Hiking poles have a new owner

Phil had sourced a set of used hiking poles when we were in Santiago from Pilgrim House, a donation based support center for pilgrims. At PH, you can discuss your journey either 1:1 with a trained debriefing or you can participate in a group debrief. PH also provides a place to do laundry, use the internet, print plane tickets and other documents and a host of other services.

Anyway, pilgrims often leave sets of hiking poles in Santiago at Pilgrim House rather than trying to ship them home in luggage. Two different years, Phil has been able to pick up a nice used set. We leave a donation of course, but it was a big savings and kept the poles from going to the landfill.

Today we met Tina, a young woman from Prague, at the train station and gave her the poles for her Camino. She had contacted me through the online forum we participate in about the Camino. I had posted a photo of the poles and indicated when we'd be in Pamplona to transfer the poles to someone.

Tina also needed to get a pilgrim credential (a booklet that shows you are a pilgrim so you can stay in albergues). We walked with her from the train station up to one of the albergues that provided credentials.

Tina was trying to decide whether to start walking today or whether to stay in Pamplona tonight when we said goodbye. Although there was still a half day left for walking, rain was also forecast. Either way, we wished her well. She plans to walk for 2 weeks. Lots of Europeans, and especially people who can only get 2 weeks a year off, walk the Camino in little pieces. Two weeks this year, two weeks next year, etc.

We are packing up our Pamplona apartment. Tomorrow we get our rental car and go to the albergue. One of the nuns contacted me today to say that our suitcase arrived from Santiago by courier so we'll be reunited with our Spanish school homework when we arrive tomorrow. We are supposed to be there in time for a 1:30 pm lunch with the sisters.Read more