Day 27 ~ July 26 ~ Doug

Triacastela to San Mamed del Camino, 9.6 miles, 6 hours.

Doug here. Jamie has enlisted me for today but she will be back tomorrow. Another glorious day here on the Camino. But I know what a couple of you are really wondering about - bathroom facilities.

So here is my synopsis based upon 26 days of first hand experience. The public restroom in Spain can be divided into two categories.

1) The restrooms in any small bar or restaurant are amazing. Walking into many small towns or villages, it is hard to imagine that they have running water, let alone WC's. But the facilities in many cases would rival what you find at an Anthony's in Seattle (smaller, but equivalent in terms of hardware/fixtures). And without exception, they have been cleaner than your average McDonald's.

2) The public restroom provided by city and/or state government is nearly non existent. Alas, that greatest of all American inventions, yes the ever so humble Honey Bucket, has yet to be introduced into Spanish society. So, there is a basic rule on the camino. Move off path, move back and behind any available cover, and there you have it, an instant restroom provided by Mother Nature. Pilgrims in numbers untold have used this simple axiom - off, back, and behind. Thankfully, I have no first hand observance of this tradition but have witnessed considerable circumstantial evidence as to it's existence. But considering the number of people walking the pathway is remarkably litter free.

All that said, the camino experience is obviously not for everyone. But for me the whole experience is just simply incredible at so many levels.

Stay tuned. Tomorrow, Jamie may fill you in on the albergue shower experience.

Your intrepid reporter signing off.

PS Jamie here. Doug forgot to tell you about needing to have toilet paper in your pocket at all times as the bathrooms usually have none. And if they have soap and paper towels for your hands I am doing the happy dance!!

PSS. Guys don't worry about no stinking hand towels.