"A well-spent day brings happy sleep." Leonardo De Vinci
Contents:
1. Popularity of the Appalachian Trail
2. Low Fares to Madrid?
3. Sun Protection
4. The Planets
5. Notes on PCT Trail Fest
6. Book Review: "Last Child in the Woods"
7. Book Review: "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur
(France),"
8. Camino Route: Via de la Plata: Plans for new albergues
9. Regional: Wildlife sighting: Black Panthers
10. Regional: Through-Hike and Equestrian Ride
11. Regional: Marin Headlands: Art show, "California Landscapes"
12. Regional: Llama Day Hikes
13. Regional: Scrambler's Event Schedule
14. Additional info on CPR recommendations
15. Leave No Trace Ethics

Note: Due to our hiking schedule, the next issue of this newsletter is scheduled for May 15th. I hope this one is long enough to hold you for a while!

#1. Appalachian Trail

According to Outdoor Magazine, Bill Bryson's entertaining, and somewhat controversial, "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering American on the Appalachian, Trail", spurred a 57% increase in thru-hiking on the AT. In 2000, 633 completed the 2,175-mile walk from Georgia to Maine on the AT, which is sometimes referred to as the "long green tunnel."

#2 Low Fares to Madrid

Camino flights: Cheap fares to Madrid? Recently Michael Hicks of Travelzoo Staff wrote into the Camino pilgrim forum about cheap flights, during May, to Madrid. I went to Orbitz and did a bit of investigation. First Michael's original letter, then my comments.
"$443-$550 -- Fly to Madrid from 8 Cities (Roundtrip)* new Madrid, Spain
Top 20 deal - sells out quickly!
Travel dates: Select dates through May"

For travel through May, we found some amazing fares on Orbitz for travel to Madrid from major cities across the country, starting at $443 roundtrip. By the time June rolls around, we expect these same routes to be priced over $1000." Roundtrip prices from the following cities to Madrid start at:
* Chicago ... $443
* New York City ... $501
* Washington, D.C. ... $505
* Orlando ... $518
* Miami ... $529
* Dallas ... $536
* Los Angeles ... $536
* Atlanta ... $550"
These fares are most widely available when you travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. When searching for the lowest fares, be flexible with your dates, and keep in mind that many fares listed $40- $60 higher are still great deals."
Click here to begin a flexible search on Orbitz. We suggest using options #2 or #3 to search many dates and fares at once, to find the best deal. The final price will include approximately $90 in taxes. Orbitz. Restrictions apply, and fares are subject to availability. -- See Orbitz Web site for full details. * Some taxes, fees additional. Learn more"
[Susan responds] Yes, it did look like there were deals to be had, but I also noticed that the taxes and fees sometimes came to $300+). Therefore, there is a wide range of prices for both the airfare and the added fees. Nevertheless, if you are interested in a May flight to Madrid, this just might be worth checking out.

#3. Sun protection:

 I recently went to my dermatologist (for a routine checkup) and during my appointment, he reminded me to use sunscreen daily (just like brushing your teeth!) even when I'll be in the car all day. He recommended Neutrogena with helioplex, which is actually what I do use. It protects against BOTH UVA and UVB. I also like the fact that it isn't greasy (or as greasy!) as many other sunblocks.

#4. The Planets

April 20 is the Full Moon, which is known to the Choctaw as the "Wildcat Moon" and to the Dakotah Sioux as the "Moon when Geese Return in Scattered Formations". (Cal Academy of Science, Spring 2008. www.calacademy.org ) 

#5. Pacific Crest Trail Association's Trail Fest:

 The last weekend of March Ralph and I attended the association's annual meeting (this year in Sacramento). It was the first time we had attended and well worth our time.
I wish I had time to give a complete report, but I'll focus on the panel that I moderated, "Women on the Trail." The panelists were Amy Racina, Marcia Powers, Sandy Mann, and "Ladybug." Each woman has so many interesting stories to tell and so much experience to share--we could only skim the surface.
Some highlights [somewhat paraphrased]:
When Marcia was asked about protecting the environment, she responded, "Ken and I know our route each day and if we see litter alongside the trail and it's more than halfway along the way, we pick it up and carry it with us until we can dispose of it. If it's less than halfway along the way, we leave it for someone coming the other way to take out."
Ladybug told an intriguing story about life on the PCT. In Spring 2006 she was coming down off of Fuller Ridge, which involves an extremely steep descent from the mountains down to hwy 10 near Palm Springs, CA. Ralph and I have hiked this section and remember it well-- the steep terrain, the endless switchbacks, a very region with no water for miles. There had been a fire a few seasons before, but grasses were starting to recover, the mice came for the grass seeds, the rattlesnakes came for the mice....
Ladybug saw a rattlesnake, "Not that unusual." she thought. Then she saw another, "Hmm...." Then another. She realized that she had stumbled into a rattlesnake den and was completely surrounded by snakes. She scrambled up onto a nearby boulder--hoping they wouldn't climb the rock--pulled out her cellphone and called 9-1-1. After standing on the rock for a while--waving her jacket--she was spotted and then airlifted out by search and rescue.
Both Amy and Sandy addressed the topic of hiking solo. Amy Racina, whose book "Angels in the Wilderness," tells about the 60-ft. fall she took when hiking solo in Kings Canyon, explained why she still prefers to hike solo. "Anytime you hike with someone else, compromise is involved. When I hike alone, I decide when to get up in the morning, how far to hike, what pace to keep, when to eat, and so forth." She noted, however, that she now carries a signaling device so she can call for help in case of emergency.
Sandy "Frodo' Mann, who also has been backpacking since her mid-teens, likes to hike with her husband (Barney) or others. One of the reasons for hiking with a group is safety, she says. "I'm short," she added, "and there were stream crossings [on the Pacific Crest Trail] that I could not have made without help. Last year, she was part of a party of four as they thru-hiked the PCT. When they were within stone's throw of the Canadian border, the group, which was dubbed "Operation Snowplow," encountered extremely treacherous weather, retraced their steps for many miles, and then took an alternate route so they could complete their hike.

#6. Last Child in the Woods

I've recently read, "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" by Richard Louv. From the back cover, [Louv] "links the absence of nature in the lives of today's wired generation to some of the most disturbing childhood trends: rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression." I am re-inspired!
Luckily, you, my readers, are in the optimal position to help reverse the trend. You who have enjoyed hiking and backpacking and love the outdoors, can introduce a youngster (your own or an "adopted" one) to the greater world. Nothing fancy required: a walk in the woods, an afternoon skipping rocks by a stream, a run along the beach.

#7. 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur

I also recently read, "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur (France)," and reviewed it on Amazon. "Recommended reading. Makes Me Want to Hike in France! April 2, 2008
I've hiked in France, but I had no idea what a beautiful and interesting region Cote d'Azur was until I read Florence Chatzigianis's, "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur." Now I want to go there, her guidebook in hand, and try out the trails she describes so vividly.
Chatzigianis's book is not only informative, but also easy to use. She's organized the 26 hikes by region, which enables visitors to quickly find a trail nearby. I particularly like the way that the "Table of Hikes," breaks the hikes into categories of "easy" and "medium," and then gives the distance and time needed for each. And since I like to know whether I'll be doing a lot of climbing in the mountains or a bit of strolling by the shore, I find the small drawings showing the elevation range of each hike are also quite useful."
Chatzigianis's colorful photos are a rich accompaniment to the text. Not only are there pictures of the beautiful countryside, but also of the many historical and cultural sights that most auto-touring visitors miss."
Finally, I found that the "Aside" sections--short essays on such intriguing topics as "Hiking Under Water," (on the island of Port- Cros) and "The Cork Oak" (some of which you see on the Lac de l'Ecureuil trail), make "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the West Cote d'Azur" an indispensable guide for any traveler who wants to truly experience France's Mediterranean coastline."

#8. Camino Route: Via de la Plata: Plans for new albergues

Rosina reports that there are plans to provide new albergues in the Via de la Plata "The Ourense province has just allocated 5 Million Euros to the betterment of the Camino facilities in the province, including the building of six new albergues." "Ruben Lois, in charge of the project, declared that the province of Ourense aims to have a public albergue every 25 kilometers, in addition to the existing albergues and those in the City of Ourense itself. " "Ourense is the last leg of one of the alternate endings of the Via de la Plata."
In her letter, Rosina recommends that pilgrims on the Via de la Plata take the route that goes through Ourense. She comments that, though it adds mileage, the albergues are not crowded and the city is interesting--including its sulphuric hot waters that offer the opportunity to take hot baths.
In addition, Pontevedra has also recently allocated one and a half million Euros to improve the facilities of the Camino that crosses the province. "The above projects are expected to be completed by next year's summer, in anticipation of the Xacobean Holy Year in 2010".

#9. Regional: San Francisco Bay Area.

 I found it absolutely fascinating to read Tom Stienstra's, Chronicle Outdoors Writer, (S. F. Chronicle: April 1,3 2008) column entitled, "Mysterious black panther makes a rare appearance, scout reports." Seems that there have been several sightings in wildland areas in the greater Bay Area. Also some in central and in southern California.
One sighting was at my favorite hiking trail, Pierce Ranch in Pt. Reyes. Other reports are from Las Trampas, Sunol, and Cabot Regional Parks, Carquinez Strait, and the Marin Headlands. In Central California near San Luis Obispo, and near Lake Arrowhead in So. Cal. While Fish and Game has never seen a mountain lion that was jet black, many hikers have and the Point Reyes sighting was by a local wildlife expert, John Balawejder. I'd LOVE to see a mountain lion--black or otherwise--in the wild--from a safe distance of course! "The Great Outdoors with Tom Stienstra" is on KMAX in Sacramento on Sundays, 10AM.

#10. Regional: S. F. Bay Area: Bay Area Ridge Trail New East Bay Hills Through-Hike and Equestrian Ride. From Janet McBride, Executive Director, Bay Area Ridge Trail.
"Registration Opens April 15 for East Bay Benefit Hike Aug 27 - 31 Good news for hikers! You may have heard of the annual Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's East Bay Hills Trails Benefit Ride and been disappointed you didn't have a horse. This year, to honor the Council's 20th Anniversary, Tilden Wildcat and Metropolitan Horseman's Associations are inviting hikers to join the fun. The five-day hike will travel the entire Ridge Trail route from Castro Valley to Martinez. Equestrians and hikers will gather every evening for excellent food and entertainment. The Tilden Wildcats will handle registration for the equestrian event. Learn more at the TWHA website (note: the 2008 ride flyer is not yet posted as of this writing)."
Bay Area Ridge Trail Council
1007 General Kennedy Avenue, Suite 3
San Francisco, CA 94129-1405
Phone 415-561-2595
Website: www.RidgeTrail.org

#11. Regional: An art show entitled, "California Landscapes", in Marin Headlands Greening Gallery Marin Headlands Visitor Center Golden Gate National Recreation Area Through May 26, 2008 Fort and Bunker Roads [View map] Reception: Sunday, April 27, from 4:00 to 5:30pm.
The artist, Melissa West, also does fascinating Camino art. Check out her website: www.mswest.com

#12. Regional: Llama Day Hikes in EBRPD Redwood Regional Park, Oakland, CA. "Come experience the wonderful world of llama packing! Experienced llama packers will guide this 4-6 mile hike. Llamas will carry your lunches and personal items and you will have the opportunity to lead a llama while learning about handling, caring for, and packing with llamas. Parking fee charged at Redwood Regional Park. Financial assistance available. Reg. Required: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757)." All llama day hikes are 10:00AM - 4:00PM Sat. May 31, 2008. Sun, June 1, 2008. Sat, June 21, 2008. Sun, June 22, 2008. Info: www.ebparks.org

#13. Scrambler's Tour Dates: One of the highlights of the recent PCT Trail Fest was seeing Scrambler and her family give a talk. Scrambler is the youngest PCT thru hiker (she was 10 years old when she completed it in 2004). Her mother, Barbara Egbert, has written a book, "Zero Days: Hiking the PCT," which is "a heartwarming story of her family's adventures while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Wonderfully written, this book is a must-read for parents hiking with small children. Barbara's tales, some very personal, reflect the trials and tribulations of being 'thru-hikers' on their 2,650-mile trek from Mexico to the Canadian border."
Scrambler (now a poised young lady) and Barbara are making some appearances locally. Don't miss seeing them!  April 15, Marina REI store (the new one between Santa Cruz and Monterey), 7:00 p.m., 145 General Stilwell Drive, Marina, CA 93933, (831) 883-8048.
 April 20, Sunol Events Center, 1-3 p.m., right here in beautiful downtown Sunol (mostly a Sierra Club event).  June 12, San Carlos REI store, 7 p.m. 1119 Industrial Rd Ste 1B, San Carlos, CA 94070, (650) 508-2330

#14. Added CPR info. Last issue, I mentioned that the American Heart Association had recently modified their recommendations and now also approve the 'Hands-only" method (experts say 100 uninterrupted chest presses per minute). To clarify: the hands-only CPR is for adults who "suddenly collapse, stop breathing, and are unresponsive--which is usually the case in cardiac arrest." In this case, the adult still has enough oxygen in his/her lungs and blood. Added info: For children AND for those adults who suffer lack of oxygen due to a drug overdose, near-drowning, etc., the traditional mouth-to-mouth and chest presses are still recommended in order to get air into their system. However, "something is better than nothing," said Professor Michael Sayre, whose committee made the recommendation.

#15. As we enter hiking season, a review of Leave no Trace Ethics (used with permission (c) 2008 Leave No Trace): (Plan Ahead and Prepare; Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces; Dispose of Waste Properly; Leave What You Find; Minimize Campfire Impacts; Respect Wildlife; Be Considerate of Other Visitors) 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare * Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. * Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. * Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. * Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. * Repackage food to minimize waste. * Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces * Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. * Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. * Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary. o In popular areas: Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. o Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. o Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. o In pristine areas: o Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. o Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly * Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. * Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. * Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. * To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
4. Wildness, Leave What You Find * Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. * Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. * Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. * Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts * Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. * Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. * Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. * Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife * Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. * Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. * Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. * Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. * Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors * Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. * Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. * Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. * Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. * Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises
This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org  ++++

Happy trails,
Susan Alcorn

"If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it; Every arrow that flies feels the attraction of earth." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

1. "Hands only" CPR Recommended
2. Appalachian Trail's Growth Spurt?
3. Organic Trail Mix
4. Great Old Broads
5. Bears Barely Slept
6. Spain's Continuing Political Discord
7. How to Keep Warm on Cold Nights under the Stars
8. Camino Pilgrim's Credentials in Madrid
9. Don't Be Foot Sore
10. Camino de Santiago Pilgrim Stats
11. Sierra Club Backpacking Trips
12. Leave No Trace (LNT)

We now have more than 700 subscribers; let your hiking friends know that they can subscribe by sending a message to Susan at backpack45 at yahoo dot com. Thank you.

#1. Hands Only CPR

In a major turnabout, the American Heart Association said today that chest compressions only--at 100 chest presses per minute for an adult--works just as well as the standard combination of chest compressions and mouth to mouth breathing. So if CPR is indicated, call 9-1-1 and immediately start the uninterrupted chest compressions. (Oakland Tribune, April 1, 2008. pg.1).

#2. Appalachian Trail to extend?

 A trail, known as the Pinhoti, which runs 334 miles from the AT's current southern end in Georgia to Cheaha Mountain in Alabama, has just been completed. Some want to get the extension added officially to the existing 2,160 miles of the AT.
Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail would still be ahead mileage wise. It's 2,650 from the Mexican border to the Canadian one on the PCT. What I'm wondering is if those who have already hiked the AT as currently configured would have to hike the entire 2,440 miles if the proposed extension is added in order to say they had thru-hiked it? (Just kidding!)

#3.Organic Trail Mix

Geolyn wrote, "I was at the Natural Foods Expo this past weekend and saw the company Bear Naked has made trail mixes named after the three trails: PCT,CDT, and AT. They are back east and the employees have volunteered trail work on the AT." Bear Naked, www.bearnaked.com , also partners with the National Arbor Foundation, and the PCT, AT. and CDT associations. Here are some of their products:
Pacific Crest
"Our Pacific Crest Trail Mix: Organic cashews, organic pistachios, organic dried mangos, Organic raisins (organic raisins, organic sunflower oil), Organic sunflower seeds, organic sunflower oil, salt)
Appalachian Trail Mix: Raisins (raisins, sunflower oil), cranberries (cranberries, sugar, glycerin, sunflower oil), almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, whole grain oats, brown rice syrup, dried apples, pumpkin seeds, oat bran, evaporated cane juice, honey, canola oil, whole grain crisp rice (rice and barley malt), ground flax seed, coconut, natural flavors
The Continental Divide Granola is "a delicious mix of whole grain chocolate granola combined with almonds, walnuts, banana chips and more... sweetened naturally with honey and brown rice syrup".
All trail mix packages are 5 oz 3.99. The site offers organic granola mixes (4.99 for 12 oz.), hot cereal. Free shipping for orders over $75.

#4. Great Old Broads

A Broad Reminder to Sign up Now for the Gold Butte Broadwalk Date: April 10-14 Place: South of Mesquite, NV Cost: $110
"Come on out for this classic Broadwalk in your neck of the woods. We’ll learn about and walk in an area of wild stunning desert scenery. The Gold Butte region is in the southeast corner of Nevada, just west of the Arizona/Nevada border. This gorgeous area has been described as "like someone took southern Utah, Joshua Tree, and the AZ Strip and put them in a blender." It is a geological jackpot with jagged limestone and basalt peaks rising over 5,000 feet. There are also slot canyons, jumbled granite boulder fields and bizarre sandstone sculptures in a multitude of colors. Many amazing archaeological remnants and petroglyphs can be seen. Spring wildflowers, migrating birds, desert tortoises ….come explore with us.
We’ll spend four nights and three full days learning about and exploring this unique area with the help of the Nevada Wilderness Project. We’ll gather Thursday afternoon to set up our camp near Whitney Pocket and begin getting acquainted. Breakfasts and dinners each will be provided for the group by a camp cook leaving us more time for learning and adventure. Speakers will join us each evening and local hike leaders each day to share the wonders of Gold Butte. We will spend one day volunteering on a project with the BLM and the other two days hiking and exploring with a range of difficulty offered. Our long weekend ends as we break camp after breakfast on Monday morning.
The Las Vegas Field Office of the BLM has designated Gold Butte as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) however it is not enough. Population growth in both Las Vegas and St. George is resulting in increased use, especially of ORVs, which are causing extensive damage. There are wilderness quality lands here needing protection. Come join us to discover how we can help this amazing area get the protection it deserves.
To reserve a spot, click here, email Rose at greatoldbroads.org, or call Broads' office at 970-385-9577. For more information about Gold Butte, visit Wild Nevada.

#5. Bears bearly slept

Lake Tahoe (Nevada side). Skiers at Tahoe's nearby Incline Village may soon be spotting black bears on the slopes. Carl Lackey, biologist for the Nevada Dept. of Wildlife, responded to Incline Village residents' reports of bear sightings in the area. A couple, Penny and Allen Misher, reported that a small bear had been living under their deck for several weeks and had eaten three small pine trees in their backyard (most of the area is under several feet of snow). It's not unheard of for bears to come out of hibernation in early March, but it's more usual for them to emerge later in the month. Authorities have stepped up their campaign to remind residents to keep dumpsters and trash secured.

#6. Spain's Continuing Political Discord

In early March, politician Isaias Carrasco was killed in the Basque town of Mondragon, two days before a general election. Spain's popular newspaper, El Pais, reminded readers that four years ago, and just three days before a general election 191 people in Madrid were killed in train bombings
Although Zapatero, of the Socialist party, was reelected Prime Minister in the subsequent election (2004), the support the party had hoped for was missing. The conservative party blamed the ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) - a militant Basque separatist movement) although much evidence pointed towards Islamic militants as the responsible parties. Zapatero and the ETA had been negotiating until last fall when there was another bombing and the talks were stalled.
A cultural aside: When Carrasco's coffin was carried to and from the church, the crowd clapped. According to the Associated Press article by Harold Heckle, clapping by Spaniards is a typical way to show respect and say goodbye at funerals.

#7. How to keep warm

Keeping warm on chilly camping nights. You may wonder why, as days warm across the country, I'm providing hints on keeping warm. It's because it's still cold in the high country! If you sleep warm (which I don't), you can save these hints until next snow camping season. Meanwhile for those of us who hate having cold feet at night:  Go to bed with clean feet and clean and dry socks. Wear an extra pair.
 Check out a sleeping bag labeled "Women." Many manufacturers put extra down at the foot of the bag.
 Put extra garments under the foot end of your sleeping bag to provide extra insulation.
 Fill a water bottle with hot water and put it in the bottom of your bag before you get in. (Be sure the lid is on tight).
 Thanks to Backpacker Magazine: Sprinkle cayenne pepper in your socks. (I haven't tried this, but I'm really curious about it. How about Tiger Balm or capsicum? Have any of you readers ever tried any of these creams?)

#8. Camino Pilgrimage Statistics

. The Pilgrimage to Santiago in January 2008. Report from the Pilgrim’s Office: During the month of January 2008, 306 pilgrims were received at the Pilgrim’s Office. The number of pilgrims in the year 2007 during the same period was 350.
Of those pilgrims, 95 were women (31.05%) and 211 men 68.95%). 288 pilgrims (94.12%) arrived on foot and 18 by bicycle (5.88%).
Pilgrims’ Age.
4 pilgrims were younger than 15 years old (1.31%); 146 were between 16 and 35 years old (48.04%); 150 were between 36 and 65 years old (49.02%) and 6 were aged above 65 years old (1.96%).
Pilgrims’ Motivation. Religious (94; 30.72%)
Religious AND Cultural (173; 56.54%)
Cultural (39; 12.74%)
Pilgrims’ Nationality.
Spanish: 159 (51.96%). Most of the pilgrims come from: Madrid, 44; Galicia and Catalonia with 19 pilgrims in both cases); Valencian Community with 15; Castile and León 13, and the Basque Country, 11.
Foreigners: 147 (48.04%). Most of the pilgrims come from the following countries: Germany with 34; Italy with 15; Brazil with 13; the United States and Portugal with 8 pilgrims in both cases; The Nederland’s and France with 6 pilgrims each, and Switzerland with 5.
Starting Points.
Most of the pilgrims received during the month of January started their Way to Santiago in: Sarria, 56 (18.30%); O Cebreiro, 26 (8.50%); Ponferrada 25 (8.16%); St. Jean Pied de Port 20 (6.54%); in Roncesvalles, León and Astorga started 18 pilgrims respectively (5.88%) and in Burgos 12 (3.92%).
The Chosen Routes
Most of the pilgrims chose the French Way with 240 (78.43%); followed by the Portuguese Route with 28 pilgrims (9.15%), the Silver Way has been chosen by 18 pilgrims (5.88%), the Northern Way with 11 (3.9%), the Primitive Way with 4 pilgrims (1.31%) and the English way with only 1 pilgrim (0.33%) . Four pilgrims (1,31%) have chosen other ways. All statistics from: www.archicompestala.org 

#9. Don't be foot sore

John Vonhof, author of the ezine, "Happy Feet" has currently an article entitled. "What’s in Your Shoe?" He tells about a routine sort of walk to the transit station and how something in his shoe began to irritate his foot. "Not something big, but something that let me know it was there. I ignored it on the way there and I ignored on the way back. You know how it is – it’s not that bad, just a small irritant and when we don’t feel it, we forget it."
He goes on to make the point that not taking the moment or two to get rid of that "offending 'thing'" would have been a mistake. It could easily have turned into a blister.
"It can be the same way whether running, hiking, adventure racing, or like me – just plain walking. When we feel something inside our shoe, we often put off getting rid of it. If in a race, it takes to long. If hiking, there’s nowhere to sit. If adventure racing, the whole team has to wait.
What we need to remember is that these small irritants in our shoes can, over time, cause hot spots and blisters. They can also wear holes in socks. They can also cause us to change our gait, which can lead to physical problems up and down the body.
So when you feel something in your shoe, take a moment and check it out. Your feet will thank you. http://vonhof.typepad.com/  John is the author of "Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes, 4th edition." Highly recommended.

#10. Pilgrim credentials in Madrid

According to Grant Spangler, who often contributes info to the Camino forum, you can get Pilgrim credentials in Madrid:
Credenciales in Madrid at: ...
Catedral de la Almudena
Calle de Bail?n 8
28013 MADRID (Madrid)
Espana
Mon-Fri 10:00 - 13:00
Tel +34 (914) 546 422
Fax +34 (915) 427 906

Get to the Catedral on the Metro 'Opera.'  http://www.elcaminosantiago.com/PDF/Map_City_Madrid_1.pdf  Directions continue: "On the bottom left of the map is an area outlined in red. On the left you see a green area, the Campo del Moro, right next to it is the Palacio Real, just beneath that is the Catedral de la Almudena. There is a door on Calle Bailen for the Arzobispo de Madrid. Walk through that door and ask the woman at the reception desk for the guy who handles the Credenciales."

#11. Sierra Club Backpacking trips

The Sierra Club has a number of interesting backpacking trips scheduled for this summer. In California, trips include: Led by Diane Cook, who emphasizes Leave no Trace ethics is "Lakes and Valleys
Sierra Backpack, June 21-28, rated Light/Moderate (#08110A), $545.
Beginners might want to check out (#08115A) "Intro to Backpacking,
Tahoe National Forest, July 20-26," or "Women's Beginner Backpack,
Ansel Adams Wilderness", July 20-26 and July 27-Aug. 2. Washington:
"Goat Rocks Wilderness for Beginners" (Aug. 3-9). In Wyoming: "Llama
Tracks in the Gors Ventre Wilderness" (July 12-19); In Michigan: "Isle
Royale" (August 1-7). In Arizona, "Kanab Canyon and Deer Creek
Loop" (Sep 20-27). There are many more listed in the Sierra Magazine
or on their website: www.sierraclub.org  or 415-977-5522.

#12. Leave No Trace (LNT)

Outdoor Ethics include recommendations for reducing our impact on the trails and outdoor areas we love to visit (which are sometimes loved to death, it appears). Those who are preparing for trips likely would benefit from reading and reviewing LNT's suggestions. For example although most hikers are aware that they shouldn't leave their food unattended in bear country, I've observed that some backpackers don't know that it's recommended that they step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering horses or other pack animals (which have the right of way). Go to: www.LNT.org

Happy trails,
Susan Alcorn

"Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling."
Walt Whitman

Contents:
1. Bicycling the Camino de Santiago
3. Camino Art: Sacred Steps
4. Women in the Wilderness: backpack in Sequoia Nat'l. Park
5. Pacific Crest Trail Fest REMINDER
6. Walk to save Tibet: Activism on the Camino de Santiago
7. Special Offer from Knapsack Tours
8. Sun Dogs
9. Spring and Easter

#1. Bicycling the Camino de Santiago

Recently a reader, Steve, asked for some information about bicycling the Camino, and bike rental. Here's what I sent: "There's a booklet that I picked up in Spain last year entitled, 'The Pilgrims' Ways to Santiago in Galicia' 'The French Way by Bicycle.' It's published by the Xunta de Galicia (which I think is the tourism board). The back cover reads, 'Xunta de Galicia, Conselleria De Innovacion E Industria, Direcction Xeral de Turismo, S.A. de Xestion do Plan Xacobeo'.
Though the tourist board is not always prompt with answers, the booklet is worth finding because it's composed of maps, elevation drawings, and pertinent info. They mention that the best month to do the trip on bicycle would be first two weeks of September. The booklet divides the route into 15 stretches."
In return, Steven did some further research and sent the following: "… very useful information from a Yahoo Group called Santiago_Bicicleta (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Santiago_Bicicleta/). They have a bunch of information on their Files section regarding bike rentals, other people's experiences, etc. It's a pretty good resource for not only bicycle pilgrims but everyone, really.
From there I found information on a bike rental place in Santiago that delivers the bike to your starting point, then you just turn them in at Santiago. The prices are reasonable (for the setup I'm looking at, it'll be ~320 Euro for 2 bikes for 12 days), and they provide many other extras you can rent out for your trip such as first aid kits, packs to carry on your bike, etc. Their website is located at http://tournride.com/portal/index.php?&idioma=2  (that's the English link)."

#3. Camino Art: Sacred Steps

Pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago." Last year when Ralph and I were at the American Friends of the Camino gathering in Williamsburb, VA, we saw an art exhibit that is a collection of photographs and works or art made by modern pilgrims on the path. The show is now traveling and will be at the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation until March 30, 2008. Information 805-965-0093 or www.sbthp.org 

#4. "Women in the Wilderness"

A backpacking trip in Sequoia Ntl. Park will Thursday - Sunday, July 24 - 27, 2008. Instructors: Petit Pinson, Stephanie Strickland Price: $259 (member price $225). Price includes: meals, tents, stoves, cookware, water filters
"Set yourself free! Sleep under the stars in the magical beauty of the Sierras. Enjoy the solitude of the wilderness while learning new skills (or refreshing old ones), exploring, writing, and stretching your mind and body with other adventurous women. Bring your friends, daughters, granddaughters.... beginners welcome (minimum age is 15). This is your chance to howl at the moon! Join us for a wonderful Women in the Wilderness weekend. Age range: 15 and up. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, hiking under five miles with moderate elevation gain less than 1,000 feet. Sponsors: Sequoia Natural History Association, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks · Here is the information about the expedition Petit Pinson and I are organizing through the Sequoia Natural History Association's Sequoia Field Institute. Info: http://www.sequoiahistory.org/sfi/backpackingadventures.htm 

#5. Pacific Crest Trail Fest

Reminder: Friday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Pacific Crest Trail Association's Trail Fest is an opportunity for members and non-members to learn more about the trail and how to get the most out of recreational and volunteer experiences on it. The keynote address by Arlene Blum will be given on Saturday night at the awards dinner. Blum is a chemist, mountaineer, and author. She led the first American and all-women's ascent of Annapurna (in the Himalayas). This promises to be a fantastic event. Location: Wildland Fire Training & Conference Center, 3237 Peacekeeper Way, McClellan, (Sacramento) CA 95652.
I am also thrilled to announce that I will be moderating a fantastic panel of backpackers in a forum entitled, "Women on the PCT" on Saturday (3/29), 10:45-12 PM. The all-star panel will include "Ladybug;" "Gotta Walk" (Marcia Powers); Amy Racina (author of Angels in the Wilderness); and Sandy Mann. Bring your questions about life on the trail! (For more information about Trail Fest, including accommodations at Lions Gate, visit the PCTA's website: www.pcta.org )

#6. Camino Walk

While we were in the NW, we met someone who was participating in a program called "Spain 508: Walk for Tibet". Their leaflet reads, "Join us along the famous route to Santiago de Compostela -- a contemplative journey to support freedom and human rights. Take a step towards justice and peace for Tibetans. Those interested will meet in St. Jean Pied de Port on May 17, 2008. Email inquiries to: spain508 at tibetactiongroup.com. Website www.tibetactiongroup.com  The Tibet Action Group (TAG) is "an international group of concerned citizens taking action to help Tibetans."

#7. Knapsack Tours

Which I mentioned in the last newsletter, is extending a promo for my readers. Owner, Mike Palucki, is offering their Yosemite tour for $100 off or just $895 p/p ($995 originally) if booked by March 27th. Knapsack Tours, E-mail: kthiking at aol.com or call 925-944-9435 for details. Knapsack Tours offers affordable trips with dayhiking.

#8. "Sun Dogs" ???

 According to Roberta Gonzales, CBS 5 Weather Anchor, a "Sun Dog" is a bright circular spot on a solar halo. It's caused by reflection or refraction of sunlight by small ice crystals that make up cirrus (wispy) clouds. "Sun dogs mainly appear at sunrise or sunset when the sun is low." You learn something new every day!

#9. Spring Equinox

March 19, 2008 will be the Spring Equinox for those of us living in the PDT, Mountain, and Central Time zones. March 20th for the Eastern Time zone. Full moon on March 21. By tradition, since this is the first full Moon of Spring, the following Sunday becomes Easter Sunday. (Cal Academy newsletter, Spring 2008)

Happy trails,
Susan Alcorn

1. Old Faithful, Yellowstone, live (sometimes!)
2. Webcam: What's the weather in Yosemite?
3. "Scrambler" and Zero Days
4. "Boots" McFarland on the trail
5. Mosquitoes Stick Around
6. Volunteer Opportunities
7. Yosemite Backpacking Trips
8. Time to Replace Sunscreen?
9. Knapsack Tours -- tour on foot
10. Sunglasses -- sign of intelligence
11. Susan and Ralph's NW tour report

#1 Old Faithful

There's a great website www.nps.gov/yell , which (at times!) has a webcam of Old Faithful. Click on "photos and multimedia." It has never worked when I've been there, but they keep promising, meanwhile there's lots of great other stuff at the website -- virtual tours, etc. so I thought you might be interested.

#2. Yosemite Live Webcam

 Views: http://www.yosemite.org/vryos/index.htm

#3. Scrambler and Zero Days

Scrambler's Tour. Marcia Powers writes, "The Egbert/Chambers family is speaking at the Pleasanton Library on Sunday, March 2 at 2pm. Scrambler is the youngest PCT thru hiker and Barbara's book is Zero Days: Hiking the PCT."

Marcia:

Sunol author, Barbara Egbert, is "Zero Days," a heartwarming story of her family's adventures while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Wonderfully written, this book is a must-read for parents hiking with small children. Barbara's tales, some very personal, reflect the trials and tribulations of being "thru-hikers" on their 2,650-mile trek from Mexico to the Canadian border.

Barbara will be signing her new book at 2 p.m. March 2 at the Pleasanton Library; at the Pacific Crest Trail Association "Trailfest" in Sacramento on March 28-29; at the Saratoga REI store at 7:30 p.m. April 3; at the Mountain View REI store at 7:30 p.m. April 9 and at the Marina REI store at 7:30 p.m. April 15.

#4. "Boots" on the trail

 -- well, actually on the web with humor about the trail. Geolyn Carvin, who is an artist, decided after she began section-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail that she would draw (literally and figuratively) on her trail adventures, and created the down-to- earth character known as "Boots." Geolyn now has a new website all of her own featuring the popular Boots at Www.bootsmcfarland.com

How it all came about: "A native of Southern California, Geolyn enjoys all the natural advantages of living in such a vast and varied state. As a child she camped every summer in Yosemite, hiked the local mountains and played in the surf of the Pacific Ocean.
January 1st of 2002 Geolyn put her mind to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. With her busy schedule, completing it in sections seemed the wise thing to do. As she hikes she writes a journal documenting her many adventures. Passing these "short stories" around for all to read, it became apparent that it was comedy. This is how "Boots" McFarland was born. Why not draw some of these ridiculous situations. Every hiker experiences them and better to laugh at than cry."
Geolyn is also a musician/songwriter and has performed with many bands across the country. She is currently working on her third solo album." Go to: Www.bootsmcfarland.com 

#5. Mosquitoes stick around

West Nile Revisited: Unfortunately West Nile Virus in humans continues to spread. In 2007, there were cases reported in 43 states (not in Washington, Maine, Hawaii, Alaska, Vermont, New Hampshire and West Virginia). The highest incidence was in Colorado 576, California 379, and Texas 246 (stats from Center for Disease Control).
However it's important to keep this in perspective by remembering the following: "Most WNV infected humans have no symptoms and less than 1% of INFECTED people develop more severe illness" ... and that of the few people that develop encephalitis, a small proportion die but, overall, this is estimated to occur in less than 1 out of 1000 infections."
Tips for those who are outdoors in mosquito affected areas: *Wear long sleeved shirts and pants. Wear a head net if mosquitoes are particularly thick. *Nothing surpasses DEET for repelling mosquitoes. Apply it to clothing and exposed skin. *Option for clothing: Buy brands with Buzz Off (permethrin) treatment. Adventure Magazine reports that the treated Ex Officio brand shirts now stay effective against mosquitoes through 70 washings. *In most areas, mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk -- pay closer attention during those times. *Mosquitoes do not like strong breezes. Sit where the wind can keep them away. *Check inside your tent for bugs before bedtime.

#6. Volunteer Opportunities

Trail Projects for Volunteers wanting to give back. American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacations lists 75 projects in 25 states -- the projects are under the direction of such organizations as the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the USDA Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The difficulty of the projects range from easy to strenuous (general trail maintenance to heavy lifting, shoveling, sawing, etc.) Trips #21-25 are in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco; trip #26 is in the Vasquez Rocks County Park in Southern California; trip #63 & #64 are in Monongabela National Forest, West Virginia. www.AmericanHiking.org  for more info.

#7. Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Yosemite Seminars: Looking for a fantastic backpacking trip -- look no further. Yosemite Association has 53 seminars, day hikes, classes, and backpack trips listed in their current newsletter. You do not need to be a member to participate (but there is a reduced fee if you are). *How about #30 "Half Dome Overnight"? July 18-20 * Perhaps a longer trip? Consider #23, which takes you backpacking for two nights to the North Dome Photography session. June 16-18. * Even longer? Try the Women's Backpack trip, #34, and you'll enjoy four nights in the Glen Aulin region. July 27-31. More trips and details at www.yosemite.org/seminars .

#8. Time to replace sunscreens

According to the U C Berkeley "Wellness Letter," (7/2007) sunscreen should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Doesn't sound like the glove box will do it, does it? Although most sunscreen has a 3- 5 year shelf life and some has an expiration date, if you haven't stored it properly, it may be less effective. And let's face it, if you have a container of sunscreen that's more than a couple of years old, it probably means that you are not using enough of it!

#9. Knapsack Tours: Tour on foot

I received the new brochure from Knapsack Tours: Day Hikes on a Shoestring. This is a local company that was recommended a few years back by Doris Klein (one of the wonderful women who contributed their stories to "We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill."). What I like about their trips is that they go interesting places and at very affordable prices. For example: Cinque Terre, Portofino, and the Italian Riviera in October. Oct. 12- 17. $1,995, which includes three and four star accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, and daily guided hikes. Or closer in: the Olympic peninsula, July 20-25, $1095, all meals, lodging in simple cabins, transportation to the trailheads, etc. www.knapsacktours.com . E-mail: kthiking at aol.com or call 925-944-9435.

#10. Sunglasses: Sign of intelligence

Too cool for sunglasses? Hardly! Wearing sunglasses shows the world how intelligent you really are. Sunglasses with UV protection help protect again macular degeneration (which can cause blurred vision or even blindness). You might even stave off a wrinkle or two!

#11. Susan and Ralph's NW tour report

Ralph and I just returned from a 10-day tour of the Northwest -- combining business and pleasure. Actually, the business part is pleasure, too, because we love doing Camino presentations. We met enthusiastic audiences in Seattle (World Wide Books & Maps), Portland and Eugene (REI stores). Since we had tons of equipment, books, etc. to transport, we drove. It was great to be doing a road trip -- it's been a long time. We could stop whenever we wanted to eat (lots of wonderful seafood!) or hike, we didn't need to worry about hotel reservations, and we were able to fit in visits with friends in both Medford and Jefferson, OR.

In addition, we were very lucky to have great weather. The NW is known for having for lots of rain, but from Seattle we saw Mt. Rainier and while in Portland we saw Mt. Hood. We also did a day trip to Mt. St. Helens and saw it in all of its glory -- such a delightful trip!

Happy trails,
Susan Alcorn