bathroom or rather bathroomless

[Darren from Dartmouth]

Hi,

My question is in regards to going to the bathroom. If you are in between towns and you have to go, what is the protocol for relieving one's self?

Cheers
Darren

[Leslie]

First and foremost, don't use hankies - these things take forever to be washed away, they are built to last with water on them. Carry some toilet paper just in case.

I however did not find it much of a problem and I have ulcerative colities...

I found in general there were enough places where I stopped for coffee, lunch, etc, so it was not the big problem I thought it was going to be.

[Cutter]

I'd like to add a little something that I hope will inspire other pilgrims. It is really a drag to walk past little piles of used toilet paper on the Camino. When I hike in the states I carry TP in a Ziploc with a second Ziploc for used paper. You can dispose of this at your next stop.

Thanks in advance for keeping the Camino clean.

[babigyrl5]

So you cant be repremanded for public urination like in the states?

I guess there are no police patroling anyways....lol

[Leslie]

I must admit I only once found this an issue. I had the runs due to drinking the water at San Bol - this was a problem for a full day. Apart from that there was always a town nearby in the morning for me.

As for peeing outside, I don't know the law - but I think if you are sensible there is no issue.

[Roseallee]

Hi All,

I must admit I only once found this an issue. I had the runs due to drinking the water at San Bol

Where is it safe and where not to drink the water? I have heard that it can be a problem as you indicate it was for you, Leslie.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who had problems from the local water supply as well as from those who drank it all along and had none, please?
Are there known problematic sources as you indicate San Bol was?
What do you take if you succumb?
Sure would be nice to avoid turbulent innards while walking long days. Thanks, Roseallee

[krystalline]

we purchased a "steri pen" which you put in your water bottle for one minute and it kills any unwanted bacteria.. hopefully..lol

[Roseallee]

we purchased a "steri pen" which you put in your water bottle for one minute and it kills any unwanted bacteria.. hopefully..lol

How does it work? Now I am curious? Thanks, Roseallee