Camino etiquette: learn a lesson from the rambling hiker

[Satírico]

Dear All,

Please follow the link to a recently uploaded - and long-awaited -Youtube video which offers a useful lesson in how to conduct oneself on any long distance journey:

I hope you were able to see and to enjoy. Remember, walk at your own pace, listen to your body and be considerate of other people along the way.

Buen camino,

Phil

 

[Bradypus]

When I am getting a little tired and there is still some way to go I often hum a marching tune or two to keep my walking rhythm going. I'll remember to keep it to myself in future

 

[Kanga]

Love it! Should be compulsory watching for everyone.

 

[jsalt]

Hilarious!

 

[linkster]

What was the point? ... not to gleefully express ourselves, take our aggression out on fellow peregrinos, or both.

Leave No Trace Principle #7 (certainly other apply as well).
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
• Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
• Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

 

[Icacos]

My goodness, that last fellow sure had it coming! He was still going strong after all the others had run out of breath. Definitely should have been more considerate!

 

[Felipe]

I frankly think that violence is never, never funny.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

I love to SWING my knapsack on my back!

 

[ginniek]

Hilarious.

Music, or at least a beat, does keep people moving over long hikes. Military all over the world have long used it to motivate the troops.

 

[Panama Francis]

Dear All,

Please follow the link to a recently uploaded - and long-awaited -Youtube video which offers a useful lesson in how to conduct oneself on any long distance journey:

I hope you were able to see and to enjoy. Remember, walk at your own pace, listen to your body and be considerate of other people along the way.

Buen camino,

Phil

I laughed so hard tears were flowing down my face! Thanks for sharing

 

[Saint Mike II]

"I raise my hat to all I meet and they wave back to me" - puts a rather different spin on the somewhat tired "Buen Camino" - which after about 200 replies becomes a little passe! Still a group of happy singing hikers could brighten the day. But not sure I can support Kanga and make compulsory!

 

[Sailor]

Wow, this is great, thanks for the video !!!

. . . Military all over the world have long used it to motivate the troops.

Exactly. I was a military fitness leader and we used to workout to our running cadences [I still have all of them memorized], good motivator, but as far as voice none in my team was as good as "The Rambling Hikers" on the video.

Again, thanks for the video, y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.

 

[Aussie Cossie Tanya]

That is absolutely GOLD

 

[nycwalking]

Funny. Thanks for post.

 

[Kanga]

Yes, I absolutely agree that violence is never acceptable. I think we have to see this as slapstick comedy, and never to be translated into real life. It is the lead up, and the total lack of self awareness and the effect on others that is funny, as much as the ending.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Yes, I absolutely agree that violence is never acceptable. I think we have to see this as slapstick comedy, and never to be translated into real life. It is the lead up, and the total lack of self awareness and the effect on others that is funny, as much as the ending.

Agree. I'm not a laugh-out-loud kinda gal but I was chuckling well before the ending.

 

[onwayhome]

A fine collection of vintage anoraks on display too. I expect they are all heading back to cups of strong tea and Kendal mint cake. ( An essential for anorak era British hiking. Not actually cake which can be disappointing. )

 

[Bradypus]

A fine collection of vintage anoraks on display too. I expect they are all heading back to cups of strong tea and Kendal mint cake. ( An essential for anorak era British hiking. Not actually cake which can be disappointing. )

Kendal mint cake is very bad for the teeth: if they don't rot from the sugar content then they probably break off when you try to bite into it. Like a minty paving slab

 

[Satírico]

Yes, I absolutely agree that violence is never acceptable. I think we have to see this as slapstick comedy, and never to be translated into real life. It is the lead up, and the total lack of self awareness and the effect on others that is funny, as much as the ending.

Agreed. Maybe it helps to say that these are four 'bits' which originally were spread out across a half hour episode featuring many other sketches, so the weariness and short-temper would be more readily conveyed.

 

[Satírico]

A fine collection of vintage anoraks on display too. I expect they are all heading back to cups of strong tea and Kendal mint cake. ( An essential for anorak era British hiking. Not actually cake which can be disappointing. )

And with this post an element of snobbery enters the thread? Exactly why my first encounter with this forum was a bust, prior to Camino No.1, I saw there were women on the forum trying to make people self-conscious about their attire, how they ought to look, which is laughable under the circumstances. Anorak-era British hiking? I ask you.

 

[Kanga]

Is a reference to Kendal mint cake and Anoraks snobbish? I don't understand. I assume it would be like an Australian referring to laminations and Drizabone. I can't see how that is offensive but maybe it is a British thing.

 

[Bradypus]

And with this post an element of snobbery enters the thread? Exactly why my first encounter with this forum was a bust, prior to Camino No.1, I saw there were women on the forum trying to make people self-conscious about their attire, how they ought to look, which is laughable under the circumstances. Anorak-era British hiking? I ask you.

I do not think there is snobbery involved here. Just playing around with nostalgia and changes in fashion. I watched a TV programme recently featuring a lot of 1970s music and chuckled to myself about the huge flared trousers and crepe sole shoes of the audience, and also the outrageous costumes of the glam rock bands. Sometimes called "the decade that taste forgot". I was there. I wore a lot of that stuff myself. Including ex-military cagoules and bobble hats. I drew the line at baggy knee-length shorts though. I am a fan of folk music but I do not get riled at people sending up the Aran jumpers and finger-in-the-ear style of the folk revival either.

 

[Satírico]

Is a reference to Kendal mint cake and Anoraks snobbish? I don't understand. I assume it would be like an Australian referring to laminations and Drizabone. I can't see how that is offensive but maybe it is a British thing.

One can easily take offense at anything said online, it's sadly true. No, the point made was the use of words like 'era' and 'vintage' to indicate that things in the video are outmoded and there is a new, presumably progressive 'fashion' in rambling attire. People out hiking shouldn't have to be concerned about what styles or brands of outdoors wear they use to keep the rain and cold out. Such activities are beyond fashion.

 

[Bradypus]

People out hiking shouldn't have to be concerned about what styles or brands of outdoors wear they use to keep the rain and cold out. Such activities are beyond fashion.

My second Camino Frances. Out on the meseta somewhere. I came across a picnic bench in some shade where a young man was bandaging some very badly blistered feet. A real mess. He looked me up and down and then went on to criticise everything I was carrying or wearing with the exception of my underpants which he inexplicably failed to mention. Every item of gear he possessed was brand new and state of the art. He told me so in great detail and at some length. He managed to suggest that with the ancient and worn-out junk I was using I was lucky to still be alive. When he eventually paused for breath I pointed out as tactfully as I could still manage that I was walking about 10km further than him each day and yet my feet didn't look the bottom of a butcher's scrap bin. Anyone can feel free to comment on my choice of clothing, footwear and accessories. All water off an old but still serviceable duck's back.

 

[Satírico]

My second Camino Frances. Out on the meseta somewhere. I came across a picnic bench in some shade where a young man was bandaging some very badly blistered feet. A real mess. He looked me up and down and then went on to criticise everything I was carrying or wearing with the exception of my underpants which he inexplicably failed to mention. Every item of gear he possessed was brand new and state of the art. He told me so in great detail and at some length. He managed to suggest that with the ancient and worn-out junk I was using I was lucky to still be alive. When he eventually paused for breath I pointed out as tactfully as I could still manage that I was walking about 10km further than him each day and yet my feet didn't look the bottom of a butcher's scrap bin. Anyone can feel free to comment on my choice of clothing, footwear and accessories. All water off an old but still serviceable duck's back.

Good for you. Reminds me of the scene in Saint Jacques...La Mecque when the pretentious braggart is done for in under 2 hours despite all his 21st century gear.

 

[jay quintero]

One can easily take offense at anything said online, it's sadly true. No, the point made was the use of words like 'era' and 'vintage' to indicate that things in the video are outmoded and there is a new, presumably progressive 'fashion' in rambling attire. People out hiking shouldn't have to be concerned about what styles or brands of outdoors wear they use to keep the rain and cold out. Such activities are beyond fashion.

I agree, it's sad that certain people take offense at anything said online (or even offline - in real life). As for one's choice in hiking gear ... whatever works ... whatever fits his/her budget ... why should it even be mentioned (even though old stuff weighs more than modern stuff)

 

[CaminoDebrita]

And with this post an element of snobbery enters the thread? Exactly why my first encounter with this forum was a bust, prior to Camino No.1, I saw there were women on the forum trying to make people self-conscious about their attire, how they ought to look, which is laughable under the circumstances. Anorak-era British hiking? I ask you.

Wow, to think that attire would be an issue for anyone, other than needing warm enough and weather resistant enough.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

And with this post an element of snobbery enters the thread? Exactly why my first encounter with this forum was a bust, prior to Camino No.1, I saw there were women on the forum trying to make people self-conscious about their attire, how they ought to look, which is laughable under the circumstances. Anorak-era British hiking? I ask you.

I for one would welcome a link to sucha thread as I cannot imagine anyone doing this, especially women: have you see what is out there for us to buy that is somewhat "technical", ie lightweight and quick drying? Nothing but purple, pink and teal. Any fashion sense any one of us Camino chicks may have in our daily lives, professional or domestic, is thrown out the window the minute we contemplate breaking sweat outside of a gym of some sort.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

"I raise my hat to all I meet and they wave back to me" - puts a rather different spin on the somewhat tired "Buen Camino" - which after about 200 replies becomes a little passe! Still a group of happy singing hikers could brighten the day. But not sure I can support Kanga and make compulsory!

Wait, wait, make what compulsory? Surely not the "buen Camino"?! I have fantasied about having small electric shots being shot at those who pass me saying that. If ever there was a reason to wear ear plugs while walking and not jist at bed time that is it, even if it means not hearing incoming traffic.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Wait, wait, make what compulsory? Surely not the "buen Camino"?! I have fantasied about having small electric shots being shot at those who pass me saying that. If ever there was a reason to wear ear plugs while walking and not jist at bed time that is it, even if it means not hearing incoming traffic.

Hola Anemone - I think you had misread or omitted a couple of posts. Please go back to Kanga's first post on this subject which should explain all.
Otherwise what I was responding to was the making of "camino singing" compulsory.

 

[Icacos]

So what would people like to hear. ..... if some are tired of the eternal 'Buen Camino' and others are offended if they are passed by the snobbish person who goes by without a word or a glance in their direction? Just an attempt at eye contact, a nod and / or a smile perhaps?

 

[C clearly]

And with this post an element of snobbery enters the thread? Exactly why my first encounter with this forum was a bust, prior to Camino No.1, I saw there were women on the forum trying to make people self-conscious about their attire, how they ought to look, which is laughable under the circumstances.

You are reading way too much into some lighthearted comments, just as others have read way too much significance into the slapstick humour that you posted in the first place.

 

[Kanga]

I am not sure how such a light-hearted video can bring about disagreement on the forum. Can we please be tolerant, laugh whenever possible, not be unnecessarily critical, assume good motives on the part of our fellow members, be happy and be kind to each other? There is enough bad stuff out in the world without it affecting our lovely little virtual albergue .

@C clearly you just beat me to it.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Otherwise what I was responding to was the making of "camino singing" compulsory.

Camino singing? How dare you even come up with such a proposal?!!!

Noooo, human silence, other than for foot steps. Period. (Anyone else missing Spicer?).

No yaky girls scaring birds away. No bous and their boombox, scaring everyone away.

I want to hear frogs singing. Caminos are the only place I have ever heard them sing.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

So what would people like to hear. ..... if some are tired of the eternal 'Buen Camino' and others are offended if they are passed by the snobbish person who goes by without a word or a glance in their direction? Just an attempt at eye contact, a nod and / or a smile perhaps?

Yes, eye contact and a smile.

 

[Kanga]

Yaky yak with another pelegrina has got me up many a long hill. Can't do away with that. Besides, how else do we cure the ills of the world?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Yaky yak with another pelegrina has got me up many a long hill. Can't do away with that. Besides, how else do we cure the ills of the world?

No yaking necessary, just an anciano Austrian willing to walk 3 feet ahead of you. How I walked the last 5km into Lugo. Will never forget how grateful I was for him to pull me along, in silence.

 

[jsalt]

I can relate to the guy who did the punching.

After an obnoxious person in front of me rounded a corner and was out of sight, I flung my stick down, jumped up and down, screamed, and generally had a little tantrum.

Feeling better, I retrieved my stick and calmly continued.

However, I was now only one day away from Santiago, and I realised that I hadn’t yet learnt tolerance.

Which meant that, OH NO!, I am going to have to do this camino thing again, aren’t I?
Jill

 

[Bradypus]

After an obnoxious person in front of me rounded a corner and was out of sight, I flung my stick down, jumped up and down, screamed, and generally had a little tantrum.

Been there, done that too More than once I've come across people so irritating that I have added an extra 10 or 15km to my day just to make sure of leaving them well behind me!

 

[jsalt]

Been there, done that too More than once I've come across people so irritating that I have added an extra 10 or 15km to my day just to make sure of leaving them well behind me!

Ha! Done that too, but they hitched a lift, got past me, and I found them sitting at the next bar I came to!
Jill

 

[William Marques]

I had never realised that a "buen camino" could cause such irritation but then we all have our own niggles. Perhaps if we want to walk in silence the Camino Frances is best avoided.

It seems from some of the posts that a few people were not aware the original video was a sketch from a British comedy program not to be taken seriously.

 

[Bradypus]

I had never realised that a "buen camino" could cause such irritation but then we all have our own niggles. Perhaps if we want to walk in silence the Camino Frances is best avoided.

Try the Sanabres in February - in 10 days walking I met two other pilgrims. I am a bit of a hermit and I really prefer quiet routes. It was perfect

 

[WGroleau]

If ever there was a reason to wear ear plugs while walking and not jist at bed time that is it, even if it means not hearing incoming traffic.

Most peregrinos don't hear oncoming traffic without earplugs. I can’t count the times I rang my bell, yelled “bicicleta, bicycle,” slowed down to walking speed, and nevertheless scared the pants off a pilgrim as I passed. And the tires make noise in the gravel, too.

 

[onwayhome]

And with this post an element of snobbery enters the thread? Exactly why my first encounter with this forum was a bust, prior to Camino No.1, I saw there were women on the forum trying to make people self-conscious about their attire, how they ought to look, which is laughable under the circumstances. Anorak-era British hiking? I ask you.

It was what I thought a humorous comment to a humorous post. I had the same kind of jacket when youth hostelling and mountain walking in the 1960's.

I didn't intend a comment on anyone's choice of Camino clothing and thought for a while before making this second post, but it seemed important to me to clarify my intention.

Meanwhile this thread seems to have developed a life of it's own! Maybe we do need an outlet now and again for the inevitable frustrations along the Way? Thanks to Kanga and mods for helping to keep this forum a place where we can interact with respect and a bit of fun.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Camino signing? How dare you even come up with such a proposal?!!!
Noooo, human silence, other than for foot steps. Period. (Anyone else missing Spicer)
I want to hear frogs singing. Caminos are the only place I have ever heard them sing.

Who, I think you really missed the boat on this one. In no way was I even remotely suggesting that pilgrim singing should be made compulsory. If anything I was suggesting that it be confined. (Maybe in a bar or cafe at the nod of the day!)

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

Dear All,

Please follow the link to a recently uploaded - and long-awaited -Youtube video which offers a useful lesson in how to conduct oneself on any long distance journey:

I hope you were able to see and to enjoy. Remember, walk at your own pace, listen to your body and be considerate of other people along the way.

Buen camino,

Phil

The last guy looks like 'Wheres Wally' escaped into real life. Really enjoyed it, if you cant have a good belly laugh now and again whats the point

 

[Satírico]

I am not sure how such a light-hearted video can bring about disagreement on the forum. Can we please be tolerant, laugh whenever possible, not be unnecessarily critical, assume good motives on the part of our fellow members, be happy and be kind to each other? There is enough bad stuff out in the world without it affecting our lovely little virtual albergue .

@C clearly you just beat me to it.

Yes, fine. All I wanted was to share the lovely video when I happened to notice it was there online. Once seen, never forgotten. My favourite bit is when they're starting to tire, the good humour is draining away, and then he appears

 

[BPG2017]

I for one would welcome a link to sucha thread as I cannot imagine anyone doing this, especially women: have you see what is out there for us to buy that is somewhat "technical", ie lightweight and quick drying? Nothing but purple, pink and teal. Any fashion sense any one of us Camino chicks may have in our daily lives, professional or domestic, is thrown out the window the minute we contemplate breaking sweat outside of a gym of some sort.

Ehmmm.... I have just finished assembling my gear and, quite by chance, all my tops (shirts, polar jacket, scarf) turn out to be a bright, coordinated teal-with-pinkish-red colour scheme. They happen to be my favourite colours, that's why. I hope I will not be criticized...

 

[C clearly]

Ehmmm.... I have just finished assembling my gear and, quite by chance, all my tops (shirts, polar jacket, scarf) turn out to be a bright, coordinated teal-with-pinkish-red colour scheme. They happen to be my favourite colours, that's why. I hope I will not be criticized...

Someone might comment, but that shouldn't be taken as criticism!

 

[marilyn van graan]

What a bunch you all are - I enjoyed that skit and had a good laugh - I reckon he got floored through sheer jealousy!!! He still had so much breath whereas the others had nothing left!!!! I even buen camino to the dogs, cows and cats along the way - love what I am doing and eager to share my joy with whoever - so here's buen camino to all you grumpies - haha only kidding xx

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Is a reference to Kendal mint cake and Anoraks snobbish? I don't understand. I assume it would be like an Australian referring to laminations and Drizabone. I can't see how that is offensive but maybe it is a British thing.

Swap you my recipe for Lamingtons for your recipe for laminations . . . . .

 

[Jeff Crawley]

The Fast Show (from which these clips were taken) was an acquired taste - fortunately many of the performers went on to do much, much better.

 

[susanawee]

Dear All,

Please follow the link to a recently uploaded - and long-awaited -Youtube video which offers a useful lesson in how to conduct oneself on any long distance journey:

I hope you were able to see and to enjoy. Remember, walk at your own pace, listen to your body and be considerate of other people along the way.

Buen camino,

Phil

That was Sooooooooo funny.....loved it.

 

[susanawee]

Love it! Should be compulsory watching for everyone.

Oh Kanga....I do so agree with you....

 

[Kanga]

Swap you my recipe for Lamingtons for your recipe for laminations . . . . .

How I love auto-correct. I'm not going to edit my post, it is too funny.

 

[Ian & Virginia]

Swap you my recipe for Lamingtons for your recipe for laminations . . . . .

I have a great recipe for laminations. Although I prefer to eat lamingtons which are an Australian invention. Some New Zealanders don't acknowledge that notion believing they invented the lamington....wrong!!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I have a great recipe for laminations. Although I prefer to eat lamingtons which are an Australian invention. Some New Zealanders don't acknowledge that notion believing they invented the lamington....wrong!!

Mmmm - of course SOME people say that the cake is actually an ENGLISH madeleine and while raspberry jam wasn't available "down under" melted chocloate was (because of the heat) so the ingenious Kiwis improvised and Lord Lamington took some back to Oz after a visit . . .
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-new-zealand-new-research-proves-beyond-doubt

 

[BucketBabe]

Hilarious.

Music, or at least a beat, does keep people moving over long hikes. Military all over the world have long used it to motivate the troops.

I used to be in the Navy Reserve. My gaining command was Quantico where I encountered some really really tough people called Marines. When the going gets tough (like on a few volcano climbs this past summer), I put my earbuds in and listen to Marine Corps cadence. It gets me through every tough spot I've ever encountered.

 

[ginniek]

I used to be in the Navy Reserve. My gaining command was Quantico where I encountered some really really tough people called Marines. When the going gets tough (like on a few volcano climbs this past summer), I put my earbuds in and listen to Marine Corps cadence. It gets me through every tough spot I've ever encountered.

I know some past Parris Island DIs that would second the emotion.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I used to be in the Navy Reserve. My gaining command was Quantico where I encountered some really really tough people called Marines. When the going gets tough (like on a few volcano climbs this past summer), I put my earbuds in and listen to Marine Corps cadence. It gets me through every tough spot I've ever encountered.

One of the ukulele groups I belong to uses a WW1 songbook with, as you might expect, a lot of marching songs in it - It's a Long Way to Tipperary, Mademoiselle from Armentieres, most of them are Doughboy songs - a lot of the songs the Tommies sang are far too rude for the ladies

I imagine the photo in the book was to remind them of "the girl they left behind"?