small dress points and biggish question!

[wisdom's aspirant]

Small dress points:
Dark colors attract insects...as in that lovely black brim under your
favorite hiking hat! Also, strong fragrances can attract insects, so
unscented products are best on trails.
I prefer those zip-off-leg pants. They are usually light, quick-dry, and
handy. I can make do with  2 shirts and 2 pants for a month at a time if
they dry quickly. I change after a daily bathing each evening, and sleep in
hiking clothes.
Don't cheat on your shoes and socks. Be sure your socks and shoes work with
each other. Try them on long hikes before you take off. Some socks give me
blisters and some do not, even in the same boots. I, personally, like merino
wool socks, nice thick ones.
One bottle of liquid soap will do for shampoo, laundry...everything. Baby
shampoo or Dr Bronner's are good. Dr Bronner says you can use his soap for
toothpaste but it really tastes bad to me! It is biodegradable, if you are
washing in a stream or fountain.
I like alcohol gel for quick hand washing.
I, personally, find no need for underwear on the trail.  ;-)

Questions: How safe it is to carry money if one is alone on the camino? Do
the little towns take traveler's checks? What happens to you if someone
should happen to take your passport? Are credit cards accepted in the little
towns?

Deanna Bowling...a lot of hiking/backpacking experience, but none in Spain
yet