questions on doing laundry

[Joe and Lydia Banales]

On our short bit on the Camino (in Galicia) the refugio I remember best is the
"private" refugio at St.Irene, where they not only provided a clean bed and bath
but (for a very reasonable price) made dinner for the guests and did our
laundry. What pampering! Otherwise, we washed out things as we went along. A
favorite photo is of my husband walking down the trail with his socks and
underwear pinned to his pack blowing in the wind. Clean clothes do not a pilgrim
make. Lydia

Ed wrote:

> The answers to most of these questions are available in the excellent
> Pilgrims Guide to the Camino Frances available from the Contraternity of St
> James in London.
>
> >From my own recent personal experience, I have given a brief answer to the
> questions below.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Mail me off-list if you would like some more details.
>
> Ed
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: M Parker
> To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
> Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2002 11:46 AM
> Subject: questions on doing laundry
>
> Just some questions about doing laundry as it is key to carrying a light
> pack.
>
> Question:  Are there any washing machines available at the refugios or
> nearby
> washaterias?
>
> Answer:  In some yes, in others no.  See the above mentioned guide.
>
> Question:  How about professional laundry services in the smaller towns?
>
> Answer:  Yes, of course, there are laundry services available, but obviously
> you cannot rely on that in smaller places.   And, sometimes I found that if
> you booked your washing in when the shop opens in the evening, you may not
> be able to collect it until the next morning - which could be inconvenient
> if you want to make an early start.  But why bother?  Just hand-wash your
> clothes in the refugio and hang them out to dry.  You are only bringing
> fast-dry clothes aren't you?
>
> Question:  How about availability of lines for outdoor drying?
>
> Answer:  Pretty well available at all refugios.  A better question is:  Is
> there indoor drying?
>
> Question:  Should I carry a line for drying my own clothes?
>
> Answer:  Yes.  And pegs too.
>
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