Delicate Matters(bathrooms)

A well-researched book once established that, indeed, Everyone Poops. Decades of follow-up studies have confirmed the author's work.

Life on the Camino is full of surprises, some good, some bad. Bathrooms, and the occasional need to use the great outdoors, are something every pilgrim deals with. It doesn't have to be a bad surprise.

Inside voice

When you get the chance to use an indoor bathroom, take it. Most bars and cafés will let a pilgrim use theirs for the price of a coffee or a snack. Don't abuse the owner's kindness.

Always keep some toilet paper in your pocket. Bathrooms run out all the time, especially in the busy season, and that includes your albergue. If you find one out of paper, let whoever's running the place know.

You'll notice a toilet brush next to nearly every toilet in Europe. It isn't for the cleaning staff. It's for you. Yep, you. European toilets use less water, and if you leave anything behind on the bowl, you're expected to deal with it.

Outside voice

You'll pass through plenty of villages and towns, but sometimes nature calls between them and you have to go "free range."

• Get well off the path, out of sight, and at least 200 feet (60 meters) from any water.

• Dig a hole at least 6 inches deep, do your business, and fill it back in.

• Don't bury or leave your toilet paper. Pack it out in a small bag, like a dog-waste bag, and toss it in the next trash can.

Used toilet paper along the trail is a real problem on the Camino, and it's pretty disgusting to walk past. A little effort makes the walk nicer for everyone.