Doing Laundry on the Camino

I've had a few folks ask about doing laundry 

while on the Camino.

I think I've blogged this before.

But I can't find it so here goes…

If you are walking on your own 

and staying in albergues, 

there will almost always be a place 

for you to do HAND laundry 

and hang it out to dry.

If you are walking with us on our Best of Both, 

here is a list of what I know to be true:

SJPP:  Hand laundry in bathroom and racks to dry

Roncesvalles:  Hand laundry in laundry room and racks to dry. Also washing machines (lavadoras) and dryers (secadoras)

Zubiri:  Hand laundry and dry on line in back yard

Pamplona:  May be possible to wash small loads in sink and hang on balcony. I'm not yet sure where we will sleep. 

Puente de la Reina:  Lavadoras and secadoras. Also a line to dry.

Estella: Hand laundry and dry on rack

Los Arcos:  Our hospitaleros will do your laundry for very little cost

Viana:  Wash in sink and dry on lines on balcony

Burgos:  Not sure.  Hotel may offer service.

Astorga:  Not sure yet.

Rabanal:  Wash in sink and dry on lines on patio

Molinaseca:  Owners may do laundry for a fee

Ponferrada:   Hotel will do laundry for a fee

Villafranca:  Hospitaleros will do laundry for a small fee

Sarria:  Not sure but assume they have facilities

Portomarin:  Albergue has lavadora/secadora and hand washing options. Lines to dry outside.

Palas:  Washing machines in apartment

Castaneda: Washing machines here

Pedrouzo: Sink and lines to dry outside

Santiago:  Hotel may have facilities - otherwise wash in sink and hang in window or bathroom

Washing By Hand

Oh my! This is a lost art, isn't it?

Well, you're about to learn to do it just like grandma did!

First, buy yourself some hand washing soap. 

I use Fels Naptha but there are others, like Lirio.  

Go to the market and look in the laundry aisle. 

You are looking for a BAR of soap, not a liquid. 

 If in doubt, ask some nice lady,

 "Este es para mi ropa?"

It looks like this inside the wrapper.

Or, another brand might look like this.

Sometimes they have really nice gentle soap for baby clothes.

Once you get the bar, cut it into 4 or 5 pieces.

Share with friends! 

You don't want to carry all that weight, 

and soap is very inexpensive 

and easy to find on the Camino. 

Remember to bring a baggy to keep the soap in.

So now you have your soap.

Next, locate the laundry sink.

It is most likely outside and looks like this:

Grab one of those plastic bins 

that are usually stored under the sink 

and put your clothes in it.

Those are also good to soak your feet in,

by the way!

Fill it with some COLD water. 

You won't have a choice.

 It's always cold! 

Now, rub the soap into your wet clothes.

Then rub them together, squeeze, etc.

Keep working until you make some nice suds!

Rinse.

Empty the water.

Put fresh clean water in the pan.

Rinse again until all suds are gone.

Wring out as much water as possible.

One thing you will find useful are laundry spin dryers. 

They're like an electronic salad spinner 

and they spin your clothes nearly dry! 

You must BE CAREFUL to balance the load.

 If they start jumping around 

and knocking against the sides loudly, 

STOP and re-balance the load.  

When you use these, 

your clothes dry in as little as an hour.

Your clothes are clean!

Now hang them to dry.

You might find a regular clothesline outside.

You might find a line right outside your balcony window.

More often, you will find a rack that looks like this one:

I always take safety pins instead of clothes pins 

to hang up my clothes.

They are less likely to blow off the line

or to walk away.

They also weigh nothing.

So there you go.

Don't be offended.

I know most of you probably already know 

how to do this.

But you'd be surprised how many people

have never hand washed their own clothes.

Be aware that if you have the hotel do the laundry,

it could shrink into something unrecognizable.

They use HOT HOT HOT water to wash 

and HOT HOT HOTTER air to dry.

I prefer to do my own laundry.

Good thing my Macabi skirt only requires washing 

every few weeks!

Buen Camino!

Annie

Joe does laundry in SJPP

PS:  I just found my old blog. 

Here is the link if you are interested.

There are some fun photos there:

doing-laundry-on-camino.html

Buen Camino!

Annie

Getting from Madrid to Pamplona and more on Pickpockets

Getting to Pamplona From Madrid

FROM MADRID, you can fly, 

take the train, or take a bus.

Arriving in Madrid is a treat! 

The airport is very modern and beautiful! 

Madrid Airport

Flying is nice, but Spain really is a bus country. Many bus companies offer good, clean and safe service across the country, and most of the buses are beautiful Mercedes Benz buses! Nothing like the old broken down Greyhounds you find in the USA!

An ALSA Bus

There are both regional bus companies and a few national ones. ALSA is one of the national bus companies, and one way to get from the airport to Pamplona when you first arrive.

A CONDA Bus.

 CONDA is another bus company that takes people from the Madrid airport to Pamplona.

If you fly into Madrid, there are buses that leave directly from Terminal 4 at Barajas. There is a machine where you can buy a ticket at the exit near the taxi parking  The machine takes credit cards or cash (euros). 

On ALSA, you have to change buses, usually in Burgos or Zaragoza, which makes the trip a bit longer. However, it is not a difficult change, especially if you speak a bit of Spanish. 

The CONDA buses go direction from Madrid to Pamplona with no change. This option is the also cheapest, coming in around €25-35.

Arrivals from North America, Asia, South America or Australia are better served from Madrid. Catch a bus directly from the airport Terminal 4 (where most international flights land) to Pamplona or take the metro (or Circanius train) from Madrid airport to Atocha metro station where you can connect with the high-speed train (AVE) to Pamplona in 3 hours. I have done this, and to me, it's easier just to hop on a bus at the airport and I'm on my way to Pamplona!

Arrivals from Europe, fly directly to Bilbao, Biarritz or Zaragoza then travel by bus or rental car to Pamplona in less than 2 hour drive.

CATCHING THE BUS

There are ALSA buses to Pamplona 

several times a day.

You must change buses once.

Check schedules at www.alsa.es 

There are CONDA buses going directly to Pamplona. 

No stops, no changes.

Check schedules at www.movelia.es

The prices between ALSA and CONDA buses differ by 10-30 euros. You can purchase your ticket online or at the airport. I suggest you wait and buy it at the airport in case of flight delays, or just be sure to give yourself plenty of time.

GETTING TO T4 in MADRID

Your ticket should tell you 

which terminal you are flying into.

If you are purchasing online, be sure to give yourself enough time to get off the plane, go through customs, pick up your baggage (not suggested to check bags), and get to the T4 terminal.

Your ticket will indicate where you are landing - it will say T1, T2, etc.

There is a bus going from terminal to terminal in Madrid. It costs less than 2 euros and can be caught downstairs and out front of your arrival terminal. Last time I took it, it was a blue/green bus and to the RIGHT after you walked out of the terminal.

ASK FOR HELP.

Find someone wearing a GREEN jacket and ask if they can help you. Or find the Information desk. They will speak English there. You will recognize it because there is a large yellow "i" above it.

Information Desk

Tell them you are looking for the ticket office for the CONDA or ALSA bus to Pamplona. (whichever you decide on) They will direct you. 

Most of the signs in the Madrid airport are in English as well as Spanish. So it's really easy to find your way around - it's just LARGE!  They also give you the time it will take you to walk to the gate which is helpful.

Getting to Other Terminals

I find the bus the easiest and safest. To get a shuttle bus, the boarding platform is just outside the exit. They often allow you to purchase tickets right there next to the bus – so watch for that. This bus also goes into downtown Madrid. ASK. Sometimes the line is long, but it goes fast. 

The bus from T1 to T4 takes about 20 minutes. 

Going in direction T1 to T4, you want to be on the 1st Floor at the departures level.

(Going direction T4 to T1, you have to be on the Arrivals level, which is the Planta Baja, Lower level)

The terminal to terminal bus runs every 5 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 23:30. From 23:30 - 1:50 a.m. it runs every 20 minutes; from 1:50 -6:30, every 40 minutes

Getting to your gate at T4 could be a long haul. But it's very well marked, with lots of indication about how much time it will take (though the times posted are very generous and you usually arrive in much less time than they indicate).

A tip -- The elevators in T4 are usually much quicker than the escalators because of the distances between upper and lower levels. 

There is an excellent blog on taking the shuttle into the city at this link:

Madridman's Blog

Taking the Train from Madrid to Pamplona 

FINDING THE RENFRE CIRCANIUS

When I was there last year, the Circanius RENFRE office was downstairs right next to where you go through the stiles to catch the train. It was very tiny and could have been a temporary office. It was only staffed by one person, and the wait was long, so don't depend on buying your ticket there if you're in a hurry. You can ask at the info desk in the airport and they will direct you.

In the airport, at the RENFRE Circanius station you can purchase a Tarjeta Dorada card for 5 euros. Then you can just show it to bus or train agents and possibly get nice discounts. Here is a link to more information about that card: 

http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/tarifas/tarjeta_dorada.html

This card is mainly for train travel, but I even got a discount at the museum in Merida with my card. It never hurts to ask! 

Again, when you arrive in Madrid, you will arrive at either terminal T2 or T4.  You can take the METRO to Atocha Metro Station and walk to the Renfre Station. Or you can take the Circanius to Atocha Station. It takes you right into the train station.

Atocha is the main train station in Madrid. There, you will find trains to destinations all over Europe. It's a big place and is beautiful inside. 

Atocha Station

The Circanius is a train that goes from the airport to Atocha and back all day long. You catch it on the lower floor of T4. Get your ticket from the tiny Renfre office right at the entrance to the train, or from the kiosks. 

There are signs in the airport that will lead you to both the Metro and the Circanius. 

If you are traveling by train, BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU ARE. They do not announce the stops. This is not such a problem during the daytime. You can watch for signs out your window.  But at night, the signs are difficult to see. Don't be afraid to ASK people sitting near you. They are used to tourists and are generally very helpful.

If you do decide to take the train, here are a few videos that will help you become familiar with the territory. Sorry, they're in Spanish, but you can pause them and study the screens on the ticket machine. 

(Often if there is a local, they will help you. Look for young people who may speak English.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4Lu8Y9e-qU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz7ZAlIcigQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkTMY679M7k

You want to choose ADULTO IDA  (Adult one way) and then your destination.

IF YOU TAKE THE METRO ... WATCH YOUR BELONGINGS!

It is like being in a sardine can and the pickpockets are working!

Be sure your money, cards, cameras, and electronics are really secure.

If you have zippers, I close them with a safety pin or even wire until I get to my destination. Hold your hand over your purse or pocket.  

Be AWARE. 

I know I harp on this, 

but it can save you some grief. 

One year in Barcelona, Joe and I got slimed with the "bird poop" scam. We knew what was going on and as soon as the guy approached, we yelled at him. He ran. If we had not know about it, we would have thought he was just a nice man in a business suit wanting to help us.  And we could have lost a lot.

Read my blogs on pickpockets.  

Know their schemes.

I'm going to post photos at the bottom of this blog to remind you.

Getting to Pamplona From Other Cities:

From Bilbao (169km)

No trains available to Pamplona.

Car (1.5 hours) Direction Bilbao-San Sebastian-Pamplona. Take the A15 from San Sebastian direct to Pamplona. You can also go via Bilbao-Vitoria-Pamplona, 2.2 hrs. We don't recommend this route as it has lots of curves and it’s not free either!

Bus (1.5 hours) Arrive to Bilbao ś Central Bus Station and take La Burundesa autobuseslaunion.com Tel: +34 944 271111.

From Biarritz (128km)

No train available to Pamplona.

Car (1.5 hours) Take the A63/E70 & cross the border into Spain. Stay on the E70/A8 direction Biarritz- Irún-San Sebastian-Pamplona.

Bus (1 hours) Bus from Biarritz to San Sebastian 12 noon and 6 pm pesa.net then change for a 2nd bus to Pamplona with La Conda condasa.com there are 7 daily buses starting at 7:15am and last bus at 8:30 pm. Telephone +34 943 461064

From San Sebastian (85km)

Train (1 hour 45) Train services from San Sebastian take about 1

hour 45 min to the Pamplona station, which is about 2km north of the old town. Tickets can be booked online in advance (strongly recommended) at Renfe.com.

Car (1 hour) Take the A15 direct to Pamplona and enjoy the scenery. Bus (1 hour) La Conda condasa.com there are 7 daily buses starting at 7:15am & last bus at 8:30 pm. Telephone +34 943 461064.

From Zaragoza (181km)

Train (2 hours) When you arrive at Zaragoza Train Station to connect to the High Speed Train (AVE). Tickets can be booked online in advance (strongly recommended) at Renfe.com.

Car (2 hours) Take the A2/E90 AP68 (toll roads) A68 direction Zaragoza-Tudela-Pamplona.

Bus (2 hours) La Conda condasa.com there are 7 daily buses starting at 7.15am & last bus at 8.30 pm. Tel: (0034) 976 333 372

AVENIDA DE AMERICA STATION.

Other buses to Pamplona will leave from the Avenida de America bus station in Madrid. Here is their address:

Intercambiador de Avda. de AméricaDirección: Avda de America, 9. Planta -1 C.P: 28028 Andén: 27 (Salidas y Llegadas) Planta -1

Horario: 5:30 h. a 01:30 h. (Largo recorrido) 

There are buses going regularly all day long from Madrid T4 to this station. You catch the bus outside the T4 terminal and it costs between 2-3 euros. The bus station is usually the last stop, but ASK the bus driver to please tell you when you arrive. You may have to walk one or two blocks - ask the bus driver when he drops you off to point you in the right direction.

How to Read an Horario (schedule)

If you are over 60, look for a box that says “Edad Dorada” which means “Golden Age.” This will get you a nice discount from 30 euros down to about 23 euros, depending on the day of the week.

IDA means "One-Way." 

IDA y VUELTA means “there and return.” 

SALIDA = Departure Time 

LLEGADA = Arrival Time 

ORIGEN = Origen 

DESTINO = Destination 

DURACION = Duration of Trip 

PRECIO = Price 

PRECIO PROMO – Promotional Price* 

Sometimes there is a special price war 

going on

PLAZAS – LIBRE = This means places are not assigned. You can sit anywhere. Some have assigned seats, so check your ticket when you get it.

LMXJVSD – These are the days of the week this bus/train runs: Lunes (Monday), Martes (Tuesday), Miercoles (Wednesay), etc.Learn the days of the weeks in Spanish. It will make your trip much simpler. 

Be aware that unlike USA calendars, calendars in Spain begin on MONDAY and end on SUNDAY, so it can be confusing.

If you have updated information or questions, please post them in the comment section.

Buen Camino, Peregrinos!

******************

A few photos to enlighten you!

The above photo shows a common scam along the Camino as well as in the large cities of Europe. Bright eyed, beautiful teenagers will approach you with a folder, or a clipboard, wanting to tell you about deaf people or some political issue. As soon as you see them approaching, WAVE THEM OFF AND SHOUT "NO!"  And be very aware of your pockets. See the girl picking the pocket of the man listening to the other pretty lady?

A girl watching for your pin number.
She has the pad positions memorized.

If someone is standing too closely when you are at the ATM, wave them back and even yell at them if they don't move!  It's best to do banking in the larger cities with a partner who can stand back to back with you and watch your surroundings. Be aware of quick handed money grabbers. Keep your hand over the slot that distributes the cash and the card.  Don't be paranoid, but don't let your guard down. They watch for distracted tourists.  If someone wants to talk to you while you're at the ATM, shout them away!  No need to be polite. They count on that!

Haha! 

I have seen this scam in action on stairs and escalators.

Someone in front of you will drop a bunch of change, 

or a package, and items will scatter.

They count on your help picking things up.

While you are helping, their partner is helping themselves to your goods.

I know it's tough, but walk on by.

Yes, they DO!

I"m just reading the paper… and making some money!

This is not the Madrid Metro, but this is how crowded it can be.

Don't trust anyone. Even nice old grandpa types, and ESPECIALLY if they're holding a sweater or jacket over their arm!  Move away from them! Put your back against the wall if you can.

Distracted by a Street Performer while the pickpocket's partner gets the goods.

How they work with a jacket over their arm.

It's not just men. It's women like your sister, mom, or child.

So sorry to have to post these photos, but you need to be aware.

Please read my blog on pickpockets.

These folks don't think like you do.

They are proud of what they do and have no shame in getting caught.

Know what to expect.

Stay alert.

Then relax and have a Buen Camino.

Walk With Us from Leon or Sarria

June 1 - June 12

Leon to Santiago - 12 nights - 850 euros

Meet our group in LEON.

See the famous Cathedral and spend the evening eating tapas!

Next morning, we catch a bus to Astorga where you can see the famous Bishop's Palace by Gaudi, visit the Museum of Chocolate and see Roman ruins.

Next morning, begin walking with us. 

This trip will make you eligible for the coveted Compostela!

The itinerary:

Leon: 1 night

Leon to Astorga by bus

Walk: Astorga to Rabanal del Camino

Walk: Rabanal to Acebo

Walk: Acebo to Ponferrada

Walk: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo

In Villafranca, we take a taxi to have breakfast in the hilltop village of O Cebreiro

The taxi then delivers us to Triacastela and we walk to Sarria

Walk: Sarria - Portomarin

Walk: Portomarin - Palace de Rei

Walk: Palace de Rei - Arzua

Walk: Arzua - Arca do Pino

Walk: Arca do Pino - Santiago

Price includes:

Pilgrim Credential

Bus transfer from Leon to Astorga

Double Private Lodging in each village 

A buffet breakfast in Santiago

Luggage Transfer on every stage

A Holiday Package which includes all the information you need to make your trip successful

***

June 7 to June 13

Sarria to Santiago - 7 nights - 580 Euros 

4 spots left!

Meet our group in Sarria and walk the last 100 kilometers with us!

This will make you eligible for the coveted Compostela!

The itinerary:

Sarria:  1 night

Walk: Sarria - Portomarin

Walk: Portomarin - Palace de Rei

Walk: Palace de Rei - Arzua

Walk: Arzua - Arca do Pino

Walk: Arca do Pino - Santiago

Santiago - 2nd night!

Price includes:

Double Private Lodging in each village 

2 nights in Santiago

2 buffet breakfasts in Santiago

Luggage Transfer on every stage

A Holiday Package which includes all the information you need to make your trip successful

For more information 
go to:
Anniewalkers Camino

Walk the Camino 2014/2015

Have you dreamed of walking the Camino Santiago but don't know where to begin?

Could you use help planning?

Would you be more comfortable walking with a small group?

Anniewalkers is now planning our Spring 2014 trips.

May 20 - June 12, 2014 

(this trip is still open)

May 26 - June 18, 2014 

(Full - taking names for waiting list)

Price:  1100 Euros

Price includes 24 nights accommodation, 

 including one night lodging in Pamplona at the beginning of the trip,

and one night in Santiago at the end of the trip, 

a facilitator for the duration of the walk ,

and land transfers from Logrono to Burgos, Burgos to Leon, 

Leon to Astorga,

and Villafranca to Triacastela via O Cebreiro.  

NOTICE!  We will be doing a Women's Camino in 2015.
We are calling it CRONE'S CAMINO!

If you are interested, 

please read the information on our website at Anniewalkers Camino

Buen Camino!

May Your Days Be Sweet - and Edible!

Today I spent the crisp fall morning 

picking chanterelles in the nearby coastal forest.

I took my daughter-in-law to my "secret conching grounds."

She was thrilled and we had a wonderful time in the woods!

It's good to take time to live and breathe.

It reminds me of being on the Camino - not rushing to be anywhere - 

just living. 

Isn't that what life is all about?

Living?

Not rush hour.

Not shopping.

Not new clothes or the latest toy.

But living,

spending time with family and friends,

 and loving.

This week,

I am reading a little book by Waverly Fitzgerald 

called "Slow Time."

In it, I found this gem today.

I thought I'd share it:

"We have forgotten that our only goal is to live 

and that we live each day 

and that at every hour of the day 

we are reaching our true goal if we are living ... 

The days are fruits and our role is to eat them."

                                                                                                     -Jean Giono, Fullness of Days

                          

Updating the Via de la Plata posts

I finally unpacked the box that held my camera!
Then, I uploaded over 1700 photos of my recent Via de la Plata walk.
So, I'm going to go back through the posts and update all the photos and information.
If I skip a day, I'll just add it to the end - out of order, but at least covered.
I'm sure this will be a several week event.

You'll need to go to this link to see the new photos, and then move forward in time:

http://www.caminosantiago2.blogspot.com/2013/05/zafra-finally.html

Stay tuned...

Meeting Up With Camino Friends

Tonight, I'm meeting up with Linda and Patty from one of our AnnieWalkers 2012 Camino groups!

Linda in her Altus Poncho

Patty makes a friend

Since their Camino, both ladies have been busy!

Linda quit smoking and is running in Portland this weekend.
Patty has been volunteering on the new Walking the Camino documentary.

Walking the Camino is playing in Portland, Oregon right now at the Hollywood Theater.
Click here to see the latest trailer:
Walking the Camino

I'll learn more tonight and post any updates and news!

Our 2014 trip is shaping up for May/June.
We have 4 open spots if anyone is interesting in walking with our group.
Joe Walsh will be leading the group.

Walking with a group is not only a way to experience the Camino with the support of others, it is a way to make lasting friendships like the one between Patty and Linda and I.

I hope you will consider walking with us in 2014!

DIY Shower Diverter Valve Repair

We're learning that when you buy a house built in the 1940's, it comes with a whole other set of small problems and repair bills can add up!  So when possible, I like to fix things myself!

Yesterday morning I took a shower and it worked fine.
Last night, my son got home, got into the shower and when he turned it on, the wall groaned like it was going to split!  In addition, NO WATER came out of the shower head!

OH NO!

I got online and poked around and decided it had something to do with either the shower head or the shower diverter valve. The little mechanism that delivers the water to your shower head doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out, so I thought, "I can fix that!"

Step 1.
I started by taking the shower head off to check and see if it was plugged up. We'd had a LOT of rain last week and there was lots of leaf debris in the rain gutters. I thought maybe somehow they might have also gotten into the water lines.

To remove the shower head, just unscrew it counter-clockwise.  That's to the left.  And if you can't remember which is which, remember "Righty-tighty and Lefty-loosy!

There WAS a bit of debris blocking the screen in the shower head, so I cleaned it out.

But then, I thought while it was off, I'd check to see if the valve was working.  I turned on the water in the bathtub, then turned the valve for the shower.  .  .  no water.

Step 2.
Tools.  I decided I would need a phillips head screwdriver, a pair of needlenose pliers, a crescent wrench, and whatever kind of wrench that big puppy is called!

Step 3.

Remove the handle. 

This bathroom faucet set has three spinning handles; one for hot, one for cold and one for the shower. 

 The handle was held on with one phillips head screw.

Once the screw was out, the handle just pulled right off.

Step 4.

Remove the cover. Grab hold and twist to the left.  In this case, I had to use a blade to cut through the caulking around the seam first. Then it just screwed right off.

Step 5.  

Remove the valve diverter.

That thing you see sticking out is the valve diverter.

It is just slipped into the hole - not screwed - but there is an air seal that has to be broken. 

So we tugged and tugged and gently rocked it back and forth and couldn't get it out.

See that nut right inside the hole? That brass nut? Well, I managed to get those big locking pliers around it and turn it gently to the left. Just a wee bit and it came loose. Then I just pulled the valve diverter straight out of the hole.

This is what it looks like:

I looked it over and couldn't figure out where it might be broken.

The O-ring (white) seemed to be fine. 

There was a black O-ring on the end of it, held by a screw.

You can see this at the right end in the photo.

The screw didn't appear to be tight.

So I tightened it down.

Everything else seemed to look ok, so I thought I'd take a chance and just put it back in.

And guess what?

IT WORKED!

Hooray!

I just saved a HUGE plumbing bill and fixed my shower diverter valve.

One tip.

When you're turning on or off the shower, just turn the valve enough to get the water coming out of the shower completely.   If you over tighten it, you can unscrew the diverter from the inside, causing another problem.

So there you go.

A 61 year old grandma fixed the shower head.

Not bad, huh?

I encourage you to...

Love,

Annie

Almost home!

I'm in California this week gathering  all that is left of my belongings. My son and I bought a house together in Portland. I return home Tuesday and should be settled in and back online within the week. This little town has no Internet. I had to run around the yard to get enough ticks to post this. Thanks for your patience!  Almost home!  Annie