Hiking essential! The humble pole!

The best, the most exquisite mode of transport is a walking stick; and one of the finest things in life is going on a journey with it”

There are several reasons to use hiking poles when out walking or trekking. Hiking poles help you move across terrain quicker, provide additional support and reduce the amount of effort required thus allowing you to achieve more during your adventures.

When used correctly, the poles can significantly increase your pace, heart rate and oxygen levels without feeling like you are expending excessive energy. The workload will be spread across different muscle groups, not just your legs!

Poles also offer increased support and stability on unfamiliar ground and uneven surfaces. The extra two points of contact with the ground will increase your confidence, especially if you are feeling a fatigued towards the end of your walk.

Another great benefit of using poles is that they improve posture, especially important if you are carrying a load. Hiking poles will make you more conscious of being upright. There is a tendency to slump forward whilst going uphill which shifts your centre of gravity and actually increases the chances of slipping or stumbling on uneven ground. (we have both been saved by our beloved poles several times).The poles will help you keep your body position more upright so you can use your arms and shoulders to propel yourself up the trail easier.

 There is no definitive right or wrong way to use walking poles but there are ways that can help you use them more effectively. A lot of hikers use their poles by bending their arms at the elbow and placing the pole tip slightly in front to use the pole as support. A more effective way is to keep your arm in a fairly neutral position (which is with a very slight bend) and use the shoulders to propel yourself forward.

.
Walking Downhill

Position the poles slightly in front of you, this will lessen the impact of the fall of the hill. Shorten your stride to take some of the impact stress from the knee joints, especially important if you are carrying a backpack. If the terrain is very steep, icy or muddy, one useful technique is to walk down sideways or switchback.

Walking Uphill

You should be using the poles to push off not help pull yourself up hill, so shorten your poles. Try to keep them reasonably close to your body to improve efficiency too.

Two poles are better than one but one is better then none! 

 Relax and enjoy the rhythm! 

Equality!

How one lives is intimate,
no ones choice but yours.
Society must respect this
and stop closing the doors.

Stand up for freedom,
thought, equality and love.
The right to find your very own
adored, matching glove.

Steady thrum of heartbeats,
idealised and hope.
We are all created equal,
no reason to elope.

Believe in what you will,
but let people be true.
No need to be obtruse,
when it has nothing to do with you.

I beseech with all my heart,
that justice will prevail.
Equality will come home to roost
and the no sayers will fail.

Protection from the elements,
the haven in a storm.
A travelling pocket of fair weather,
allowing you free form.

Equality for all!

A pilgrim's pack.

The rule of thumb is that your pack should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight. You can be sure that there is method to this madness.... body & soul preservation! The Camino trail alone puts undue stress on the muscles and tendons with all the rocky paths and undulating hill one must endure along the way. By becoming a pilgrim, you are agreeing to a simple way of life. Gone are the fancy clothes and shoes. Makeup and hairdryers become a thing of a long distant past. To be frank, you can go days without looking in a mirror and some mornings you will just don your hat with no thought to a hairbrush. Vanity has no place!  If you are looking from Brad's point of view, nothing really changes.

It is essential to carry a  good quality pack that fits well. We used a Deuter brand; which had easy access, plus a built in rain cover. No problems!
 www.mountaindesigns.com/blog/tips/how-to-fit-a-pack


Packing list!

- Sleeping in Albergues can be difficult at the best of times. If you can get a half decent sleep, you will perform so much better on the next day's trek. To make yourself snug, we recommend that you take a light weight, compact sleeping bag and a pillow case to cover the dodgy pillows on the bunks. Add a pair of earplugs to block out the snorers & grunters plus an eye patch for protection from those early morning cyclop headlamps. Sweet dreams!
www.wiggle.com.au/nordisk-oscar-2-sleeping-bag


-Use a dry sack inside your pack to store your meagre wardrobe. This will keep your clothes all together and dry if you come across inclement weather.
-Our scrubba wash bag (an Aussie invention), paid for itself. It's a waterproof bag with a flexible internal washboard that provides a machine quality wash. (N.B. You will lather up  a sweat using it though).  As it was not always possible to gain access to washing facilities along the way, it was a Camino god send to pull out the old scrubba and in 6 easy steps our smalls were hung out to dry. Fill, roll & clip, deflate, rub and rinse. Voila!   www.thescrubba.com.au
Another little hint is to peg your socks to the back of your pack to dry whilst hiking but do so at your own risk! (keep in mind our Camino miracle).


Clothes!
2 pairs of hiking pants  (the ones that zip off into shorts are multi purpose)
3 short s shirts (breathable with moisture-wicking properties)
1 flannelette long s shirt (gives that extra warmth)
1 pair of thermals. (doubled as pjs)
1 waterproof coat.
3 sets of underwear, gloves, beanie and sun hat.
3 pairs inners and 2 pairs of outer socks.
Hiking shoes and flip flops.

Miscellaneous extras.
-Ziplock bags to keep travel & pilgrim passports dry.
-Limited first aide kit. You are not going to be out in the middle of Woop Woop and pilgrims are known for keeping the pharmacies in business, so you will always be able to top up at the end of the day.
-Minimal toiletry (repeat, there are shops aplenty)
- Carry a water bottle to top up along the way.
-Snacks, we always had a few on hand for just in case!



Never overlook the power of simplicity.
Buen Camino!

                        

-

Beyond unwanted!

Once dynamic,

 a pleasure, useful,

or loved.

A treasure.

 Effect of time,

                                                         A blowing wind,

The dust and the grime.

Indelible.

Temporary relationships,

 a bygone cherish.

Inanimate & mutable,

destined to perish.

The sadness of rejection,

ill favour or forsaken.

Broken, rusty

and derelict.

Superfluous & Obsolete!

                                 

Feral zombies panic to disembark!

 Lets face it, society is impatient.

Plane lands,  belt unfastened and commuters are at the starting gate. Aisles are full with punters rummaging in the overheads, pushing things aside  (squashing the cherished krispy kremes) in a bid to rescue their belongings.
The real anarchy begins when the doors open and everyone has the urgent need to be outta there. There is in fact, a list of airport etiquette which states that those at the front of the plane exit first followed closely in numerical order by the rest. Why do people think they have the right to push their way past from row 17 to be 1st off the plane? There is no ribbon or golden ticket waiting at the exit gate and the luggage would still be in process of being unloaded. Unless you have a very short lay over to your next flight, there is no excuse. Wait your turn!

Equality Australia!

If this ridiculous plebiscite comes to pass, please ensure that you are eligible to vote. Please do not ignore this opportunity to vote 'YES'

A pilgrim's progress.

    A challenge taken,
    truth be told.
    Of body, soul
    and life.
    Behold!

    Bring to pass,
    the somatic pain.
    Transmuting to
    an inner gain.

   In pursuit of
   the yellow arrow,
   A trek of the path
   sometimes too narrow.

  Grateful to be,
  in the here & now.
  A simplistic heart,
  enfolds thy shell.

  As the essence
  of the world's soul align,
  vanity fair becomes but
  a moment in time.

 Embrace the beauty,
 connections transcend,
 as the sense of mystery
 you shall wend.

 Buen Camino!






 

Tips and hints on 'The Way'!

 If you decide to undertake the Peregrino journey; you will hear a lot of advice.

The most important thing is to embrace is the fact that it is not a race but a journey. Your journey! It does not matter if you walk 10, 20 or 30 kms a day, you will get there in the end. We spoke to a lot of people along the way and some of most inspirational pilgrims we met, were serial repeaters. They usually get up around 7am and have a leisurely breakfast before heading out. Then walk for no more than 20kms, stopping off at the little bars and cafes along the way. In other words, 'Stop and smell the roses'!

The gear you choose to accompany you on this amazing experience will make or break you.

Our all important tip is to take as little as possible in your pack. The recommended guide line is 10% of your body weight. Believe us, when we tell you that does not account for much at all. Majority of pilgrims set off with more than that baggage allowance, only to dis-guard or send forth many unnecessary items. It is really a back to basics kinda gig.  Hairdryers and makeup become a thing of the past when you are lucky to glance in a mirror once a week. You are not going to be hiking in the wilderness. There are shops, doctors and pharmacies in every town, so do yourself a favour and pack light.

Hiking boots & socks- These must be great quality as they are responsible for carrying you and your pack all the way to Santiago! Make sure your boots are the correct size (allow room for swelling), try boots on at the end of the day and make sure you wear the socks that you intend to hike in.
Allow enough time to wear them in whilst training.  There is a lot of controversy about socks and foot care. We swear by the double sock method. One inner liner sock and an outer hiking sock. Purchase proper hiking socks from an outdoor store.

Back pack- As all your worldly possession are going to be confined to this compact, light weight pack, it is essential for your pack to fit you properly. Even distribution of weight on the body will save your neck, back, shoulder and knee pain.

Sleeping bag and pillow case- We purchased  nordisk, 'Oscar' -2 bags, weighing in at 700gm. They packed down relatively small and sat in the bottom of our packs. We took our own pillow cases too. If you are warm and cosy at night you can perform better up those hills the next day.

Hiking poles- We used 2 poles which really were a blessing. Not only did they help propel us up those hills, they provided a comforting sense of rhythm along the way!


Training, Camino fitness!
Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to training for The Way. Nothing can really prepare you for day after day of walking on the rocky, uneven surfaces. Our theory is however; if you start out reasonably fit; you will enjoy the journey so much more. We started serious training 3 month prior to our adventure. Week nights would be a walk of  at least 1 hour and weekends would be around 6 hours of hills, both days. Remember to train with your backpack- start off lighter and build up to 10% of your body weight. You will gain stamina during your journey and it will become routine to walk every day.

One of the gifts that the Camino offers is freedom, this freedom is liberating!

BUEN CAMINO!

 

Pilgrim, tourist or Camino Traveller

It started as a mere thought as we crossed the Meseta and continued to manifest itself into topics of conversations as we ventured from Albergue to Albergue.  The origin stemmed from a rest stop; one of many, taken as we traversed ‘the way.’  As we dodged the toilet paper that grows wild like rape seed and dislodged our pack, we noticed the scrawled writing on the back of a sign.   Small in stature but packing a thought provoking wallop; the words simply stated:  ‘Pilgrim 10%, tourist 90% - which are you?’

Which indeed!  We had used the word pilgrim, pilgrimage and peregrino at every opportunity like a cheap rapper dropping beats to the nosebleed section, but were we simply a tourist feeding on the St James economy?   If we were a tourist, did this somehow render what we were doing null and void; were we indeed cheapening the experience by somehow embarking on a Contiki Camino?  True, we were not undertaking the journey for a religious experience or in the hope of a life changing epiphany but rather a challenging opportunity to journey together and reflect in a simplistic manner.  Surely that equated to a pilgrimage. Deep down that scrawl reverberated. We didn’t feel like a tourist, who demanded instant gratification, nor were we carrying a bible. The way of it is; we were just two individuals, stripping back our busy life and enjoying the monotony of seeking out the yellow arrow & ceramic shell.   

Certainly, we did see a few religious zealots, who chewed our ears off with their own slant of biblical verses and traditions; which strangely matched their own agenda, (the likes of 'God Hates Divorce' tshirt or the carrying of one’s own substantial crucifix.)  In reality, along ‘The Way’ there are no tourists but rather Camino Travellers.  We first heard this term when we were espousing our dilemma at the Municipal Albergue in Sahagun. This particular group of liked minded travellers had all completed the Camino on multiple occasions and as the vino tinto flowed, the discussion raged. Our fellow walkers clearly articulated that there is no right or wrong way to partake of the Camino. In essence, the Camino is your way and no book, individual or piece of graffiti can define it  – you must experience it yourself and take away from it what you will.  We are all travellers and the Camino is our canvas; where we share stories, form friendships and build a community that supports, nurtures and grows.

  We are proud to be Camino travellers of 'The Way'.  Who needs to be a pilgrim when you can be a traveller?

The Camino miracle!

 The pilgrim is like a snail, not only does it take a long time to travel the distance but it carries a world on its back. The average backpack contents consists of 1 to 2 changes of clothes and underwear. Life is simple on the way; walk, eat, drink, wash your smalls, sleep & repeat!

On the day in question, our socks had not dried completely overnight, so as can often be seen along the way; our socks swung lazily in the sun, pegged on the back of our packs as we trekked.

 At the first rest stop, we discovered that one of Lea's sock had gone awol! (N.B. the humble sock is fundamental to any successful Camino journey). Subsequently trudging along, with Lea feeling despondent about her absent sock, we arrived at our Albergue for the night. After setting up our sleeping bag and ready to explore the town, our room mate appears. ' did you lose your sock'?. This peregrino angel had carried the errant sock and peg 15 kms to safely return it.


The Camino has an unique sense of community that brings back faith in mankind!

A yellow arrow, a shell and blind faith!

It is hard to imagine that we put our blind faith in two inanimate objects as we traversed 800km across two countries.  A simple, yellow arrow stenciled on walls, paths, rocks and poles or the ceramic shell embossed on a pillar acted as our only guide.   We obediently followed - never questioning or doubting the calling.  Some hearty pilgrims clutched their own bible - John Brierly, 'Guide to the Camino', quoting verbatim from this holy text; they looked at us as pagans as we shrugged our shoulders, pointed to the yellow arrow or shell and continued on our journey.

As days blurred into one, we trekked undulating hills that took us through rustic villages, our eyes were in a constant state of REM, scouring the landscape for a glimpse of our deity.   We became zealots, preaching the wonders of the arrow & shell.

At times, our shadows were our only companion as we traversed the lonely, stoney tracks in search of salvation. Those signs ensured a sense of wellbeing; knowledge in the fact that we would find safe haven that night.

 The arrow and shell are mediative symbols that put concerns into perspective and provide a sense of liberation.

                                Sometimes, you just have to let go and follow!

                                                        Buen Camino🐚

In the world kitchen! Espana camino style!

The Spanish population certainly enjoy their bread. Every meal is served with 'pan' of some description. (A staple dietary camino requirement).  Herbs are used to flavour meals but not to spice things up, making food rather bland. Paella, tapas and seafood are a regular on most menus along with the infamous peregrino deal. This bargain ranging from 8 to 14 euros can be hit or miss. Usually consists of an entree choice of ensalada with or without atun, sopa or pasta. Main can be a variety of carne, pollo or fish all served with patata in some form. Our experience dictates that fish is the safest option. Dessert is flan, yoghurt or if you are lucky homemade cake. An abundance of pan and vino tinto is always included in deal. Tip is to look for the small homemade food cafes as the Senoritas take great pride in their cooking. We scored a couple of delicious meals that way.
The Español diet on a whole is carb loaded, which is handy for fuel when you are a peregrino but has a bloating effect. We found ourselves craving fresh veggies but the fruit was devine.

Our staple mid morning breakfast was a cuppa and a slice of patata tortilla served with pan of course.


Tortilla De Patatas

Ingredients
6-8 pototoes, peeling and cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 tsp salt
2 cups olive oil
1 med onion, chopped
10 eggs, beaten

Method.
Place pototoes in colander, sprinkle with salt and stand for half hour. Pat dry with paper towel.
Heat oil in non stick skillet ( med/high ) then add potatoes and cook. Turn occasionally  until crisp and tender.
Add onion  and cook until both are soft. About 5 mins. Use a slotted spoon to transfer into bowl to cool. Strain oil into bowl and set aside.
Add egg to potato mix. Wipe out skillet and heal 1/4 cup from reserved oil.
Add egg mix, arranging potato to submerge. Reduce heat to medium. Cook until almost set , should be slightly runny on top. 20 to 30 minutes.
Invert onto large plate. Then side back into skillet browned side up. Cook until golden brown on bottom and cooked through.

Can be served hot or cold.


                                            tortilla de patata

Burgos black pudding

Garlic prawns

G & T

Famous tarta de santiago cake!

Baked Eggs

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