Swimming in the rivers?

[unadara]

Hi All
Is there much opportunity to swim in the many rivers along the Way ? I remember one poster saying that females could travel light by using black underwear for swimming purposes but not sure did she mean one might get a few opportunities in the rivers or just use in the odd pool along the Way. I will if I can soak my feet at every chance but would like to know if I could get a swim ! or nice cold dip would do!
Una
Mid sept to mid Oct

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Una ~
Yes, there's some swimming! Some people swim (or at least wade) in the river at Molinaseca, and also right at the albergue at Ribadiso. I've heard of people swimming at Puente la Reina. A local at Cacabelos told me the river in his town is dead from pollution, which wouldn't make me want to swim in it. Actually there are also a few albergues with swimming pools -- Belorado and Calzadilla de la Cueza to name but two. And of course if you go to Finisterre you'll want to dip a toe or two into the Atlantic Ocean. I never put swim clothing on my packing list because I just shamelessly use my boxer shorts, but I do know women who've brought their swimsuits on the Camino and used 'em. One of my pilgrim family I believe wore her swimsuit top every single day instead the normal female accoutrements. I think she wanted to be ready for any river or swimming pool or ocean.

Buen camino!

[Covey]

When I was a soldier the general rule was that if the water was clear and you could see the bottom, then the water was OK to swim in, but if the water was green and not clear, then best avoided!

A cozzy is a good idea if only for sunbathing in an albergue garden.

[unadara]

I reckon my bra and shorts might do for sun-bathing ? in Sep/Oct ? who knows! Not really the sun-bathing type, but do love my daily dip in the irish sea. How are things with you in London ? bet you can't wait to high-tail it out of there, especially if they approve stronger riot tactics. Anyway we will be on the road at same time-hope to see some posts from you before I go but I will be in Lourdes from 5th-12th before the Camino.
Thanks
Una

[Covey]

Albergue life is quite amusing at times, but a cozzy might be better and more elegant than the bra bit! I once asked a very elegant and refined German Lady when was the last time she had taken her clothes off in a room full of strangers. She laughed and said "but this is the Camino!"

The water temperature at Finesterre is always bloody cold, but the pool at the albergue in Boadilla between Burgos and Leon is very inviting.

Life in London is anything but a pleasure at present and the trail from Lisbon to Santiago looks very inviting from where I am sitting.

[unadara]

Covey
As i am strictly following advice given here nothing I am bringing will be either elegant or refined and I don't think you would apply either term to me personally! However I am a seasoned traveller, very aware of other people's sensitivities and do have a very light cozzie I can throw in a side pocket in case of wading opportunities. In Nepal we were asked to go into rivers in our t's and shorts but some ladies ignored that request. I love the cold sea..bring it on. I also love hill walking, and am now getting very fond of long distance too, my little piggy on the right is not so happy though and am worried it may not become so-have less than 4 weeks to decide what to do! New shoes is a choice but they may not work out either, good taping does work but tape gets very sticky, ah well.
Una

[Covey]

If you are looking at new shoes, then you might want to look at Merrell Moabs. I used a pair last year and they were light and very very comfortable and needed almost no breaking in. I used 1000 Mile dual layer trainer liners as socks and they worked well with the Merrells.

The only problem with Merrells is that they do not do half sizes!

A number of Ladies take a sarong with them. Makes a very useful casual dress, shower screen, and bed cover if needed!! Never seen a guy with a sarong and I would want to sleep a long way from a fellow who had one.

Have fun!