Camping along the Camino Santiago de Compostela

When I consult with people planning to walk
the Camino Santiago de Compostela, 

one of the most common questions I get is,

"Where will I sleep?"

Each pilgrim has their own private needs, 

and depending on those, 

there is something for everyone.

The next few posts will be about some of the types of accommodation 

you might find along The Way.

Today we'll talk about Camping.

Camping out on the Camino takes a special type of person. 

There are some public campgrounds along The Way. 

Some people will simply sleep out  under the stars. 

Whether or not such "wild camping" is legal 

has been a topic of discussion on the forum

more than once. 
Each area of Spain has it's own laws.

Be sure you know the laws where you are sleeping.

 According to Sylvia Nilsen:

 Wild camping is legal in Spain but with some restrictions. You are not allowed to camp in "urban" areas, these areas are prohibited for military or touristic reasons, or within a 1km of an official campsite. Basically this means you cannot camp on tourist beaches, but if you are sensible and "wild camp" nearby, having some sensitivity to the rules, you can camp almost anywhere in the countryside.  Avoid places called "Parques Naturales" because it is forbidden to place a tent there. There are few ‘wild’ camping places on the Camino Frances as the route passes through many private and state owned farms and vineyards."

  * * * 

I know of several pilgrims 

who have quietly set up their tent or sleeping bag 

next to fields or in forests along the Camino.

Camped out in front of church

Sometimes you are welcome to sleep in on the porches of churches

or other public buildings.

Joe and I slept under the stars at this finca on the Via de la Plata

 I have set up my tent in the courtyard of some albergues, 

such as the municipal at Roncesvalles, at Zubiri, 

in Hospital de Orbigo, 

or at this finca on the Via de la Plata.

 Some pilgrims, like the monk above, 

have found caves, but I'd be careful doing that!  

According to the legend, the monk San Virila 

fell slept in a cave for 300 years 

while listening a nightingale chanting.

When he woke up he thought only a few hours had passed. 

So beware of those magical caves!

Because of my multiple chemical sensitivities, 

I often carry a featherweight tent on the Camino 

so I can sleep out on those nights I cannot find fragrance-free lodging. 

Although I don't suggest every pilgrim

carry the extra weight of a tent,

if you have special needs, it could be a viable option.

Following is a link you might find helpful

if you are exploring the option of camping 

along the Camino Frances or any of the Spanish Caminos:

https://coolcamping.com/campsites/europe/spain

 Here is a list of campsites that was posted on the Camino Forum:

France

ST JEAN PIED DE PORT:

Camping de L’Arradoy: Tel: 05 59 37 11 75  

1/3 to 1/10: 25 Persons 2** 

Basic campsite. Pets allowed.

Camping Municipal:  Tel: 05 59 37 11 19) 

53 persons - 1* Municipal campsite 200m from the town gate.  

 Pets allowed.

You can also camp at Roncesvalles Albergue

Spain

You can camp at Roncesvalles Albergue


Aurizberri-Espinal  1/4 to 31/10
Urrobi Tel/fax 948 760 200 

http://www.campingurrobi.com/

400 persons: Adults 3.96 Euro  child - 3.19 Euro

Single etne - 3.96 Euro  Group Tent - 4.13 Euro

Pets allowed, restaurant, cafeteria, mini market

hot water shower, post, telephone.

Credit Cards accepted

Pamplona: All Year

Ezcaba - 8.5 k from Pamplona  Tel: 948 330 315

http://www.campingezcaba.com/

Adults– 3.60€ Child – 3.30€

Single tent - 3.60€  Group tent – 4.40€

Swimming pool, restaurant, mini market, hot showers telephone 

PUENTE LA REINA – GARES :  All Year 

Errota-El Molino:  Tel: 948 340 604 

www.campingelmolino.com
info@campingelmolino.com 

7km south at Mendigorria

Tent – 4.20€  1 500 persons 

Adults – 4.15€  Children – 3.30€Hot showers:  Internet:  Restaurant: Mini-market

Estella-Lizarra:  All year

Lizarra  Tel 948 551 733

https://www.eurocampings.co.uk/spain/navarre/navarre/estella-lizarra/campsite-lizarra-106662/
lizarrakampinga@navara.net

1000 persons Adults 3.80€ Children – 3.40€

Single tent - 3.80€  Family tent – 4.50€

Pets allowed, restaurant, cafeteria, mini market
hot water showers, post, telephone, credit cards accepted 

 

LOGROÑO:  9/4 to 30/9

La Playa: Tel/Fax: 941 252 253

www.campinglaplaya.com     
campinglogrono@terra.es 

248 persons:  Adults – 4.50€ Children – 4.00€
Single tent – 4.00€  Family tent – 5.00€
Pets allowed:  Cafeteria:  Hot water showers:
Post & Telephone:  Credit cards accepted

NAVARRETE: 8/1 to 9/12

Navarette: Tel: 941 440 169 Fax: 941 440 639

www.fer.es/campings  
campingnavarrete@fer.es

580 persons: Adults – 4.20€ Children – 3.85€
Single tent - 3.85€  Family tent – 4.20€

No pets allowed:  Restaurant: Cafeteria: 
Mini-market: Hot water showers:  Post & Telephone:  Credit cards accepted

NAJERA :  1/4 to 10/9

El Ruedo: Tel: 941 360 102

154 persons:  Adults – 3.75€ Children – 3.50€
Single tent – 3.60€  Family tent – 3.75€  Pets allowed: 
Restaurant: Cafeteria:  Mini-market: Hot water showers:
Post & Telephone:  Credit cards accepted

SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA: Open all year

Camping Bánares:  Tel: 941 342 804  5km before Santo Domingo: Full facilities

BURGOS:  1/4 to 30/9

Fuentes Blanca: Tel/Fax: 947 486 016

1 100 persons:  Adults – 3.70€ Children – 2.60€
Single tent – 3.20€  Family tent – 3.80€  Pets allowed:  Restaurant: Cafeteria:  Mini-market: Hot water showers: 
Post & Telephone:  Credit cards accepted

CASTROJERÍZ : 1/5 - 31/5 y 1/9 – 30/9  (1/6 – 30/8)

Camino de Santiago: Tel: 947 377 255  Fax: 983 359 549

campingcastro@eresmas.com

150 persons:  Adults – 3.50€ Children – 2.50€ Single tent – 3.00€  Family tent – 4.00€  No pets allowed:  Cafeteria:  Hot water showers:  Post & Telephone: 
Credit cards accepted
 
CARRIÓN DE LOS CONDES: All year
Edén: Tel:979 881 152
289 persons: Adults – 2.40€  Children – 1.80€ 
Single tent – 2.10€  Family tent – 2.40€ .
Hot showers: Cafeteria: Shop:  
Telephone: Pets allowed.  No credit cards.

SAHAGÚN: All year

Municipal ‘Pedro Ponce’: Tel: 987 780 415 Fax: 987 781 112

ponce@campinglacota.com

1 100 persons:  Adults – 3.70€ Children – 2.60€
Single tent – 3.20€  Family tent – 3.80€ 
Pets allowed:  Post and telephone: Restaurant:
Cafeteria:  Mini-market: Hot water showers:  Post &
Telephone:  Credit cards accepted

MANSILLA DE LAS MULAS :  29/6 to 1/9

Esla: Tel: 987 310 089  Fax: 987 311 810

https://www.vayacamping.net/poblacion/campings-en-mansilla-de-las-mulas

168 persons:  Adults – 3.70€ Children – 2.60€
Single tent – 3.20€  Family tent – 3.80€  
No pets allowed:  Hot showers:
Restaurant: Cafeteria:  No credit cards.

LEÓN : 1/6 to 25/9

Golpejar de la Sobarriba: Ciudad de León:
Tel: 987 269 086 Fax: 987 214 798

www.vivaleon.com/campingleon.htm 
camping-leon@yahoo.es 

4km from León:  141 persons: 
Adults – 3.20€ Children – 2.75€
Single tent – 3.50€  Family tent – 3.75€ 
No pets allowed:  Hot showers: Cafeteria:
Mini-market: Post and telephone:
No credit cards

VILLADANGOS DEL PARAMO:  14/4 to 28/9

Camino de Santiago: Tel: 987 680 253

494 persons:  Adults – 3.60€ Children – 2.50€
Single tent – 3.00€  Family tent – 3.60€ 
Pets allowed:  Post and telephone: Restaurant:
Cafeteria:  Mini-market: Hot water showers: 
Post & Telephone:  Credit cards accepted

HOSPITAL DE ORBIGO: 1/6 to Sept:

Don Suero De Quiñones:   Tel: 987361018

All facilities:  June to September. 

SANTA CATALINA DE SOMOZA:  15/3 to 15/10

At Santa Colomba de Somoza – bear left on Le142 before reaching Santa Catalina

http://www.telenorural.com/campings/el-carbayal.php
narciso@ganaderosteleno.org

240 persons:  Post and telephone: Restaurant:
Cafeteria:  Mini-market: Hot water showers:
Pets allowed: Post & Telephone: 
Credit cards accepted

RABANAL DEL CAMINO:

Wild camping possible in a field at Rabanal 

or the open area just beyond the village:
No facilities

O’CEBREIRO:

Wild camping is possible in field at the back of the village.

SARRIA:

Wild camping possible on the banks of the river –
access from Pont Riberio.

PORTOMARIN:

 Santa Maria – Turn right after crossing the bridge
and then right again by the panaderia. 
1km down the lane.

ARZUA: All year.

Don Manuel:  Turn left 500m from town centre –
behind the hotel. Bar, restaurant, pool.

SAN MARCOS:

Restaurant: Pool: Bar – no shop.

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA:

Monte do Gozo: 20/6 to 25/9

Tel: 981 558 942

1 227 persons:  Adults – 4.18€ Children – 3.46€
Single tent – 4.18€  Family tent – 7.00€ 
No pets allowed:  Restaurant: Cafeteria: 
Mini-market: Hot water showers:  Post &
Telephone:  Credit cards accepted.

As Cancelas: All year

408 persons:  Adults – 4.60€ Children – 3.50€
Single tent – 4.80€  Family tent – 4.80€ 
Pets allowed:  Restaurant: Cafeteria: 
Mini-market: Hot water showers: 
Post & Telephone:  Credit cards accepted.

Las Sirenas: All year

Tel: 981 898 722 Fax: 981 580 844

300 persons:  Adults – 3.50€ Children – 3.00€
Single tent – 3.50€  Family tent – 3.50€ 
Pets allowed:  Restaurant: Cafeteria: 
Mini-market: Hot water showers:  Post & Telephone:
Credit cards accepted.

* * * 

As you can see, there is a fee for camping in improved campgrounds. At times, the fee may be the same or even more than the price of a municipal albergue, so consider this if the reason you're camping is funds.

BE RESPONSIBLE PLEASE

If you decide to camp, please be a responsible pilgrim and leave each campsite looking like you were never there!  One of the scourges of the Camino is trash left by thoughtless pilgrims. This is especially a problem where they choose to toilet and leave their paper scattered along the trail. 

Potty trash left an San Anton - what a shame!

  Not only is this practice disgusting, 
it is unsanitary and a reflection on the sensitivity of visitors 
to this beautiful host country. 
So please, PLEASE... 
whether you are camping or just walking, 
carry a ziplock bag with you and carry your toilet tissue 
to the next town for disposal in a proper container. 
You might also consider carrying a washable handkerchief 
and simply washing it each day with your laundry items.

What type of tent to take?

Because I combine my tent camping with albergue stays, I carry as lightweight a tent as possible. This is the one I purchased. It is a screen tent, to protect me from mosquitos and flies, and if i rains, I can toss my poncho or a nysil tarp over the top.

Other options might include this Contrail tarp tent which comes with netting:

Try to choose a tent that is featherweight (every ounce counts!) 

and that you can put up using your trekking poles.

Sharing with a second person will make the carrying even easier,
as one person can carry the screen tent
and the other person can carry the tarp.

Of course, camping will mean you will have to carry other gear,
such as a sleeping pad, but those don't weigh too much.

Be sure to secure your pack while you are sleeping. 

I suggest you keep it inside the shelter. 

Crime is nearly nonexistent on the Camino

but no need in tempting fate!

How do I keep clean?

There are several options for bathing if you are camping.

Most public campgrounds will offer showers.

Sometimes they are included.

Sometimes there is a fee.

You can stop at a bar for coffee or breakfast

and use their bathroom.

Carry a washcloth and soap with you

and wash up quickly in the sink.

Just don't wash your feet or your children there!

:::grin::

Please BUY SOMETHING if you plan

on using someone's facilities.

And PLEASE clean up after yourself.

Leave the sink clean and dry.

You can also stop at most municipal albergues

and ask if you can use their showers (and kitchen!)

There may or may not be a fee.

Please be willing to pay.

The albergue has water bills just like you do at home.

Another option is to rent a room now and then,

and take a shower there.

In between times, you can clean up with wet-ones

or with a terrycloth you carry

and use when you find water.

NO CAMPFIRES!!!

One thing you may NOT do is build fires along the Camino.

If you haven't stopped for dinner along the way,

carry picnic items such as bread, cheese, meat, and wine,

maybe some fruit and tomatoes

so you can eat before you sleep.

You may absolutely not, under any circumstances

build a fire... EVER!!!

Sleeping out under the stars can be a memorable experience.

It can also be a nightmare if the weather takes a sudden change.

So have a back-up plan and a little cash in your pocket 

in case you decide you need a more sturdy and waterproof lodging.

You may find people will try to discourage you from camping.

I say, 

do as you will.

If your gut and your sense of adventure

is calling you sleep under the Milky Way,

then by all means,

follow your bliss.

Just be prepared

and flexible

in case the ever-changing Camino

has different plans for you!

Buen Camino!

Photo by Lisa Grainger

Love,

Annie

Note:  If you are interested in walking the Camino Santiago, 

but are not quite ready to go it alone, 

consider joining Annie

on one of our small, affordable Camino walks. 

For more information see our website 

at this link: AnnieWalkers Camino

AnnieWalkers Camino Santiago Tour - FAQS

People are often curious about 
AnnieWalkersCamino trips.
Following are answers to some of the questions people most often ask. 


 

What do you mean by 'Best of Both'?
There are many different ways 
to undertake a pilgrimage to Santiago.  
You can go by car or other transport; 
you can walk parts of the way with a back-up vehicle 
and have your luggage transported between overnight stops. 
You can stay in 5 star hotels and Paradors, 
or you can stay in little inns or rural B&Bs. 
There is a chain of private pilgrim hostels along the routes 
and many traditional simple pilgrim shelters, 
some in ancient monasteries or converted churches.  


On our walk we will have the 'Best of Both' - 
some hotels and inns and some private rooms in a few pilgrim refuges
to give you a true sense of being a pilgrim.

Is this a religious tour?

No. 
Although this started essentially as a Catholic pilgrimage trail, 
the Camino has become a secular journey
and anyone can walk it -
Christians, Buddhists, agnostics and secular humanists. 
One can enjoy it just for the wonderful hike through stunning landscapes.  
The majority of the most important architectural monuments 
are churches, cathedrals and abbeys 
and we will do our best to visit these.  
Some offer the pilgrim a special blessings and others Gregorian Chants - 
all part of the rich tapestry of tradition 
that makes the Camino so special.
 

Which Camino do we walk?
We have chosen the most scenic sections 
of the Camino Frances, 
the Jacobean Route par excellence,
which is the one most people talk about, 
have written about 
and is the most historically supported of all the Camino Routes.  
 

Do I have to train for the walk?

You don’t have to be a super athlete
to walk the Camino 
but you should be fit enough to walk an average of 20km per day.  
If you are unable to walk up to 20km per day 
you will have to budget extra for bus and taxi transport.  
There are a few roller-coaster sections with many up and down hills. 
Start walking short distances at least three times a week,

building up to longer distances five times a week 
for a few months before you leave.  
You should be able to walk comfortably with a light backpack.  
Your group leader will always be in contact 
to make sure no-one is left behind.

What should I pack? 

A suggested packing list will be sent to you 
once you have registered with the tour. 

What is the accommodation like?

 Accommodation is in small 1 - 3 star hotels, inns,
pensiones, B&Bs, apartments and family owned rural houses.  
Ours is not a mega-bucks, 5-star luxury tour 
but we have sourced the best possible accommodation 
based on the location, the facilities they provide, 
comfort and hospitality.  And whats more, we have tried them all! 
What we have found is that it is better to stay in rustic, 
character-filled pensions in the old quarter of town rather
than in the more modern, smart establishments on the outskirts.  
Pensiones and hostales in Spain are spotlessly clean, 
are usually family owned and are, therefore, friendly places to stay.

Can I have a single room?

A limited number of single rooms can be booked, however, 
in a few small hamlets and villages this might mean 
being separated from the group for the night. 
The price of the walk is based on two people sharing a twin room.
A single supplement will be charged.

What about bathrooms?

The majority of rooms have en suite bathroom/showers. 
In one or two apartments, or family run B&Bs, bathrooms 
are shared by the group.

Do we stay in pilgrim refugios? 

As part of the 'Best of Both' you will spend a couple of nights 
in private pilgrim albergues but in private rooms (no dormitories).  
This will give you the opportunity to interact with other pilgrims. 

Casa Morgade

 Will I need a sleeping bag?

Those starting from St Jean will spend two nights
 in a hikers' Gitê which has basic rooms with shared bathrooms. 
Sleep liners or sleeping bags are required.  
Blankets and pillows are provided.  (The alternative is to stay
in a dormitory with bunk-beds for 18 pilgrims in an auberge, 
or in two-man tents in Orisson!) 

In the Hostal Jakue in Puente la Reina sleep liners are required 
or you can hire linen. Blankets and pillows are provided.

Where do we eat?

When staying in pilgrim refuges 
you can make a light breakfast in the refuge kitchen. 
 In some pensions breakfast is included.  
Pilgrims usually have a breakfast stop after an hour or so of walking. 
Lunch can be a picnic on the side of the road 
or in a café-bar or restaurant, 
and dinner could be a communal affair 
with pilgrims chipping in or a special pilgrim menu 
in a cafe-bar or restaurant.  
There are Menu del Peregrinos (pilgrims menus) offered 
all along the route.  
These usually consist of a three course meal for as little as €10 
which includes wine, water and bread.  
See my blog posts on food for more information.
The areas we walk through have wonderful regional dishes
that you should sample, 
especially the tapa - little snacks served in the bars.

What if I get blisters or can’t walk?

You have the option of taking a bus or hiring a taxi

to transport you and your pack between stages (at your own cost). 

If you need more than one day's rest 

you can use transport every day until you are able to start walking again.

Do we have to walk together?

You are free to walk at your own pace or with other group members. 

It is important that each member of the group 

have enough space to experience the spirituality of the landscape 

and this millennia-old pilgrimage trail. 

The AnnieWalkers group leader will also walk every day 

and will be in contact via mobile phone.  

You can walk with the leader if you choose. 

 If you prefer to sleep in, take more time in the villages and towns 

or wait for a museum or gallery to open, you are free to do so. 

We would like the the group to re-assemble

at the end of the day’s walking, 

once we have all checked into our accommodation, 

so that we can discuss the following day's itinerary.  

At the group meeting, usually around dinner, 

the leader will discuss the events of the day

and share details of the following day’s route,  

sights and accommodation.

What if I want to go off on my own to see a place 

or attraction off the Camino Route?

You will be free to travel wherever you wish 

and to leave the group as often as you wish. 

 If possible, the group leader will help you plan your side excursions.  

However, you will forfeit the accommodation and/or transport 

that has been booked for you on the Camino.

What do we do after we have checked in?

You can do your washing, 

have a siesta, sight-see or do some shopping.  

A list of interesting places to see is included in your daily itinerary.

What is the 'Credencial?'

The Credencial is a passport that allows you to stay 

in pilgrim accommodation on the Camino. 

We will help you obtain your Credencial 

when we arrive in St. Jean Pied du Port. 

You will receive a rubber stamp in the credencial at each overnight stop. 

You can also obtain stamps 

at café bars, churches, tourist offices and so forth.

When you get to Santiago,

you present the Credencial at the pilgrims office 

in order to qualify for the "Compostela."

What is the Compostela?

This is a certificate of completion 

based on a 14th century document in Latin 

which is given to pilgrims who walk the last 100 kilometers 

to Santiago and profess to have walked for a religious or spiritual reason.

If you do not profess to either, 

you will be given a different (but still very nice) certificate.

What happens when we get to Santiago?

It is great to walk into Santiago as a group

but if this is not possible we can all meet at a prearranged time 

for a photo-shoot.   

If we arrive before mid-day, 

we will visit the Cathedral to perform the ancient traditions

of hugging the saint, 

viewing his casket in the crypt below the altar 

and attending the beautiful pilgrims mass. 

If you are lucky you might see the Botafumeiro swing that day.  

We will go to the Pilgrims Office to collect the Compostela 

and then check into our accommodation.  

This is the last night that your guide will be with you 

in her official capacity.  

Of course, you could take her out for a drink, if you like, 

to celebrate your wonderful achievement!

The following day you will be free 

to wander around the city 

or you could take a bus or booked tour 

to Finisterre – The End of the World – 

a fitting end to your magical Camino - 

or you might continue with your holiday in Spain or Europe.

We hope you will join us

on the Camino Santiago de Compostela 

for The Best of Both!

Sincerely,

Annie

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

Ten Etiquette Rules for Everyone (Pilgrims Included)!

I was cleaning out some old files today and ran across this list of 10 etiquette rules for children by Dr. M.E. Waters. I'm not sure where I got them, but they are quite good! I sure do remember being taught these rules -- today's children might be better off if someone took time to teach them also!

Although these rules apply to children,

they are a great reminder to the rest of us!

 

Do you follow them?

....****....

THE DO's

1. DO stay away from people who are troublemakers

2. DO say please, thank you, excuse me, good morning/evening, and I am sorry
3. DO put your hand over your mouth when you cough
4. DO be kind to other people
5. DO be polite on the telephone
6. DO care about your appearance; be neat and clean
7. DO show respect to parents, teachers, and elders
8. DO attend church or other spiritual practice
9. DO open the door and pull the chair out for others (Boys, please do this for girls and ladies)

10. DO take your hats off inside the building

THE DO NOT's

 
1. DO NOT chew gum in public
2. DO NOT talk with food in your mouth or throw it across the room
3. DO NOT interrupt when others are talking
4. DO NOT use curse words
5. DO NOT smoke or drink alcohol
6. DO NOT disrespect parents, teachers, or anyone
7. DO NOT be rude to other people
8. DO NOT act ugly in public
9. DO NOT put other people down or cruelly tease them
10. DO NOT tell lies about other people or tattle on them

* * * * *  

Photo by Colleen

Here are a few more rules specifically for Pilgrims:

Pilgrim DO's

1. DO secure private lodging if you are sick and contagious.

2. DO share food and drink with other pilgrims often

3. DO dress respectfully when you enter village churches

4. DO leave the bottom bunk for the elderly and disabled

5. DO be SILENT when in churches along the way

6. DO remember that food and lodging is a blessing, not a right.

7. DO clean up after yourself

8. DO take time to say "Buen Camino" and "Buenos Dias!"

9. DO buy something if you ask to use the toilet in a public shop

10. DO take time to really SEE, HEAR, and FEEL the spirit of the Camino 

Pilgrim DON'Ts

1. DO NOT throw toilet paper, water bottles, and trash along the trail. CARRY IT OUT!

2. DO NOT speak loudly and rudely when locals do not understand your language

3. DO NOT steal toilet paper or kitchen tools from the albergue

4. DO NOT fail to report bedbugs if you see or carry them

5. DO NOT take other people's food from the kitchen or fridge

6. DO NOT touch the fruit or vegetables in the tienda

7. DO NOT pick your blisters in public

8. DO NOT make any demands whatsoever

9. DO NOT convince yourself that "donative" means "FREE!"

10. DO NOT forget to show grace and gratitude to ALL along The Way.

If you have others, please add them as comments!

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

Summertime Peaches

This week, I took a trip to a farm near one of the places I lived as a child.They have a wonderful fruit stand there and mom decided to buy a lug of peaches. She wanted to can them.

What is a lug? A lug is not quite a bushel but it is the size of which most produce is delivered to markets these days. They weigh about 31 to 33 pounds. A bushel weighs 33 to 38 pounds.

I have sweet memories of canning peaches in the late summer with my grandmother and aunts. In those days, we'd pick the peaches ourselves. I remember how the peach fuzz would fly, getting between my collar and waistband and making me itch like crazy!  

Butler's Orchard

Peach canning was a joint effort among friends and family back then. The men would set up all the ladders and help pick the peaches. The young children would run around under the trees, picking up the fruit that was dropped.

Photo courtesy of Life Magazine

 The women, who had started their work the day before by sorting and washing hundreds of jars, would pick peaches too. But once the fruit was in the baskets, the men's work would be done, and the women's work would REALLY begin as they peeled and sliced all those fresh peaches.  It was enjoyable work, however, because you got to sit around and visit and gossip with all your friends. Sharing of labor was common then, and I really miss those days!

A lot of families didn't have to worry about rations during World War II or during the Depression if they knew how to 'put up' their own food. This habit continued on and served us through the 50's right up until today!

I remember picking a fresh peach from the tree and biting into it. The sweet juice would run down my chin, and I'd wipe my face with a dusty arm. There's nothing quite as good as a juicy peach straight from the tree. The ones in the supermarkets have been picked green and gassed, and they taste nothing like what I recall as a child. 

These peaches were good, but not quite ripe enough, so we laid them out on the kitchen table, placing them upside down on a white tea towel, covered them, and gave them a day or two to "sugar up."

Then we got busy doing other things and forgot about them!

Oh NOOOOoooo!

By the time I remembered they were there, several had bruises or mold showing.
The others were really getting too ripe to can.
So we decided to dehydrate them.

Slipped skins make peeling a breeze!

The first thing we did was put on a big pot of water and bring it to a boil. The water was deep enough to cover a peach. Once the water boiled, we'd drop in a peach, wait about 30 seconds, then take it out and put it in a pan of cold water. This causes the skins to "slip" and instead of peeling, you can easily just use your fingers to pull off the peels. It saves an incredible amount of time.

The water gets peach fuzz and pieces in it, but it's fine.

Once the peaches were peeled, we sliced them and put them into a pan of water and lemon juice. This keeps them from turning brown.

Aren't they pretty?

After the slices been dipped in the lemon juice,
I put them on the drying trays of my Excalibur dehydrator. 

I love this dehydrator because it has a dial that allows you to set the temperature.
I never dehydrate fruits and vegetables above 115 degrees,
in order to preserve the enzymes.

The fruit took all night to dehydrate. This morning, it was dry, but flexible. It has retained its pretty color, due to the lemon juice bath. I use about 1/4 cup of lemon juice to a gallon of water. I used bottled lemon juice.

I will now bag and vacuum seal the fruit, once it has cooled.
Photos to follow.

The lug of peaches, which weighed about 32 pounds, cost us $20.
So we got these lovely peaches for less than $.65 per pound!
Even with the small amount of electricity it took to dehydrate the fruit,
this is an excellent price!
We had enough to dehydrate a full batch,
and had 2 one-gallon bags of sliced peaches left,
which I put into the freezer.

To freeze the peaches,
I lightly coated the slices with sugar,
then put them into one-gallon freezer bags.
These will be great on cereal, in pies,
or just to eat for breakfast or dessert.

We kept out 3 of the ripe peaches
mom made a small batch of fresh home made peach ice cream last night.

YUM!!! 

Fresh fruit is one of the things I've missed most about this Valley!

Instead of buying canned or frozen fruit this year,
consider canning, freezing, or dehydrating your own!
It's not difficult at all, and the end product is much healthier for you
than anything you'll buy at the market.
It's also much less expensive.
I figure these peaches cost less than half of store-bought.

It's also very satisfying to put up your own food.
You know exactly what's in the package.
And what a wonderful experience for children!

If you're short on cash,
consider going in with friends or family and buying in bulk.
You can save a lot of money by doing this
and it's so much nicer to do with a group.

Feel free to email me if you have questions.
I've got a lot of experience canning, freezing, and dehydrating
fruits, vegetables, and meat.

Try it!
You've got nothing to lose
and a lot to save!

Until then...

 Love,
Annie

Walk the Camino With Broken Ribs?

Remember I told you about breaking my ribs?

Two weeks ago today, I went camping with my friends and family. 

We had a great time and a lot of fun catching crawdads in the river! 

On the way up to the bank on the last day, I slipped and fell, 

hitting my ribcage on a pyramid shaped rock, 

knocking the breathe out of me.

I sat there in the cold shallow water for a few minutes, 

struggling to breathe, 

while people gathered around to help me up.  

Once up, I immediately went back to camp and covered the area with ice. 

I felt I had probably just bruised my ribs 

and they would be sore for a day or two.

When I got home, I called my doctor.

She asked me a million questions, 

had me palpate my ribs myself, 

then told me I'd cracked them.

Should I come in for an x-ray?

Nope.  

X-rays often have problems revealing fresh rib fractures, 

especially if the bone is merely cracked.

And besides, even if they are broken, there is nothing we can do.

Pain medicine and time...

Can you wrap them?

No, we no longer do that. 

It makes it too difficult to expand the ribcage 

and people tend to get pneumonia 

from not breathing deeply (because of the pain.)

Pain medicine and time...

But what if they're BROKEN!?

There's absolutely nothing we would do. 

You aren't spitting up blood, 

so you didn't pierce your lungs.

It's just going to take time...

Breathing deeply will help set them. 

And it sounds like you've separated the ribs from the chest wall.

Pain medicine and time...

But they feel SQUISHED where I hit!

Yup... they're cracked there.

They'll heal.

Pain medicine and time...

 Well, it's been two weeks.

They hurt as much today as they did two weeks ago.

When I'm standing straight up, they don't bother me,

but the minute I sit or lay down,

I yelp.

Ibuprofin decreases the pain,

but that stuff will kill your liver!

Besides, when I take pain meds, 

I don't feel the pain as sharply

and tend to do too much.

Then I feel worse the next day.

This sucks.

Getting out of bed in the morning is an interesting adventure!

Someone described it as 

"you SLITHER off the bed as best you can," 

and that is so true.

It takes a good 3 to 4 minutes

to work my body to the edge of the bed,

log roll my body,

then gingerly work my straight legs to the floor

so I can stand up without bending.

Getting into bed

is the same type of adventure.

Once I'm down flat, I'm ok.

But the extreme sharp pain
caused by rolling or moving

keeps me in a tense, flat position all night long,

and leaves me with a hell of a backache in the morning.

I honestly dread bedtime.
Too bad I'm not a horse.
They can sleep standing up.

Let me tell you something:

The only good cracked ribs 

are the ones my son Rob makes with barbecue sauce!

Ok... 

I'm done whining for the day...

But if you have it in you,

please send me some prayers or healing energy.
I need these ribs to HEAL!

I have a Camino to walk in the spring!

Oh, one last thing.

The Bible says Eve was created from a rib 

that God took out of Adam.

Now I know why

some men act like they're angry!

Probably still hurts like heck!
And the only advice is
"pain medicine and time."

Poor guys!

* * *

Note:  If you are interested in walking the Camino Santiago, 

but are not quite ready to go it alone, 

consider joining Annie

on one of our small, affordable Camino walks. 

For more information see our website 

at this link: AnnieWalkers Camino

A Missing Pilgrim

I received this in my email today.
I'm hoping this pilgrim simply lost track of the time or was unable to find a computer.
He has not been heard from since August 27 and his family is concerned.
If you see him on the road, please tell him to contact his family immediately.
If you have information about him, please contact casaperegrina@yahoo.es

 

Note:  If you are interested in walking the Camino Santiago, 

but are not quite ready to go it alone, 

consider joining Annie

on one of our small, affordable Camino walks. 

For more information see our website 

at this link: AnnieWalkers Camino