Trail magic on the Camino

[long trails]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I enjoyed a magic moment when offered watermelon on a warm day...so refreshing!

 

[Dave C.]

“Camino Magic” would very welcoming! I too have received trail magic (on the AT). Set up in the middle of nowhere at a road crossing. Ice cold soda or beer. Also, maybe snickers bar for energy.
Thanks and Buen Camino!!

 

[dgallen]

Frozen Margaritas for me...

 

[mspath]

Or in winter a hot tea can be magical!

On the camino one never knows when, where or from whom gracious help may arrive. Once in November after slogging 20 km or so from Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz along the top of the hills through wind, rain and a bit of sleet I finally arrived at the municipal albergue San Esteban at dusk soaked, cold and VERY tired. After climbing the steps and pushing open the door the young Spanish ad hoc hospitalero said "Margaret! How about a tea?" Steaming hot, sugared and immediately served in a jam jar the tea was offered with true caritas. His gracious smile and welcome gesture of sincere simple hospitality were symbolic of the true camino spirit. We had met earlier when pilgrim floor mates at Granon. Such shared serendipity is so very precious.

 

[VNwalking]

On my very first day in 2015, when I got to the top of the hill at Ibaneta, there was a campervan with 2 Dutch tourists who served me and a Japanese peregrina sliced oranges (from their friend's garden in Portugal), with cinnamon sprinkled on top. I have never tasted anything so delicious. It was a chance encounter and a spontaneous offering - typical camino magic. So, no need for anything fancy; a gracious heartfelt offering, no matter how small, is a joy on both sides!

 

[Former member 49149]

“Camino Magic” would very welcoming! I too have received trail magic (on the AT). Set up in the middle of nowhere at a road crossing. Ice cold soda or beer. Also, maybe snickers bar for energy.
Thanks and Buen Camino!!

Why not dream on??!!!

 

[Ian L]

Last July on a hot summer afternoon, some locals were grilling at the picnic area 3K after Viana. They offered us food and some ice cold San Miguels. That had to be one of the most refreshing beers I've ever had. I think beer and BBQ would be a welcome sight on the Meseta.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Frozen Margaritas for me...

Ha! Really? That must have been a real Camino Angel waiting on the side of the trail with a big cooler just waiting for you to walk by.

 

[dgallen]

Ha! Really? That must have been a real Camino Angel waiting on the side of the trail with a big cooler just waiting for you to walk by.

I'm thinking sainthood. How often I've thought about frozen Marguerita in the middle of baking Camino. Oh and if the wishes are still open some nice fresh nachos por favor

 

[Dave C.]

Margaritas, a nice tea, vino, beer, snickers, or orange slices.

I'm thinking sainthood. How often I've thought about frozen Marguerita in the middle of baking Camino. Oh and if the wishes are still open some nice fresh nachos por favor

Utopia!!

 

[bsnyder105]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

I will be doing the Camino later this summer, and I know I would be excited to receive some trail magic. I say go for it!

 

[lt56ny]

To me the more basic a Camino the better. I agree VNwalking. Something simple is my idea of the spirit of the Camino. Some fresh fruit, cold water on hot days or hot cocoa or tea on cold days. A tarp to sit under if the sun is too high or the rain to hard. A spot where a break is most welcome. Or on the Meseta what I would have given on one Camino, to be able to fill my water bottle with ice. Gracias for your thought to give back.

 

[Suzanne Betts]

I enjoyed the very occasional donativo stands in the woods with watermelon - how did the angel stock those? In the cold a hot drink would be appreciated, maybe with some sugar for energy boost. In the heat perhaps something cool. Have some ointment and bandaids for those who need it - we looked and looked for a farmacia one day and when we got to a small town that had one it was closed, so access to foot care might also help some. Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

"Trail Magic".... a sudden waft of PCT thru-hike nostalgia there.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I think there would be a lot of peregrinas who would like to sit for a spell in private (I think you know what I mean.)

 

[PaulCat]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

Does this mean you'll be a Camino Angel?

 

[marianna niebauer]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

Fruit/ cold water/ shady place to sit & maybe someone to talk to. Bless you

 

[Pam Scott]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

lovely watermelon, oranges and for energy chocolate croissants.

 

[VNwalking]

s this mean you'll be a Camino Angel?

They already are!

 

[long trails]

Wow some great ideas there. At the very least I will have a few gallons of water and tea/coffee/biscuits/cookies. Only issue with cold drinks is keeping them cool. I will probably not have a fridge in my van but there might be a way.

Probably going to be September by the time I rock up in Spain. Of course this is a busy time for the Camino so might see a lot of traffic, but that will be nice.

I will be heading on to Portugal (to start a new life) so will do the same on Portuguese Camino too.

 

[YoCo]

Right on..
Heineken for me

What fun to make so many people grateful and happy!

 

[long trails]

If I am going to supply beer then it will almost certainly be Spanish

 

[YoCo]

Got it
I was enjoying a Heineken when reading the post....so it was on my mind

 

[HedaP]

Thank you for such a happy thead. Lots of good suggestions above. I’d like to add bananas and hard boiled eggs. The first is full of carbs and the second is a little protein bomb. Both add wings to tired feet.

 

[long trails]

Thank you for such a happy thead. Lots of good suggestions above. I’d like to add bananas and hard boiled eggs. The first is full of carbs and the second is a little protein bomb. Both add wings to tired feet.

Yes I love hard boiled eggs (and bananas). If I can't give them away then I'll grab some salt and eat them myself!

 

[HedaP]

Yes I love hard boiled eggs (and bananas). If I can't give them away then I'll grab some salt and eat them myself!

Exactly! I love them too. The perfect food and it even comes in it’s own container.

 

[long trails]

I was recently shown a good hack for cooking boiled eggs.

Maybe it's common knowledge already but if you put them straight in the pan and then once the water is boiling you turn the gas off and leave the eggs in the water.

Ten minutes later the eggs are perfectly hard boiled. Best of all you have saved gas.

 

[Thurland]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

An idea I had (but will never do) was to set up a van as a trail magic spot like you have suggested. Stay in that spot for a few days, then move west on the trail 100 or 150 km and set up again. See how many of the same people you could encounter!

 

[long trails]

An idea I had (but will never do) was to set up a van as a trail magic spot like you have suggested. Stay in that spot for a few days, then move west on the trail 100 or 150 km and set up again. See how many of the same people you could encounter!

Great idea! Will have to get my thinking cap on and remember some tougher sections further along the way.

 

[jeffnd]

That water fountain, right outside Roncesvalles on the highway. I was not at all prepared for the climb from Valcarlos. It was early March, but it had been such a hot day. I did my best to conserve the water I had, but I still burned through it and was so parched by the time we got to the fountain. I don't think I've ever had better tasting water. I didn't have a cup or a bottle with me, just my water bladder, so I drank using the shell I picked up in St. Jean.

 

[MethaV]

I am going to be touring around Spain in a campervan later in the summer and been thinking of spending some time near the Camino Frances, maybe somewhere along the Meseta.

I have experienced the wonder that is trail magic on other hikes and would love to give some magic back. I know it's not really a done thing on the Camino but I don't think anyone would complain if they were offered free fruit, a cold drink or somewhere to sit in the shade.

Trail magic usually consists of food and drink. It might just simply be drinking water or it could even be BBQ food!

What kind of food or drink would give a weary pilgrim a boost?

Like someone said, frozen Margarita would be nice on a hot sunny day, but seriously, I would be happy for a glass of orange juice. Some cucumber or water melon cut in peaces would be great! I bet you will make some nice friends on the Camino! :-D

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I am glad that boiled eggs have been mentioned. And I am going to try out orange segments with cinnamon later, after sunset, as I am fasting for a couple more weeks.

 

[Purky]

I was recently shown a good hack for cooking boiled eggs.

Maybe it's common knowledge already but if you put them straight in the pan and then once the water is boiling you turn the gas off and leave the eggs in the water.

Ten minutes later the eggs are perfectly hard boiled. Best of all you have saved gas.

You can do the same with rice or pasta. At home I use a little down filled blanket (approx. 60 x 60 cm) to wrap the pot or pan in after the water starts boiling. I always add 5 minutes to the normal cooking time for best results.

When camping I use a dishcloth and then my sleeping bag. It saves gas and I only have to bring one stove while I can still make two pan meals. The backpackers alternative to haybox cooking.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

If the eggs are steamed for 13 minutes and then put into ice water they will be easy to peel. A group called America's Test Kitchen performs all sorts of tests to find the best way to prepare food (cost, taste, ease of preparing, etc.) The results for hard cooked eggs can be read on this page: https://www.cooksillustrated.com/articles/168-easy-peel-hard-cooked-eggs

 

[BmoreNomadic]

I'm on team watermelon! So refreshing, and sweet! Love this idea...thanks!

 

[long trails]

Cucumber in water is one of my favourite things.