danielle aird
La vie est belle
- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 2018; September 2018; May 2019; Sept (2019)
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Surely that is a fate that falls only once?
it might not work all the time, but if it works sometime, that will be that...Surely that is a fate that falls only once?
I’ve a packet of tissues in my pocket even as I type this and yet I’m sat in my rather nicely appointed lounge with a choice of facilities in easy reach
Good idea, but also tell whoever is in charge that there's no TP.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim.
What??!Too many peeps use the paper for drying off after showers!
People use toilet paper to dry themselves after a shower?What??!
btw someone gave me a good trick for showers. Save the disposable pillowcase from the night before and use it as a mat for your feet after your shower.What??!
I think that is a lost cause. That is a task I cant even count on others to do in our own house.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
I don’t know what is real or joking or this forum. How do I tell if folks don’t use emoji’s?btw someone gave me a good trick for showers. Save the disposable pillowcase from the night before and use it as a mat for your feet after your shower.
So, it wasn't just my kids?I think that is a lost cause. That is a task I cant even even count on others to do in our own house.
Left to their own devises the kids (now grown with their own kids) will leave an empty cardboard roll on the holder and use a new roll left on the floor! And no-one will ever own up to being the culprit.
I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty.
Beware the doors indeed! I don't remember where it was (somewhere after Sahagun) and I stopped for coffee and to use the facilities. I left my pack with my phone with my friends. Went downstairs and into the washroom, where the lights went on as I opened the door. The lights went off 10 seconds later. Fine, no problem. I tried to unlock the door to the stall, it was a flat, circular lock. Twist left, push. Nothing. Twist right, push, nothing. I spent the next few minutes getting more and more panicked as I spun the lock in the dark desperately trying to get out of the stall. After a few minutes the lock fell out of the door and clattered onto the floor as I continued to push on the door. Finally it moved. Sideways, it was a sliding door. When I stepped out of the stall the lights miraculously came on so I could find the sink and wash my hands. I made a point of always taking my phone with me after that in case I needed the flashlight or to call for assistance lol.I had an unfortunate experience in Torres del Rio late one October during a mid-morning 'comfort stop' for coffee and the loo. Wherever you do 'use the facilities' beware of the doors.
Amen! I always carry a few tissues on my person for the "what it", "just in case" times...it will happen occasionally that you will be glad you have them.**always carry tissues with you, busy cafes sometimes run out.
I usually pocket the large paper napkin brought to me with my meals. Something sometime is going to need wiping along the way.Amen! I always carry a few tissues on my person for the "what it", "just in case" times...it will happen occasionally that you will be glad you have them.
I have a fettish about keeping napkins given to me in restaurants. On the Camino, if I have barely used them, I always take them with me as it seems wastefull to let them be tossed in a bin. They come in handy; sometimes even to blow my nose later.I usually pocket the large paper napkin brought to me with my meals. Something sometime is going to need wiping along the way.
I can clearly remember my father saying, at least once at the end of a meal, "Never throw away a good napkin without blowing your nose in it" and he proceeded to do so.sometimes even to blow my nose later.
Beware the doors indeed!
I relate completely, as I too, have been caught several times in complete darkness, while sitting on toilets in Europe. My most recent experience of waving my arms around did not bring the lights back on; it is a panicky feeling to be sure. I have never experienced lights going out in the US.I spent the next few minutes getting more and more panicked as I spun the lock in the dark desperately trying to get out of the stall.
I read the 90 degrees as the angle not the temperature and was trying to work out what you were saying. Clearly I need to do more washing!I don't use toilet paper at home. I installed a bum wash a long time ago. I have a stack of very small towels (which get washed at 90 degrees) kept next to the loo for drying purposes. Let's face it, if you got dog shit on your hands you wouldn't just wipe it off with paper, would you?
I do supply paper for visitors who don't want to do the water wash.
Away from home I have to use paper (in Europe, anyway) Which isn't good for plumbing or the environment. Quite a lot of Spanish plumbing doesn't like too much paper. If there is an open bin next to the loo, use it. You might think it's gross but it saves someone the even worse task of unclogging the toilet.
Me too!I read the 90 degrees as the angle not the temperature …
My grandma always had a napkin or tissue tucked up her sleeve, just in case.I can clearly remember my father saying, at least once at the end of a meal, "Never throw away a good napkin without blowing your nose in it" and he proceeded to do so.For some reason I found it funny and it has stuck in my mind.
Herself always carries one of those little packages of Kleenex in here fanny bag and several in her backpack for reasons like this.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
I had the same experience there! We stayed there and my lock-in happened late evening. Distressing!I had an unfortunate experience in Torres del Rio late one October during a mid-morning 'comfort stop' for coffee and the loo. Wherever you do 'use the facilities' beware of the doors.
The well-prepared pilgrim ASSUMES this will happen, and brings a partial TP roll and a packet of pre-moistened wipes for clean up. We all learned the hard way.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
Sound advice. Perhaps I can add that it is a bad idea to use alcohol hand gel in the cleaning up if there has been any significant chafing in the area. Possibly TMI but a lesson learned the very hard way....The well-prepared pilgrim ASSUMES this will happen, and brings a partial TP roll and a packet of pre-moistened wipes for clean up. We all learned the hard way.
This might be obvious to a lot of people but maybe not to those unfamiliar with the timer lights often in toilet cubicles in Spain.... If the light is not motion sensitive then there is usually a light switch within the cubicle which also has a tiny light on the switch i.e. so it is possible to find the switch in the dark. The light might not be noticeable when the main light is on but should be visible in the dark.I relate completely, as I too, have been caught several times in complete darkness, while sitting on toilets in Europe. My most recent experience of waving my arms around did not bring the lights back on; it is a panicky feeling to be sure. I have never experienced lights going out in the US.
I am an opponent to the poop and scoop (of the human variety). Faeces/feces is biodegradable and does not belong in a landfill. It’s fertilizer if dealt with properly.Was there not a campaign a few years ago to opt out of poop kits (burying), to a sort of poop and scoop policy? Like we do for our puppies?
Let's look at the math.
Say we have 100,000 Pilgrims on 500 miles of Camino taking 30 days to complete. Let's just go with one BM per day; so...
100,000 pilgrims X 30 days X 1 BM per day = 6,000 poops per mile or, MORE than 1 poop per foot.
500 miles
We can see how this, over centuries, would easily get out of hand. Fortunately, most make it to facilities. But the numbers are definitely an eye opener.
I usually pocket the large paper napkin brought to me with my meals.
OMG! Me too.I have a fettish about keeping napkins given to me in restaurants.
What a great pun!The well-prepared pilgrim ASSUMES
Bears? Polar, brown, panda or grizzly?I always check for 4 things:
1. Running water in the sink before I pump the soap.
2. Location of the light switch.
3. Paper
4. Bears
Based on the results of my search I proceed accordingly.
Simple solution carry a package of disposable wipes like Charmen in your backpackI hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
Definitely carry a bit of TP. A Kula Cloth or cotton bandana are also quite handy as pee rags when there’s no TP in the loo or you’re out in the wild.The well-prepared pilgrim ASSUMES this will happen, and brings a partial TP roll and a packet of pre-moistened wipes for clean up. We all learned the hard way.
It is just one of those things.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Brilliant! And true!I think that is a lost cause. That is a task I cant even count on others to do in our own house.
Left to their own devises the kids (now grown with their own kids) will leave an empty cardboard roll on the holder and use a new roll left on the floor! And no-one will ever own up to being the culprit.
They will leave it for days until I get frustrated and put a new roll on myself.
And dont get me started on putting toilet seats down. I have noticed though that now that they have their own kids, they are better with this. (Their wives have more influence than me obviously)
How you would go about getting a whole lot of strangers to comply is beyond me.
When walking the Camino I take tissues with me.
Thank you, my thoughts exactly. Always take toilet paper with you and be self sufficient on the Camino.I think that is a lost cause. That is a task I cant even count on others to do in our own house.
Left to their own devises the kids (now grown with their own kids) will leave an empty cardboard roll on the holder and use a new roll left on the floor! And no-one will ever own up to being the culprit.
They will leave it for days until I get frustrated and put a new roll on myself.
And dont get me started on putting toilet seats down. I have noticed though that now that they have their own kids, they are better with this. (Their wives have more influence than me obviously)
How you would go about getting a whole lot of strangers to comply is beyond me.
When walking the Camino I take tissues with me.
Great idea!btw someone gave me a good trick for showers. Save the disposable pillowcase from the night before and use it as a mat for your feet after your shower.
This right here! ^ I never hike (or go to a festival or wine tasting or…) without a Kula cloth. I just bought two more, specifically for the Camino we start at the end of May. They’re great for a lot of things, like wiping sweat or sunscreen spills too. Just get different patterns for pee vs everything else and don’t mix them up!Definitely carry a bit of TP. A Kula Cloth or cotton bandana are also quite handy as pee rags when there’s no TP in the loo or you’re out in the wild.
Always have some tissue with you. Assume there will be none and be pleasantly surprised when there is some.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
Yes! I was always so happy when a bathroom had something for me to dry my washed hands which was rare!!!! It was always the smallest things. Lol.Always have some tissue with you. Assume there will be none and be pleasantly surprised when there is some.
Standard practice when I walk is to always carry toilet paper. Apart from the toilet issue, can be very useful for other situations.I walked the whole of the Frances and on to Finisterre and Muxia and I always carried toilet paper from day one. Even when I'm at home, like Tinka, I carry tissues.
My grandma, too! After she passed away, I took care of her belongings. Tucked into every purse and most pockets was a small packet of Kleenex, often in a Ziploc baggie. Wise women! And good memoriesMy grandma always had a napkin or tissue tucked up her sleeve, just in case.
In Maine (USA) one of the two electric companies is owned by a Spanish company. I feel Spain’s high electricity charge pain even when I’m not on a camino! And if they ever try to convince us to put in bathroom timers—they’ll get voted out!! It’ll be a cold day in hell!!I freaked the first time I encountered these 30 second timers. Then I realized I needed to move.
It works okay for a guy standing up. But someone sitting down - especially if in a cubicle - may have a hard time waving an arm to alert the sensor to turn on.
I learned to appreciate this fact of life along the Camino. Plus, the price of electricity in Spain is insane.
By government policy, it is among the highest taxed (and priced) commodity in the Spanish economy. They know that everyone must consume electricity, regardless of any other lifestyle choices. It is cynical- but it is what it is.
As I learned in another life - “embrace the suck.”
Hope this helps
Tom
My grandmother and mom both tucked kleenex in their sleeves at home, purses and pockets.My grandma, too! After she passed away, I took care of her belongings. Tucked into every purse and most pockets was a small packet of Kleenex, often in a Ziploc baggie. Wise women! And good memories
But surely the timers are a good thing? They prevent wastage of costly energy, ensuring that the light is only on when absolutely required. Given energy costs and general need to be more mindful of using the earth's scarce resources, i would welcome wider use of these types of lights.In Maine (USA) one of the two electric companies is owned by a Spanish company. I feel Spain’s high electricity charge pain even when I’m not on a camino! And if they ever try to convince us to put in bathroom timers—they’ll get voted out!! It’ll be a cold day in hell!!
I don’t wish to have to get up before I’m finished!! I consider that time absolutely required! I’ve been stuck when the lights went out and could not get them to turn back on. That could be problematic!But surely the timers are a good thing? They prevent wastage of costly energy, ensuring that the light is only on when absolutely required. Given energy costs and general need to be more mindful of using the earth's scarce resources, i would welcome wider use of these types of lights.
And the added benefit of motion sensitive lights in the office for example means i get up and move every time they go off
Such an apt phrase in the context...nd the added benefit of motion sensitive lights
Two quick points. Pack a 1/3 roll of tp and remove the center cardboard to save space. Second (in general), PLEASE do not throw used tissues (#1) on the ground - take a ziplock and pack it out.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
Always.The well-prepared pilgrim ASSUMES this will happen, and brings a partial TP roll and a packet of pre-moistened wipes for clean up. We all learned the hard way.
It is just one of those things.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Buy your own supplies. As a Hospitalero I’ve seen toilet tissue disappear at an alarming rate. Wet wipes work better and take up less space in your pace. Consider others, we are a community.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
You will probably find that the toilet paper was taken by another pilgrim so that they don't get caught without any.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
And in that same vein, I was impressed with the bathroom hardware -- solid locks, heavy duty hinges, high end faucets in even basic cafes, etc.On the same topic, I am always impressed by how immaculately clean the toilets are in Spanish cafes and restaurants.
Where, at home, are pet droppings disposed of? Methinks the landfill is indeed where it all ends up.I am an opponent to the poop and scoop (of the human variety). Faeces/feces is biodegradable and does not belong in a landfill. It’s fertilizer if dealt with properly.
As well, if everyone carried their poop to a garbage bin, the sanitary workers have to deal with the added burden of smell and weight when they get around to emptying those already overflowing bins.
The smell is also attractive to dogs and critters, the the garbage gets ripped apart and becomes unsightly (and bears may roam into town).
Leave no trace is important, but putting it into landfills isn’t the solution, imho.
True, it is. At home, it’s our own burden, and in an environmentally friendly society, there would be compost heaps to empty those bags into.Where, at home, are pet droppings disposed of? Methinks the landfill is indeed where it all ends up.
I usually carry tp, just in case. And if the place is staffed, tell someone. Sometimes I'll buy tp for the general cause.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
Is one for your backpack to identify you as a pilgrim? The second one for the Irache fountain? Possibly the third one used as a trowel if needed?I always carry three shells.
Sorry, am a nerd. It's a reference to the film Demolition man with Sylvester Stallone. He is resuscitated in the future and when he goes to the loo there is no TP. Sandra Bullock laughs and says use the three shells. Never explained in the film what it meansIs one for your backpack to identify you as a pilgrim? The second one for the Irache fountain? Possibly the third one used as a trowel if needed?
Take their mums with them?I think that is a lost cause. That is a task I cant even count on others to do in our own house.
Left to their own devises the kids (now grown with their own kids) will leave an empty cardboard roll on the holder and use a new roll left on the floor! And no-one will ever own up to being the culprit.
They will leave it for days until I get frustrated and put a new roll on myself.
And dont get me started on putting toilet seats down. I have noticed though that now that they have their own kids, they are better with this. (Their wives have more influence than me obviously)
How you would go about getting a whole lot of strangers to comply is beyond me.
When walking the Camino I take tissues with me.
It seems indeed 'they live amongst us'I don't remember ever in my adult life, using a loo without checking there is paper.. in my home, in a bar, in a public place.. anywhere! Why would you leave it til it's too late to check??
Carry a small packet of tissues, yes… and I am surprised in all the responses nobody suggested this solution: a peri bottle. Even one of those small soft silicone containers for toiletries will work and they weigh nothing. I started using a peri bottle during the TP pandemic shortage and still prefer this option. It’s much more hygienic than TP or a reusable cloth, and no worries about lack of TP in public restrooms. Try it, you might like itI hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
I direct back to the numbers that were first posted. And, anyone, correct me on this, pathside pooping is frowned upon now on all Caminos. So, the bottom line is, if this is a national policy, that is what must be respected, no politics involved in following rules.True, it is. At home, it’s our own burden, and in an environmentally friendly society, there would be compost heaps to empty those bags into.
Back in the day, our parents and grandparents emptied the contents of diapers into the toilet before laundering the cloth. Now, people close up the disposable diapers and dump the whole contents into the garbage which goes to the landfill. Our municipal governments spend our money trucking that garbage far from urban settings. … I feel a political rant approaching so I will stop.
As wise pilgrims, visiting someone else’s home, we can pick a spot, dig a hole, and leave our poop to dessicate and fertilize the flora. Carry out the paper. I know, I’m dreaming.
So, the bottom line is, if this is a national policy, that is what must be respected
but why leave the tp? it annoys me to no end, people leaving trash on the trails. You can do your business and then pick up the TP? Leave no traces!The bottom line.. yes indeed! The problem with enforcement of course, is that this is a covert activity for the most part..
I do find it amusing though, when I hear someone mention that when walking the CF and finding a seemingly suitable, discreet place to relieve themselves behind a bush or pillar or pile of stones or whatever, that they were disgusted at being confronted with a half tonne of shit and paper. Didn't they think anyone else had the same idea and went there before them? Another good reason we leave our boots at the door..
I must have missed the post that said carrying out poop was a national policy. I didn’t see that on this thread, and I’d love to read the transcript of that government debate. Beyond a public decency law of some sort, I doubt there’s an actual rule.So, the bottom line is, if this is a national policy, that is what must be respected, no politics involved in following rules.
I have heard a sore cafe owner cursing hard after he inspected the toilet.Can one imagine how much toilet paper is 'stolen' in the bars and cafés? I bet shrinkage costs a fortune. Just a thought.
Best carry your own and ensure the avoidance of that sinking feeling.
OP, I hesitated before reading this. One of the first things on my list of items to carry on my first camino was toilet paper. I have not read the thread. I will not be reading it either.I hesitated before posting this. I have often heard about frustrated washroom users who noticed too late that the toilet paper roll or dispenser was empty. My suggestion: When someone uses the last piece of paper on the roll, put the toilet seat down and place the empty roll on top to warn the next pilgrim. I even heard of someone who had to take apart their Covid mask to use the paper. That cannot be good for the plumbing. Buen camino!
Do not take my word for it. Even if I quoted and provided links, they would be questioned. You are your best researcher.I must have missed the post that said carrying out poop was a national policy. I didn’t see that on this thread, and I’d love to read the transcript of that government debate. Beyond a public decency law of some sort, I doubt there’s an actual rule.
Path-side pooping is frowned upon everywhere, and pilgrims should not poop beside the path either. I am a card-carrying, rule-following Canadian, but I have also lived downwind of a municipal landfill, know garbage workers and feel strongly about this issue (therefore just itching to rant).
Walk far off the path (heaven forbid someone walking a hundred km++ should walk an extra 100 feet), dig a hole, bury the poop, carry the tp out and dispose of that.
That would be a fun conversation.Do not take my word for it. Even if I quoted and provided links, they would be questioned. You are your best researcher.
Even think of asking at the Pilgrims's Office?
That would be a fun conversation.
When I googled, just for fun, ‘Spain national policy on poop’ it popped up a variety of things irrelevant to the conversation, but high on the list was a wikipedia description of ‘Tió de Nadal’, a Catalan Christmas tradition of looking after a log so that it will defecate presents, and comes with a song:
Shit, tió,
hazelnuts and nougats,
do not shit herrings,
they are too salty,
shit nougats
they taste better.
Shit, tió,
almonds and nougats,
and if you don't want to shit
I will hit you with a stick!
Shit, tió!
——
Buen camino!
Charmin Ultra-Strong is some of the best toilet paper in the world. Rather than requiring 4 to 8 squares to do the job, it does it well with only 2 or 3 squares. We buy it at Costco in 24-packsWhy is it important, and what is Charmin Ultra-Strong?
Merge it with the Porta Potty thread? That'll do it.Come on, forum members - we can easily make it to 100 posts on this important thread!
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