Weirdest/Strangest item someone has taken on the Camino

[Mapanggulo]

A friend of mine that is just started getting into camping (she says its more Glamping though) & backpacking sent me this article.

What's the Weirdest Luxury Item You’ve Ever Taken Backpacking?

Just curious with all you experienced pilgrims out there what was the weirdest or strangest item you've seen someone taken with them on the Camino?


(apologize in advanced if this has been asked before...if so feel free to merge or delete this thread).

 

[J Willhaus]

As hospitaleros in Estella we had pilgrims bring and leave in the donation box:

a full boy scout cook set for 4 people along with gas bottles
a free standing sunshade

Also had pilgrims with a full make-up case, hairdryers, many bottles of creams/lotions, a compass. One pilgrim had 2 tents--One for winter and one for summer because he was unsure which he would need.

 

[K_Lynn]

Also had pilgrims with a full make-up case, hairdryers, many bottles of creams/lotions, a compass.

When I got to Sarria last year I was stunned to see some women in full makeup, false eyelashes and Gucci or Chanel crossbody purses. I just blinked and kept walking.

 

[Bradypus]

I didn't see it myself but I remember being very puzzled by the story of the "Ginger Vicar" who walked the Camino Frances with a surfboard. Wouldn't the Norte have been a better choice for a keen surfer?

Why 'Ginger Vicar' walked 500 miles with a surfboard on his back

A vicar who was based in Somerset is also trying to combine surfing with worship

www.somersetlive.co.uk

 

[Canuck]

Here comes Robo's rice-cooker.

 

[J Willhaus]

I also saw a pilgrim riding a unicycle when I was walking. A pilgrim who stayed with us at Estella was also trying to do the Camino on rollerblades, but had given up finally just before Estella and posted them ahead after a harrowing near mishap.

 

[lalaone]

It’s so embarrassing – I’ve been that pilgrim. I brought a small wheeling suitcase full of books!!!

Mostly poetry, also essays by Jean Grenier, the mentor of my favorite author, Albert Camus. What was I thinking? Heaven help me, it seemed completely logical at the time. I couldn't imagine being without those books. But it was anything but logical. My thought, in the pre-Ivar world of very helpful forward posting to Santiago, was that I could mail my books ahead, but when I arrived in SJPP the post office was closing for the day. Then they explained there was no box to fit my case, which in any case was missing a necessary lock.

The wonderful hospitaleros at “L’Esprit du Chemin” in SJPP took one look at me rolling in with my pack and my shocking little suitcase and explained there was no way to cross the Pyrenees if I were to wheel it along. Yvonne, a Dutch volunteer and a veteran of many Caminos, kindly took my books home with her to Amsterdam, where she was returning the following day. I took a train to Amsterdam a month later, after completing the pilgrimage, to pick up the treasured books she so mercifully kept for me. While I brought her a Tarta de Santiago as thanks, it was completely inadequate for the extraordinary help and kindness she provided to a hapless beginner peregrina like me

 

[Sheesh]

Here comes Robo's rice-cooker.

Awwh, but God love him, he never actually took one with him and only asked about it because rice was his missus' preferred food and he wasn't sure it would be readily available en route. You've gotta admire someone who puts his beloved front and centre like that.

But the memory of his query lives on and I doubt it will ever fade from our collective memory.

 

[Housedog]

I was watching a hiking video and the guy was making a very convincing argument for bringing a super light folding chair. I gave it a lot of thought because sitting on the ground sucks and getting up is becoming embarrassing.

Has anyone seen pilgrims with chairs?

 

[J Willhaus]

I was watching a hiking video and the guy was making a very convincing argument for bringing a super light folding chair. I gave it a lot of thought because sitting on the ground sucks and getting up is becoming embarrassing.

Has anyone seen pilgrims with chairs?

No and those camping chairs are not always very comfortable. I did have one when I camped that made my sleeping pad into a backrest, but not an actual chair. I don't take a sleeping pad on the Camino...

 

[henrythedog]

I was watching a hiking video and the guy was making a very convincing argument for bringing a super light folding chair. I gave it a lot of thought because sitting on the ground sucks and getting up is becoming embarrassing.

Has anyone seen pilgrims with chairs?

I once had a set of straps which purported to convert a thermarest camping mattress into a form of chair, albeit still on the floor. It was utterly useless.

 

[Sheesh]

I was watching a hiking video and the guy was making a very convincing argument for bringing a super light folding chair. I gave it a lot of thought because sitting on the ground sucks and getting up is becoming embarrassing.

Has anyone seen pilgrims with chairs?

I haven't seen one on the trail myself, but Litesmith.com has a backsupporting, but flush to the ground, option called a QuikBack UL Chair at 75 grams, which could be coupled with a folding sitmat for a further 25 grams. However, it wouldn't solve the problem of getting up. (And on that point - I hear you!)

 

[J Willhaus]

I once had a set of straps which purported to convert a thermarest camping mattress into a form of chair, albeit still on the floor. It was utterly useless.

Yup only good if there is a stump or log to sit on...

 

[roving_rufus]

Bubble wrap....on the seating theme... (in the reduce reuse recycle mode)- but it gets some strange looks when I pull it out of my rucksack- but certainly not the weirdest item I have seen people with

I have seen folks carrying a rice cooker on the camino ( and enjoyed eating some rice cooked in it) (poor Robo) and also a wok strapped on the outside of someone's pack

 

[Lexicos]

I reckon this takes first prize!!

 

[Sheesh]

Full disclosure: I took a small, but HARD-covered, volume of inspiration quotes on my first camino, starting from Pamplona. I quickly realized the error of my ways and posted it home in Estrella, along with another 2 kg of flotsam and jetsam.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Here comes Robo's rice-cooker.

Peg asked me why I was laughing so hard.

Awwh, but God love him, he never actually took one with him and only asked about it because rice was his missus' preferred food and he wasn't sure it would be readily available en route. You've gotta admire someone who puts his beloved front and centre like that.

But the memory of his query lives on and I doubt it will ever fade from our collective memory.

Pretty close to what I told her before reading this.

May Robo be a living legend for a long time and then beyond.

 

[Robo]

As hospitaleros in Estella we had pilgrims bring and leave in the donation box:

a full boy scout cook set for 4 people along with gas bottles
a free standing sunshade

Also had pilgrims with a full make-up case, hairdryers, many bottles of creams/lotions, a compass. One pilgrim had 2 tents--One for winter and one for summer because he was unsure which he would need.

OK, so what's wrong with a Hairdryer?

I carry a small one for Pat......

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I'm torn between the single cup size moka pot carried by the Italian signorina



and the two Israeli lasses each with a wash tub on their pack

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I pick up trash along the Camino. The weirdest thing I have found was a pair of white patent-leather gogo boots.

 

[Sheesh]

I pick up trash along the Camino. The weirdest thing I have found was a pair of white patent-leather gogo boots.

I just had a grade 9 flashback. I wanted a pair of those desperately and my Mom won't buy them for me.

 

[K_Lynn]

I just had a grade 9 flashback. I wanted a pair of those desperately and my Mom won't buy them for me.

I had a pair in grade 4!

 

[J Willhaus]

I had a black pair...never the cool kid...

 

[Roseangel]

My friend loves her cup of tea, she took a china cup & a tea caddy. And developed some horrid blisters too. 64 at the time and carried her pack for 950 kms

 

[domigee]

Here comes Robo's rice-cooker.

Just what I was going to say!

 

[Robo]

I'm torn between the single cup size moka pot carried by the Italian signorina

View attachment 131555

and the two Israeli lasses each with a wash tub on their pack

View attachment 131554

What were the washtubs actually used for? Bathing feet?

 

[tomnorth]

The most unusual item I brought, based on the fact that I didn’t see anyone else carrying one, was my 3 lb and 3 oz (with lens) Nikon D800 DSLR. It weighed the same as my Osprey Stratos 36L pack.

 

[mspath]

On my first camino for sentimental reasons I carried a beloved stuffed moose!!

Not full size but as bulky as a sleeping bag! The moose, known as Mo, shortened from Mousse au chocolat, was a large toy which long ago I gave to my father for his 90th birthday. After my father’s death Mo came back to me. In 2004 he traveled in a stuff sack deep within the pack. Although disguised as a ‘pillow’ he was in truth my silent confidante during that first challenging camino.

We both made it to Santiago but once with a moose is enough! Ever since Mo stayed on his shelf at home and we mentally 'tweeted' as I walked.

 

[JCarpenter]

I had a bialetti in my pack before departure, then thought to google if there be good coffee in the camino. (I am a coffee paranoid.)

 

[ua1907]

I'm torn between the single cup size moka pot carried by the Italian signorina

View attachment 131555

and the two Israeli lasses each with a wash tub on their pack

View attachment 131554

Deffinitely the wash tubs girls!!!!

 

[Robo]

On my first camino for sentimental reasons I carried a beloved stuffed moose!!

We both made it to Santiago but once with a moose is enough! Ever since Mo stayed on his shelf at home and we mentally 'tweeted' as I walked.

You only allowed Moose one Camino? That's cruel.

Mr Bean comes with me every time!
(though like me he's on a diet, as he weights 85 gms)

Mr Bean goes on Camino

• Robo
• May 3, 2019
• 2

Being spoilt on the upper deck on Thai Airways.......

 

[Jeff Crawley]

What were the washtubs actually used for? Bathing feet?

That and washing their clothes. When they started out they didn't realise they find bowls in many of the refugios so they bought their own. They'd both been in the IDF and said that "there's nothing like like soaking your feet after a day's route march"
They became known as the "ninja mutant pilgrims - hikers in half a shell"
We lost contact with them after a few days but I like to imagine they carried them all the way to SdC and that there's a red and a blue washtub still doing sterling service in Haifa or Jaffa to this day.

 

[LavanyaLea]

Actually there are mini rice cookers enough for 2 that weigh 1.3kg… which is lighter than the DSLR at 1.5kg (mine, with 35mm lens, also weigh exactly the same!). There is also microwave rice cooker at 570g, I have seen this used at a friend’s house, it works!

In Asian hiking community, rice is pretty good camping food as you only need to bring a small amount and the volume doubles once you cook it Or just bring the rice and cook in a pot in places with communal kitchen.

Also I heard Albergue Orion in Castrojeriz frequently serves up bibimbap

I confess I carry about 2.5kg dog related items. She also drinks way more than me and would finish her 500ml water, dips into my 500ml water, and sometimes have to share the water from my camelback!

 

[hawkeyepierce]

Actually there are mini rice cookers enough for 2 that weigh 1.3kg… which is lighter than the DSLR at 1.5kg (mine, with 35mm lens, also weigh exactly the same!). There is also microwave rice cooker at 570g, I have seen this used at a friend’s house, it works!

In Asian hiking community, rice is pretty good camping food as you only need to bring a small amount and the volume doubles once you cook it Or just bring the rice and cook in a pot in places with communal kitchen.

Also I heard Albergue Orion in Castrojeriz frequently serves up bibimbap

I confess I carry about 2.5kg dog related items. She also drinks way more than me and would finish her 500ml water, dips into my 500ml water, and sometimes have to share the water from my camelback!

Can confirm the bibimbap at Orion, I stayed there 10 days ago. Highly recommended! In some ways bibimbap seems like the perfect pilgrim meal: rice for carbs, meat and egg for protein and fat plus lots of veggies.

I’ve seen a pilgrim carrying a full-size guitar this summer.

 

[Cleenjones]

As hospitaleros in Estella we had pilgrims bring and leave in the donation box:

a full boy scout cook set for 4 people along with gas bottles
a free standing sunshade

Also had pilgrims with a full make-up case, hairdryers, many bottles of creams/lotions, a compass. One pilgrim had 2 tents--One for winter and one for summer because he was unsure which he would need.

 

[Marbe2]

Awwh, but God love him, he never actually took one with him and only asked about it because rice was his missus' preferred food and he wasn't sure it would be readily available en route. You've gotta admire someone who puts his beloved front and centre like that.

But the memory of his query lives on and I doubt it will ever fade from our collective memory.

Rice cookers are not uncommon these days on the camino. I have met at least 10 people with them.

 

[Marbe2]

Can confirm the bibimbap at Orion, I stayed there 10 days ago. Highly recommended! In some ways bibimbap seems like the perfect pilgrim meal: rice for carbs, meat and egg for protein and fat plus lots of veggies.

I’ve seen a pilgrim carrying a full-size guitar this summer.

Have also seen guitars, banjos, a flute and Keyboards!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Rice cookers are not uncommon these days on the camino. I have met at least 10 people with them.

Yes, and FYI... @Robo actually DID bring a rice cooker on his first Camino with Pat along.

And BTW, I am loving this thread.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Have also seen guitars, banjos, a flute and Keyboards!

And ukuleles

 

[shefollowsshells]

I just had a grade 9 flashback. I wanted a pair of those desperately and my Mom won't buy them for me.

I was thinking, throw them in a donation box, I’ll grab them/ lol

 

[JohnLloyd]

That’s Matt from Northern Ireland and his solar-powered muffin oven. He also had a portable speaker attached, playing ABBA at the time we met him.

 

[trecile]

Yes, and FYI... @Robo actually DID bring a rice cooker on his first Camino with Pat along

He did?
I thought that he considered it, but ultimately decided against it.
@Robo can you confirm?

 

[Thom]

A cello.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Have also seen guitars, banjos, a flute and Keyboards!

yes, and a few of them can actually play them!

 

[SusanWW]

How about a cello? Years before my first Camino, Dane Johansen carried his cello on the Camino and, with Tristan Cook, made a film.

Cleveland Orchestra cellist turns trek across Spain into film headed to Cleveland Int'l Film Festival

Cleveland Orchestra cellist Dane Johansen went to Spain to hike the Camino de Santiago and make a CD. Instead, he home with a film now headed to the Cleveland International Film Festival. That, and a whole new take on life.

www.cleveland.com

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/arts/music/bach-cello-dane-johansen.html

 

[Camino Chrissy]

He did?
I thought that he considered it, but ultimately decided against it.
@Robo can you confirm?

Trecile, I remembered he had brought it. To confirm my memory I did a search @Robo, then put in "rice cook". Eventually you come to his threads and the replies he received and made. He never brought it again.

 

[trecile]

Trecile, I remembered he had brought it. To confirm my memory I did a search @Robo, then put in "rice cook". Eventually you come to his threads and the replies he received and made. He never brought it again.

Actually, he never brought it beause while testing it pre Camino it "blew up."

Now you may recall the big debate over Rice Cookers that went on for a couple of years, till the Rice Cooker decided to blow up during pre-Camino testing

Now don't laugh.

When I was planning my first Camino in 2014, (for 2015) having joined this wonderful forum, I raised the question of taking a Rice Cooker.

Why you ask??

Well, my wife is Thai and basically lives on a diet of Rice. Sure she can eat other carbs, (though she is not that keen on bread). But if you had been brought up on a diet of bread, or potatoes or pasta, and could not eat them for 6 weeks, you might miss them like she misses her rice. She even eats rice for breakfast!

Now the couple of times I walked the CF, Rice was not actually available that much on menus. A few frozen Paellas maybe. So you start to get the idea? I would take a Rice Cooker. "Happy wife, happy life" and all that. And to be honest, a bit of fresh rice now again would go down well with me too.

So a couple of years ago I found a tiny Rice Cooker on line. It only weighs about 850 gms. And for the last couple of years I have been tossing up taking it on our Camino next year or not. Last year, on a short 9 day Camino, we used a coil and cup to cook noodles for Pat at breakfast time. But Rice would be much nicer and more appropriate 'fuel'. particularly over our planned 50 day journey next year.

So like most Camino addicts I spend the non walking time planning the next Camino. I have our packing lists almost finalised. I have scoured the World for appropriate gear and gadgets. I even have those little bottle clips that David recommended! I might do a video on all the water carrying stuff I have tried out!

But the Rice Cooker? 850 gms?

Every time I go through our packing lists it stands out.
Like it's nagging me.
Tempting me.
Wanting to be moved from the 'maybe' column to the Rob's pack column.
Without it, I am at 8.1 kg and Pat is at 3.5 kg.
She's small, bad feet (PF), can't carry much .......
Can't put it in there....

Do I take out the Coil and cup and put the Rice Cooker in?
The net difference is +500 gms.
Do I take out my sleeping bag and just take a liner?
Net difference 200 gms.
Take out the Trekking Umbrellas? 220 gms each
Take out Mr Bean my trekking companion from my first Camino?
85 gms. No way That would be gross disloyalty........ He comes too.

We have discussed that if the weight is too much for me. I also have bad feet (Achilles T)
I can ditch the Rice Cooker.
But then.........
I need to also take the coil and cup for cooking noodles as our plan B.
Back to square one

But heck. What is one to do on a rainy spring day but go through packing lists and weigh gear.....

I'd love the option of steaming things along with Rice, to make a change from the Pilgrims Menu Diet.
So that's it.

Next I wondered how to trim down to the weight of the cooker.
I don't need the small plastic (keep it warm) cap for the steel pot. Out....
I don't need the little carry bag. Out......
I don't need the little handles for the steamer plate. Out......
Maybe I can even buy a lighter weight power cord?
I managed to shave off another 30 gms

Then I wondered how long it would actually take to cook a cup of Rice.
You see it's never been used.
So time for a field trial.....

Cup of Rice,
top up with water......
Plug in.....
Power on..........




BANG

Lights go out.............

Rice Cooker is dead.

Decision made


The Camino provides

 

[JCarpenter]

The debate continues...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@trecile, well shut my mouth! This is why you are a good mod...extra research to boot!

EDIT- Doesn't his pre-Camino testing count?

 

[xin loi]

How about a cello? Years before my first Camino, Dane Johansen carried his cello on the Camino and, with Tristan Cook, made a film.

Cleveland Orchestra cellist turns trek across Spain into film headed to Cleveland Int'l Film Festival

Cleveland Orchestra cellist Dane Johansen went to Spain to hike the Camino de Santiago and make a CD. Instead, he home with a film now headed to the Cleveland International Film Festival. That, and a whole new take on life.

www.cleveland.com

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/arts/music/bach-cello-dane-johansen.html

Met him at Roncevalles in 2014. Usually the cello was in the Van carrying the film crew.

But in 2014 There was the guy from India pulling a rickshaw that his wife rode in because she caught him cheating on her.
2014 I was in SJPDP and in Santiago with the German guy who walked the entire way wearing a White Linen suit and Fedora hat. Carried his pack all of the way. And wore leather dress shoes.

And The Israeli guys who carry ALL of their Kosher food and their Kosher cooking pots--they said 40 kilos. Picked their packs and they were HEAVY.

Swedish woman who carried her stuff plus 20+ kilos of SPECIAL dogfood for her two giant dogs.

 

[David and Theresa]

My wife has a travel, gnome (doll), called punk baby, that has been with us for many trips , from Easter Island to and of course the Camino de Santiago from SJPdP to Santiago

 

[bubba]

ME!

 

[Sheesh]

Actually, he never brought it beause while testing it pre Camino it "blew up."

Great research @trecile.

Rice cookers are not uncommon these days on the camino. I have met at least 10 people with them.

I'm not surprised to hear that. There are some very small dual voltage rice cookers on the market today. My friend recently hosted an international student who brought one with her. Tiny thing it was, but very efficient and the student used it every day. Weight was about 1 lb.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

rice cookies

There are some very good gluten-free rice cookies on the market.

 

[Sheesh]

There are some very good gluten-free rice cookies on the market.

ha ha, I need to proofread more, will amend the post, txs.

 

[Barbara]

I had a full size folding chair, two sheepskins, and a three person tent, as well as the electric fence, and anywhere between ten and one kilos of assorted grains. Of course, I did also have a large donkey.

 

[CWBuff]

Also I heard Albergue Orion in Castrojeriz frequently serves up bibimbap

I confess I carry about 2.5kg dog related items. She also drinks way more than me and would finish her 500ml water, dips into my 500ml water, and sometimes have to share the water from my camelback!

I too can confirm the bibimbab at Orion although according to a Korean gentleman who was there same time as I was, it was "a poor imitation"

 

[Chenahusky]

A friend of mine that is just started getting into camping (she says its more Glamping though) & backpacking sent me this article.

What's the Weirdest Luxury Item You’ve Ever Taken Backpacking?

Just curious with all you experienced pilgrims out there what was the weirdest or strangest item you've seen someone taken with them on the Camino?


(apologize in advanced if this has been asked before...if so feel free to merge or delete this thread).

I have never felt the need to take any luxury item on a backpacking trip. But someone thinks that a Digeridoo and inline skates are useful on the Camino Frances.

 

[Marbe2]

How about a cello? Years before my first Camino, Dane Johansen carried his cello on the Camino and, with Tristan Cook, made a film.

Cleveland Orchestra cellist turns trek across Spain into film headed to Cleveland Int'l Film Festival

Cleveland Orchestra cellist Dane Johansen went to Spain to hike the Camino de Santiago and make a CD. Instead, he home with a film now headed to the Cleveland International Film Festival. That, and a whole new take on life.

www.cleveland.com

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/arts/music/bach-cello-dane-johansen.html

Yes, I saw a cello too, I was flabbergasted …astonished that a man was schlepping one on his back! But it wasn’t in May.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I had a full size folding chair, two sheepskins, and a three person tent, as well as the electric fence, and anywhere between ten and one kilos of assorted grains. Of course, I did also have a large donkey.

I bet the donkey must have weighed quite a bit.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

View attachment 131569

That’s Matt from Northern Ireland and his solar-powered muffin oven. He also had a portable speaker attached, playing ABBA at the time we met him.

Well that pretty well takes the biscuit! I wonder what the low slung gaffa tape and shock cord rings were for?

 

[Sharonih]

OK, so what's wrong with a Hairdryer?

I carry a small one for Pat......

At times I wished I brought a hair dryer as it would have been so handy drying clothes by the way as well as good weather we had torrential downpours and snow

 

[Kathy F.]

I was watching a hiking video and the guy was making a very convincing argument for bringing a super light folding chair. I gave it a lot of thought because sitting on the ground sucks and getting up is becoming embarrassing.

Has anyone seen pilgrims with chairs?

No. Don't do it.

 

[Kathy F.]

Um, on my first Camino, I saw a pilgrim walking with a live chicken in his backpack.

Yes, I have a photo here somewhere.

 

[henrythedog]

I have never felt the need to take any luxury item on a backpacking trip. But someone thinks that a Digeridoo and inline skates are useful on the Camino Frances.
View attachment 131589

The only good thing about a digeridoo is that you can usually see it coming.

 

[LavanyaLea]

according to a Korean gentleman who was there same time as I was, it was "a poor imitation"

Maybe he can donate a dozen stone bowls for the albergue so they can cook REAL bibimbap (the hot stone bowl is supposed to crisp the rice at the bottom hmmmmm).

You know, one of the best things in life is eating a bowl of “just cooked” rice.

 

[bsmorgan]

We always wear sheepskin seat belt strap pads on our pack straps. Takes the pressure off and weigh next to nothing.

 

[Angus Strongbear]

Um, on my first Camino, I saw a pilgrim walking with a live chicken in his backpack.

Yes, I have a photo here somewhere.

Has me wondering if the bird was merely groceries, or a travelling companion to combat loneliness.

 

[Wyvernsridge]

A friend of mine that is just started getting into camping (she says its more Glamping though) & backpacking sent me this article.

What's the Weirdest Luxury Item You’ve Ever Taken Backpacking?

Just curious with all you experienced pilgrims out there what was the weirdest or strangest item you've seen someone taken with them on the Camino?


(apologize in advanced if this has been asked before...if so feel free to merge or delete this thread).

I think the pilgrim from Argentina that took a cobblestone from Paris to drop at the Cruz de Ferro. I don't know why ... maybe he thought he had a lot of sins?

 

[Michael Gray]

I met this guy in 2016. He was "raising awareness" of the plight of Syrian refugees. He'd carried it from SJPdeP to Santiago, was on his way back to SJPdeP and was then heading home to Barcelona with it.

 

[Kiwi-family]

My daughter carried this after falling at O-Cebreiro (she also carried her pack!)
And my husband carried this on particularly long days:
(the camera he carried every day - but never again!)

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I was watching a hiking video and the guy was making a very convincing argument for bringing a super light folding chair. I gave it a lot of thought because sitting on the ground sucks and getting up is becoming embarrassing.

Has anyone seen pilgrims with chairs?

Consider instead a different way to get up (and sit down).

Take a look at this: The Spiral - it takes a bit of practice but you soon get the drift. When you think about it it's pretty much the way infants rise up from sitting cross-legged on the ground.

TIP: if you have a bunch of coins in one of your pockets do not roll onto that thigh!

 

[JennyH94]

In 2018, while I was part of a volunteer team of hospitaleros at Refugio Gaucelmo at Rabanal, a young Argentinian pilgrim stayed with us. He walked with balloons attached to his pack as he wanted to make people smile and to spread happiness on the Camino. He certainly achieved it - here he is:

Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

 

[JohnLloyd]

In 2018, while I was part of a volunteer team of hospitaleros at Refugio Gaucelmo at Rabanal, a young Argentinian pilgrim stayed with us. He walked with balloons attached to his pack as he wanted to make people smile and to spread happiness on the Camino. He certainly achieved it - here he is:
View attachment 131645
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

That's a great way to reduce the weight of the pack too...

 

[Robo]

He did?
I thought that he considered it, but ultimately decided against it.
@Robo can you confirm?

Sadly, it blew up during training! Thank goodness

 

[pennyjwright]

View attachment 131569

That’s Matt from Northern Ireland and his solar-powered muffin oven. He also had a portable speaker attached, playing ABBA at the time we met him.

?? was he after doing his own Ulster Fry for breakfast?

 

[haikutaxi]

A woman hiking the Portuguese had brought several inflatable clothes hangers which I found peculiar

 

[C clearly]

But someone thinks that a Digeridoo and inline skates are useful on the Camino Frances.

More than one someone! In 2015 this young fellow was in the cohort from Roncesvalles. A few days later, he was limping badly (knee injury) when I approached from behind. The path was slippery with leaves, and of course he didn't have walking poles, because he had no hands free. So I traded a pole for his digeridoo and accompanied him to the next rest stop. He then had plans to make his way to some port and get a ship to South America where he would use the digeridoo for busking.

 

[markie6]

Young late teen from Denmark called Mads ( in case he ever reads it ) brought his laptop with him.

2 days later he was going to try and post it home from Pamplona ... not sure if he had problems coz of the batteries but still...

My pack was 13+ kg that year but I think we all take too much first time up

 

[Camino Chrissy]

So I traded a pole for his digeridoo and accompanied him to the next rest stop

You were the "Camino Angel" that provided for him that day.

 

[C clearly]

You were the "Camino Angel" that provided for him that day.

Ha! I don't think of it that way. I just wanted my photo taken while walking the Camino carrying a didgeridoo!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Ha! I don't think of it that way. I just wanted my photo taken while walking the Camino carrying a didgeridoo!

Well, I'm sure he thought you were a Camino Angel or at least that "the Camino povided".

 

[tomnorth]

On my first camino for sentimental reasons I carried a beloved stuffed moose!!

Not full size but as bulky as a sleeping bag! The moose, known as Mo, shortened from Mousse au chocolat, was a large toy which long ago I gave to my father for his 90th birthday. After my father’s death Mo came back to me. In 2004 he traveled in a stuff sack deep within the pack. Although disguised as a ‘pillow’ he was in truth my silent confidante during that first challenging camino.

We both made it to Santiago but once with a moose is enough! Ever since Mo stayed on his shelf at home and we mentally 'tweeted' as I walked.

First day out of SJPDP I came across this woman. Is that a short necked giraffe? I can’t tell.

 

[Eugene Carroll]

I didn't see it myself but I remember being very puzzled by the story of the "Ginger Vicar" who walked the Camino Frances with a surfboard. Wouldn't the Norte have been a better choice for a keen surfer?

Why 'Ginger Vicar' walked 500 miles with a surfboard on his back

A vicar who was based in Somerset is also trying to combine surfing with worship

www.somersetlive.co.uk

My son and I chatted to a Mexican Pilgrim in the Albergue in Santander. He was carrying a surfboard and a guitar and, like us was walking the del Norte. We never seen him again

 

[Papadragons]

A girl in an upper bunk across from me had a jar with water and a floating-bobbing plant/animal in it. She had it placed on the ledge next to her and she was gently tapping the jar and talking to it. A few of us watched her for a bit and finally someone asked her about her item and the jar of water. She said it was her pet and it traveled with her. It went to the bottom of the jar during the day and floated to the top for air at night. She said it kept her company along the Camino. I have no idea how she was able to successfully transport it while walking 35 days.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

My favorite so far is the muffin oven. And is that a full roll of duct tape strapped to his side? I think this guy was terrified of being away from the comforts of home or of things going wrong.
I guess everybody takes their fears with them (mine was a fear of lack of coffee. So I was part of the coil club, but I don’t think that’s to weird?].

View attachment 131569

That’s Matt from Northern Ireland and his solar-powered muffin oven. He also had a portable speaker attached, playing ABBA at the time we met him.

 

[WGroleau]

A friend of mine that is just started getting into camping (she says its more Glamping though) & backpacking sent me this article.

What's the Weirdest Luxury Item You’ve Ever Taken Backpacking?

Just curious with all you experienced pilgrims out there what was the weirdest or strangest item you've seen someone taken with them on the Camino?

I don't know how many times I've had to tell people that any place that has an airport has shops to sell anything you think you might need. Only thing you can't buy after you arrive is the data on your computer/phone. I'm always amazed at the size of the luggage being towed by flight crew on their way to a stay of less than 24 hours.

As hospitalero, I was also amazed at the quantity of abandoned walking shoes, towels, sleeping bags, alpine poles, etc.

 

[chinacat]

A girl in an upper bunk across from me had a jar with water and a floating-bobbing plant/animal in it. She had it placed on the ledge next to her and she was gently tapping the jar and talking to it. A few of us watched her for a bit and finally someone asked her about her item and the jar of water. She said it was her pet and it traveled with her. It went to the bottom of the jar during the day and floated to the top for air at night. She said it kept her company along the Camino. I have no idea how she was able to successfully transport it while walking 35 days.

I wonder if that was a Kombucha ‘plant/mould’ thingy?

 

[mattythedog]

I reckon this takes first prize!!

View attachment 131551

He didn't know his ass from the bowl on his head.....

 

[Akbunny59]

Where there's a will, there's a way.....
I spotted this lady on the Frances in 2019.
10 out of 10 for effort....!
I did offer to pull the case up the hill for her. She looked at me with great disgust. I've always wondered what was in that case.....

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I've posted this picture before. This man stayed at the Parador in Leon. We tried stopping there for breakfast, but were not allowed in the restaurant. We saw him checking out at reception as we left the hotel. His clothes were quite quirky and unique.

 

[Tingeling]

I carried nearly a kilo of alpaca yarn (in various green shades) to knit a self designed sweater while walking as well as during stops and before/after meals... And I will bring the same amount again in November. I haven't decided on colour (many shades of one colour) yet - any suggestions?

 

[MartaM]

My partner brought a travel water pik but sadly it blew up on first use as neither one of us thought about the different voltage…. after all dental hygiene is very important

 

[chinacat]

I carried nearly a kilo of alpaca yarn (in various green shades) to knit a self designed sweater while walking as well as during stops and before/after meals... And I will bring the same amount again in November. I haven't decided on colour (many shades of one colour) yet - any suggestions?

A nice warm colour … to counteract the grey skies and make you feel cosy

All the colours of autumn?

 

[Mycroft]

I'm torn between the single cup size moka pot carried by the Italian signorina

View attachment 131555

and the two Israeli lasses each with a wash tub on their pack

View attachment 131554

You remind me of a man I saw who was walking south on the Camino Portugues while I was heading up to Santiago in 2019. He looked like he was encased in some sort of barrel and had so many items hanging from him, like an old fashioned tinker. Wish I had been quicker and had taken a photo of him. It was an outstanding sight!

 

[cronnik]

I was watching a hiking video and the guy was making a very convincing argument for bringing a super light folding chair. I gave it a lot of thought because sitting on the ground sucks and getting up is becoming embarrassing.

Has anyone seen pilgrims with chairs?

4 caminos - never

 

[JCarpenter]

I carried nearly a kilo of alpaca yarn (in various green shades) to knit a self designed sweater while walking as well as during stops and before/after meals... And I will bring the same amount again in November. I haven't decided on colour (many shades of one colour) yet - any suggestions?

Bright red

 

[Robo]

I had a full size folding chair, two sheepskins, and a three person tent, as well as the electric fence, and anywhere between ten and one kilos of assorted grains. Of course, I did also have a large donkey.

Trumps a stuffed Moose I reckon

 

[TJ Hooper]

The most unusual item I brought, based on the fact that I didn’t see anyone else carrying one, was my 3 lb and 3 oz (with lens) Nikon D800 DSLR. It weighed the same as my Osprey Stratos 36L pack.

Off subject but I have the same pack and will be walking April/May 2023. Did you carry it on the plane or check it?

 

[tomnorth]

Off subject but I have the same pack and will be walking April/May 2023. Did you carry it on the plane or check it?

I carried it on. It was no problem. I checked my poles and a knife in a shipping tube. That worked great.