Preparing for the pilgrimage to Santiago De Compostela Rucksack essentials Every gram counts Since I've entered this new world of being a pilgrim, I've learnt all sorts of ways of solving problems and the necessities that may be needed on route. There is a fine line between carrying the essentials and buying things en route to solve any problems that arise. When it comes to the amount that you are carrying, every gram counts and I've being weighing t-shirts to make sure that only the lightest are packed. Nappy pins and sun cream Apart from the minimum clothes requirements, there are other essentials that must be taken such as a change of shoes for the evening. The most important items are the things required for foot care, it will be my feet that are taking me there, so their care is primordial. I will also be taking a swiss army knife, a long length of string which will act as a washing line and in emergency it will double up as shoe laces, a small sewing kit, not just for rips or tears but to burst blisters and nappy pins so that I can pin my washing out to dry on my ruck sack as I walk! Not the kitchen sink As far as toiletries are concerned, the refuges offer minimum services, so you have to carry your own toilet paper. Soap is lighter to carry than shower gel, but you can't skimp on sun cream, there will be a lot of hot open spaces to navigate. I am currently deciding what is essential for my first aid kit, certainly blister treatment, iodine and immodium, the rest is in the balance.
	Drying my undies I will also be carry a whistle, as I am walking on my own, if I have the misfortune to fall I will need to attract attention and often mobile phones can be out of range of a signal. This is not the only problem that has arisen out of being alone, I had been pondering how to dry my undies without having to display them in public view on my ruck sack. The problem was finally solved when a new acquaintance pragmatically advised me to pin them inside a t-shirt that was 'hung' out to dry. The lurker This project has certainly caused a major change in my life, that now finds me lurking in supermarkets and chemist shops at the foot care counter, looking for innovations (spare feet) and creams that will help the pain go away.

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Tadeusz Sieracki Javea 2001-2003 (unless otherwise stated) - All rights reserved - Do not copy without permission