Delicate Matters(bathrooms)

Recently a well researched book came onto the market claiming that indeed, Everyone Poops. Subsequent studies have shown the quality of the author’s work to be sound and worth of consideration.

Life on the Camino is full of surprises. Some good, some bad. Bathrooms and the need to use the great outdoors from time to time, are issues that everyone will experience. Luckily, it doesn’t always have to be a bad surprise.

Inside voice

When you have the opportunity to use an indoor bathroom, please do so. Most bars and cafe will allow a pilgrim to use theirs for the cost of a drink or a snack. Try not to abuse the generosity of the owners. Always have some paper in your pocket, many times the bathrooms are out, very common in the busy summer season. Also worth remembering at your albergue in the busy season…

If the bathroom you use is out of paper, please mention it to whoever seems to be running the place.

When you are using the toilet in Europe you will notice a toilet brush in nearly instance. This brush is not for the staff to use for cleaning the toilet, it is for you. Yep, you. If you leave anything on the bowl of the toilet due to the low water levels of European toilets, you are expected to deal with it.

Outside voice

Along the Camino you will pass through many, many small villages and of course larger towns. Chances to use the bathroom facilities range from bars to public accommodations, but sometimes you need to go “free range”.

If so, remove yourself well away from the Camino path, at least 100 feet from any water source. When out of sight, dig a hole at least 6” deep and make your deposit. After, bury your treasure and mark it with a stick to let others know the location has been used. Do not bury soiled paper or leave it on the ground, instead place it in a bag as you might use for picking up after your dog and dispose of it later in a trash can.

Used bathroom paper litter is a major pollution problem on the Camino and can be incredibly off putting. Just a little effort can make things so much more pleasant for everyone.