•
The Backpack – Part 4
Finally, a pouch and tote for a few personal things.
Por último, un transportista para mis cosas personales.
The personal pouch
Whether you call it bolso, cartera, or monedero, a small purse or pouch, it is an organizing necessity. The small bum pack or personal pouch will be great for holding the pilgrim’s passport, my government passport, a little money, and travel passes. Essential booking contact information will also be on hand.
Now, I have quick access to lip balm, tissues, and other small items while I am on the path. I won’t have to dig through my backpack when it’s inconvenient.
I am a “low-tech” person so I’ll have a few pieces of paper and a pen to take important notes.
I made my personal pouch to my specifications. Again, I drafted a quick, simple pattern for the waist pack.
I chose white ultralight Dyneema fabric to add contrast to my backpack “ensemble“.
All the seams were sealed with tape.
I added a little color with webbing woven with a southwestern-style pattern.
I think this little pouch will do the most work keeping me organized on the camino!
The tote
I made the tote for personal items. It could be used for carrying food and laundry after ending each walking day.
The dimensions fit the requirements for airplane travel, really qualifying it as my personal item.
The tote is handy for taking my toiletries, a change of clothing, or anything I want to keep safe with me while showering.
Lastly, I can fold the tote and place it in my backpack when I am not using it.
About the water
I thought that a water bottle holder on a strap might be a solution to the water accessibility problem.
A little foam, a good shape, and straps should work.
A most useful thrift store find
I found this water bottle at my favorite thrift store. It was new and unused. The wide neck is perfect for putting adding ice and slices of fruit to brighten the taste of the water. The best feature is the attached sipping straw that allows the bottle to function like a backpack water bladder. I do not have to remove the bottle to sip water. It can be easily be removed from the holder and refilled as needed.
This is how it looks. The nib (attached to an internal straw running the length of the bottle) folds when the top is closed.
and here,
You will see it in action on the path.
Alright! That is all I have for the equipment roundup. I am as ready as I need to be.
•
Let me mention that I found most of my clothing items at the thrift store. Keeping my pilgrimage trip in mind, I purchased quality shirts and leggings at little cost. All of the items were new or gently used. The rest of the items were “shopped” out of my closet.
Buen Camino
Shirley J ❤️
This and several posts this summer will chronicle my pilgrimage in Spain where I will walk the 1400 kilometer-long camino Mozárabe. Read my announcement here.
•••
Words I learned today:
| breakfast | desayuno |
| lunch, dinner | almuerzo, cena |
| plate | plato |
| water, drinks | agua, bebidas |
| drinking straw | pajita para beber |
| Where is the pilgrim’s office? | ¿Dónde está la oficina del peregrino? |
| Are any roads blocked by water? | ¿Hay alguna carretera bloqueada por el agua? |
| road cut off | Carretera cortada |
| Albergue is open | El albergue esta Abierto |
| Closed | Cerrado |
| Get out | Vete |
| Where is the bathroom, please? | ¿Dónde está el baño, por favor? |
| May I have a croissant, sandwich, and water? | ¿Me das un croissant, un sándwich y agua? |
| Stamp | Sello |
| I (don’t) understand. | Yo (no) lo entiendo. |
| Please help me find accommodation for tonight. | Por favor, ayúdame a encontrar alojamiento para esta noche. |
| Do you have a locker for my things? | ¿Tienes un casillero para mis cosas? |
| Do you have wifi? | ¿Tienes wifi? |
Phrase of the day:
Hello. May I have a coffee, orange juice, and bread and butter?
Hola. ¿Me das un café, zumo de naranja y pan y mantequilla?
How much will it cost?
¿Cuánto va a costar?
That was very tasty. …good.
Eso estuvo muy sabroso… bien.