So, where do Soul Searchers Sleep?…
I get asked this question so many times, along with a few other questions about the “Soul Searching” hikes I offer. I have decided to answer the most asked questions.. I always say, and strongly believe, “there is no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid answers”
So, where do Soul Searchers Sleep?
Different people have different reasons, thoughts and expectations when embarking on a Soul Searching Hike, so I am basing this on my own experiences.
I myself like to get away from all mod cons, slow down a bit and actually enjoy what I’m doing without luxuries. When I go on a Soul Searching Hike, I always take my tent, but if at all possible I will try and find a dry shelter, being it a cave or any other form of “shelter” or roof over my head.
Back in the Medieval times lepers were not allowed to enter towns and villages, so where possible they had “Leper Caves” , these caves are excellent places to stay, and it is strangely enough a very special experience.
Other places I have slept are haystacks, chapels and of course my tent, I very rarely pay for a hotel, B&B or hostel
Below are some of the actual places I often use on the journeys offered on this site
Can I shower on my journey?
I myself keep myself clean by washing myself in streams, or with “Baby Wipes” however although I can stretch it a week, I do need a proper shower every now and then. On the longer trips I will actually pay for a campsite where I can get properly cleaned up, or in some cases I just pay the campground owner a few Euro to use the shower.. So Yes, you can shower on your journey..
What do we eat?
The nice thing about the Soul Searching journeys I offer, is that you are never too far from a shops and even restaurants. Most days you will pass through at least 1 town or village. However, sometimes the timing is off, and / or the shops / restaurants are closed, so I always carry enough food for a day, and I always carry a bag of nuts and dried fruit.
A typical day for me would be :
Breakfast : a strong coffee with a large handful of walnuts and dried apricots and cranberries.
Lunch: flatbread with raw ham and cheese rolled up and another strong coffee
Dinner : usually a “Packet Meal” pasta, rice or lentils with a chunk of dried sausage, followed by a large handful of nuts and dried fruit
How many hours a day will I be walking?
I personally like to make use of daylight, so I like to walk at sunrise and I always try and set up camp anywhere between 1-2 hours BEFORE sunset, this gives me time to settle in, eat, and relax before hitting the sack.
This usually means at least 8 – 10 hours walking.. however some clients prefer 6 hours max walking, that is fine by me, but it does mean for example that a 3 day hike will become a 4-5 day hike.