How To Recognize a Fellow Forum Member While On Camino

[Deleted member 67185]

It is heart warming to see Forum members posting their wishes and hope to see and meet other Forum members while they walk a Camino.

Question: How does one recognize a fellow Forum member?

Answer: By attaching a Forum Member patch to one's hat or pack.

You can pick up such a badge/patch at the Forum Store

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I've got mine. I wonder though when anyone else will get a chance to see it.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I've got mine. I wonder though when anyone else will get a chance to see it.

I've been meeted and greeted because of the patch on the last two Caminos. So I can attest that it does work for when you can put it into play

 

[rappahannock_rev]

I've got one of those patches on my pack! It's led to several nice conversations, and an occasional free vino tinto!

 

[ranthr]

I have had this badge on my backpack but never met a forummember.

 

[Leibniz]

Even without the badge you will recognise them easily by the general air of wisdom that radiates from them.

 

[Former member 49149]

I've got mine. I wonder though when anyone else will get a chance to see it.

Easy peasy. Post a photo of the backpack...then we can all see it!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I've got mine. I wonder though when anyone else will get a chance to see it.

No upcoming plans yet, Rick?

 

[hel&scott]

My patch has been spotted by eagle eyed pilgrims in airports. But my most novel outing as a forum member was by my stepson who stumpled across and old post while searching for answers on the Portuguese route. Much mirth was to be had by our children reading our back catalogue of advice, although they did admit it was useful.

 

[Bala]

I've been on the camino three times, but only had two comments on my patch, which I had so proudly sewn on my pack. One woman simply said, "I like your patch." (Obviously not a forum member!).

The other called out "Camino forum!" and invited me to join her group for a cerveza after I registered at the albergue. Fun night with new friends, lots of comaraderie. And yes, after a few beers we all radiated wisdom.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Easy peasy. Post a photo of the backpack...then we can all see it!

Touche'! Not often we get a good pun back at Rick, but yours was perfect!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I've got mine. I wonder though when anyone else will get a chance to see it.

Easy peasy. Post a photo of the backpack...then we can all see it!

No upcoming plans yet, Rick?

I should have mentioned that on my next (just a second) camino I intend to have my forum avatar embroidered onto a patch (with attached googly eyes) and attached next to the forum badge. As I'm not sure when I'll be back and what pack I'll use the forum patch hasn't been sewn onto anything yet.

Here's a picture though of what I draped onto my pack 40 years ago to help me get rides when I was hitchhiking down under. Eight of the twelve flags I sewed and embroidered myself. I cheated a bit and added Hawaii's state flag. These were for the places I visited on the trip.

 

[Antomuchacho]

No camino would be the same without it

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I should have mentioned that on my next (just a second) camino I intend to have my forum avatar embroidered onto a patch (with attached googly eyes) and attached next to the forum badge. As I'm not sure when I'll be back and what pack I'll use the forum patch hasn't been sewn onto anything yet.

Here's a picture though of what I draped onto my pack 40 years ago to help me get rides when I was hitchhiking down under. Eight of the twelve flags I sewed and embroidered myself. I cheated a bit and added Hawaii's state flag. These were for the places I visited on the trip.

View attachment 52497

That is truly lovely, Rick! Jeff does handiwork, too. I guess you boys have more in common than just your witty puns!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

That is truly lovely, Rick! Jeff does handiwork, too. I guess you boys have more in common than just your witty puns!

Of course we do; great taste in women.

 

[mcopeland]

I have had this badge on my backpack but never met a forummember.

Us neither - during 2 Caminos. However, we have had ex-pilgrims recognize the arrow on the patch in airports or by non-walkers when we were walking on Caminos, especially on the Portuguese where we were virtually the only pilgrims. We also have had comments on the shell on our daypacks on non-Camino trips. We've left them there on purpose to see if get any comments! But, none have been Forum-related.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

With the multitude of fellow pilgrims, it would be likely that the badge would seldom be recognized by another Forum member just by virtue of the odds.

The badge/patch only serves to decrease those odds Imagine, if it is tough to meet a Forum member WITH the badge, how much tougher it would be without.

 

[mcopeland]

You will see other dark blue patches with yellow arrows on the Camino. We'll call out to those passing us (we're slow!) and often a nice conversation will ensue even when it's not a Forum patch. We also have Texas patches and that generates lots of comments as usually the first question asked is, "Where are you from?", followed by cowboy questions

 

[trecile]

Personally I like to leave my backpack patch less, but I am considering googly eyes.

 

[Tincatinker]

Members should have little difficulty recognizing me: tall, svelte, youthful, blonde, breakfast Orujo in hand - even at 3pm. Oh, and my forum patch....

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Members should have little difficulty recognizing me: tall, svelte, youthful, blonde, breakfast Orujo in hand - even at 3pm. Oh, and my forum patch....

And if you have your sleeve rolled up, some of us may be able to identify your camino tattoo!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I ran into Joe Flavin 2 years ago at the Ibaneta pass. He had said on a forum thread when he found out my dates I was starting..."You will recognize me as I will be wearing a "Life is Good" hat. I thought to myself, "Yeah, right"...but sure enough, there he was!

 

[lt56ny]

I've been meeted and greeted because of the patch on the last two Caminos. So I can attest that it does work for when you can put it into play

Can you sew mine on my backpack for me???

 

[Deleted member 67185]

In October

Can you sew mine on my backpack for me???

Sew??? Ha!!! I use Velcro for fabrics. One side to the pack the other side to the back of the patch. The glue adheres really well to both the backpack and the patch. If I want I can remove patches as needed or desired.

 

[trecile]

My proposed backpack modification

 

[Deleted member 67185]

My proposed backpack modification View attachment 52554

Gooooo Ranger!!!

 

[Iriebabel]

I have my forum badge on my pack

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

My proposed backpack modification

View attachment 52554
Great. But here is a suggestion. Loosen up that yellow bottom strap (sort of like the Amazon shoosh) and put a smile on the pack too.

 

[peregrina2000]

Imagine, if it is tough to meet a Forum member WITH the badge, how much tougher it would be without.

I have met several forum members walking. They recognized me because of my head of shocking white hair. But I have been meaning to get a forum patch, so thanks for the nudge, @davebugg.

Buen camino,Laurie

 

[amocatnerak]

You will see other dark blue patches with yellow arrows on the Camino. We'll call out to those passing us (we're slow!) and often a nice conversation will ensue even when it's not a Forum patch. We also have Texas patches and that generates lots of comments as usually the first question asked is, "Where are you from?", followed by cowboy questions

I gave a Texas flag sticker to the proprietor of the Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. I felt it was needed. He stuck it on the cash drawer.

 

[williamlittig]

It is heart warming to see Forum members posting their wishes and hope to see and meet other Forum members while they walk a Camino.

Question: How does one recognize a fellow Forum member?

Answer: By attaching a Forum Member patch to one's hat or pack.

You can pick up such a badge/patch at the Forum Store

View attachment 52493

 

[williamlittig]

Advertise!

 

[trecile]

Advertise!

How much weight do those patches add to your pack?

 

[Former member 49149]

I have two. One is priceless, the other is telling me my subscription is due... overdue!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I have met several forum members walking. They recognized me because of my head of shocking white hair. But I have been meaning to get a forum patch, so thanks for the nudge, @davebugg.

Buen camino,Laurie

I understand that. I was recognized because of my backpack, since it is not one commonly used on Camino and the Forum member recalled my mentioning my use of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa. It was only after that when the member then saw my badge.

I was just getting ready to head out the door of the little alburgue where my son Caleb, and I, had shared a private room. I heard someone sitting nearby putting shoes on say, "David Bugg?" I was disoriented a bit from having my name called out, but we met and chatted a bit before Caleb and I headed out.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I was just getting ready to head out the door of the little alburgue where my son Caleb, and I, had shared a private room. I heard someone sitting nearby putting shoes on say, "David Bugg?" I was disoriented a bit from having my name called out, but we met and chatted a bit before Caleb and I headed out.

International fame. On your next camino you won't have to follow the yellow arrows; just keep on walking down the red carpet.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

International fame. On your next camino you won't have to follow the yellow arrows; just keep on walking down the red carpet.

Oh, gawd, I hope to heck not!!!! That meeting because of my backpack was a bit. . . awkward and felt disjointed. Some of how I felt may have been a side effect of the Burgos unpleasantness, though.

 

[laineylainey]

Even without the badge you will recognise them easily by the general air of wisdom that radiates from them.

Brilliant!!!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have two. One is priceless, the other is telling me my subscription is due... overdue!
View attachment 52580View attachment 52581

I love both of your badges, Kirkie, but the one on the left gives me the "warm fuzzies"!

 

[Travelite]

I

I've been on the camino three times, but only had two comments on my patch, which I had so proudly sewn on my pack. One woman simply said, "I like your patch." (Obviously not a forum member!).

The other called out "Camino forum!" and invited me to join her group for a cerveza after I registered at the albergue. Fun night with new friends, lots of comaraderie. And yes, after a few beers we all radiated wisdom.

Met Sunny on Camino, for the first time, think it was in Zubiri. She was either with her husband/brother. Some time after this first meeting, I bumpeb into the couple again. The talk was about weather and what happens when it rains. My response was the same one I'd given on the Forum months earlier. Sunny's husband/brother started laughing and said, HEY YOU ARE TRAVELITE! So, there you are. I wasn't even aware there was such a thing as a forum badge.

 

[peterhore]

The badge is good, but you don't need it. I sat opposite a young man on the train to Waterloo (London) on Wednesday and we recognised each other as pilgrims even though I was besuited, wearing a tie and on my way to a business meeting. He was from Hungary and on his way to walk St Davids Way with a friend from Canada who he'd met on the camino frances two years ago. We had a pleasant chat and I wished him 'buen camino! as we parted at the station.
Peter

 

[Deleted member 67185]

The badge is good, but you don't need it. I sat opposite a young man on the train to Waterloo (London) on Wednesday and we recognised each other as pilgrims even though I was besuited, wearing a tie and on my way to a business meeting. He was from Hungary and on his way to walk St Davids Way with a friend from Canada who he'd met on the camino frances two years ago. We had a pleasant chat and I wished him 'buen camino! as we parted at the station.
Peter

You are right, Peter; for recognizing other pilgrims you don't really need one. I had much the same experience all along the way from flying and traveling from home to the start of my Caminos. You just sort of develop a sense of recognition of the little indicators from others.

But for recognizing Forum members, it allows us to pick out one another from the rest of the pilgrim world

 

[Northernlights]

It is heart warming to see Forum members posting their wishes and hope to see and meet other Forum members while they walk a Camino.

Question: How does one recognize a fellow Forum member?

Answer: By attaching a Forum Member patch to one's hat or pack.

You can pick up such a badge/patch at the Forum Store

View attachment 52493

Darn! I just place an order and didn’t see this, I’ll be walking the Portuguese Camino this year, did the frances a few years ago. I will have a Canadian flag on my pack though

 

[sopranocorry]

It is heart warming to see Forum members posting their wishes and hope to see and meet other Forum members while they walk a Camino.

Question: How does one recognize a fellow Forum member?

Answer: By attaching a Forum Member patch to one's hat or pack.

You can pick up such a badge/patch at the Forum Store

View attachment 52493

What a marvellous idea!! I am starting in Porto March 20, is there a forum shop in Porto? Near cathedral? Boncamino everyone

 

[trecile]

What a marvellous idea!! I am starting in Porto March 20, is there a forum shop in Porto? Near cathedral? Boncamino everyone

The forum shop is right here. It's not a bricks and mortar store.

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

In October
Sew??? Ha!!! I use Velcro for fabrics. One side to the pack the other side to the back of the patch. The glue adheres really well to both the backpack and the patch. If I want I can remove patches as needed or desired.

Show me, please.

 

[Luka]

I saw a peregrina with a forum patch on her pack today! She was rushing through León and passed a red traffic light where I stopped to let the cars pass by. So no chat...

 

[Former member 49149]

and now, thanks to Turga, I have another badge...

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Show me, please.

Similar to this product.

 

[NJohn]

Show me, please.

This video is on Wanderlusting Lawyer’s YouTube channel

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

Thank You's, @davebugg and @NJohn!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

This video is on Wanderlusting Lawyer’s YouTube channel

That's the type of velcro I used as well: the 'dots' several are placed around the perimeter of the patch or badge, with one in the center.

 

[Former member 49149]

Similar to this product.

Thanks for tip. I googled for a local version and found this, for anyone in Ireland with access to the shop in the photo and interested in buying.

 

[James_Anderson]

I have had this badge on my backpack but never met a forummember.

Me too man. I also put the badge on my backpack.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Thanks for tip. I googled for a local version and found this, for anyone in Ireland with access to the shop in the photo and interested in buying.
View attachment 58131

Yup, that's what they look like. Just be sure they are the ones with 'fabric adhesive'.

 

[tarasis]

Dang, I should have ordered one of those and the googly eyes.

The only personalisation on my backpack is a Critical Role keyring. (It’s a D&D Roleplaying show)

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

@davebugg, did you also stitch/sew that piece of Velcro to your bag?

EDIT: D'uh, R&C!

• #24

 

[Deleted member 67185]

@davebugg, did you also stitch/sew that piece of Velcro to your bag?

No. . . the top and bottom halves have a fabric adhesive, so it is all just a press on.

 

[JohnMcM]

Of course we do; great taste in women.

Wonderful! Romantic and life-saving at the same time.