had a bite on my neck, 

but had no idea what it was.

Just this HUGE painless welt, about the size of a quarter, 

on the side of my neck.

I dressed it, covered it, 

and waited for it to go away.

It took about 2 weeks to completely disappear.

Later, I realized I'd had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bedbug, and being chemically sensitive, realized that most poisonous means of control were not in my repetoire. I took a trip to the local Farmacia and had a chat with the pharmacist. She gave me great instructions and I'm pleased to report that during the rest of my 2006 Camino and through my entire 2009 Camino, although I saw many bedbug bitten people and many bugs, I did not get one single bite.

Bedbug bites range in size according to how allergic the host is. For some people they're no worse than a mosquito bite. Other people can end up in the hospital. More people react than not, in my experience. Here is a sample of what bedbug bites can look like. For more photos, do a Google search on bedbug bites and have a look yourself!

Here  is what the pharmacist taught me.

1. LEARN TO SPOT BEDBUG SIGN

The first thing I do when I go into a place is look on the wall above and around the bed. If there are bedbugs, you may see tiny dot dot dots, like someone took a black sharpie pen and made dots on the wall. This is their feces.

You should also pull back the sheet and check the mattress. Often, in the rolled seam, if you pull it back, you'll see these dots.

If there are holes in the mattress, sometimes the bugs hide in the holes. They're nocturnal so they hide from the light. Check around holes for sign.

Sometimes you'll see the bugs themselves, hiding in the mattress seams or in the seams of the bedframe.

Dot dot dot feces as well as bugs - are you itching yet?

bedbugs in the rolled seam of mattress

Bedbug sign on the mattress

Pull the mattress up and check the bed frame. On wooden beds, I look in the little recessed holes where the hardware that holds it all together resides. I check around the bed slats and even around the wheels.

If I see ANY signs like these, I ask if they know they've had bedbugs.

If they say, "We sprayed, they're gone" then I go to Step 2.
If I see NO sign, then I also go to Step 2.

2. SPRAY THE BED. When you get to the Camino, stop at a Farmacia and buy a mosquito repellant spray meant to spray on the skin to repel mosquitos. This is a pump spray and isn't expensive, maybe 6 or 7 euro. It allows you to spray a fine mist.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SATURATE THE AIR OR THE BED. Spray about 12 inches above the bed, 3 pumps, a fine mist. Mist top, middle, bottom. Then step back and watch for about 5 minutes.  (I'd probably do this when nobody is around. People will spray their deodorant or EO's but don't want you spraying repellant. I see less problem in doing this than in spraying a mosquito repellant or sunscreen onto your body in the same room.)

If there are bugs, they will run out to escape the spray and you will see them.

If you see them, I would not stay there, period.

If you do not see them, there's a good chance you won't get bit.

If you can stand to spray yourself, then do it. I am not able to spray myself without getting sick so I never did use the spray on my skin. I was never bitten.

This worked quite well for me.

Some people on the forum were concerned that the spray would make others sick. I suggest you do this early on in the day. The smell dissipates quite quickly.

In the winter, the bedbugs are not as much of a problem. They die off and are dormant until the heat of Spring, when they begin hatching again. Here are photos of the bugs in different stages of their lives.

IF  YOU DO GET BITTEN

If you DO get bitten

you must ASSUME your entire backpack is compromised.

You must follow certain rules to be sure

you do not spread these bugs along the Camino

everyplace you stop and sleep.

Method One

1. Take EVERYTHING out of your pack

2. Turn all pockets inside out

3. Lay it all out on the grass or dirt

4. Spray it ALL with insecticide

5. Let the sun bake it a while

6. Wash EVERYTHING (including your backpack) in HOT WATER

7. Dry in a hot dryer

Method Two

1. If it is impossible to wash everything, then you must take everything to a dry cleaners.

2. This includes your backpack!

Method Three

1. If it is summer you can take EVERYTHING out of your pack

2. Turn all pockets inside out.

3. Put everything in a BLACK garbage bag, loosely

4. Tightly close it

5. Leave it in the hot sun for several hours

6. Wash everything in hot water and dry in a dryer if possible.

You will need to examine all the SEAMS of your clothing, including inside pockets.

Examine all the seams of your backpack and of your sleeping bag also.

If you do not do this, 

not only will you spread bedbugs along the Camino,

you take the chance of carrying them home to 

YOUR HOUSE !

This will not endear you to your family...

 By the way, bedbugs are not only on the Camino.

A quick Google search on Bedbugs along I-5

will give you a list of the California hotels

that are housing the little buggers.

They're everywhere!

Much like VAMPIRES!

Sleep tight!

Why Bedbugs and Vampires Are Exactly Alike 

(Thank you Rants from Mommyland)

• They are both totally real.
• They both come out at night.
• They both suck your blood.
• You should not invite them into your house (already established).
• They CANNOT be killed by silver bullets, that's werewolves, as you damn well know unless you are illiterate or don't have cable.
• Once they get in your house, it takes an act of God or possibly Fairies to get them out. Also, fire.
• If either bedbugs or vampires start coming in your house you should probably just move far, far away.
• They hide under the bed and some of them are telepathic. 
• You can tell the telepathic ones by their artfully tousled hair.
• You can catch them in hotels, so don’t go to hotels.  Especially in Cincinnati.  
• They climb in bed with you while you’re sleeping and do unspeakable things.  
• If you let them bite you on purpose, you might want to get a check up from the neck up.
• Parents disapprove if you try to date one.
• They have Kings and Queens and a rigid hierarchy with swift and final justice for wrong-doing.
• The Health Department should be called immediately if you suspect an infestation though the Health Department may be slightly less effective with an infestation of vampires.

* * *

Back to the Camino.

Don't let this information on bedbugs ruin your trek.

Just pay attention

and you'll be fine.

Sleep tight!

UPDATE!!!

Since walking the Camino in 2011, 

I have returned many times, 

and over the years, the bedbug problem

has gotten worse, 

not better.

SPRAYING YOUR GEAR:

I now suggest you spray the OUTSIDE of

both your backpack

and your sleeping bag

with Permethrin Spray before leaving for your trip.

The brand most used in the USA is SAWYERS

and it can be found at REI.

I have also found permethrin spray 

at farm supply stores and vet supply stores.

Simply hang up the backpack 

and the sleeping bag on a line outside.

Now spray the OUTSIDE of both well.

Let it dry before taking back inside.

It is odorless once dried.

This only has to be done once before your Camino.

No need to carry permethrin with you.

TO KEEP FROM INFESTING YOUR HOME

Upon returning to the USA,

whether or not you saw one single bedbug,

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PACK INTO YOUR HOUSE!!!

Even if you have not had one bedbug bite,

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PACK INTO YOUR HOUSE!!!

Have whomever is picking you up from the airport 

bring a large garbage sack with them.

Do not put your backpack into their car trunk

until you tie your pack up tightly in the sack.

When you get home, 

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PACK INTO YOUR HOUSE!!!

Leave it in the plastic bag,

outside or in the garage.

Go inside, 

undress and immediately take your Camino clothes

and put them in the plastic bag as well.

When you have time,

next morning, hopefully,

open the sack,

dump the contents into the plastic bag

and spray both the contents and your backpack

with insecticide,

then tie everything up for a few more days

inside the plastic bag.

When you have the time,

take out your clothing and wash EVERY piece of clothing in HOT water.

Dry in a  HOT dryer.

Inspect every single item,

including books/journals

page by page.

The bugs hide in dark places.

Inspect every seam of every piece of clothing.

If you can afford it, 

have your backpack dry=cleaned.

Only now is it safe to bring items into your house.

If you don't think you have time to do this,

then I invite you to Google 

bedbug infestation 

and read stories of the thousands of $$$

it costs to rid yourself of this pest

if it gets into your home.

This is easily avoided

by taking the above-mentioned steps.

Pilgrims, lavender oil will NOT kill bedbugs.

You may know someone who used it.

They may not have been bitten,

But the majority of pilgrims are NOT bitten!

They were just LUCKY.

All of those posts on the web about lavender oil killing bedbugs have been copied, 

and recopied, and recopied. 

There is No science showing lavender oil kills bedbugs .

However, lavender people insist it helps.

They say the oil does repel bedbugs, 

and perhaps it does.

If it makes you fell better, go for it.

I don't like pesticides either.

I have MCS.

However, recognizing the signs and possibly permethrin

are the ONLY ways to be SURE you will not get bitten.

So either spray your pack and bag with permethrin

(if you do it correctly it WILL work)

or slather on a mosquito repellant each night

(which also may not work, by the way).

And if you carry even one bedbug into your house,

you could be in for nightmare

that will feel undending.

ONE FEMALE BUG can lay MANY EGGS.

Just be responsible up front.

Spray your gear!

And Have a Buen Camino!

* * *

If you'd like to walk the Camino
but aren't quite ready to do it alone,
see my website:

Anniewalkers Camino

for more information about

Guided Walks on the Camino Santiago 

and on other Pilgrimage Trails of Europe

Sarra to Portomarin

2009 Autumn

Municipal albergue in Sarria

Drying Corn

Resting at Morgade

Waiting for lunch

Morgade

Why do people do this???

Dinner at Municipal in Portomarin

2014 Spring

Picking kale for Caldo Verde

The important milepost!

2012 Spring

My favorite stop in Portomarin is Albergue Ultreia!

2013 Spring

This is the albergue at Ferrerios

Wow!  This is the first time I'd seen the embalse so full!

This is what the old town looked like before they flooded it.
To see really great photos, visit Albergue Ultreia in Portomarin

2014 Autumn

This made me so angry. WHY do people think they have the right to write on ancient stones?

Horreo - used for storing grain

Joe was walking into a sundog

Stopping for lunch

Shoes after 2 Caminos this year - Thank God for duct tape!

This church was in the old village of Portomarin.
It was moved, brick by brick, up to the new village.

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Don't want to walk alone? 

Don't want to race for a bed?

Walk with us in a small group or alone.

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Anniewalkers USA